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the f-bombs flowed like water [Jun. 1st, 2009|08:59 am]
[Current Mood | okay]

Pretty good weekend, all told.

Saturday was D&D day, Jeremy Crawford's ongoing campaign. The 4th-edition bard: best character class or bestest character class ever designed? Amazingly fun to play, flexible, versatile, fantastic synergy with all other classes.

Saturday night Bill and I saw a talk/Q&A with chefs Anthony Bourdain and Mario Batali, where the aforementioned f-bombs did indeed flow freely. Great fun. They're pretty much exactly as you see them on tv, affable and profane and thoroughly in love with food and all things related to food. Enjoyable all around.

Sunday we got out to see Up, which was astonishing. Sad and funny and surprisingly bittersweet. Pixar just keeps getting better. Don't miss it.
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ECCC [Apr. 7th, 2009|08:18 am]
[Current Mood | busy]

Emerald City is turning into a perfectly respectable comic con. Still not quite enough for a two-day pass unless you're really into panels and standing on lines for celebrity signings, but good for a solid day of comic geekery. Of course I have no sales resistance for comics, and therefore acquired:

* a handful of backissue comics
* the latest PS238 and Courtney Crumrin trades
* the Mouse Guard RPG, because David Petersen was so nice
* a Serenity t-shirt
* two statues because BUY ONE GET ONE FREE is like shiny crack: the Bowen Black Panther bust that's been impossible to find for years, and a Mouse Guard statue because mice with swords, 'nuff said.

As usual had much less time than desired talking with comics folks. Still, good times ahead: Between Greg Rucka's upcoming run on Detective and Eric Trautmann's JSA vs. Kobra, the monthly pile of DC comics is going to be a whole lot more appealing.
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change of plans [Apr. 3rd, 2009|08:32 am]
[Current Mood | okay]

Emerald City just on Sunday, looks like--going with a bunch of other WotC folks. We'll be easy to spot, traveling in a pack.

Works out, 'cause that gives me time on Saturday to sort comics (the neverending task) and make a wishlist. Sort of hoping there's no half-price trades booth, my downfall....
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no foolin' [Apr. 1st, 2009|03:19 pm]
[Current Mood | meh]

Wait, Emerald City is *this* weekend? Year, you go too fast.

Thinking of going both days this time. I don't think there's really enough con for a two-day attendance, but maybe I can sit in on a few more panels. And it's mostly a chance to walk around with congenial folks, anyway.

See you there?
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(no subject) [Mar. 17th, 2009|08:46 am]
[Current Mood | busy]

I loved the hell out of Watchmen.

That is all.
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(no subject) [Mar. 11th, 2009|03:59 pm]
[Current Mood | twitchy]

Been awhile for this. (Last June? Really? Apologies, neglected journal!)

Comics what is still good:

1. Fables
2. Secret Six (*flaily hands!* !!. !!!!)
3. Captain America
4. Immortal Iron Fist
5. Incredible Hercules
6. Thor
7. Thunderbolts
8. Nova
9. Guardians of the Galaxy
10. Stephen King translation/expansion books (Dark Tower, The Stand)

All-Star Superman is over. X-Men First Class is over. Nightwing and Robin are over. Stop ending the good books, dammit.

Take a look at that list. ONE (superhero) DC property; Final Crisis was not kind. Oh, sure, I'm buying a lot more than the above. And very much looking forward to things like, say, Greg Rucka's run on Action. Still good: Dini's Detective issues when it's not a crossover; Gail Simone's Wonder Woman; Brave and the Bold sometimes; Jack of Fables and Ex Machina are still worthy. But as a DC fan, I'm more than a little disenchanted at the moment.

Also note that all of the good Marvel books have nothing at all to do with Secret Invasion Reigns.

Burned out on events much? Yep.


More fun: Got tickets to see Bourdain and Batali at the Paramount. Food nerdity ftw!
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(no subject) [Jan. 30th, 2009|01:09 pm]
[Current Mood | still freezing]

Got to play with my respec'ed wizard last night, having reconfigured her using options from the forthcoming Arcane Power. (Ahhh, early-use perqs.) I'm *extremely* happy with how she turned out. The [REDACTED] feat and the [REDACTED] feat give her an enormous amount of battlefield control, and the 5th-level [REDACTED] spell might be the best thing in control magic ever. But since AP isn't out I can't go into details.

