Antro PCs are not to be trusted. Hipsters have feelings, too. These are the first two things that I learned while reading through QC’s archives. While the AI angle was something that snagged my interest, I have an active bafflement of hipster culture that is only increasing over time.

And yet I didn’t close the tab. This wasn’t my usual kind of webcomic, but I kept reading through the archives. I still can’t tell you why.

I think that the facepalm was invented for Marten, and the headdesk for Faye.

I’m still reading. PintSize makes fewer and fewer appearances, and I’m fine with that. Every character that gets introduced is interesting, flawed, and filled to overflowing with hilarious quirks. Every. Single. One. Even characters that seem to be designed to be one-shot and/or throw-away are missed when they go away. I don’t think any of them have stayed away for long, though.

Also, mad props for introducing and sticking with a transgendered character

How does he update so often with so much awesome? Be ready to care about the AIs you meet. Be ready to give a shit about a bunch of hipsters.

But not about that shouting bird. Screw that guy.

I’ve never been much interested in the Justice League. Superman and Batman didn’t seem like believable teammates (despite their many sightings at an unnamed diner). Hunter raved about the cartoon, though, and even more about Unlimited.

And then there was the crossover with Batman Beyond. What is a nerd to do? I had to at least give it a try. Lo and behold, I am glad that I did.

It didn’t focus on the founding members any more than it needed to, nor did it focus on Metropolis or Gotham City or Central City more than any other place. I think they made more trips to Apokolips than anywhere else, and despite being a relative DC newbie, I wasn’t overly confused by boom tubes or the abundance of deity involvement in the modern world.

The writing was both slick and cohesive, and the animation was pleasing to the eye. The characters went as much beyond two-dimensional as comic book characters can (or, arguably, should), and the development wasn’t limited to the original founders.

And thanks to Wren, I always squee when I hear the voice of Jeffrey Combs.

My only complaint is the show’s cancellation. I should be used to that by now, you’d think.

In any case, it’s available on Netflix. Go watch it!

The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I’ve never had to set down a book because it was too unsettling.

Until now.

I had only put it down for a day, and plowed through it after that. The story was disturbing, amazing, and thought-provoking. I don’t know that I’d call it fun, though.

The ending is sad, and left me a little despondent. I’d hoped that this time would be the time that something different happened.

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The Absolute Death by Neil Gaiman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I didn’t think that it would be possible, but this was better than I remember. If you can get your hands on a copy, read it.

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Old Man’s War by John Scalzi

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I kept looking for a climax. I kept expecting the story to coalesce. I kept expecting the meaningful and emotional events to happen in a timed structure that would reveal a pattern in what was going on. My expectations were silly.

When I was nearing the end of the novel, I remembered that Scalzi was attempting to write in the style of Heinlein when he wrote this. I remembered that he had been congratulated on multiple occasions for achieving that goal. And then I remembered the only Heinlein book I’ve ever read, The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress. I say again, my expectations were silly.

Once I abandoned them, I was able to look back on my reading and notice that I had enjoyed every minute of it. As a self-described grumpy old man, I related to John Perry, and cared about what he was going through as he adapted to his new life and new surroundings. When he got thrown across the mess hall by special forces, I couldn’t stop myself from muttering, “Rut roh, Shaggy.” I now intend to track down the sequels, devour them, and get them signed, in whichever order presents itself.

While I didn’t have any problems putting the book down, I greatly enjoyed the ride.

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