Photo: Batman, Wonder Woman and Superman (Entertainment Weekly)

I remember how excited fans were for the movie Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. Especially when this picture of the characters: Batman, Wonder Woman and Superman from the movie were on the cover of Entertainment Weekly's July 2015 Special Comic-Con Double issue.

I'll be honest I wasn't that thrilled about seeing Batman v Superman especially after my disappointment after watching the movie Man of Steel. And not to mention the trailer for Batman v Superman didn't really sell me, however the teaser trailer initially did. Yet, there was something about this movie I was still excited to see and that was Wonder Woman. This was going to be the character's first appearance in a big screen live-action movie. And I couldn't wait to see it. But once I did, yeah, it was not the best.

Fans had been waiting for years to finally see these three characters on the big screen together. Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice should have been The Superhero movie instead all that potential was wasted. I will say the theatrical version of this movie had moments where it was good but it felt like they were trying to do too much in one movie. And edited out things that should have been included which is why I prefer the extended version of the movie. It's much better even though there is still too much happening but this version added more to the story. Anyway, I still love this cover photo from the magazine, I found the textless version to post.

Photography: Clay Enos for Entertainment Weekly Special Comic-Con Double issue (July 10th and 17th 2015)

Most Memorable Scene: Batman, Wonder Woman and Superman vs Doomsday

I may have my issues with Batman v Superman but I have to say I did find the fight between the DC Trinity (Batman, Wonder Woman and Superman) vs Doomsday to be very interesting. It was very exciting and action-packed. Despite having issues with each other, the trio did work pretty well together.

It's been a while since I've seen this movie but I do believe this was the first time in the movie we saw Wonder Woman. Because earlier in the movie that was just Diana who had long given up on humanity and had no desire to fight any more. But thankfully she returned because otherwise Batman would have been killed by Doomsday before Superman could get there. It goes without saying that Superman made the ultimate sacrifice to stop Doomsday. But as with comic book stories, that wasn't the end of Clark or Superman's story.

Side note, I love how this fight centers Wonder Woman and not to mention her theme song by Hans Zimmer and Junkie XL is mostly played throughout the scene.

Art of the Day: Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman (Batman v Superman)

I want to send out good health vibes to everyone during this health crisis. Please, protect yourselves (by taking care of yourselves) in order to better protect those who might be more vulnerable to the Coronavirus.

Take care everyone and don't forget to wash your hands.

Artwork: Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice by Jeremy Robert (JPRart)

Art of the Day: Wonder Woman and Lois Lane

Artwork: Wonder Woman and Lois Lane by Samantha Germaine Sim

Why didn't we get a fun scene like this in Batman v Superman for these two?

Art of the Day: Batman (Batman v Superman)

Artwork: Batman - Batman v Superman by Naitho

Nesting: Lois Lane and Clark Kent's Kitchen and Living/Dining Room (Batman v Superman)

I love watching movies and TV shows and not only for the stories but for the home decor inspiration. I like to see how the set decorator and designer create a space for the characters. In Batman v Superman, viewers got a look at Lois Lane and Clark Kent's apartment which I thought had a very cozy and lived in look.

Although it's small, this one bedroom apartment has an open layout which makes the place appear larger than it is. You can tell that they maximized every bit of space in this apartment. I love that their living room and kitchen area is filled with so much stuff from a mini workshop near the kitchen to various artwork, framed pictures and knick-knacks displayed throughout their home. I'm surprised they even have two TVs (and there probably is another one in the bedroom) within such a small space but I guess as reporters they need to stay informed on the latest news.

Question of the Day: Which Movie Soundtracks Do You listen to the Most?

I love movie soundtracks and as archaic as it might seem I also like to buy the CD whenever possible. It's just something about having a physical copy in a digital world. I have a lot of soundtracks and there are some I still haven't listen to yet: Justice League, Wonder Woman and Star War: The Last Jedi. But here are some of the ones I listen to the most:

Side Note: I know I've mentioned this before but why is there such a lack of women composers? This is why I can't wait to hear the Captain Marvel soundtrack because Pinar Toprak was selected as the composer.