Instead, my 11th-level eladrin warlord from Chris Perkins' Iomandra campaign:

( Read more... )
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as if there were any doubt [Jan. 30th, 2009|12:24 pm]
[Current Mood | Friday]


NerdTests.com says I'm a Nerd Queen. Click here to take the Nerd Test, get nerdy images and jokes, and talk to others on the nerd forum!
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balance... [Jan. 21st, 2009|08:37 am]
[Current Mood | melancholy]

...not all it's cracked up to be.

Yesterday we inaugurated a new president, one that I can contemplate without fear and loathing. It’s a nice change. He has a long hard road ahead of him, as do we all, but the fact that he inspires hope and optimism goes a long, long way toward making that journey easier.

Yesterday I also got some news about an acquaintance of mine*, a friend of a friend. I’ve met T-- briefly in passing; she’s a lovely young woman who has a valuable service career, a loving husband, a beautiful young son, and a brain tumor.

It would be hypocritical to ask for prayers, since I don’t pray. But good thoughts never go amiss, and if you’re wafting good vibrations toward our new president, spare one for a stranger as well.


* No, no one from Wizards, or even in this state. As terrifying and improbable as it sounds, I do know one or two people outside of work.
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and to all, a better year [Jan. 6th, 2009|09:48 am]
[Current Mood | busy]

Back at work and already a little overwhelmed with the volume. You'd think the Snowpocalypse (and being trapped in the house for a week and a half before the official vacation) would have been enough, but on Sunday night when a few flakes came down I admit to a small fleeting wish for One More Day Off. Apparently I haven't quite killed my hands enough with Warcraft yet, although I worked hard at it. But there's far too much on my desk and really, none of us can afford any more time off, official or otherwise.

Things What I Read, 2008 Edition
(reread)

Torchwood: Border Princes, Dan Abnett
Grant Morrison: The Early Years, Timothy Callahan
No Reservations, Anthony Bourdain
Heroes: Saving Charlie, Aury Wallington
Queen and Country: Operation Red Panda, Greg Rucka
Daredevil: Hell to Pay, Ed Brubaker
League of Extraordinary Gentlemen: The Black Dossier, Alan Moore
(The New Frontier Absolute Edition), Darwyn Cooke (worth it for the additional material and annotations)
Torchwood: Another Life, Peter Anghelides
Sandman Mystery Theatre v5: Dr. Death and The Night of the Butcher, Matt Wagner
Torchwood: Slow Decay, Andy Lane
Grendel: Past Prime, Greg Rucka
Heroes v.1, collected webcomics, various
Pandora, a Death Jr. manga, Hai!
Scardown, Elizabeth Bear
The Question: Zen and Violence, Denny O'Neil
Criminal v1: Coward, Ed Brubaker
Small Favor, Jim Butcher
New X-Men Omnibus, Grant Morrison
Furies of Calderon, Jim Butcher
Academ's Fury, Jim Butcher
Cursor's Fury, Jim Butcher
Worldwired, Elizabeth Bear
Iron Man novelization, Peter David
Captain's Fury, Jim Butcher
Indiana Jones and the Temple of the Crystal Skull, James Rollins
Batman Unauthorized, edited by Denny o'Neil
Dork Decade, John Kovalic
World War Hulk, Greg Pak
Incredible Hulk novelization, Peter David
(Empire of Ivory), Naomi Novik
Haunted Knight collection, Jeph Loeb
Gotham Knight novelization, Louise Simonson
Victory of Eagles, Naomi Novik
New Amsterdam, Elizabeth Bear
Adam Ant: Stand and Deliver, the Autobiography, Adam Ant
Little Brother, Cory Doctorow
(Watchmen), Alan Moore
(The Long Halloween), Jeph Loeb
Sandman Mystery Theatre v6: Hourman and The Python, Matt Wagner
Dark Knight novelization, Denny O'Neil
The Question v. 2: Poisoned Ground, Denny O'Neil
Quantico, Greg Bear
Umbrella Academy: The Apocalypse Suite, Gerard Way
The Sinestro Corps War vol. 1, Geoff Johns
The Sinestro Corps War vol. 2, Geoff Johns
Torchwood, The Twilight Streets
Dead Man's Boots, Mike Carey
Legion of Super-Heroes Archives vol. 1
Legion of Super-Heroes Archives vol. 2
The Legion Companion
Legion of Super-Heroes Archives vol. 3
Legion of Super-Heroes Archives vol. 4
Teenagers from the Future, edited by Timothy Callahan
Dust, Elizabeth Bear
Nobody Gets the Girl, James Maxey
PS 238: Extraterrestrial Credit, Aaron Williams
The Middleman: The Collected Series Indispensibility, Javier Grillo-Marxuach
Best of the Legion Outpost
The Graveyard Book, Neil Gaiman
Down and Out in the Magic Kingdom, Cory Doctorow
Interworld, Neil Gaiman and Michael Reaves
The Dresden Files: Welcome to the Jungle, Jim Butcher
Feasting on Asphalt: The River Run, Alton Brown
Torchwood: Something in the Water, Trevor Baxendale
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, illustrated, Fitzgerald adapted by DePhillipis and Weir
The Last Days of Krypton, Kevin J. Anderson

