The Comic Book Collection by Kernie

[Darksaber]

Really good looking cover, curious to see the Flashpoint Paradox and if they do lead this into the new 52 or if it's just a one off story

Thanks again Kernie for your hard work

[Punisherchad]

Retail specs for Oblivion are out, just fyi.

[Kernie]

Just got back from Man of Steel. I went in with mild expectations and a determination to keep an open mind, having purposefully avoided most of the trailers, clips, and spoilers... and I must say that I was rather disappointed. There was decent action that was hampered by overly-kinetic camera moves, selective application of physics, and a blatant disregard for property damage in Metropolis. The story bogged itself down with some crap about a codex, terraforming, a world engine, and the most elaborate Pin Art toys ever seen.

I'm starting to see a trend of pretension amongst DC films. "The Dark Knight Rises," "Man of Steel," "Superman Returns," "Green Lantern," and even "Watchmen" all seemed to emit a tone of "look how serious we're taking ourselves." While some of those are better films than others, I rarely find myself eager to re-watch most of them. It wouldn't hurt if they injected a bit more fun, wonder, and entertainment into their films as well... you know, something that makes a second viewing less of a obligatory healthy salad and more of a guilty greasy burger.

If this is the starting pistol for a DC Cinematic Universe that will culminate in a Justice League film, I'm not giddy with anticipation. Underwhelmed and a bit confused were not the first two feelings I hoped to have while leaving the theater today.

Just needed to rant for a bit, since I'm still trying to sort through my thoughts on this flick. If you agree, I'd love to hear your thoughts as well... if you disagree, well... I'm actually even more interested in hearing those thoughts. I wanted to really like this movie, possibly even love it... but I'm just not feeling it right now.

You thoughts?

[RookerDesigns]

Action was so fun to watch, and the CG looked believable. I agree about the buildings. Superman didn't care to think about the cost of damage and if people were in them.

Russell Crowe in the opening scene was one of my favorite parts. His fighting sequence was so fun and enjoyable, and reminded me of Gladiator. The star of the movie was Faora-Ul played by Antje Traue. She is General Zods sidekick. She kicked so much butt, and her fighting sequences were the most fun to watch. So overall I give this movie a solid 8 out of 10.

[Kernie]

Thanks for chiming in, Rooker!

I agree... the opening sequence on Krypton was well-done and because of his performance, I think I was far more invested in Russell Crowe's Jor-El than I was Cavill's Kal-El/Clark/Superman. I was also happy to see a non-ice-planet Krypton like the Donner films/Smallville version. On a conceptual level, I never liked the idea that Superman (who was a warm, bright, colorful hero) came from a grey, cold and lifeless planet. Apparently, Donner's Krypton was such an advanced civilization that it no longer needed a color wheel.

And I definitely second the motion that Faora stole the show. There was something very cold and menacing about her performance that really made her feel like the more believable villain. Zod got a little too cartoony at times. Faora's action scenes were pretty kick a$$ and she still managed to be sexy through it all.

[JollyRoger]

Man I'm so looking forward to actually watching this flick! Even with my expectations now somewhat dimmed I still long to see the new Superman, finally emerging out from under the cape of Reeve.

[RookerDesigns]

I loved the movie. Just could of been better. I will be buying it on Bluray for sure.

[JollyRoger]

Just bought ticlets for me & my girls for this friday night! Awesome!

[Kernie]

Good morning, choir... I've come to preach to you again. Before you begin reading this lengthy diatribe, please understand the tone of this message... I'm intending it to be about 50% serious, 50% humorous. I'm not really all that fired up about this topic, but I feel that it's that time of the year again when I must reiterate and vent some thoughts...

I've been receiving more e-mails/PM's with requests for the few covers that I have not yet been able to add to my collection, and once again I must ask that members please do not message me with requests.

I feel that I've been very diligent about adding new and old titles to this collection and that I have supplied a rather respectable amount of covers/labels in a relatively short amount of time. Thanks to the overwhelming support of the members here at HiRes, I've stayed motivated to keep going and continue expanding this ever-expanding collection. Personally, I love making these covers and I enjoy the process of designing, uploading, and reading the comments and feedback.

I love making this collection and I am fully aware of what titles are currently missing. If you are someone who feels the urge to PM with a request for the random, obscure title that is still absent from my set, please first ask yourself, 'Wouldn't someone who's dedicated so much of his free time towards this collection include this rare and obscure title if he could?" And my answer would be an emphatic "yes." I would LOVE to have this collection completely complete as much as you would... but there are reasons and factors beyond my control as to why certain titles have not yet been included. First and foremost, there are virtually NO sufficient resources for certain titles.

Take for instance, Swamp Thing: The Series... a relatively recent series that seems to have ZERO interesting or usable promotional images. If images and resources don't exist for a particular title... guess what's going to be a major obstacle towards making the cover? And don't even get me started on Power Pack... that failed TV pilot from 1991 about a bunch of kid superheroes. I get so many requests for that damn Power Pack. Seriously... how many of you requesting a cover for Power Pack have actually seen the pilot, much less own it on a non-bootleg DVD? Forget about the 400+ covers I have made... let's bug Kernie because f***in' Power Pack is missing! F*** Power Pack...

Again, I fully realize that I'm preaching to the members of the choir (especially since most PM's come from folks who are 'still looking for the forums'). Hopefully this rant gave you a laugh or two, because as a I said... I'm about half serious, half humorous on this subject. I don't really get too upset about requests anymore, I've gotten quite used to them, but I felt it might be good to reiterate the "please no requests" message again.

I also realize the irony that my "no requests" request is actually a request in and of itself, so I shall now find a mirror and berate myself. Thanks for reading!

[JollyRoger]

Good read kernie! Made me giggle big time! I know how you feel and would love to help, even tho I realize that it is not possible. New members can have rather many questions about almost anything, and naturally asks Moderators , so I can relate how the same amount of request-PMs can make you feel.

On the other hand, I guess that's the downside of being the HiRes Champ with all the glory that also comes with the title.

To the other members, I truly hope you took the time to at least get the message from the rather long post above -

Do not send requests by PM!