text:
Why Electors Should Not Make Hillary Clinton (or Anyone Else Besides Donald Trump) President
Updated: 15 Dec 2016
On Thanksgiving Harvard Law Professor Larry Lessig published a Washington Post op-ed arguing that conscientious presidential electors need not—and should not—elect Donald Trump as president when they cast their ballots next Monday, December 19, in spite of the results from November 8. Instead, he urges electors to respect the "sense of the people," more of whom expressed a preference for Hillary Clinton than for Donald Trump. In doing this, Lessig argues, the electors would honor a very important democratic principle—one-person, one-vote.
A number of electors have themselves indicated that they do not plan to vote for the candidate who obtained the most popular votes in their respective states. I wrote on this website an earlier column about the "faithless" Democratic elector from Washington State who said he would not vote for Secretary Clinton in spite of the fact that she won the popular vote contest in Washington by a 16-percentage point (54-38) margin. And more recently, a Republican elector from Texas announced, and explained in an essay in The New York Times, that he will not vote for Mr. Trump when the Texas electors meet next week, and instead will work to elect John Kasich or another Republican.
I have argued for many years that there are better ways to pick a president than the electoral college, and I have written extensively (e.g., here) about one viable reform in the direction of a national popular election—the National Popular Vote Compact plan. As I have elaborated, I see at least three big drawbacks with the electoral college: (1) votes around the country for a single office are treated unequally; (2) candidates pay attention only to a handful of decent-size or large "swing" states because margins of victory in each state are irrelevant; and (3) "faithless" electors can betray the will of the people who select them by violating the promises electors made to get selected. But in spite of these flaws—and in spite of the fact that I disagreed with much of what Candidate Trump stood for—I think Professor Lessig's pitch is unpersuasive and would take us down the wrong path. Indeed, although I always hesitate before I disagree with Professor Lessig because he is a powerful mind, the key feature of the current system that Professor Lessig leans on—the "independence" of electors—is (if it exists at all) something I view as a vice, not a virtue.
Professor Lessig rightly points out that, under the electoral college, there is voter inequality. He writes: "[T]he vote of a citizen in Wyoming is four times as powerful as the vote of a citizen in Michigan. The vote of a citizen in Vermont is three times as powerful as a vote in Missouri. This denies Americans the fundamental value of a representative democracy—equal citizenship." For this reason, Professor Lessig argues, the electors should feel perfectly justified in selecting the candidate who was the choice of the American people—Hillary Clinton—provided there was not "massive fraud" in the process by which people registered their preference, and provided the people did not, in favoring Ms. Clinton, "go crazy" or pick a "Manchurian candidate."
Of course the big problem with this argument—and Donald Trump has himself pointed it out—is that we don't really know which candidate is the true choice of the greatest number of American voters, because the preferences the voters register are at least in part a function of the campaigns that the candidates wage, and the campaigns candidates wage are, in turn, based on the rules in existence before the election. It is at least possible that Mr. Trump could have run up bigger margins of victory in some Red states, and salvaged smaller margins of defeat in some Blue ones—sufficient to win the national popular vote—had he been told that margins of victory would matter. Professor Lessig is correct that a fundamental value of representative democracy is equal citizenship. But another fundamental value of representative democracy is that election rules should be put in place before, not after, elections. (This is the flip-side of the requirement that losers accept the results of fairly administered elections, something that Secretary Clinton but not Candidate Trump fully endorsed.)
But what about the fact that the electors exist and were given "independence" by the fundamental constitutional rules in the first place? It is true (as Professor Lessig observes) that the framers did not opt for a direct national election at the founding. But at that time there were no communication, transportation, or political-party institutions that would have made a direct election even remotely possible. And when those institutions did come about such that we could have implemented a national popular vote, slavery and the Southern states' desire to protect their "peculiar institution" were prominent forces against a national election. But slavery is gone, an African American no longer counts as "three-fifths" of a person for federal representation purposes, and the people themselves do weigh in as voters in all 50 states. So whatever role the electors were called upon to play before states began holding election contests is somewhat beside the point.
Relatedly, I am not sure the Constitution in fact protects the independence of electors in the face of state law trying to regulate them. Professor Lessig is correct that the Constitution "says nothing about 'winner take all' [and] says nothing to suggest electors' freedom should be constrained in any way." But it also says nothing foreclosing "winner take all," or preventing restraints on elector freedom. What it does say is that states should run the show; Article II gives to "each state" the power to "select" electors. And states are the ones who have chosen "winner take all," and who have adopted limits on elector free rein. While there is not much case law upholding such limitations, neither is there clear, controlling judicial authority calling such limitations into question.
I can tell you one thing that is clear; most people don't know when they vote for president in November that they are really voting for a set of electors from that state. And the sophisticated folks who do understand they are voting for electors rather than candidates expect that the electors who are selected will carry out the wishes of the voters in the state. Hardly any voter thinks he is selecting a group of electors who can and should do whatever they please in their best judgment. So if we want to respect the will of the voters, we should remember what most of them expect when they vote.
Some electoral college critics (and Professor Lessig says he is not sure he prefers a national popular election to the electoral college) might think that if electors followed Professor Lessig's advice and chose Secretary Clinton or any other non-Trump person for president, one result would be the elimination of the electoral college device. I am not sure that is true. I do, however, expect that pursuit of this route would lead to a real constitutional crisis. And even if adoption of Professor Lessig's advice would trigger a series of events culminating in the demise of the electoral college, I think ending an anti-democratic device by ignoring the election rules and voter expectations in place before the election was held would not be the right way to get there.
As much as I think a national popular vote would be a better way to pick presidents than the electoral college, I think it would be worse still to let a group of unknown (many if not most states do not even list the names of the electors on the November ballot), unaccountable (electors don't have to stand for reelection or worry about losing their public salaries), and in many instances unproven (many electors are relatively new to national politics and may not be particularly accomplished) folks act based on their own sense of what America really wants or needs.
Posted in: Election Law, Politics
Tags: Electoral College, Larry Lessig, National Popular Vote, Politics
Vikram David Amar is the Iwan Foundation Professor of Law and the Dean at the University of Illinois College of Law. Previously, he served as the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Professor of Law at the University of California, Davis School of Law. He is a 1988 graduate of the Yale Law School and a former clerk to Justice Harry Blackmun. He is a co-author, along with William Cohen and Jonathan Varat, of a major constitutional law casebook, and a co-author of several volumes of the Wright & Miller treatise on federal practice and procedure. Before teaching, Professor Amar spent a few years at the firm of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher.
More Commentary by Vikram David Amar
Big Little Truths About the 2018-19 Supreme Court Term
The 100-Year Anniversary of the First State Ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment: Reflections on the Breadth of Freedom from Discrimination in the "Right to Vote"
Federalism and State Autonomy in Operation: Florida Bans Sanctuary Jurisdictions in the State, in Sharp Contrast to California's Approach
What Franchise Tax Board v. Hyatt Adds to the Discussion of Stare Decisis and Reliance
When, If Ever, Should a Legislature Be Able to Enact a Law that it Knows (or Should Know) that Courts Today Would Invalidate?
Publications by Vikram David Amar
Constitutional Law, Cases and Materials (University Casebooks)
by Jonathan D. Varat, William Cohen and Vikram David Amar
Constitutional Law Concise Edition (University Casebooks)
The First Amendment: Freedom of Speech: Its Constitutional History and the Contemporary Debate
Edited by Vikram David Amar


How Can You Tell If You Are Using the Right Kind of Toothpaste?
Do you ever worry that you may not be using the right kind of toothpaste for your mouth? If so, then it is important that you know that you can always ask us when you come in for any type of cleaning or exam.
Instead of trying to figure out the answer on your own, ask us to let you know once we take a look at your mouth. If we see signs that you need a bit more when it comes to brushing, we will let you know.
Having cavities is the surest signs that you are not doing something right that there is. It may be that you are not brushing well enough, not flossing enough, or using the right type of toothpaste for your mouth.
If you find yourself struggling with cavities, it may be time to consider using a new type of toothpaste or upping your oral hygiene routine.
Not feeling clean after you brush is another sign that something is not right. It could be that you did not brush everywhere in your mouth or forgot to clean your tongue. Otherwise, it could be a sign that your toothpaste is just not effective enough for your needs.
Do not be afraid to ask us if we believe that you are using the right kind of toothpaste. It is not just about getting a clean taste in your mouth. It is also about getting your teeth (and the rest of your mouth) really clean.
It could also be about getting your teeth to where they are not as sensitive as they once were. Talk to us when you have a question about what type of products to use. We are the experts!


What's in a word? I know many people consider it a fad or a buzzword, but the word missional represents a vital concept if you want to be a faithful and fruitful congregation doing the work we were commissioned by Christ to do.
For years mission was considered to be something you did in another culture and away from your local setting in ministry. And many churches poured most of their benevolent dollars and a ton of prayers into the salvation of people far away in another part of the planet.
The unfortunate by-product in our local congregations is that when they were "on mission" in India, they could justify focusing on maintenance at home. Where missionaries were hired to save the lost in distant lands, we could justify spending more money on furnaces and hymnbooks at home than on local outreach and evangelism. It was possible to become holy huddles, small groups circled inward knee to knee with their backs turned away from their unchurched and unsaved neighbors across the street.
The rest was that churches found themselves increasingly in communities that were totally or largely disconnected from Christ. In other words, pagan communities. People were coming to Jesus by the thousands in China and South Africa and people were headed to hell in Harrisburg and Lancaster, Frederick and Carlisle. Churches could only report 1-2 new converts per year and yet claim to have 200+ members.
The mission field of your church begins at you front door. In some cases, if you are not too closed or exclusive, it might even begin within your sanctuary. That means you never set foot into the community when you are not on mission and called to be a missionary.