Fell in love with Elizabeth Bear wholesale, and I have the rest of her books on the shelf waiting their turns. Otherwise a lot of the usual: comics-related, media-related, Authors I Love.

First book read of 2009: His Majesty's Elephant, Judith Tarr. I've collected all of Tarr's books since being entranced with her The Hound and the Falcon trilogy back in college. This is one from her back catalog--I finally got a copy, and fell right back into the very familiar cadence and comfortable storytelling style. YA book, short read, recommended.

Currently reading: another Torchwood novel; Teen Titans Showcase vol 2 (oh, the crack, Bob Haney); and I really want to take a run at Chabon's Policeman's Union and those Bear books soon.
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yes, we did [Nov. 5th, 2008|12:46 pm]
I walked around in such a haze of depression after the last election that I couldn't talk about this one until it was over. The fact that this one was over so swiftly--and so decisively--was as much a relief as anything.

Two (or more) steps forward: President Obama. Gregoire retains the governor's mansion. Anti-abortion measures defeated elsewhere. And here in Washington, it's lethal drugs for everyone! Hurrah! and also? PRESIDENT OBAMA. I'm almost more pleased/astonished/overwhelmed about what that says to the rest of the world as what it means to us.

One step back: aka "well, the black guy's okay, but we still hate the gays." California, Arizona, Florida, Arkansas: You're on notice. What a fucking disgrace. This is our next big battle, and when it comes to Washington, I'll be out on the street corners following Stan!'s good example.

But in the meantime: wow, yeah. Pretty damn historic, and not just for the obvious reason. It's like being given leave to have hope again. I'm gonna take a few days to roll around in that before reality sets in again.
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NOW I AM GOING TO TELL YOU ABOUT MY CHARACTER. [Sep. 26th, 2008|11:23 am]
[Current Mood | busy]

Or one of them, at least. Because it's Friday, and I've been working on Player's Handbook 2 nonstop, and my brain has melted.

For Bill Slavicsek's Thursday night game: Kathra, the 8th-level dwarf wizard/cleric.

( so much geek )
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O HAI [Jun. 30th, 2008|02:13 pm]
[Current Mood | working]

(Meant to post this Friday. oops!)

Comics what is still good:

1. All-Star Superman (on months that it's out, and when it ends, I will cry)
1. Fables
2. Detective (Dini's issues)
3. Captain America
4. Wonder Woman
5. Immortal Iron Fist
6. Brave and the Bold
7. Thunderbolts
8. Trinity
9. X-Men First Class
10. Thor

(+ Daredevil, in trades. But like Captain America and Immortal Iron Fist, it's full of Brubaker goodness.)

Changes since last time: Loved Cooke's The Spirit, but Aragones's hasn't hit the right spot. And Checkmate is over. Ellis's Thunderbolts should have been on the list all along; no one else could have made me enjoy reading about psychopaths quite as much. Trinity replaces Superman, one Busiek book for another. And slow pace or not, Thor wins a spot for the heavy mythological take.

Other Marvel yay: Nova and Guardians of the Galaxy are ridiculously good. Abnett and Lanning, keep doing that. The Dark Tower translation/expansion is tremendous. Ms. Marvel is still reaching for greatness and not quite getting there. The Twelve remains worthwhile, though if you haven't started, wait for the trade. Still love Runaways, even on an inconstant schedule. Incredible Hercules has been a surprise standout.

Other DC yay: Tiny Titans AW YEAH!!!! (And Titans Year One, too.) Morrison's Batman has moments and, like most Morrison, will read better in retrospect. Final Crisis ditto. Nightwing is still good! Tomasi isn't doing hugely innovative work, but Nightwing is competent again, and that's long overdue. Dixon's Robin has been quite enjoyable, so naturally that means he's out on his ass. (I don't agree with Dixon on all things--on a lot of things, really--but his Tim Drake has always been the best.) Shooter's Legion of Super-Heroes is giving me double vision, but it's swell. Manhunter is back! It's never been the *best* book, but its interestingly flawed hero is compelling.