Iron Man 3 by Brian Tyler
Captain America: The Winter Soldier by Henry Jackman

Fashion Meets Comics: Diana Prince (Batman v Superman)

One of the highlights of the Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice movie was Diana Prince's stunning wardrobe. I'm not usually one to wear white (it's far too easy to get dirty) but I love this suit Diana wears near the end of the movie. It's simple yet sophisticated and I thought it would be perfect for a Fashion Meets Comics post.

But since I don't have Warner Brothers' wardrobe budget to find a suit of this magnitude I found pieces that were both stylish and affordable.

You won't be able to take on Doomsday wearing this suit but you can show up to work or at an event looking stylish. Sometimes the simplest thing makes the biggest statement and this easy to put together look is built around four key pieces.

For this chic look, I paired a blazer with a dress and included a necklace and an effortless handbag. You can always add a charm bracelet and ring to the complete her look but I wanted to focus on the pieces that standout the most.

What do you guys think? Is this a good look I put together?

Lois Lane Friday: Lois Lane, Journalistic Integrity and the Current State of Journalism

In this day and age where you have Donald Trump, a hostile wannabe dictator elected President of the United States, who uses his power to not only bully the press but anyone else who he dislikes. It's very important that reporters and journalists not be afraid to report the news. That's one of the reasons why I like Lois Lane, although she maybe fictional, she has always been written as a tough as nails honest reporter who is not afraid to go after the criminals, no matter who they are. Journalistic integrity is important to her and she knows the power of her words and the responsibility that comes with it.

I think so many reporters and journalists have forgotten their responsibility. I also believe they have forgotten how to really investigate stories or simply don't want to lose their high profile cushy glamorous jobs (especially TV newscasters) to effectively report the news. When you have the Editor-in-Chief of the Wall Street Journal, stating that the newspaper will no longer call out Trump's lies but instead use something along the lines of euphemisms, it makes you wonder how is that providing accurate reporting. It maybe fictional but I can't imagine famed reporter and Editor-in-Chief Perry White saying that The Daily Planet will no longer call Lex Luthor's lies "lies". Seriously, this is ridicules, yes it is up to the reader to make their own conclusion but it's the job of the reporter to provide as much information as possible for the reader.

Reporters have always held an important place in our society of informing the public of the truth. But lately, in a rush to be the first to "report" the news or just simply regurgitating it, many journalists are forgoing fact checking let alone providing actual well researched stories resulting in the readers and viewers being shortchanged by inadequate reporting.

Which brings me to Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, it may not have been the best movie but one thing I thought was done well was Lois Lane investigating. She was the only character in that entire movie who used her brain to follow the clues to piece together Lex Luthor's plan, unlike the "heroes" Batman and Superman who were too busy being manipulated by Luthor to really do anything to stop him. No matter what obstacles she faced in being shut out of the investigation she continued to follow through on her leads. Lois never gave up in searching for the truth. Now while I found the journalism portion for Lois to be good it was a different story for Perry White and Clark Kent. Perry told Clark to drop his article about Batman. This version of Batman was extremely unstable and dangerous and used brutal tactics and reporting on a reckless vigilante seems like it would be a good article. But for some reason, the writing for this movie had Perry not understand the importance of what Clark was doing by trying to uncover clues about Batman but what was even more disappointing was Clark gave up without really fighting for the story.

And in a time where journalism is being attacked or the media is cowering down, I believe a lot of reporters are now going to have to truly fight for the truth in their stories especially if a newspaper or station has become complacent in how they report the news. It goes without saying that Lois Lane and The Daily Planet represent journalistic integrity. And it would be nice if some of their real life counterparts stood for that as well.

Gift Guide: Kids Gifts

Why does it seem like every year buying Christmas gifts for kids some how amounts to a lot of stress and trying to get the latest gifts? To make it easier for you I put together this affordable guide, I picked several items that range in categories from Home to Toys that should make for a delightful gift for kids.

This is just the first of several Gift Guide for Kids, be on the lookout for more. 

Mini Pear Nightlight                           $15.00                 MoMA Store (store.moma.org)

Lois Lane Friday: In Praise of the Promotion of Lois Lane for Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice

Although it's been several months since the theatre and DVD/Blu-ray release of Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. I thought it would be great to write about the promotion Lois Lane received for the movie.