Thank you for your contribution Seamus!
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text:
using System;
using System.Linq.Expressions;
using System.Reflection;
using Util.Helpers;
using Util.Ui.Material.Extensions;
using Util.Ui.Material.Internal;

namespace Util.Ui.Material.Forms.Models {
    /// <summary>
    /// 模型下拉列表
    /// </summary>
    /// <typeparam name="TModel">模型类型</typeparam>
    /// <typeparam name="TProperty">属性类型</typeparam>
    public class ModelSelect<TModel, TProperty> : Select {
        /// <summary>
        /// 初始化模型下拉列表
        /// </summary>
        /// <param name="expression">属性表达式</param>
        public ModelSelect( Expression<Func<TModel, TProperty>> expression ) {
            if( expression == null )
                return;
            _expression = expression;
            _memberInfo = Lambda.GetMember( _expression );
            Init();
        }

        /// <summary>
        /// 属性表达式
        /// </summary>
        private readonly Expression<Func<TModel, TProperty>> _expression;
        /// <summary>
        /// 成员
        /// </summary>
        private readonly MemberInfo _memberInfo;

        /// <summary>
        /// 初始化
        /// </summary>
        private void Init() {
            Helper.Init( OptionConfig, _expression, _memberInfo );
            InitType();
        }

        /// <summary>
        /// 根据类型初始化
        /// </summary>
        private void InitType() {
            if( Reflection.IsBool( _memberInfo ) )
                this.Bool();
            else if( Reflection.IsEnum( _memberInfo ) )
                Enum<TProperty>();
        }
    }
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


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Within a meeting practice of signing of the investment declaration of the Akim of NKO which purpose is creation of conditions of the favorable investment climate in the region is introduced for the first time. The text of the declaration is posted on the official website of Akimat of NKO. Also signed 6 memorandums of cooperation (China, Finland, Italy); development of the Investment strategy of the North Kazakhstan area and the Internet portal is conducted, and also the edition of the annual magazine about an investment potential of the region with indication of results of both actions is planned soon. Work on the above-stated memorandums is conducted, monitoring is performed monthly. the 2nd meeting of Council is previously planned to be held within the International investment forum «Kyzylzhar Invest 2016» in October of this year.