***

We has new kittehs! (Oh, relax, I'm not going to subject anyone to endless cat pictures. Even if they are the cutest kittens in the world, omg.) We adopted two kittens a couple of weeks ago; older cat Pooh is still dubious, but they all seem to be getting along okay. Little black cat with a white bib Neo (wears black, thinks the world revolves around him) and little gray tabby Mouse (gray, likes to hide; also, Harry Dresden's dog and, coincidentially, another Matrix reference) are ruling the house, disturbing our sleep, and inflicting kitten scratches of love all over. Just as it should be.

***

Huh. Well, I meant to Tell You About My 4th Edition Character(s), like every nerd on the internet, but the week got away from me. As it does.

Next time! Do not hold breath.
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(no subject) [Apr. 14th, 2008|09:01 am]
[Current Mood | Monday]

Read the new Dresden book, Small Favor, over the weekend. I liked it better than the last one--and, as always, Harry is an utter dork. *heart!*

Bit that left me terribly, nay, even violently amused: ( cut for your protection )
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(no subject) [Mar. 5th, 2008|03:02 pm]
[Current Mood | pensive]

I just spent some hours going through the last galleys of the 4th Edition Player's Handbook. They bit me and I bled. Fitting, that.

It looks fantastic. I'm biased, granted. But. I have a proudness.

And though everyone else said it faster and better, nevertheless: Thanks, Gary. I wouldn't have had a career--much less one this satisfying and enjoyable--without you. Wouldn't have had a *life* this satisfying and enjoyable, for that matter.

Not "just a game." Ever. Thank you.
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palate cleanser [Feb. 20th, 2008|03:40 pm]
Lists are therapeutic. The hot comics list this month:

1. All-Star Superman (on months that it's out)
1. Fables
2. Detective (Dini's issues)
3. Wonder Woman (Simone FTW)
4. Checkmate (....*sniff*)
5. Captain America
6. Immortal Iron Fist
7. Superman
8. Brave and the Bold
9. Flash
10. X-Men First Class (so. CUTE)

(+ Daredevil, which I buy in trades. But like Captain America and Immortal Iron Fist, it's full of Brubaker goodness.)

Changes since last time: Loved Cooke's The Spirit, but can subsequent authors sustain it? It's off the list until I know for sure. And Welcome to Tranquility is over. Sigh.

Other Marvel yay: Nova is ridiculously good. Who knew? I like The Order, but that's cancelled too, go figure. The Dark Tower translation is tremendous. Ms. Marvel is still reaching for greatness and not quite getting there. Ellis makes me enjoy psychopathic Thunderbolts. First two issues of The Twelve intrigued. And slow pace or not, I still like Thor.

Other DC yay: Tiny Titans AW YEAH!!!! (And Titans Year One, too.) Salvation Run is wrongfully entertaining. Morrison's Batman has moments. Nightwing is good again! I sort of can't believe it and I'm afraid to jinx it by saying so. Shooter's Legion of Super-Heroes is giving me double vision, but it's swell. Lots of other stuff that falls in the "okay, not GREAT" category, but I have to get back to work now.
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skip this post [Feb. 20th, 2008|02:25 pm]
As with all things of this kind, it's not for you. It's for me.

( this was my cat )
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(no subject) [Feb. 15th, 2008|03:24 pm]
[Current Mood | Friday]

Oh. Hi, neglected journal.

Update: another time.

Instead: a list.

A librarian friend of mine keeps showing off her list of current books read. I thought that was a cool idea, so I kept track last year.

2007 books
Really a very short list. I blame Warcraft. And 4th Edition. OTOH, a number of long plane rides and enforced periods without internets made up for some of the pixel-addiction. In retrospect it seems ridiculous to list graphic novel trades and not the thousands (yes) of individual issue comics read over the year, but there you go.

(Reread) I reread things a lot, especially when I want to refresh my memory before a sequel or media adaptation.

