The City Scoop! ~ Front Page ~ December 12, 2008
By
Ex_Libris,
Posted on: 2008-12-12 15:14 in Announcements
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Phil at the MoviesSuperman: DoomsdayWARNING: The following review contains a lot of personal opinion about beloved comics properties. If you disagree with my statements, you are more than right to have your own opinion, but please don't throw flames at me just because I disagree! I've always been a big fan of Marvel comics over DC because I've felt that Marvel did a better job at telling a "realistic" story, at least as realistic as you can with superheroes. The characters' origins and motivations I find to be generally more believable. That being said, the OPPOSITE is true of their television counterparts. While the 90's X-Men series was alright, I've found the DC Animated Universe substantially more compelling than the Marvel TV shows for the same reason why I prefer Marvel comics... namely good characterization. Which brings us to Superman, who I find to be the most boring superhero. I consider him the most boring superhero because he has ALL of the powers. Flight, super strength, any-kind-of-wacky-vision-you-can-imagine... he's got almost every power ever thought of. Which makes him boring to me because I don't feel as though he's ever in any danger. Kryptonite HAD to be created, because there's simply nothing else. If Kryptonite wasn't around, I'd bet that the Superman comics wouldn't have lasted nearly as long as they have so far. Superman's main villain is Lex Luthor, a physically normal man with an abnormal intelligence and penchant for malaise. He is a good foil to Superman because no matter what evils he does, he almost always makes sure that he can legally get out of trouble pretty quickly. And Supes can't pound on him, because he's just a normal man. It must be VERY frustrating for the Last Son of Krypton. I know it's frustrating for me. That's why I was so happy to see the character of Doomsday given life and form. The Man of Steel isn't too shabby in the brains department, so he can usually handle anything that he comes across, but no one has ever even come close to threatening him physically in a very real way... until Doomsday. Finally in Doomsday we have a character that can match Superman punch for punch, and in this movie, we see a good beat-down. Anyone who has not read the comic storyline "The Death of Superman" should stop reading this review right now and go pick it up, because the rest of the review will have spoilers for that comic story. Superman: Doomsday is as close as you can possibly get to a faithful retelling of The Death of Superman storyline with only 75 minutes to tell it. In the first act, Supes and Dooms go toe-to-toe and beat the crap out of each other. In the second, we feel the pain, grief, and loss of those left behind and the results of a world without Superman. In the last act, we see his triumphant return and the hopes of humanity restored. The story is told as well as it can be told with the time provided. And this is my major quibble with the movie. Superman: Doomsday should NOT have been made into a single movie, but rather a miniseries. Before you have the chance to feel the emotions and loss of Superman being gone, he's back in action right away. The filmmakers didn't even have the time to include the reactions from the rest of the super-powered community at all, just Lois and the Kent family. The loss of Superman doesn't have nearly the gravity that it does in the comic books when you can't see the reactions from the Justice League and other metahumans. This is where Superman: Doomsday fails. Not by any fault of the filmmakers, but simply because of the time constraints with which they are presented. Please keep that in mind when you check this movie out for yourself. And if you get the chance to, rent the double disc special edition, it has some very nice features covering The Death of Superman storyline from the original comic staff. Final verdict: Give it a chance, but keep in mind the movie's limitations. | Get Involved! in Community GroupsOne of the best ways to get involved in the community is to join a community group, such as P.E.R.C. or the P.v.P.E.C.. Below, what they are, what they do, and how to get involved! A community group is a group founded by players that seeks to educate, support, and entertain the players. P.E.R.C. stands for Player Events Resource Committee, a group with representatives on every server who help plan, support, and host events for the players. I have to add that most of the information in this section of the article is from a flyer posted in the forums, as I was unable to get a P.E.R.C. representative to discuss the group with me. In any case, P.E.R.C. has hosted many varied events in the past. If youre a creative person who wants to get involved on events across all the servers, and you have an extra five hours a month to spend working on this, you can be a P.E.R.C. representative! Currently, theyre looking for players from Infinity, Protector, Triumph, and Champion to help out. You can get involved with P.E.R.C. by PMing CriticalKat on the forums or by going to the P.E.R.C. website. Remember, no experience is necessary! The P.v.P.E.C. is a group near and dear to me. I served as a Protector representative over the summer and I have never met a group of people so committed to bringing out the best in each server. P.v.P.E.C. stands for Player versus Player Event Committee. This group comes up with ideas to showcase the PvP aspects of City of Heroes and make it more fun and accessible to all! Events hosted by this group are held both in the Arena and in the PvP zones, and there is usually at least one event per month that even beginners can participate in. When I joined the P.v.P.E.C., I knew literally nothing about PvP except that it meant player versus player, and it wasnt even a problem! They taught me everything I need to know and answered all of my questions, and were happy to help out when I needed an extra pair of hands. The P.v.P.E.C. has one meeting a month on Ventrilo and requires all members to host at last one event per month. There is one event per month hosted on all of the servers, and representatives are free to create their own events and host them as well! To join the P.v.P.E.C., get in touch with _Hush_ on the forums or go to the P.v.P.E.C.s website. Again, no experience is necessary! Joining a community group benefits the community and it benefits you as well! Youll get to meet new people, try new things, and enhance the game for other players into the bargain! Anyone can join these groups, whether theyre a new player just starting out or a vet with a full complement of level 50 toons, so dont be shy! Jump in with both feet and get involved!