But first I want to discuss how the character was promoted for Man of Steel. I remember when that movie was being promoted three years ago, there were numerous posters that were made. However, I found it strange that Lois Lane didn't get one poster. My feelings aside for that movie, Lois Lane was an important character in the film yet DC Comics and Warner Bros. didn't even bother to get a poster made for her. Last year, I wrote a Lois Lane Friday post where I spoke of the Lack of Official Merchandise for her, in which I also mentioned this movie.

Now when it came time to promote Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, it was a different story. I like to think that the executives over in the Warner Bros. promotion department realized their error or at least heard the complaints from fans because Lois Lane actually got a poster for the film.

But that's not all, Lois along with the other characters from the movie were each featured on a limited edition 20 ounce can of Dr. Pepper. The promotion went one step further because each of the five cans included a code that gave you access to a free chapter to a Batman v Superman prequel comic with Lois Lane being chapter two. 
 

I can't help praising how well the promotion was for Batman v Superman in regards to Lois Lane but as wonderful as all that was, I do have an issue with merchandising. There were special Batman v Superman Barbie dolls that were created with Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman each receiving one. However for some reason Lois did not get one. She also didn't get a Batman v Superman Funko, an action figure, T-shirts and other apparel and more for the movie, yet the other characters did. Surprisingly, she did get a second LEGO figure that's featured in the LEGO DC Comics Super Heroes: Heroes of Justice: Sky High Battle set.

I do hope as more Superman/Justice League films are rolled out, promotion for Lois will continue. If I had to rate Warner Bros. and DC Comics in regards to Lois Lane for Batman v Superman, I would give them an A for Promotion but Merchandising gets a D- with Lois only getting a Dr. Pepper can and a second LEGO figure. While the movie promotion for Lois has improved, the merchandise is still very much lacking. In the future, this issue really needs to be fixed.

365 Days of Books of Interest: Day #212: Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice: Tech Manual

Yeah, I wasn't planning on turning this into a DC Comics day but somehow that's just what happened. I like reference books especially geeky ones. I have several of them including Art of Books, Encyclopedias (Wonder Woman, Star Wars, etc.) and more.

Batman v Superman may not have been a favorite among fans and critics but it's the books that most interest me. I already have Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice: The Art of The Film but I want this Tech Manual as well. I love seeing all the additional information and pictures, what can I say, I'm a total geek.

Book: Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice: Tech Manual by Adam Newell and Sharon Gosling

Description:

Batman’s tech has been reimagined and reinvigorated in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, the new blockbuster from director Zack Snyder releasing in March 2016. This book takes an exclusive, in-depth look at Batman’s arsenal, vehicles, Batsuits, and the iconic Batcave. The new Batmobile design is explored from first concept sketch, through detailed blueprints, all the way to the physical construction of the vehicle itself.

Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice Tech Manual is a definitive guide to the weaponry and props created for the movie. It closely examines the Utility Belt, the Batwing, grappling hook and batarang. Everything in the Batcave is explored down to the construction of the set and the graphics from Bruce Wayne’s mainframe. This official volume also goes deeper in to the world of Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, showcasing Superman’s Kryptonian suit and Wonder Woman’s iconic weaponry.

The official companion book to the new movie, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice Tech Manual, features interviews with concept artists, the film’s weapon’s master, the mechanic for the Batmobile, and Zack Snyder himself.

Toy Corner: Barbie: Lois Lane (Superman Returns) and Barbie: Superman (Batman v Superman)

My Lois Lane Barbie from Superman Returns is one of my favorite collectables. I remember when that movie first came out in 2006 I was very interested in seeing it. Superman had not been on the big screen in a long time and from everyone I talked to, you could tell the excitement was building. What made me even more excited was that Barbie had created Superman and Lois Lane dolls. I thought that was fantastic.

I had bought the Lois Lane doll (she even came with a poster) but I must confess my biggest regret is that I did not get the Superman doll. Since then I've seen the Superman doll being sold from private sellers but there is no way I'm paying anyone the ridiculous prices that I've seen it being sold for.