The Best of the Spirit, Will Eisner
Sandman Mystery Theater v4: The Scorpion, Matt Wagner
PS 238 v3: No Child Left Behind, Aaron Williams
Catwoman: The Life and Times of a Feline Fatale, Suzan Colon
(Perfect Dark: Initial Vector), Greg Rucka
Perfect Dark: Second Front, Greg Rucka
(My Enemy, My Ally), Diane Duane
(The Romulan Way), Diane Duane
(Swordhunt), Diane Duane
The Empty Chair, Diane Duane
The Devil You Know, Mike Carey
Vicious Circle, Mike Carey
The Good Fairies of New York, Martin Millar
(Proven Guilty), Jim Butcher
The Man Who Ate Everything, Jeffery Steingarten
White Night, Jim Butcher
(Blood Price), Tanya Huff
Ysabel, Guy Gavriel Kay
(Blood Hunt), Tanya Huff
Daredevil: The Devil, Inside and Out, Ed Brubaker
Wonder Woman: The Greatest Stories Ever Told, Marston et al
Huntress: Dark Knight Daughter, Paul Levitz
Gloomcookie, Serena Valentino and Ted Naifeh
It Must Have Been Something I Ate, Jeffery Steingarten
Mouse Guard: Fall 1152, David Petersen
Rats Saw God, Rob Thomas
(Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, JK Rowling) [skim-reread]
Neptune Noir: Unauthorized Investigations into Veronica Mars (Smart Pop series), Rob Thomas et al
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, JK Rowling
Helltown [DC Universe], Denny O'Neil
Soon I Will Be Invincible, Austin Grossman
Jack Kirby's Fourth World Omnibus, Vol. 1, Jack Kirby
(Stardust), Neil Gaiman
(Keeper), Greg Rucka
(Finder), Greg Rucka
(Smoker), Greg Rucka
(The Golden Compass), Phillip Pullman [audio book]
Devil's Cape, Rob Rogers [ARC]
(Shooting at Midnight), Greg Rucka
(Critical Space), Greg Rucka
Daredevil: The Devil, Inside and Out v2, Ed Brubaker
Grimm Fairy Tales, Ralph Tedesco [not recommended]
Television Without Pity: 752 Things We Love to Hate (and Hate to Love) About TV, Tara Ariano and Sarah D. Bunting
Patriot Acts, Greg Rucka
Spin, Robert Charles Wilson
Greywalker, Kat Richardson
Blood and Iron, Elizabeth Bear
Whiskey and Water, Elizabeth Bear
PS238 v4: Not Another Learning Experience!
(His Majesty's Dragon), Naomi Novik
(Throne of Jade), Naomi Novik
(Black Powder War), Naomi Novik
Empire of Ivory, Naomi Novik
(The Subtle Knife), Phillip Pullman [audio book]
Hammered, Elizabeth Bear


2008
4th Edition still devouring all reading time, so a pathetic list to date:

Torchwood: Border Princes, Dan Abnett
Grant Morrison: The Early Years, Timothy Callahan
No Reservations, Anthony Bourdain
Heroes: Saving Charlie, Aury Wallington

Currently flipping between: Scardown, Elizabeth Bear; Heroes, collected webcomics; Torchwood: Another Life

On top of towering pile: last Daredevil trade; League of Extraordinary Gentlemen: The Black Dossier; Queen and Country: Operation Red Panda

In conclusion: if it's comics or superhero-related, I read it. Not much room in brain for other material, barring work from the couple of authors I follow obsessively. I would make a resolution to elevate my material, but you know what? My free time, my melted brain. The underwear perverts* make me happy. So there.

*[tm Warren Ellis]

Friday, why aren't you over yet?
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(no subject) [Dec. 21st, 2007|03:12 pm]
[Current Mood | giddy]

uh!

hello!

I've been a little busy.

*lapses into hysterical giggling*

ahem. The Player's Handbook just went into Kim Mohan's (the managing editor) most capable hands. That doesn't mean I'm done working on it, not by a long shot. I'm going to be reviewing every inch of it over our winter "break," and diving into the Dungeon Master's Guide as well.

I'll sleep in...March. Let's say March. March sounds good.

(I'm a little. manic. maybe a lot.)

I've very, very proud of the work that my fellow editor Jeremy Crawford and I have done on the PH. It's a great system, a great book, and I can't wait until everyone else gets to experience the D&D we've been playing for a few months now. It's ALL NEW! And ALL DIFFERENT! And yet, as the French guy says, Ze game remainz the zame.

I owe some of you communications! And possibly hugs and kittens. And possibly I should stop typing now, because seriously, incoherence is close.
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woot! [Oct. 26th, 2007|03:33 pm]
[Current Mood | giddy]

If you can brave the Gleemax boards (I know, I know), I posted about getting my name on a cover for the first time HERE.

(See? SEE?)

It's pretty awesome, I must admit. :)
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