The Top 11Now then, about a month ago now I guess it was, man I sure am timely and topical, just like Family Guy, THE forum regular, Golden Ace, achieved his 40,000th post. A new title was certainly in order for this achievement, but what would it be? Well, better late than never, I give to you, the Top 11 suggestions for Golden Ace's new title. Why 11? Well then you should have read last weeks article. Number 11 - The Gold Standard Number 10 - Ex's Arch nemesis Number 9 - Bandwith Bandit Number 8 - Wasted Space Ace Number 7 - Forum Hammer Number 6 - Solar Allergy Number 5 - Keyboard Crippler Number 4 - "Post"er Child Number 3 - The Alpha Dork Number 2 - Six Digit Destiny And finally, the Number one suggestion for Golden "40k posts" Ace is...Mark Twain't |
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Unusual, to say the least, Mort agreed, But certainly not impossible. Not in this world. However, I wonder if it really is the legendary Grendel or if its just some recreation. Theres no corpse down there, nor are there any remains, but Ive never seen anything in the behavior of any of the current crop of Trolls to indicate this kind of behavior. Sure, they get big, but they certainly dont look like what you showed me, nor do they have steel in their skin. Thats what were looking at, though, the leader of the squad murmured. I guess Ill have to get a look at this thing up close. Unfortunately, I cant get any new information out of the Trolls. I got the best I could out of my lieutenant. So, youre really with the heroes, now? Yes, the wizard sighed, And while I understand your need to demonize me, I really wish you wouldnt. There are so many worse things in the world than me, from the Coralaxs mysterious deity, to the increasingly desperate behavior of the Oranbegans, to even the bizarre presence of Ghost Widow. I am but a researcher, a scribe, and I dont extend my reach beyond my grasp. You would take care to learn how to differentiate between true dangers and ones youre simply making up. In all fairness, Mortiganen, our brethren in the Etoile Isles are being torn to shreds because they dont take enough of their threats seriously. We dont intend to be caught with our pants down up here. In that case, I suggest you step up your game. Most of the community regards you as little more than a joke, and the Circle looks at you as a gnat in their path. If youd like, I could provide you with research material that could help. The mystics stared dubiously at him. Theyd come to arrest him, not to deal, and now he was offering to teach them. Still, the squad leader was unimpressed. Whats the catch? A favor, simple as that. That is how these deals go. There may come a time when I have need of your kind and your abilities, and I dont want to have any hassle about it. You can relax, as I wont try to make you do anything youre morally opposed to. Deal? It sounds fine, the mystic replied, How will we know whether the deal has been made or not? Mort smiled. It was like the parable about the boy crying about wolves. I trust we can bind ourselves by our honor. I know I can by mine, and you can check with the Midnight Squad to determine my trust if youre still unsure. The mystics nodded and started walking back to their base. Already, Mort was picturing how their superiors would view the deal, and they would likely dislike it to begin with. Still, a deal with him was better than a deal with the Circle or the demons that backed them. |
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Because I have to look at youArbiter Fab-- Why do people never listen when you tell them that their spike-toed boots clash with their overall color scheme? Last week, a young hero came into the shop and demanded black boots with chrome spikes all over for daily wear with his costume. Unfortunately, his costume was that of some kind of plant-based businessman. Lots of greens, browns and other nature tones, and then... those boots. Why don't they ever listen? Sure I'll take their money, and while the customer may always be right, sometimes they make bad fashion choices. Should I just stop selling to these people, or should I keep raking in the bucks? Sincerely, The Amazing Chen Owner and Proprietor, The Amazing Chen's Big and Freaky Shoestore (where "Big and Freaky" selection meets "Prices To Make Your Friends Jealous") Dear Shoe Storm, First off, as a Fashionista, I have to constantly remind myself that fashion *IS* a business. We can only help them so far, and in the end if they truly feel that mis-coordination is their look.. well c'mon I'm sure you remember when Crocs were called Garden Clogs. It's the spin you put on it. So, first off... if you see a problem client you should mayhaps start networking your footwear into a locale couture house or independant designers. Avoid Serge, he wouldn't know fashion if it slapped him twice behind the Louvre after a very bad presentation of something he called a winter collection.. Might I add my wrist still has flashbacks from having to touch something that filthy. Serge, it's called conditioner, stop using WD-40. My advice is as such, his fashion, in the end, is his fashion. And being laughed off the street back into your store to get a good pair of shoes gets you twice the business and a customer who will LISTEN to your advice the next time. Use