text:
Parent/Spectator Rules
Baseball Divisions
Umpire Information
Softball Program
Dana Takiguchi Memorial 10s, 11s, 12s
Shamrock Classic 9s and Diamond Invitational 10s
Intermediate Leap Year Clover Classic
Dublin Shamrock Classic (9U)
Dublin Diamond Invitational (10U)
Scorekeeping
Big Al Baseball
Little League University
SMU - Diamond University
Dublin Little League
DUBLIN LITTLE LEAGUE CONSTITUTION
ARTICLE I – NAME
This organization shall be known as Dublin Little League, hereinafter referred to as "DLL"
ARTICLE II – OBJECTIVE
The objective of DLL shall be to implant firmly in the children of our community the ideals of good sportsmanship, honesty, loyalty, courage, and respect for authority, so that they may be well adjusted, stronger and happier children and will grow to be good, decent, healthy and trustworthy citizens.
To achieve this objective, DLL will provide a supervised program under the Rules and Regulations of Little League Baseball, Incorporated. All Directors, Officers and Members shall bear in mind that the attainment of exceptional athletic skill or the winning of games is secondary, and the molding of future citizens is of the prime importance. In accordance with Section 501-(c)-(3) of the Federal Internal Revenue Code, DLL shall operate exclusively as a non-profit educational organization providing a supervised program of competitive baseball games. No part of the net earnings shall inure to the benefit of any private shareholder or individual; no substantial part of the activities of which is carrying on propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation, and which does not participate in or intervene in any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office.
ARTICLE III – MEMBERSHIP
SECTION 1 – Regular Member
Each family of a player in Dublin Little League shall constitute a single regular member.
SECTION 2 – Votes
Each family (regular member) will be entitled to one vote at General membership meetings. To pass a motion, a simple majority is required.
SECTION 3 – Absentee Ballots
For the expressed purpose of accommodating a Regular Member in good standing who cannot be in attendance at the Annual Meeting, or any General Membership Meeting at which new Board members will be elected, an absentee ballot may be requested and obtained from the Secretary of the League. The absentee ballot shall be properly completed, sealed, signed and returned in a sealed envelope to the Secretary prior to the date of the election. The Secretary shall present all absentee ballots to the Election Chairman (appointed at the meeting) on the date of the meeting, prior to the voting portion of the election process.
SECTION 4 – Suspension or Termination
Membership may be terminated by resignation or action of the Board of Directors as follows.
The Board of Directors, by a two-thirds vote of those present at any duly constituted Board meeting, shall have the authority to discipline or suspend or terminate the membership of any Member of any class, including managers and coaches, when the conduct of such person is considered detrimental to the best interests of the Local League and/or Little League Baseball, Incorporated. The Member involved shall be notified of such meeting, informed of the general nature of the charges and given an opportunity to appear at the meeting to answer such charges.
The Board of Directors shall, in case of a Player Member, give notice to the manager of the team for which the player is a Player Member. Said manager shall appear, in the capacity of an adviser, with the player before the Board of Directors or a duly appointed committee of the Board of Directors. The player's parent(s) or legal guardian(s) may also be present. The Board of Directors shall have full power to suspend or revoke such player's right to future participation by twoLthirds vote of those present at any duly constituted meeting (quorum is required).
ARTICLE IV – DIRECTORS
SECTION 1 – Executive Board
The executive board shall have the responsibility for the dayLtoLday management and operation of Dublin Little League and shall be elected by the membership at the annual meeting. The executive board shall be comprised of seven members. After being nominated and elected by the membership, the executive board will elect a league President. The President will then appoint a Vice President, a Player Agent, a Secretary, a Treasurer, an Information Officer and a Safety Officer. The Executive Board will vote on all league related issues, requiring a majority vote to govern the league decisions. The President will only vote in the instance there is a tie amongst the Executive Board in the voting.
SECTION 2 – Board of Directors
The Board of Directors shall be comprised of the members of the Executive Board, all Division Directors, the Umpire-in-Chief and all League Assigned Chairpersons. The responsibility of the Board of Directors is to administer the duties assigned to their role and to advise the Executive Board on all league matters when requested. Division & Post Season Directors, the Umpire-in-Chief and all Committee Chairpersons shall be nominated by the President and approved by the Executive Board.
SECTION 3 – Chairpersons/Committees
Dublin Little League shall have the following standing chairpersons/committees: Safety, PostL Season/All Stars, Equipment, Fields, Scheduling, Player Training, Team Parent, Fund Raising/Sponsorship, Social Media, Snack Bar, City Liaison and Events. The chairperson of each committee shall be appointed by the President. The members of the committee shall be appointed by the chair person. The President shall have the authority to add additional committees as necessary.
If any vacancy occurs in the Board of Directors, by death, resignation or otherwise, it may be filled by a majority vote of the remaining Directors at any regular Board meeting or at any Special Board Meeting called for that purpose.
ARTICLE V – DUTIES & POWERS OF THE BOARD
SECTION 1 – Appointments
The Executive Board may appoint such other officers or agents as it may deem necessary or desirable, and may prescribe the powers and duties of each. Appointed officers or agents shall have no vote on actions taken by the Executive Board unless such individuals have been elected to the Executive Board by the membership or have been elected to fill a vacancy on the Executive Board.
SECTION 2 – President
The President shall:
Conduct the affairs of DLL and execute the policies established by the Board of Directors
Present a report of the condition of DLL at the Annual Meeting
Communicate to the Executive Board such matters as deemed appropriate, and make such suggestions as may tend to promote the welfare of DLL
Be responsible for the conduct of DLL in strict conformity to the policies, principles, Rules and Regulations of Little League Baseball, Inc, as agreed to under the conditions of charter issued to DLL by that organization
Designate in writing other offices, if necessary, to have power to make and execute for/and in the name of DLL such contracts and leases they may receive and which have had prior approval of the Board
Investigate complaints, irregularities and conditions detrimental to DLL and report thereon to the Board of Executives as circumstances warrant
Prepare and submit an annual budget to the Board of Directors and be responsible of the execution thereof
With the assistance of the Player Agent, examine the application and support proof-of-age documents of every player candidate and certify to residence and age eligibility before the player may be accepted for tryouts and selection
SECTION 3 – Vice President
The Vice Presidents shall:
Perform such duties as assigned by the Executive Board or by the President
Perform the duties of the President in the absence or disability of the President, provided he or she is authorized by the President or Executive Board to act. When so acting, that Vice President shall have all the powers of that office
SECTION 4 – Secretary
The Secretary/Information Officer shall:
Be responsible for recording all activities of DLL and maintain appropriate files, mailing lists, and necessary records
Maintain a list of all Board Members and give notice of all meetings
Keep the minutes of meetings of the Executive Board and Board of Directors
Conduct all correspondence for otherwise delegated on all outcomes of meetings
Notify Board Members of their election or appointment
Set up and maintain the leagues official website
Encourage creating of team websites to managers, coaches or team parents
Serves as primary contact for DLL regarding optimizing the use of the league website and internet for administration and distributing league information
SECTION 5 – Player Agent
The Player Agent shall:
Record all player transactions and maintain an accurate and upLtoLdate record thereof
Receive and review applications for player candidates and assist the President in verifying residence and age eligibility
Prepare the Player Agent's list
Conduct the tryouts, the player draft and all other player transaction or selection meetings
Prepare for the President's signature and submission to Little League Intl, team rosters, including players claimed, and the tournament team eligibility affidavit
Notify Little League Intl. of any subsequent player replacements or trades
Administer the divisional player pool
SECTION 6 – Treasurer
The Treasurer shall:
Perform such duties as are herein set forth and such other duties as are customarily incident to the Office of Treasurer or may be assigned by the Executive Board
Receive all moneys and securities, and deposit same in a depository approved by the Executive Board
Keep records for the receipt and disbursement of all moneys and securities of DLL, approve all payments from allotted funds and draw checks therefore in agreement with policies established in advance of such actions by the Executive Board
Prepare an annual budget, under the direction of the President, for submission to the Board of Directors at the Annual Meeting
Prepare an annual financial report, under the direction of the President, for submission to the Board of Directors at the Annual Meeting and to Little League Intl.
SECTION 7 – League Information Officer
The League Information Officer shall:
Set up and manage the league's official website (site authorized by Little League International); Set up online registration and ensure the league rosters are uploaded to Little League
Assign online administrative rights to other local volunteers
Encourage creation of team web sites to managers, coaches, and parents
Ensure that league news and scores are updated online on a regular basis
Collect, post, and distribute important information on league activities including direct dissemination of fundraising and sponsor activities to Little League Baseball, Incorporated, the district, the public, league members, and the media
Administration and for distributing information to league members and to Little League Baseball, Incorporated. Serves as primary contact person for Little League and Active Team Sports regarding optimizing use of the Internet for league ad
SECTION 8 – Safety Officer
The Safety Officer shall:
Be responsible to create awareness, through education and information, of the opportunities to provide a safer environment for children and all participants of Little League
Develop and implement a plan for increasing safety of activities, equipment and facilities through education, compliance and reporting
In order to implement a safety plan using education, compliance and reporting, the following suggestions should be utilized by the Safety Officer:
Education – Should facilitate meetings and distribute information among participants including players, managers, coaches, umpires, league officials, parents, guardians and other volunteers
Compliance – Should promote safety compliance leadership by increasing awareness of the safety opportunities that arise from these responsibilities
Reporting – Define a process to assure that incidents are recorded, information is sent to league/district and national offices, and follow-up information on medical and other data is forwarded as available
SECTION 1 – Quorum
Annual/General Meetings – A quorum shall consist of at least 10 regular members in attendance at the annual meeting of the league
Executive Board Meetings – A quorum shall consist of four members a majority, one of which must be the President or a Vice President
Board of Directors Meetings – A quorum shall consist of a majority one-half (1/2) of the members of the Board plus 1
SECTION 2 – Frequency of Meetings
Annual/General Meeting – Annual Meeting Shall be held the 2nd Thursday in May at 7:30pm. Notice of each General Membership Meeting shall be delivered personally, electronically or by mail to each Member at the last recorded address at least ten (10) days in advance of the meeting, setting forth the place, time and purpose of the meeting
Executive Board Meetings – Shall be held monthly, Notice of each Board meeting shall be given by the Secretary personally, electronically or by mail to each Director at least 10 day(s) before the time appointed for the meeting to the last recorded address of each Director
Board of Directors Meetings – Shall be held regularly, Notice of each Board meeting shall be given by the Secretary personally, electronically or by mail to each Director at least 10 day(s) before the time appointed for the meeting to the last recorded address of each Director
The President shall have the right to schedule any additional meetings as may be necessary.
ARTICLE VII – AFFILIATION
SECTION 1 – Charter
The Local League shall annually apply for a charter from Little League Baseball, Incorporated, and shall do all things necessary to obtain and maintain such charter. The Local League shall devote its entire energies to the activities authorized by such charter and it shall not be affiliated with any other program or organization or operate any other program.
SECTION 2 – Rules and Regulations
The Official Playing Rules and Regulations as published by Little League Baseball, Incorporated, Williamsport, Pennsylvania, shall be binding on this Local League.
SECTION 3 – Local Rules, Ground Rules and/or Bylaws
The local rules, ground rules and/or bylaws of this Local League shall be adopted by the Board of Directors at a meeting to be held not less than one month previous to the first scheduled game of the season, but shall in no way conflict with the Rules, Regulations and Policies of Little League Baseball, Incorporated, nor shall they conflict with this Constitution. The local rules, ground rules and/or bylaws of this Local League shall expire at the end of each fiscal year, and are not considered part of this Constitution.
SECTION 4 – Safety Rules
Safety Rules shall be emphasized at all games. All players must wear proper protection while batting and playing the field as described in the Safety and Security section of the Green Book and DLL House Rules.
ARTICLE VIII – FINANCIAL AND ACCOUNTING
SECTION 1 – Authority
The Executive Board of Directors shall decide all matters pertaining to the finances of the Local League and it shall place all income including Auxiliary funds, in a common league treasury, directing the expenditure of funds in such manner as will give no individual or team an advantage over those in competition with such individual or team.
SECTION 2 – Contributions
The Board shall not permit the contribution of funds or property to individual teams but shall solicit funds for the common treasury of the Local League, thereby to discourage favoritism among teams and to endeavor to equalize the benefits of the Local League.
SECTION 3 – Solicitations
The Board shall not permit the solicitation of funds in the name of Little League Baseball, Incorporated unless all of the funds so raised be placed in the Local League treasury.
SECTION 4 – Disbursement of Funds
The Board shall not permit the disbursement of Local League funds for other than the conduct of Little League activities in accordance with the rules, regulations and policies of Little League Baseball, Incorporated. All disbursements shall be made by Local League Treasurer and such Other officer or officers or person or persons as the Executive Board of Directors shall determine.
SECTION 5 – Compensation
No Director, Officer or Member of the Local League shall receive, directly or indirectly any salary, compensation or emolument from the Local League for services rendered as Director, Officer or Member.
SECTION 6 – Deposits
All moneys received, including Auxiliary Funds, shall be deposited to the credit of the Local League in/at US Bank
SECTION 7 – Fiscal year
The fiscal year of the Local League shall begin on: October 1 and shall end on September 30. (Note: The above fiscal year must be chosen if the Local League intends to qualify under the Little League Baseball, Incorporated, Group Tax ID Number.)
SECTION 8 – Distribution of Property upon Dissolution
Upon dissolution of the Local League and after all outstanding debts and claims have been satisfied, the Members shall direct the remaining property of the Local League to another Federally Incorporated entity which maintains the same objectives as set forth in Article II of this Constitution, which are or may be entitled to exemption under Section 501-(c)-(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or any future corresponding provision.
ARTICLE IX – AMENDMENTS
This constitution may be amended, repealed or altered in whole or in part by a majority vote of the members.
An amended constitution shall be submitted to Little League Baseball, Inc. for approval. This Constitution was approved by the Dublin Little League on December 3, 2015.
Dublin, California 94568
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BE A FREE AND INDEPENDENT NEWS ADVOCATE!
Americans need to become aware of news sources other than the mainstream media. It is essential that the public question the validity of their news. With only a tiny number of companies controlling what the vast majority of us see, hear, and read, it is critical that the public realize that there are alternatives. It is not only an important part of being an informed and engaged citizen, it is critical to our nation remaining a democracy.
BE AN ADVOCATE FOR FREE AND INDEPENDENT NEWS SOURCES!
The following sources fall into categories unto their own. The first list is a group of fiercely independent reporters who believe in old school journalism with their own websites and articles; the second includes several sites that encourage whistleblowers and print the information they receive.
This is an additional list of alternative news sources. It was compiled by Jacob Curtis and he initially released it on Facebook.
It's not complete, but there's plenty here. These links below are old and may not work. Please bare with me as I have to update this listing.
Now why would you want to get your news from other sources? Because the majority of news outlets are owned by large corporations with malicious political intentions and/or financial agendas. Long story short, you can't trust them to not blatantly lie or at least "spin" their stories with some heavy bias. It's really nothing short of propoganda, and brainwashing in the most extreme cases (and it's definitely the worst in the US since it was made legal SEE STORY HERE ).
Here are included a few mainstream sources, as it's interesting to compare the way in which they present news with the alternative sources.
If you want to share this with others, simply copy and paste.


A special formula, made to hydrate and energize tired and dry feet. Enhanced with glycolic acid to help slough away dead skin cells, for softer feet. Menthol and mint extracts invigorate and sooth exhausted and swollen feet. Shea butter provides comfort and moisture that is quickly absorbed.


Pastor Andres Bisonni - Jesus pours out His Spirit in San Pedro Sula, Honduras!
Pastor Andres Bisonni -Holy Spirit Youth Revival in CUBA!! Powerful Outpouring of God's Spirit!!
Pastor Andres Bisonni - Holy Spirit Revival in Belo Horizonte, BRAZIL!
Pastor Andres Bisonni - Holy Spirit Revival and miracles in Rosario, Argentina!!
Pastor Andres Bisonni - Holy Spirit Outpouring upon youth in BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA!
Pastor Andres Bisonni - Holy Spirit Outpouring in Jerusalem during Pentecost!
Pastor Andres Bisonni - Holy Spirit Fire falling on Youth in Arkansas, USA!!
Pastor Andres Bisonni - Holy Spirit Fire falling in INDIA!!
Pastor Andres Bisonni - Fire of the Holy Spirit falling upon youth in Houston, Texas!!
Pastor Andres Bisonni - Fire of the Holy Spirit falling upon youth in Chihuahua, Mexico!


1 Import Blinds-Separated from the Action Panels folder. You could apply images or videos onto the Separated Type Action Panels one by one.
Each separated type panel has a parent dummy on the top.
You may move or rotate each panel by highlighting it in the Scene Manager.
Drag and drop a video file onto each panel for a perfect UV map result.
Select Blinds-Separated (the parent) in the Scene Manager. Right click on it and select an animation to perform in the display window.
Drag and drop videos to the other side of the panel.
If you only want to control the separated panel, then just select it in the Scene Manager and right click on it to give a command in the display window.