Which leads me to my latest collectable, Superman Barbie from Batman v Superman. I thought it was great that Barbie created Superman, Wonder Woman and Batman dolls but I was disappointed that Lois Lane didn't get one. I have the Wonder Woman Barbie, I bought it in May but forgot to post it. I'll make sure to post it soon. That makes the only one I don't have is the Batman Barbie, I'm going to try to get it.

This Superman Barbie was a birthday gift, it's great to finally have a Clark Kent doll in my collection. I currently have Lois and Clark displayed next to each other. I couldn't resist.


Lois Lane (Superman Returns)

DVD Tuesday: Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (Ultimate Edition)

I can't believe I'm buying this movie today and that I'm going to spend $25.00 on something that the fans and the critics have said was absolutely terrible. I tried to see it in the theater but there was a technical difficulty.

I'm wondering if this extended version will make some sort of sense out of this movie (which I heard was very convoluted and extremely messy) or just make it even worse?

Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (Ultimate Edition)

Description:

It's been nearly two years since Superman's colossal battle with Zod devastated the city of Metropolis. The loss of life and collateral damage left many feeling angry and helpless, including crime-fighting billionaire Bruce Wayne. Convinced that Superman is now a threat to humanity, Batman embarks on a personal vendetta to end his reign on Earth, while the conniving Lex Luthor  launches his own crusade against the Man of Steel.

Art of the Day: Wonder Woman (Batman v Superman)

Artwork: Wonder Woman (Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice) by Alexbadass

New Book Purchase: Wonder Woman: Earth One vol #1 and Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice: The Art of the Film

These two books arrived last Friday which at the time was fitting since I was planning on going to see Batman vs Superman but that didn't go as planned.

I have been waiting to read Wonder Woman: Earth One ever since it was first announced back in 2013. I'm really looking forward to reading this. As for my second purchase Batman vs Superman: Dawn of Justice: The Art of the Film, I ordered it mainly because it's a reference book. And I happen to like reference books, I have quite a few of them. 

Book: Wonder Woman: Earth One volume #1 by Grant Morrison with illustrations by Yanick Paquette

Description:

From the masterful minds of Grant Morrison and Yanick Paquette comes the most provocative origin of Wonder Woman you’ve ever seen — a wholly unique retelling that still honors her origins.

For millennia, the Amazons of Paradise Island have created a thriving society away from the blight of man. One resident, however, is not satisfied with this secluded life—Diana, Princess of the Amazons, knows there is more in this world and wants to explore, only to be frustrated by her protective mother, Hippolyta. Diana finds her escape when Air Force pilot Steve Trevor, the first man she has ever seen, crashes onto their shores. With his life hanging in the balance, Diana ventures into the long forbidden world of men. The Amazons chase after her and bring her back to Paradise Island in chains to face trial for breaking their oldest law—staying separated from the world that wronged them.

Thought-provoking yet reverent, thoroughly modern but still timeless, the power and courage of Paradise Island’s greatest champion—Wonder Woman—is introduced in this new addition to DC Comics’ New York Times best-selling Earth One original graphic novel series.

Book: Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice: The Art of the Film by Peter Aperlo

Description:

Fearing the actions of a god-like Superhero left unchecked, Gotham City’s own formidable vigilante takes on Metropolis’s most revered, modern-day savior, while the world wrestles with what sort of hero it really needs. Zack Snyder’s Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice sees Batman and Superman come together for the first time on screen.  With these two icons at war with one another, a new threat quickly arises, putting mankind in greater danger than it has ever known before.

Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice: The Art of the Film, takes fans deep into this world, accompanied by insight and interviews with cast and crew, including an afterword by director Zack Snyder and a foreword by Geoff Johns.

This official companion takes an in-depth look at the artwork and design of 2016’s most anticipated movie, including the earliest concept sketches of the Batcave, all the way through the set-building process, to the final version seen on screen. It explores Metropolis and Gotham City from the streets to the skies and showcases the costumes, weaponry, vehicles, allies and enemies of our two heroes.

Packed with stunning concept art, Zack Snyder’s storyboards, blueprints, costume detail and behind-the-scenes shots from the set, this book is an invaluable insight into the world of Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.