mirrors, the nice triple mirror so he can see it from all angles, also try to guide your clientele towards what suits them upon entry, this will give them a feeling of comfort and ease. As well as assist their belief of your expertise towards footwear. But do NOT forget to network... if you know a designer who would work well for your shoes and your clients, I can assure you that they will do the same for you. I must warn you, my little black book is filled. May your hems never tear, Arbiter R. FABULOUS! Dear Arbiter Fabulous, I am a male of genetic variance and I have a problem. Two problems in fact, they are covered with bright orange feathers, are 12ft from tip to tip and are sticking out of my back. Whenever I go out into public, people stare at them. For once in my life I'd like to feel like a person, and not just a piece of walking feathered eye candy. I need an outfit that says "my face is over here, not back there". Also fire retardent is good. Sincerly, Big Bird Dearest Fowl Fashion, Right now, you are wrong, because you are only half right. One of the first things you need to learn as a Fashionista is the concept of the silhouette... your "problems" are only that because you have not considered them for your full look. You seem to be the type to treat every part differently, instead of everything as a whole, am I correct? Of course I am, that's why you wrote to me. Silhouette, proportion, fit. These are what you need to first familiarize yourself with, my dear. Male or female, mammal or reptile, these three tenets stay true. My honest opinion is to mitigate the attention from one area of your body through the bulking up of others.. Footwear and gloves can be a great start for this. I suggest going to Mr. Chen's shop for some nice boots, tell him I sent you. Also with with that color.. Orange is a bit tricky, but there ARE dyes and paints that are safe for feathers, it may be pricy, but you need to help subdue the one, to compliment the rest. I think that wings are a VERY attractive look, and you should fly with it, pun intended. However, I do want to put this out for you, as it sounds as if you are from Paragon, land of sandals and socks. If you TRULY wish to remove those wings, I can be of assistance. I know a few very skilled plastic surgeons that I keep on retainer. This would involve an extended stay in my country, but I'll foot the bill if you REALLY want to be rid of them, however, I will humbly ask that you work with me for a while as I get you to recover and reset your fashion and wardrobe. I think a nice black uniform would compliment you, actually, as well as a solid helm. You seem to be very self conscious bout standing out from the group. I think I know a suit that would help you blend in with the masses more. | BUT, if you simply MUST stay near Filthy Serge, go with spring and summer colors, a nice thick set of shoulder armor, and gloves, complimented by boots can do wonders for your silhouette. Soon people will be noticing you for being the best dressed, not thinking it's a Thanksgiving parade float. May you be paired with the best dressed and not the best dressing, Arbiter R. FABULOUS! Alright, I can't honestly let you poodles leave without talking about my new Winter line of jackets, vests and business attire... Frankly, my heart goes out to you Paragonians, as my private selections are only available in the Etoile Islands.. but eriously, to look this good.. it's honestly worth the money spent to pack up and move out here... if anything that chop shop you call Icon will be far away... I swear is it just me or does Filthy Serge seem to have the aroma about him of lip gloss and shame? I digress.. One thing I have seriously worked on, is professionalism. To do what we do, needs an air of sophistication, efficiency, as well as a nice starched seam. To that end I have revealed my winter line for you all to enjoy, and again, I do apologize for those of you in Paragon reading this, having to wear Serge's.. I mean FILTHY Serge's cheap imitations and knockoffs. But no really, it's ok to buy from him, I mean something has to pay for the poor children in Malaysia working in sweatshops for 14 hours a day with only a cup of rice to bring home.. seriously, give him your business. However my line does not come cheap, so no not quit your Day Jobs anytime soon. Now you may notice a trend of pinstripes in the new line. This is good, that you notice, that is.. you're not irredeemable it sems. Still, I do like pinstripes for 2 distinct reasons. 1) A pinstriped suit has a sense of dignity to it, many of you poor wretches need all the help you can get. I am *MORE* than pleased to do what I can to make you look a little less scruffy! 