IGN Lists Their Top 15 Zelda Items, Guess What's Number One?
Yesterday IGN gave Zelda some love with a Top List of their favorite items ever. Some interesting picks like the Gust Jar and Rod of Seasons made the cut, alongside obvious choices like Din's Fire and the Double Clawshot, and an unsurprising winner at #1 that I doubt I really need to identify. While we'll always hold that our own Top 10 Items list is best, go check out IGN's and see how it compares.


Our customer is an Ohio-based pool-servicing contractor that repairs and improves pools and water slides throughout the United States. As a Sure-Foot reseller they place custom orders to fit the specific need of each of their clients and projects.
One of their clients is a municipal indoor pool/water slide facility. During a tear-down/rebuilding project of the water slide (platform and angled stairway leading to the water slide), the facility manager inquired about safety issue for hundreds of children who run up the stairs each day. Water from the slide caused the steps to be constantly slippery. Minor injuries were not uncommon.
The city wanted an affordable, safe, long-term solution for the potentially hazardous situation. A durable product was needed to withstand foot traffic and pool chemicals while still being gentle on the tender bare feet of the children who use these steps daily. A custom solution was required because of the odd shape and sizes of the steps that were built into a spiral stairway for space efficiency (see images above).
The reseller contacted Sure-Foot to get the best product for his customer. The city considered our anti-slip tape treads as an inexpensive option. But that wasn't a good scenario because of the amount of traffic and chemical exposure. Instead, Sure-Foot recommended their fire retardant fiberglass (FRP) step covers with fine-grit texture. Originally designed for decks and boat docks, the smaller cylindrical grit is designed for barefoot traffic and water displacement to prevent slippery surfaces.
Provided with the measurements of each step in the circular stairway, Sure-Foot produced over 50 custom fiber glass step covers with a solid yellow surface for the water slide system, which were installed by our reseller. Installation went according to plan because the panels were made to the exact dimensions provided by our customer.
As one can see from the images above, the water slide steps are now brightly colored and add a higher level of safety to the pool facility. The fine-textured surface of the steps now prevent slippage and water accumulation for much safer water slide access. Both the reseller and municipality are very pleased with the solution Sure-Foot has provided.
A three-year warranty accompanies our FINE-Grit Coated FRP Panels, but these should last much longer since bare feet are far less likely to damage treads than heavy boot traffic. A low-level power washing is all that is needed to keep the treads clean over time.
Please contact Sure-Foot with any questions about this case study, or to learn more about our non-slip safety products and customized solutions. Take a step in the right direction with Sure-Foot!