Batman v Superman = A Bad Day At The Movies

Here I go thinking I would be returning home ready to share my comments and opinions about Batman vs Superman: Dawn of Justice. But apparently the universe had other plans. Remember on Wednesday, I mentioned getting a certificate to see the movie for free, well I made sure I grabbed that before heading out the door.

The moment I got in line at the AMC theatre that should have been a sign that something bad was going to happen. First there was only one cashier at the counter and second the customers ahead of me couldn't figure out which seats they wanted to select. They were holding up the line so bad that people actually got out of line to use the self-service ticket kiosks. I would have done the same thing if I didn't have to give the certificate to the cashier. Here I was worrying that I would miss seeing the trailers and possibly being late for the movie but I finally was able to get my ticket and headed off to the theatre. But lo and behold when I finally got to the theatre the screen was blank.

I sat there for about five or ten minutes then went out to speak with someone at customer service. I wasn't the only person who did this, apparently they were having a problem with the projector for that movie. After 20 minutes, they finally offered everyone who went to see Batman vs Superman a free pass to see another movie. Some people stayed to see something else. I decided to keep my pass and wait to use it for Captain America: Civil War.

Now I don't want you to get a bad impression of the theatre because usually whenever I go, I always have a good experience. This was just one that didn't turn out well, as bad as I've heard Batman vs Superman to be, perhaps this was just the universe saving me from being disappointed.

Book Girl Thoughts: The Flash Got Me a Free Ticket to See Batman vs Superman

Guys, I'm both excited and surprised by this little bit of good news I received. You can definitely say that I was surprised when I checked my e-mail this morning and saw I had received a certificate for up to $8.00 off for a movie ticket from Amazon.com. There are only two catches, 1) it's only for Batman vs Superman: Dawn of Justice and 2) it expires on Sunday (April 17, 2016). Seeing as though I still haven't seen Batman vs Superman yet (yeah I know) I may as well go see it on Amazon's dime.

Since, I'm always suspicious of e-mails that say you received something, as a book blogger I get quite a few of them, I verified that it actually came from Amazon by checking the message section on the website. It turns out when I ordered The Flash season 1 last week, it unknowingly qualified for the certificate. Who knew something good actually resulted from shopping.

Well, I guess you guys know what that means, my weekend plans have just changed. I will be heading to the movies.

Video: A Lois Lane and Perry White Clip from Batman v Superman

Here is an interesting clip from the Batman vs Superman, it shows Lois trying to follow a lead. But it also shows that Perry isn't going to let her fly on the Daily Planet's dime to Washington, D.C. in either first or business class to continue her investigation. I understand, it might be the Daily Planet but newspapers still aren't selling as well as they used to.

I was truly disappointed by Man of Steel but I'm actually going to give Zack Snyder's take on DC Comics another chance. Here's hoping, DC Comics, Warner Bros. and Zack Snyder actually listened to some of the MoS criticism and brought in a good writer or writers to make sure there is a good story and not just focus only on how the film looks.

Batman v Superman Day: Freebies, a Funko and a Magazine

Anyone else go to the Batman v Superman Day at Barnes & Noble yesterday? I manage to stop by my local B&N bookstore even if none of my friends wanted to go (they're not into comics). I decided to enter the trivia contest. There were five stations set up for Batman, Superman, Clark Kent, Bruce Wayne and Wonder Woman and all you had to do was answer three questions about the five subjects. I did pretty well, I only missed two questions. So, yes, even this geek doesn't have all the answers but I still had fun.

After taking the quiz, I signed up for a prize then I wandered around picking up a few freebies: a New 52 Justice League poster, a Superman/Batman comic, a Harley Quinn mask and a Batgirl mask.

Since the Batman v Superman section was starting to get crowded, I decided to walk over to the Funko area to look around. It must have been my lucky day because I spotted a Funko I've been trying to find for quite a while, Hawkeye from the Avengers: Age of Ultron movie. Isn't itty-bitty Hawkeye adorable?

Before I left the store, I decided to walk around and see if there was anything else I might find. My last stop was the magazine aisle and guess what I found the April issue of Glamour magazine with Gal Gadot on the cover. I was also surprised to find that there is an interview with Lynda Carter in the magazine (near the back of issue).

Well, not a bad early evening roaming the store. I wonder if Barnes & Noble will have something for Captain America: Civil War.