2) Pinstripes can have a nice slimming effect, this will help mitigate well.. how to best put this.. some of you suffer from what we in the business call, "Slider bar to the right". Now go out there, get yourself some new suits and in this, out holiday season, go forth and totally Shock the Christmas! I sincerely hope you enjoy the new line, Arbiter Reginald Fabulous About the Author: Arbiter Reginald Fabulous watches over his domain from St. Martial, overlooking several shops as well as having one of the best veiws of the Golden Giza, where he an be seen frequently in the lounge enjoying a nice Cosmopolitan. He is currently in talks with WSPDR for his own fashion show, based on his years of experience in finding quality materials at reasonable prices that do not involve Malaysian sweatshops. If you have a question for the Arbiter about your look, please send a forum email to Equation, or an in game email to @Equation, with the heading "Dear Arbiter Fabulous...". He also owns a hat. A Note From the Author of the Author: Jlove, aka Sexy Jay, has seriously impressed me with his eye for detail, style and evolution of designwork in this games key feature that, in my opinion, sets it apart from any other MMO out there. The costume options brought forth for Issue 13 I find simply stunning to say the least. I did this post as "Arby Fab" claiming them as the Arbiter's work in the spirit of fun and frivolity, and in no way wish to detract from the true hard work this man has done. I want to take this moment to simply say Thank You Jay. Top 10 Holiday Costume Wish ListIn the spirit of holiday wish lists I thought I would find out what the community wanted added to the costume creator. A small group of forum goers provided their lists both in a thread and via PMs and their lists were then compiled into the top ten wished for items. So here it is, your Holiday Costume Wish List, Top 10. 10. Loin Cloths 9. Thigh Options - Holisters, Straps, Pouches, etc 8. Arm Options - Arm Bands, Straps, Pouches, etc 7. More Faces 6. More Skirts Including New Lengths 5. Separate Detail Options - Top of head from the eye area, etc 4. Long Robes and Cloaks 3. Thigh High Boot Styles Including Stockings 2. More Tails And your number one Holiday Costume Wish is... Butt Capes!
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Q) Who is your base designer and who are your supergroup leaders? A) I am the main base designer, while revisions have been put in by, Dr. Forkenshpoon. He is our base leader and founder, and myself play the character Belle Barium, who is the acting second in command while other members are away. Q) What server is your base on? A) Virtue! Q) When was your supergroup established? A) The current version was made in 2005, although I think Doc started a previous iteration in 2004, possibly. Q) What is the approximate value of your base? A) Just over 2,000,000 prestige, under the pre Issue 13 price values. Pretty good value on the rent free-plot. On top of the contributions gathered by Doc and the Associates of Science, hundreds of millions of influence was also poured into the gathering of extra prestige, to help get our items sooner Q) How much time do you spend working on your base? A) Before the base filled out, I was spending hours at a time making sure everything was placed right and looked well. If I didn't like something, I tore everything back out, and reinstalled every single piece until I was happy with it. It would be very easy to lose an hour or two playing with the different placements, and pondering what spaces should be left empty, or filled - and how it can all look better. I wanted to stuff as much as I could into the small plot, while making it look like a base as worthy as any 50 member headquarters. Rent free is the key. Q) How much time have you invested in your base so far? A) I've lost track, but rough guess would be that I was spending ten hours a week for several months in 2008 to help Doc raise the prestige, and even making use of the Influence trade-in option in Atlas Park City Hall. A typical day was aggressively playing in SG mode, dumping everything into Wentworths, then trading in all of the influence surplus. I think I've put an extra 100 - 150 million influence there, which goes to about a measly 200,000 - 300,000 extra prestige. Thats not counting influence converted by Doc and other members of the Science, which I haven't kept track of. Q) What is your favorite base item? Least favorite? A) The supercollider is pretty awesome-sauce. I hope it will still work come I13 - I enjoy the buffs too much. My least favorites are some of the wall lamps, which have that odd sunburst think sticking out. At first I thought it was something that let you adjust the angle of light, but it just turned out to be something weird that clips through the walls and other objects. Q) What is your favorite thing about base editing? Least favorite? A) The lighting, floor and wall color changing sliders can really set your base apart from all the rest. I have two least favorite things, since I dislike them equally, raid-pathing has kept me from getting certain objects just where I want them, and the fact that if you want to make partitions, that you have to do some weird moves with the furniture to make it close to looking right. Q) If you could give just one piece of advice to a new base editor, what would it be? A) Wait for Issue 13, it's almost here. The base editor is getting better. Also, the prices will come down by so much that it will take a small group like ours a tenth of the time to set up a base like this one. A small group of players working together will probably enjoy a decent sized base, since the plot prices have been massively marked down. |
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Vol. 2, Issues 27
December 12, 2008
The City Scoop a publication for Supers by Supers! Read the latest publication and then join in on the community discussion!