text:
X-Men: Grand Design #1 [Review]
Posted on December 26, 2017 by Walt
X-Men: Grand Design
Cartoonist: Ed Piskor
Editor: Chris Robinson
X-Men Group Editor: Mark Paniccia
Editor in Chief: Axel Alonso
Chief Creative Officer: Joe Quesada
President: Dan Buckley
Executive Producer: Alan Fine
X-Men Created by: Stan Lee and Jack Kirby
Published by: Marvel Comics
Cover Date: February 2018
I crab about Marvel comics all costing $3.99+ and virtually always put back even curiosities once I "confirm" that they're $3.99+ for the issue held in-hand. I'm down on much of what Marvel has published for the last few years at least, and have had extremely mixed feelings on what stuff I have picked up.
This issue is $5.99.
And I barely thought anything of it. The issue FEELS thick, and heavy, and quite possibly THE single best value in a single issue that I have come across from Marvel in a long, long time.
It took me three sittings to get through this issue. Granted, I had other stuff going on, but I also hadn't mentally "budgeted" a long time to stay put and read, used to even the extra-sized issues being pretty quick reads.
I'm not actually sure what I expected from this issue. I think initially I thought it was going to be a book that was text-only; when I realized it was actually a comic after all, I decided to give it a shot. What I got out of it is that whatever the length of the finished product, it's like this detailed "history" of the X-Men, in comic format–using new art and narrative but covering existing material.
The page design includes coloring to make these glossy, higher-quality-paper pages look like old newsprint; the coloring to the story/art itself lends to that effect, giving this the appearance of a classic 1960s comic book or such. While there's a little bit of "panel creativity" and "white space," by and large the page layouts are tight and dense, modular classic panels–squares and rectangles with actual borders and gutters in a way that seems to have been largely jettisoned in "modern" comics. The dense visuals share space with dense text–plenty of caption boxes, speech balloons, and thought bubbles; the art is there, the art shows plenty, but there are no full or double-page splashes. The art serves the narrative, rather than some limited text serving up an excuse for big, flashy art.
Story-wise, I didn't really feel like there was anything "new" or "fancy" or such here. Nothing particularly stood out, nothing was singularly memorable. But then, I was not expecting such. What the story is, what the writing is, is basically a straight-forward narrative, in chronological order, from the beginning of Marvel Comics into the 1960s and the beginning of the original X-Men issues. Things that were revealed in flashbacks a few issues in or 30-something YEARS' worth of issues in, it's here in order, unfolding as events unfolded–NOT in the order that details were doled out to readers as the actual issues were published. And this is presented as a tale from Uatu, the Watcher…giving a good context to things now being told in order.
In many ways, I'm sure a lot of people would consider this a boring read, and a re-tread, and probably a few other negative connotations to stuff. Me? I thoroughly enjoyed this. Part review, part history lesson, part summary, and part condensed revisitation of classic stories. I totally appreciate comics in general and the nature of them; the occasional "new reveal" or such, new flashbacks revealing previously-unknown information, the introduction of a character from someone's past who just happened to not have been mentioned or relevant til "now" in the story that sheds new and different light on past events. But there's something cool and refreshing about just following a single, one-directioned narrative pulling in everything–from information we got in X-Men #1, to stuff brought up/shown into 2009, 45-some years after X-Men #1.
Pages seem to have 5-9 panels each, some more…making for plenty of room to cram a LOT of story into small space. No half, full, or double-page splashes to "cheat" or anything!
For my $5.99, three "sittings" to read, and sheer amount of time spent to read this whole thing, this is the best value in time-to-money I've found in years. As I got to the end of the issue, I wondered if this was monthly, or if I'd have to wait up to TWO months for the next issue…but then saw the next issue is supposedly in a mere two weeks.
At $5.99 an issue, and biweekly, and I'm very much looking forward to the next issue? Anyone reading much of my writing of late ought to realize that alone should speak to the quality I see in this. Again–this will not be for everyone. That said…I highly recommend it, especially to anyone who is or was a fan of the X-Men, particularly the 1960s "early days" OF the X-Men.
Filed under: 2017 Posts, 2017 Reviews, MARVEL, Misc. | Tagged: 1960s, 1970s, Alan Fine, Axel Alonso, Chris Robinson, Dan Buckley, Ed Piskor, Grand Design, Jack Kirby, Joe Quesada, Mark Paniccia, MARVEL, Marvel Comics, Marvel Comics Group, Stan Lee, Uncanny X-Men, x-men, X-Men History, x-men origins |	1 Comment »
Doomsday Clock #1 [Review]
Posted on November 27, 2017 by Walt
That Annihilated Place
Writer: Geoff Johns
Illustrator: Gary Frank
Colorist: Brad Anderson
Letterer: Rob Leigh
Cover: Gary Frank & Brad Anderson (Lenticular based on existing art by Dave Gibbons)
Associate Editor: Amedeo Turturro
Editor: Brian Cunningham
Cover Date: January 2018
Cover Price: $4.99 ($5.99 Lenticular variant)
It's been a long time, offhand, since I read a comic quite so dense as Doomsday Clock #1. And I use the word dense as a good thing overall–in this age of $4.99 comics that hardly take any longer to read than a $3.99 or $2.99 comic, where everything is written to flow seamlessly as a 4 or 5 or 6-issue "graphic novel," it's great to have a comic that just wants to be a single issue.
I was rather frustrated to learn that the image I've seen MOST USED in association with this issue (the Gary Frank Superman cover pictured above) is actually a VARIANT and not the "main" cover. The main cover seems to be a generic "The End is Here" cover (that leads into the issue itself as the classic Watchmen covers did!). In keeping with my usual, though, wanting the cover I've most seen advertised and such with an issue, I managed to get the Superman cover. Of course, then I saw a lenticular variant, one I had probably heard of/read about, but not paid attention to (again: VARIANT)…but it being lenticular, and "cover price" (albeit $1 more than the standard issue to account for the lenticular-ness) and me really getting a kick outta the design–Rorschach's face goes from just the blobs to the symbols of "the trinity" (Superman/Batman/Woder Woman), I went ahead and got that one as well. It's certainly no worse than having bought a Marvel lenticular, where the lenticulars were entirely different images from their "regular" covers.
I don't know what I expected from this issue. Being that it's an obvious follow-up to Watchmen, and apparently integrating those characters into DCU canon (if not continuity, then perhaps affecting continuity from the outside), and seems to have been "timed" to release at the 25th anniversary of Superman's death (real-world, that is–November 17-20ish 1992), and stuff previewed or "leaked" online indicated an in-issue reference to that date…I had extremely high expectations for this issue. It's honestly been a long time since I feel like I actually was taken in by "the hype," usually seeing the hype entirely for what it is and maybe "choosing" to "give in," say, on actually getting a variant cover, or actually getting an issue of something I don't normally get, or diving into an event I'd intended to stay away from. Here, it's more of an emotional hype…one that left me feeling rather let down.
As said above–this is a dense story–one that would take a long time to really summarize, and for my own reading experience, get well beyond the initial reading I tend to do for reviews. Essentially, we meet a new Rorschach, who is piecing stuff together, much as the original did, starting out the original series. We get glimpses of this current world–late 1992, about seven years after the original's 1985 setting, as we meet various characters and are re-exposed to older/originals. We also learn that Ozymandias has a sort of countdown clock of his own going this time, but in a much different way than before. Finally, the last several pages give us a glimpse into a non-Watchmen DCU, and an extremely familiar-looking take on the Kents…which makes sense, given Frank was the artist on Superman: Secret Origin, that laid out a particular vision for the characters.
While this has a lot as a single issue, and certainly many layers with stuff that'd be picked up after a second or third or FIFTH reading, still more to be picked up on STUDYING the art beyond the words, and even more on top of that to be noticed after subsequent issues come out and shed more light on stuff…on my single-read-through I hit the end and thought "Wait…that's IT?" and was starkly reminded of similar disappointment with Grant Morrison's Final Crisis.
This is not a "casual" issue, apparently. Picking it up and reading it "cold," even if you've read Watchmen, there doesn't seem to be all that much to it. It's a first issue, and world-building or re-world-building. It's surely a strong foundation on which the rest of the issues will draw. But for me, in just picking it up, after all the months of hype, I just did not enjoy it or get much out of it. And I'm steeped in comics history, especially DC, and even more specifically Superman.
Visually, it's a very good issue–I'm quite a fan of Gary Frank. I felt like there was a lot that was recognizable and familiar here, despite Frank not being Gibbons, and outside of not seeing a Superman costume or a Batman costume or a Wonder Woman costume–really, it felt like there was virtually nothing actually DC in this issue–I felt like this was set in the world I recalled from reading the original Watchmen all those years ago. There's also a LOT crammed into this issue: it seems to me that the lowest panel-count on any given story-page was five…which is a far cry from the all-too-often-used "cheats" of full or DOUBLE-page splashes with barely a word to go with the art. I welcome the "grid" layouts of the pages, the actual panels and "traditional" gutters–both for squeezing in more content as well as mimicking the style of the original.
Basically, this seems like a really slow start to something, and that it was vastly overhyped, as well as being quite "confusing" as far as the covers go–once again, a major problem with doing variants AT ALL. The $4.99 cover price is rather steep, even with 30 pages of story (if a 20-page issue is $2.99, another 50% would be only $4.50!) but I suppose it's a bit offset by some of DC's issues being $3.99 (the 1-per-month books) so this actually fits that rate.
I wanted more–I wanted something brighter and splashier out the gate than what I got here–but I'm still looking forward to the next issue, looking forward to see how things build, though I suspect this will be a far more impressive story in larger chunks or as a whole rather than as a single-issue-at-a-time monthly (or less-frequent) journey.
Filed under: 2017 Posts, 2017 Reviews, DC, DC Misc., Doomsday Clock | Tagged: Amedeo Turturro, Brad Anderson, Brian Cunningham, comic books, Comic Reviews, comics, DC, DC Comics, Dr. Manhattan, Gary Frank, Geoff Johns, Ozymandias, reviews, Rob Leigh, Rorschach, Superman, That Annihilated Place, Watchmen |	Leave a comment »
The '90s Revisited: Superman #75
Doomsday!
Words & Pictures: Dan Jurgens
Finished Art: Brett Breeding
Colors: Glenn Whitmore
Letters: John Costanza
Assistant Editor: Jennifer Frank
Editor: Mike Carlin
Cover: Jurgens & Breeding
Cover Price: $1.25 ($2.50 Collector's [black bagged] Edition)
Triangle #: 1993/2
This is it–probably the most important single issue of any comic book in my life…at least to me, personally. This issue has–in one form or another–influenced so much of my experience in/with/of comics, far beyond anything I could truly sum up briefly.
The cover is that iconic image–the tattered cape caught on a wood pole sticking out of the wreckage in Metropolis–that has become so symbolic of the fall of a character, and so defining of this story and the Superman character. At least to those of us who read this as a new comic, were there as the story unfolded.
The issue is itself nothing but splash pages, each page a single large image, ending with a fold-out back cover stretching to a triple-wide image.
Nearly every single page is "iconic," each page being a key image, something easily recognizable as being from this very issue. So much so that these images were used time and again for flashbacks, and capture the key "moments" of the end of the battle…and are reinterpreted to this day to place a flashback within this story.
This issue's art–for the full pages, the sheer importance of the issue in the time, and what it was to me–is certainly the "gold standard" for Superman art, and for Jurgens' work on the character.
Story-wise, this is but a handful of moments, of scenes, each page having to carry stuff forward…but it certainly works. For several chapters now, the panel-count has gotten smaller, the action more intense, the story speeding up, rushing to this conclusion. And what a conclusion it is–Superman dies. I felt on this read-through like the "final punch" is earlier in the issue than I remembered and expected…but perhaps it was the way I was reading. While we get some moments of Doomsday menacing Lois and Jimmy and Cat, for me, the heart of this issue–morbid as it may be–comes in the narration after the final punch. This is some of the most "iconic" narration for me in all my years of reading comics, and resonates with me still.
