A Cool New Podcast I've Discovered

I stumbled across a new podcast while on PRX (The Public Radio Exchange) a few weeks back. It's called 'Imaginary Worlds', and it explores the genres of science fiction and fantasy, specifically how the genres are created and how we, the audience, are able to suspend our disbelief.

I'm really enjoying this podcast a lot. It explores these genres in a fresh way. It's not just two individuals discussing what they like or dislike about a particular subject. It's far more in depth. The creator of the podcast, Eric Molinsky, has a terrific interview with DC comic book writer Scott Snyder, in which they focus on Snyder's psychological take on Batman.

There's also a great features discussing how superhero customs are created, and how action figures influenced an entire generation of sci-fi and fantasy genre fans. If you are a fan of any of these types of topics, I cannot recommend Imaginary Worlds enough.

Pluto...In the Flesh so to Speak

www.nasa.gov

I can look at pictures of Pluto all day. NASA's official website has updated a ton of cool pictures. If you have a few hours to kill, I recommend you check them out.

The above picture by far is my favorite. And the New York Times put together a cool little video about New Horizons.

Look What Came in the Mail

A book I never thought I would read came in the mail today. Harper Lee, acclaimed author of one of the greatest pieces of American literature ever, released her second novel today. Entitled: Go Set a Watchman, the novel picks up the To Kill a Mockingbird story 20 years later.  It should be noted however that Go Set a Watchman was actually written before To Kill a Mockingbird.

There is much controversy regarding the release of this novel, which I will not get into on this posting. As a fan of Lee, I am incredibly excited to begin reading this new story.

Superman: Truth. An Intriguing Storyline Idea

www.newsarama.com

I've been on a comic/graphic novel kick. Thus far this year I've read 4 out of the 8 volumes of John Byrne's run on Superman during the 1980s, IDW's complete series run (9 volumes total) on the Ghostbusters, and the legendary Green Arrow/Green Lantern cross over from the 1970s. I can't get enough of it. Needless to say I've been on the outlook for any story lines that may catch my eye.

About two weeks ago, I read that DC is revamping Superman. I must admit when I first read this I thought to myself: "Not this again". However as I read more about it, the more intrigued I became. The story line is entitled: "Truth" and it tells the tale of Superman losing majority of his powers, AND more importantly his secret identity being exposed by none other than..... Lois Lane.

This seemed like something new for me, and so this past weekend I went to my local area comic book stores to find the first four issues that compose the beginning arch of this story. I can only say this, they are FANTASTIC!! This story arch is doing an excellent job of examining what makes Superman, well, Superman. That it isn't the powers, but the man.

It is also exploring Superman's relationships with four key characters: Wonder Woman, Batman, the city of Metropolis (yes the city is a character), and most importantly Lois Lane. The reader doesn't know yet why Lois exposed Superman's secret identity of Clark Kent to the public yet (the story is being told non-linearly), but thus far it's doing an amazing job showcasing how these two characters depend on one another. Even after Lois does this drastic thing.

I cannot wait to see how this story ends.