If you have concerns regarding the content of the Scoop please direct your comments via PM to Ex Libris.
If you would like to do a feature article, have an event covered, or join "The City Scoop" team please PM Snow_Globe
If you need some Advice contact Lady_Athyna or would like to Ask The X contact LiquidX
If you have a base you would like featured, please contact EnnVee
Finally if you have a Classified Ad or Recipe you would like included please contact: MistressNoire
The City Scoop
Is it a bird? Is it a Plane?
No its a Valkyrie?
By
Crime of Fashion
Do you love the smell of napalm in the morning? If you do, your probably
familiar with Wagners Ride of the Valkyries . So why am I talking about
Valkyries? Why should you care? How long is a bit of string? Crime of fashion
is on the case! Probing the depths of fashion on behalf of you, our trusted
readers. All these questions and more shall be answered!
What I am talking about is the upcoming Valkyrie booster pack, free to Mac users
and probably on sale to the PC public early in the year for a reasonable price.
(Most likely $10, but Im guessing here)
The sexy one, J-Love, has surreptitiously leaked this fashion forecast to yours
truly. And I am passing them on to the masses.
Over a pair of Cosmopolitans at pocket D I asked Jay the following.
"What, oh Sexy one, inspired the designs in the Valkyrie costume set?"
"Well, I wanted something to go along with the Cimorea Romans, something that
said old mythological and heroic. Valkyries seem like the ticket. After I was
done with the set, the designers said that they looked so nice that we need to
keep them for something special. So, now a year later you get them with the Mac
Pack. I also always wanted to make a shiny metalish wing because it was
requested several time in the request thread."
As depicted here the costumes will be available for all three body types.
Valkyries have traditionally been depicted as woman in Norse mythology (Always
as woman in fact). However, this is the 21st century and boys can be Valkyries
if that want to
This picture shows the stripped down costumes without colour hiding any of the
detail. Note the new cape on the center model, and the winged boots on the left
model.
Look at that wingspan! According to the Sexy one himself there are
two sets of wing One set of wings have the armor plates on the edge of the
wings and the other does not.
Here we get a rare treat, a sample of the design process from Jay.
Thank you Jay, I think these are some truly creative costumes you have here in
this pack.
So stay tuned for the Valkyrie pack, coming to you early next year!
Crime of Fashion
City Scoop Fashion Reporter and Stylist to the Stars
Ps. About 12 foot 6 inches long.
Vol. 2, Issue 27
December 12th, 2008
Community
Phil at the Movies
Get Involved!
The Top 11
City Fiction
Fashion
Because I Have to Look at You
Top 10 Costume Wish List
Base Showcase
Comic
This Issue:
December 13th
Columbus, OH
Justice
Holiday Party
Guardian
Dr.
Quarterfield TF
Infinity
PERC Mr/Ms Contest
December 14th
Infinity
PERC Mr/Ms Contest
December 15th
Guardian
Faathim
The Kind TF
December 19th
Infinity
Children
of Data Holiday Party!
December 20th
Virtue
Wedding
Reception - Music by The Cape!
December 21st
Champion
OtC
Hosted Costume Contest
Liberty
Are
you ready?!
December 27th
Freedom
1st Annual Coalition of Arachnos Winter Event Bash
Justice
PvPEC
Justice Melee Madness
What the huh?--Screenshot of the week
By
Lemur Lad
Caption- I was in Grandville killing Toxic Tarantulae on my way between
missions. I dropped Gang War on the spider and as the guys appeared, he jumped
and fired his web grenade. I'm still not exactly sure how this happened, but
it's exactly what it looks like, 4 Posse members standing on each other's heads
and the Tarantula on top of them all.
So this is my first entry, and future shots are up to all of us! Send me your
pics of Wild and Wacky things you've gotten shots of. They don't have to have
happened that week, but each week I'll be picking the one I think is wildest.
Let's see how long we can roll. PM me through forums with a link to the image.