Like weary boxes who have gone the distance, the combatants collide in one last, explosive effort. In the years to come, a few witnesses will tell of the power of these final punches, that they could literally feel the shockwaves. Others will remember the enormous crater that resulted from the sheer force of the blows. But most will remember this sad day as the day the proudest, most noble man they ever knew–finally fell. For those who loved him–one who would call him husband–one who would be his pal–or those who would call him son–this is the darkest day they could ever imagine . . . And for those who served with Superman in the protection of all life–comes the shock of failure. The weight of being too late to help . . . For a city to live, a man had given his all and more . . . For this is the day that a Superman died.
The views moving around, showing us Lois and Jimmy, Martha and Jonathan Kent, Ice and Bloodwynd…we get the "in the moment" reactions as the characters all witness the final punches–in person or on tv. And then the final scene, as Lois cradles the broken Superman, and even still, his concern is the safety of others, never mind his own condition.
"Doomsday…is he…is he…"
And he hangs on just long enough to hear her assurance: "You stopped him! you saved us all! Now relax until–"
And as the final page is folded out, the image goes from her holding him, to her obvious anguish as he's slumped over, dead.
I'm absolutely anything but impartial on this issue. Even reading it this time through, it never fails to stir me. TWENTY-FIVE YEARS LATER, it still gets to me. It seems unbelievable that it's been that long since this issue was released. I was all of 11, a couple weeks shy of my 12th birthday. I've lived over 2/3 of my life SINCE this issue. This was the first truly "big event" in my experience in comics…both story-wise, and real-world. This was the first issue I encountered with any sort of "variant cover." This was the first time I saw an issue done in all full-page images, the first time I'd heard of pre-ordering comics, the first experience I had with "speculation" and such.
This issue began "the weekly habit" of comics for me, that "have to get it ASAP" mentality of each new, subsequent issue. That ongoing interest in the next chapter, what comes next, how are these characters handling stuff, etc. And this being in the heart of what I'd call the best of times, the highest quality and tightest story of the "Triangle Era," this became my gold standard for comics, what comics could be, and all that.
To this day, when I come across this in bargain bins–in any of the four printings, UPC barcode or "direct edition"–I tend to snag it. While this–like most of the other issues of the Doomsday! story–draws deeply from preceding issues and ongoing stuff…this one works pretty well alone. As you'd be interested in the issue AS "the death issue," of reading the actual death of Superman, it happens here. You witness the death, the final moments of the battle, get exposed to several key supporting characters, and can glean from context that others have fallen and it's down to just Superman himself to take the creature down, the doing of which costs him his life.
While this is basically at best a "footnote" in the history of Superman…this is one of those issues that I think any "long term" comics person ought to (have) read. It's still a piece of history, a part of comics history, and very few other comics' stories or moments have or retain the impact this did.
Filed under: 2017 Posts, 2017 Reviews, The '90s Revisited, The Death of Superman Revisited | Tagged: 1992, Bloodwynd, Brett Breeding, Collector's Edition, Comic Reviews, Dan Jurgens, DC Comics, Death of Superman, Doomsday, Glenn Whitmore, Ice, Jennifer Frank, John Costanza, Justice League America, Lois Lane, Mike Carlin, Newsstand Edition, Superman, Superman #75 |	1 Comment »
The '90s Revisited: Superman: The Man of Steel #19
DOOMSDAY is Here!
Story: Louise Simonson
Penciller: Jon Bogdanove
Inker: Dennis Janke
Colorist: Glenn Whitmore
Letterer: Bill Oakley
Assistant: Jennifer Frank
Cover: Bogdanove & Janke
This issue has one of the most iconic covers of my life. It may not be a favorite, exactly–it's not one that'd really work (for me) as a poster image or such–but for a lotta years, just because of the cover date–January, 1993–and being the first Triangle # of 1993, this was an image I pictured when I'd think of "1993."
The image is "just" an extreme close-up of Doomsday and Superman literally getting in each other's face, the creature being larger/taller and bearing down on the (black)-bloodied Superman (though no real/obvious facial wounds for the blood, but hey, it adds effect, right? And had to get by the Comics Code Authority and all that.
Despite reading this entire Doomsday! story fresh, I've realized that part of my confusion on the gradual tearing-away of Doomsday's suit and the reveal of the hulking grey-and-white creature is the inconsistency from book to to book of its depiction! While there was some severe tearing and a big chunk missing, where we left off in Action Comics #684, the creature very shortly later now has far more of it gone. I expect that's the peril of having to get multiple issues drawn by differing art teams in a short time, and the thing was probably set on the notion that "most of the green suit is now gone," but no ultra-hardline visual "bible" to lead it. Of course, this is–to me–mere "observation," something I don't recall consciously noticing quite in this way before, and I have no problem with it!
This issue has us down to only two panels per page in the several-issue declining-panel-count countdown to the main issue of the story, and as such is increasingly fast-paced with less dialogue and less room for pauses…just faster visual beats on the march from cover to cover. Perhaps it's the increased action, the ferocity of the battle, but I dug the visuals on this issue a lot more than I did the previous issue, with several iconic moments (to me) in this issue: from Doomsday's first kills in Metropolis, Superman trying to take the creature into outer space, Doomsday's elbow-stab of Superman, and the Underworld explosion, Doomsday one-punch taking out Supergirl, hitting her so hard she reverts to her protoplasmic state, the look on Bibbo's face as he, Hamilton, and Mildred realize they've not only angered the creature, but it's gonna land right on them if they don't jump…and the shock-cannon blasts from the Cadmus troopers as Superman and Doomsday pound on each other, with Superman thinking "Even if it kills me–Metropolis is where I hold the line!"
And in a way, that sums up the issue. Going from scene to scene, as Doomsday hits Metropolis like a wrecking ball, killing immediately and continuously, punctuated only by attempts to damage him, whether by Superman or Professor Hamilton with a sci-fi cannon of his own, and so on. There's not much story, exactly, but this issue's not intended to be all that deep in that regard, and receives no penalty from me for it.
It's also a credit to the Dirk Maggs dramatization of the story that I "hear" echoes/flashes of that as I read this, as it definitely gets across the frenetic ferocity of the situation, and certainly moments out of this issue.
Yet again, there's not exactly a whole lot to be gotten from this just as some standalone single issue at this point, picking it up some twenty-five years after publication. It's a key chapter in the overall story, and maybe sees Superman take some of the worst physical damage ever to this point…certainly more than I remember offhand seeing him take on-panel in Superman #75. While I mentioned early in this post that I don't see this issue's cover making a great poster, I could probably be persuaded pretty easily, as I do think on a small scale this would work as wall art at its actual-comic-cover size (perhaps amidst the other issues of the story).
This is definitely well worth snagging from a quarter bin or otherwise bargain bin if you can get all the issues of the story (or all the issues you are interested in at the time), but I'd continue to recommend a collected volume of this story over the single issue for "best results" and maximum impact.
Filed under: 2017 Posts, 2017 Reviews, The '90s Revisited, The Death of Superman Revisited | Tagged: 1992, Bill Oakley, Comic Review, DC Comics, Death of Superman, Dennis Janke, Doomsday, Glenn Whitmore, Jennifer Frank, Jon Bogdanove, Louise Simonson, Mike Carlin, Superman, Superman: The Man of Steel |	Leave a comment »
The '90s Revisited: Action Comics #684
…Domsday is Near!
Writer: Roger Stern
Artists: Jackson Guice & Denis Rodier
Cover: Art Thibert and Denis Rodier
Cover Date: December 1992
Triangle #: 1992/48
I like when an issue's title is worked into its title page…all the more after recently re-noticing the way Marvel "cheats" by having a non-story page for credits/story titles that can simply be omitted from a collected volume to ignore the fact the story was serialized first.
Here, we open on a couple screens of news reports recapping recent goings-on and leaving off that authorities are trying to determine if "…Doomsday is Near!" We then pick back up with Superman, Guardian, and Maxima, and Guardian is no longer worried about lecturing Superman, and Superman has him get Maxima to a hospital while he–Superman–resumes taking on the Doomsday creature. Superman catches up to Doomsday after it takes out an overpass and hurls a car–Superman saves the car and driver. Then Doomsday wrecks a Lex-Mart (think Walmart)…but is able to take in a loud commercial from a tv about a wrestling match in METROPOLIS…and the creature is taught a word, a destination. Lois and Jimmy are on-site in a helicopter reporting on things, Lex Luthor II and Supergirl watch tv reports, and Luthor convinces Supergirl to stay put, to not leave Metropolis unprotected. Trying to get Doomsday away from populated areas, Superman hurls him into the distance, forgetting about Cadmus' "Habitat" facility (fortunately deserted). Guardian catches up while the combatants are both stunned, and then Doomsday breaks free of the wreckage (knocking out the two heroes) and bounds onward, now intentionally bound for Metropolis.
This issue's art is not bad at all…but the visual style is something different from both Jurgens and Grummett in a way I just don't like the same way. Nothing's particularly "off" in anyone's anatomy; everyone is recognizable as who they are; I have no trouble following the flow of physical events and the story itself. I just prefer the former to Guice and Rodier here. That said, there are some stand-out moments to me–I do like how Supergirl looks (though she doesn't get to "do" much here), and same for Lois. The wrestler in the commercial Doomsday sees reminds me very much of Hulk Hogan, which may have been the intention at the time (remember, this was 25 years ago that this saw print!).
Story-wise, this flows pretty well from the previous chapter, picking up much like an opening of a tv show where it's not exactly frame-for-frame picking up, but picking up within the same scene within moments of where we left off. Though most of the issue is more battle, we get the "moments" between characters–Superman and Guardian; Lois and Jimmy; Supergirl and Luthor, etc. There's no context given on Supergirl and Luthor…their status quo and presence were very much a part of "continuity" of the time…so they were just there, to be understood by longer-time readers or simply glossed over if one wasn't familiar with stuff.
I hadn't given it much thought, but as this issue continues the "countdown" (three panels per page, down from four), there's more visual/unspoken action, and in a way, that leaves less room for story, and a quicker pace. We jump scene to scene essentially, but it works, as the whole battle is drawing out…we're down to basically just Superman, as Maxima's out and by the looks of things (and memory), Guardian's basically out, and we already saw the rest of the Justice League taken out.
This is definitely another issue that doesn't have much going for it in terms of being stand-alone; it is definitely very much a middle chapter of a tight, full story spread across multiple titles by multiple creative teams. Of course, it's not a bad one if you come across it in a bargain bin to snag, but much more enjoyable in context of the full story. I do feel like–next to Justice League America #69–this is the issue of the story I've seen least in bargain bins, though come to think of it, Superman #74 may be similar.
This is the fourth of the Superman titles carrying the Doomsday! story–with the next two chapters being second issues of their titles with the story, before the Funeral for a Friend picks up.
Filed under: 2017 Posts, 2017 Reviews, The '90s Revisited, The Death of Superman Revisited | Tagged: 1992, Action Comics, Art Thibert, Bill Oakley, Comic Reviews, DC Comics, Death of Superman, Denis Rodier, Doomsday, Glenn Whitmore, Jackson Guice, Jennifer Frank, Mike Carlin, Roger STern, Superman |	2 Comments »
The '90s Revisited: Adventures of Superman #497
Under Fire
Writer: Jerry Ordway
Penciller: Tom Grummett
Inker: Doug Hazlewood
Letterer: Albert De Guzman
Cover: Tom Grummett, Doug Hazlewood, & Denis Rodier
Like many issues from this time period, this one's cover stands out quite a bit to me. I don't know that I'd call it a favorite–there are definitely plenty of covers I like more–but I do really like this and it's instantly recognizable to me.
This issue picks up where Superman #74 left off, with Superman chasing after Doomsday, blocking out Mitch's cries for help. The transition, though, isn't quite as smooth as the one from Justice League America #69 into Superman #74, though it isn't jarring. Mitch narrates–describing the situation and letting us know that the rest of the League has fallen, Superman's a distance off but still visible (and his punches against Doomsday audible), and his mother and baby sister (as well as the rest of the League) are still in danger from the collapsing house that's burning. Superman finally returns after shoving Doomsday into the soft earth at the bottom of a lake, and Bloodwynd makes a timely return to assist as well before teleporting away to avoid medical attention from EMTs. As a military helicopter targets (and is targeted by Doomsday), Superman's back in the fray, continuing to save those he can while beating on the creature. Taking a moment away from all this, we get a scene of Lois in the GBS building, meeting up with Cat while she tries to find Jimmy. Olsen's moonlighting as Turtle Boy for a kids' show, but taping's run hours late…and Jimmy is needed on assignment (covering the Doomsday situation). The battle rages into a small town where Maxima catches up to Superman and Doomsday, and her contribution leads to a huge explosion. The Guardian arrives to find her and Superman knocked out from the blast, and Doomsday nowhere in sight. Brushing off Guardian's lecture on violence, Superman realizes this is his fight, and his alone.
I'd forgotten about Grummett's time on this title, given the changeover around #500…I really like his art, and it looks especially good–and familiar–here! The art team is fantastic, and though it's been quite awhile since I'd've thought about it, I think I'd have to say that offhand, this is my favorite Superman art next to Dan Jurgens' work! This issue begins the subtle "countdown" I had never noticed until about 10 years ago: the issue is done as 4-panel pages (with the next chapters having three-panel pages, then two-panels, before the conclusion in all full-page splashes).
Story-wise, nothing really jumps out at me as any sort of "Ordway signature" or such, except that as with the other creative teams' work, this plays very tightly with its sister titles. While not quite as "involved" at this point due to their encounters with Doomsday, it's cool to see stuff play out with the League still being present in the title, if not much else. Guy Gardner grabbing Superman and essentially giving his 'blessing' (or command) to put the creature "in a pine box" strikes me as rather poignant…Guy admitting that Superman's "tougher" and capable and such to do what he–Guy–was not able to. And a sort of quasi-reconciliation between the characters before what's about to go down goes down.
Maxima's bit in this issue has also stuck with me over the years–her focus on being a warrior and casual acceptance of casualties, as well as Superman giving her pause, as well as her tolerating his calling her 'Princess.'
This is yet another issue that's very much a piece of the larger story…even if ultimately, the story's a huge "fight scene" of sorts, when looked at most broadly. This chapter isn't really "essential" to the whole, offhand (maybe the first chapter to feel that way)…but there'd sure be a clear gap in stuff if we didn't have this chapter. Outside of the pretty cover, I wouldn't really recommend this as a "single" issue, but it's well worthwhile as part of the whole, and definitely not a chapter to arbitrarily skip in a collected volume.
Filed under: 2017 Posts, 2017 Reviews, The '90s Revisited, The Death of Superman Revisited | Tagged: 1992, Adventures of Superman, Comic Reviews, DC Comics, Denis Rodier, Doomsday, Doomsday: The Death of Superman, Doug Hazlewood, Glenn Whitmore, Jennifer Frank, Jerry Ordway, lbert De Guzman, Mike Carlin, Superman, Tom Grummett |	Leave a comment »
Countdown to Doomsday!
Story & Art: Dan Jurgens
Cover: Dan Jurgens & Brett Breeding
While it's certainly credit to Dan Jurgens being the writer on both this issue and Justice League America #69, I quite enjoy the way this issue picks up directly where that one left off. This one even has a much better, more prominent notice that it picks up from that issue, urging readers to stop reading now and go read that first (a handy sort of thing since these two issues were apparently on sale the same week…and with no actual chapter numbers on the covers, it'd be easy to go straight to Superman first, and plan to then read Justice League America).
We get a lot more of Mitch in this issue…in fact, to a certain degree, this issue is about Mitch and his "encounter" with the Justice League and Superman!
We open on Ice and Maxima with the nearly-lifeless body of Ted Kord–Blue Beetle. Ice has no means by which to get Ted to a hospital, while Maxima does…though she wants to just stay and fight, though the Beetle will perish. Ice eventually convinces her to get Ted to a hospital, while she (Ice) confronts the creature. Nearby, Mitch arrives home from school and argues with his mom. As he's about to leave again, a battered Ice is thrown through the window into their kitchen, moments before Superman and Booster Gold show up, confronting the creature…as it gets its name, thanks to Booster's comment to Superman in Justice League America #69. "What was it you called, this, Booster? Oh yeah–Doomsday." Superman and what remains of the League fight the creature, eventually combining energy projections to try to take it out…though all they really do is make the creature more dangerous and themselves largely defenseless…they've burned away most of the restraining suit and cables (releasing Doomsday's 'til-now-restrained-behind-his-back other arm). As the creature leaps off, Superman follows…forcing himself to ignore the pleas from Mitch as the house burns and lives there remain in dire danger.
I think I'm always "amazed" by the end of this issue, of seeing Superman consciously ignoring a cry for help. It's a horrible position he's in, though–stop chasing Doomsday and risk lots of lives lost by turning back to help three people, or ignore them (with hope that someone else back there can do something) to try to bring the creature down at once. And while it's heart-wrenching to contemplate, I tend to find that I fall in the camp of agreeing with Superman's decision here. Of course, I know what comes next, and the final decision he makes (Showing among many, many things why he's Superman and I'm not).
Visually, I definitely like this issue. A lot of that–certainly in retrospect–is Dan Jurgens' art. He's a definitive artist on Superman for me, starting here for sure (to say nothing of #75!) I'm not as much a fan of the cover, though…it seems a bit busy and generic, with Superman himself hardly a part of it. Of course, at the same time, it's a far cry more to my liking than many modern covers, as it shows something from the issue without just being a lifted panel or such: Ice, Booster, and Maxima don't fare well against the creature, and Fire and Guy do add their energy output to Superman's heat vision against the creature, who basically stands there and takes it.
Perhaps my biggest thing is that–to this day, all these years later–I have never been able to figure out how the knee spikes and elbow spikes were concealed in the green suit!
As we get deeper into the Doomsday! arc, it feels less and less likely that anyone would really have any reason to be reading an issue "in a vacuum" without context of the other issues. All the more now, 25 years later, where the story has been available as a collected edition or "graphic novel" for nearly the 25 years…so really, who's likely TO read this as some lone one-off issue?
If Man of Steel #18 felt like it would've been a better prologue than actual part of the story, this issue feels like a direct extension of Justice League America #69. The art on the two issues are different, but in some ways not overly noticeable, and these play like both Justice League guest-starring Superman or Superman guest-starring the Justice League…as they should.
I certainly would not recommend seeking this out as a single issue in a void…but it's an interesting "middle chapter" as the action ramps up and we definitely see the creature as something more than what can simply be handled in an issue or two, or even BY a combined group of super-beings. And of course, it's essential to the overall arc, and not something to skip over reading a collected edition!
Filed under: 2017 Posts, 2017 Reviews, The '90s Revisited, The Death of Superman Revisited | Tagged: 1992, Brett Breeding, Comic Reviews, Dan Jurgens, DC Comics, Doomsday, Doomsday: The Death of Superman, Glenn Whitmore, Jennifer Frank, John Costanza, Mike Carlin, Superman, The Death of Superman |	Leave a comment »
The '90s Revisited: Justice League America #69
Down for the Count
Story and Art: Dan Jurgens
Finished Art: Rick Burchett
Letters: Willie Schubert
Colors: Gene D'Angelo
Asst. Editor: Ruben Diaz
Editor: Brian Augustyn
Cover: Dan Jurgens
I may have read this issue before all of the other Doomsday! issues back in 1992…in fact, I'm almost certain that I did. I then reread it when reading the entirety of the Doomsday! arc the night Superman #75 came out.
This is another issue with a fairly iconic, if generic/plain cover, to me. The fade from the deep, almost purple red across the other shades (a gradient is the word I'm probably looking for) as the background eliminates any sort of buildings, trees, other stuff, and leaves us just to focus on the Doomsday creature punching the Blue Beetle as Bloodwynd, Fire, Booster Gold, and Guy Gardner struggle against it. (And this time around I'd swear is the first in all these 25 years that I really noticed the huge gashes in the side of Blue Beetle's headgear from the creature's strike!) And of the various chapters of this story, this issue is one I feel I've least seen in bargain bins over the years–even less than Superman #75 itself!
The first page has a call-out/blurb at the bottom directing readers to Man of Steel #18 first, though for me, it's hard not to have started reading the page before seeing that, as it's positioned at the bottom, and I start reading at the top, so I'm already through a page of dialogue (granted, a full-page/single image) before getting to it, and thus already slightly "hooked" into the action.
We open on the Justice League in action rescuing people–victims from Doomsday's having torn up a freeway in Ohio (incidentally, based on details in the novelization The Death and Life of Superman–a stretch of freeway I myself used to drive to and from work!). While they're dealing with the rescue and cleanup, a parallel thread for the issue is picked up–an episode of the Cat Grant Show being filmed at a high school and broadcast to the country, wherein Cat is interviewing Superman live, as well as questions from the students in attendance. This is interspersed with the League then tracking down the creature–following its path of destruction–and engaging it in a battle that leaves the Justice League itself far worse for wear, and Guy horribly beaten and Ted Kord–Blue Beetle–all but dead. At the end, Booster Gold barely gets his force field up in time to take a massive punch from the creature that sends him flying far away from the scene at a speed that overwhelms his flight ring. His flight is cut short by the arrival of Superman, at which point Booster exclaims that "It's like Doomsday is here!"
The issue's story has a lot of little moments, and some of those stick out all the more to me 25 years later, looking back. Seeing Maxima as part of the League, for one thing–I'd only really known her from an issue of Action Comics several years earlier. I believe this was my first introductions to most of the other characters–Bloodwynd, Booster Gold, Fire and Ice, and Blue Beetle. I'd already had Guy Gardner #1 a couple months earlier and knew/recognized Guy from the Eclipso: The Darkness Within annual where he'd tangled with the eclipsed Superman (any of the other Leaguers would have been inconsequential background characters to me for the most part). I remember the interview with Cat, the creature spearing Beetle's bug with the tree, Maxima mind-probing ahead and declaring of the creature "He's hate–death and blood lust personified! Nothing more." I also think I remember even then being amazed that Beetle and Guy could have survived the creature's attack, given the on-panel beatings both took; though Guy at least ostensibly was protected by his ring, where Beetle had no such protection, and was in a coma from here and forward for a number of issues.
The art is quite good, and as with Man of Steel #18, part of that is nostalgia…though I think I like this a bit better. We start to see a bit more of the creature as the green, cabled suit takes some damage (on the cover, anyway!), and the art also seems both consistent with the characters and a bit definitive for me given the times I re-read this as a kid, and as a "source" issue for me in referencing some of the characters for the first time.
While this doesn't exactly stand alone and definitely continues from the events of Man of Steel #18 and continues directly into Superman #74, as a single chapter of the Doomsday! arc, it works much better alone than the previous chapter…at least for me. Picking up with the creature already loose, and showing the League "playing catch-up" themselves allows the reader to be on the same footing, if nothing else…and the final page where Superman shows up kinda ends the threat being a League thing, as it becomes a Superman thing (and as the rest of the story plays out in the Superman titles, the League is relegated to a support status, as it should be for a story unfolding primarily in several titles technically starring only one main character).
This is hardly a complete story, but it does give us moments of Beetle discovering Bloodwynd's secret months before it was revealed to readers and fellow characters; this is where Beetle is actually injured (a subplot that continues into the next arc), and does serve as a rather "full" participation in the story for the League, as well as (maybe in a meta sense) illustrating also just how dangerous the creature was that it did so much damage to the League itself in just one issue!
I'd say this one's worth getting even alone, if you find it in a bargain bin, and certainly is an important chapter in the overall story (such that it really should have had an "honorary" "triangle number"…something that was bestowed on several tie-in titles years later for the Millennium Giants story). Though essentially just a "cameo," this is also where we first meet Mitch–a character that has a bit of a through line across this arc and the Funeral for a Friend/World Without a Superman stuff.
Filed under: 2017 Posts, 2017 Reviews, The '90s Revisited, The Death of Superman Revisited | Tagged: 1992, Bloodwynd, Blue Beetle, Booster Gold, Brian Augustyn, Comic Reviews, comics, Dan Jurgens, DC Comics, Death of Superman, Doomsday, Gene D'Angelo, Guy Gardner, Justice League, Justice League America, Maxima, Rick Burchett, Ruben Diaz, Superman, Willie Schubert |	Leave a comment »
Doomsday! part one
It's hard to believe it's been twenty five years since this issue was new! This cover remains one of the most iconic I can think of, certainly extremely recognizable at a glance for me. It's the cover that started things off for The Death of Superman saga, and has remained locked in memory for me ever since.
Unfortunately, though we get some scenes of Doomsday tearing up the landscape–first as he digs/punches his way up/out of the prison he was contained in and then starting to make his way wherever it is he's going (including squishing a random bird that landed upon his outstretched hand)–we have zero interaction between the creature and Superman himself…until the very end of the issue, no one even seems to know there's anything important starting at all. As such, it hardly seems like this ought to be the opening chapter…this could have been a prologue issue instead of the first chapter, even part of a multi-issue prologue/prelude thing (along with the Justice League America issue), leaving Superman #74 as the actual opening chapter. But then, that's the way I've been "conditioned" on modern comics to think, where "everything" is an event or an event prologue or there's an event leading into another event that's the prologue to the Really Big Event.
Instead, this issue is basically "just" another issue of Superman: The Man of Steel. The issue opens with Doomsday emerging from his confinement, then switches to the current moment in the ongoing continuity of the Superman titles. Interspersed with the creature's emergence, we have an orphan boy–Keith–trying to find his mom, as Lois Lane investigates a tip about a danger threatening Metropolis. Underworlders (rogue clones/creatures/monsters) allied with Warworld refugees (from the then-recent Panic in the Sky story) are preparing to invade Metropolis and take over. First they "steal" the city's electricity, then use a giant borer to tunnel to the surface with plans to have their war machines emerge from there. Keith sees Lois get captured and overhears her captors' reference to holding no prisoners, and realizes he won't find his mom this way. He manages to get Superman's attention by spraypainting a huge "S" in a parking lot and leads Superman to the captured lady reporter. A scuffle ensues between Superman and the Underworlders with predictable results (Superman wins). Doomsday having moved from squishing birds and breaking trees moves to traffic interference, which finally gets him noticed by someone (Oberon, a Justice League ally), which leaves us to continue into Justice League America #69.
While I just lamented the lack of Superman/Doomsday interaction, part of that is that I never liked the Underworlders stuff, so that makes for a rather boring and "out there" story for me. On a technical level, though, this works quite well in that everything about Doomsday comes outta nowhere, as he should be just some other creature (perhaps akin to an Underworlder) and this is supposed to be just another day for Superman/Clark, Lois, and everyone else. Nothing as significant as Superman's death is remotely a part of anyone's plans.
Though the Superman books all continued a story essentially as a single weekly comic (with four creative teams each handling a week a month), I've come to see a bit more distinction in stuff with the different titles…and one of those is the Underworlders being a "thing" for this title, Superman: The Man of Steel.
I don't care nearly as much for them, as said, which makes this (offhand) my least-favorite of the issues involved in this story. That's not to say it's a bad issue, but it doesn't interest me beyond the snippets of Doomsday.
The art also isn't my favorite, but it definitely hits some positive nostalgia for me as far as the appearance of all the characters. There's a visual style that's quite distinct to this title and this period, making it highly recognizable to me, and I wouldn't trade it out, given said nostalgia.
As an issue from this time and part of this story, of course the issue is a keeper…and it's totally etched into my personal history with comics and Superman, creating a bias that keeps me from being entirely impartial in terms of any review.
That said, in looking back across 25 years…I definitely would not recommend this issue as a stand-alone read. Taken only by itself in a vacuum, this is a boring issue, with the most interesting thing being the emergence of Doomsday itself. Of course, this is well worth getting if you want the entire "branded" story/set of Doomsday/The Death of Superman, and of course ought to be read if you're reading the story in collected edition format.
Filed under: 2017 Posts, 2017 Reviews, The '90s Revisited, The Death of Superman Revisited | Tagged: 1990s, 1992, Bill Oakley, Comic Reviews, DC Comics, Death of Superman, Denis Janke, Doomsday, Glenn Whitmore, Jennifer Frank, Jon Bogdanove, Louise Simonson, Man of Steel, Mike Carlin, Superman, Superman: The Man of Steel, The 90s |	Leave a comment »
The Mighty Thor #700 [Review]
The Blood of the Norns
Writer: Jason Aaron
Artists: Walter Simonson, Matthew WIlson, Russell Dauterman, Daniel Acuna, James Harren, Dave Stewart, Becky Cloonan, Das Pastoras, Chris Burnham, Ive Svorcina, Andrew MacLean, Jill Thompson, Mike Del Mundo, Olivier Coipel
Letterer & Production: VC's Joe Sabino
Cover Artists: Russell Dauterman & Matthew Wilson
Lenticular Cover: Stephanie Hans (based on the original cover of The Death of Captain Marvel by Jim Starlin)
Associate Editor: Sarah Brunstad
Editor: Wil Moss
Along with Cable #150, I think this was the issue I was truly most curious about, content-wise…and sadly, number-wise. It's a #700…I think Marvel's first. Much like Thor #500 was their first #500 issue back in the '90s. Then there's the lenticular cover, playing off of the classic The Death of Captain Marvel…one of my definite Starlin favorites with the whole Captain Marvel/Adam Warlock/Thanos/Infinity Gauntlet/cosmic stuff…a certain classic within my own life and time as a comics reader.
I certainly did not care for the higher price of this issue…but at least it's a singular issue/narrative (albeit with a number of art teams on its many segments) and not a regular-sized main story with a ton of pointless-ish "extras" and add-ins and such just to inflate the thing artificially. And getting the lenticular cover edition makes it feel a bit more like a special issue and certainly physically/tangibly feel like it's more worth its price. The quality of the lenticular effect is not good, though, with neither image particularly clear, though it seems the "classic" image is easier to see for backgrounds and title, while "Lady Thor" is fairly easy to see in the center.
Art-wise there's a bunch of folks on this issue, names both familiar and not to me, perhaps most familiar being Walter Simonson, or Walt Simonson…a classic, notable, significant creator in the history of Marvel's Thor title. Given that there's a lot of stuff happening all over the place–different settings, different times, different characters and types of characters–this issue actually benefits from a number of different art styles. While I don't much care for some stuff, I can't deny that overall, characters that I'd recognize look good in this issue, and even ones I don't. Where the art takes a less-classic or less-realistic turn, it still works with the context of the story segment.
The story itself is lengthy enough and all over the place enough that I'm not gonna try to summarize it in detail here. Plus, not being "up" on the last few years of the characters' stories outside of internet hearsay, I don't know that I'd get specifics correct as is. Essentially, there's a big attack happening that causes the knowledge of everyone's fate to be removed…now that no one knows what WILL happen, the possibilities are endless. In the course of this, we check in on a bunch of different Thors and Thor artifacts. I still can't get over this sense I get in reading this that "Thor" has become a "title" more than an actual NAME, and that's probably where I most balk at the last few years of what I've heard of things. THOR might somehow become unworthy to carry Mjolnir, but that shouldn't change that his NAME still IS Thor. Someone else might get the wield the hammer, but I don't get how THEY suddenly become THOR. Especially while the genuine god is still around. I don't know if it's the same name historically, but at least for this issue, I loved the name given to Throg: Simon Walterson, a play on Walter Simonson.
As said, I'm not "up" on the last few years of stuff, so I'm sure there's plenty throughout this issue to be appreciated that I don't, and that I didn't even notice, for that matter. That said, and all other complaints aside…I didn't really WANT to like this issue.
But I did like it.
I tend to hate when something feels just like an opening chapter of a bigger story, arbitrarily chopped up into issue-sized chunks. This issue probably gets away with that, then, because it's lengthier. And being a few days after I bought it, the price wasn't so fresh in my mind and I was just reading the story FOR the story. The extra pages, the story touching on a number of different characters…this just felt like that much bigger a chunk of story overall. It's by no means complete, but I didn't feel lost the way I thought I would, and didn't feel shortchanged when I got to the end of the issue. While this issue kicks off a presumably six-part The Death of The Mighty Thor, that and the lenticular cover are the only real references I picked up to a pending death, outside of the notion of Jane Foster's cancer, period, being a built-in timer o sorts.
I also definitely enjoyed the fact that "Odinson" was in the book…he may be "unworthy" but is still present and part of the story, so it's seeming (from this issue at least) like he's not been absolutely shunted out of his own book.
I really don't know if this is something ongoing readers would enjoy or not. I believe Aaron is the same writer that's been on the various titles the last few years, chronicling the ongoing Jane Foster Thor stories, and much of the art team(s) I suspect are from those titles…so this is probably pretty consistent with the overall story that's been unfolding. And I can't speak for other fans who have felt put-off by the changes and such.
But me? I enjoyed this issue far more than I expected or intended to. I don't know if this really falls into the Legacy headline or not, or if the inclusion of Odinson and other versions is simply TO fit into Legacy. But I'll actually consider picking up the next issue if it's not out on a huge week and there's no confusion over which cover is the standard cover (this issue's lenticular cover is marked as a variant, but due to marketing and hype, I consider the lenticular covers the main covers regardless of markings from the publisher).
Filed under: 2017 Posts, 2017 Reviews, MARVEL, Marvel Legacy | Tagged: 700, Andrew MacLean, Anniversary, Becky Cloonan, Blood of the Norns, Captain Marvel, Chris Burnham, comic books, Comic Reviews, comics, Daniel Acuna, Das Pastoras, Dave Stewart, Death of Captain Marvel, Ive Svorcina, James Harren, Jason Aaron, Jill Thompson, Jim Starlin, Joe Sabino, Legacy, Lenticular, MARVEL, Marvel Comics, Marvel Legacy, Matthew Wilson, Mighty Thor, Mike Del Mundo, Olivier Coipel, Russell Dauterman, Sarah Brunstad, Stephanie Hans, thor, VC, Walter Simonson, Wil Moss |	Leave a comment »