Month: April 2016

Basement Fodder episode 120

Posted on by basementfodder

Dave and I are back this week talking the sad business of the passing of Chyna and Prince, what our alternate world selves would be like, the Supergirl finale, Agents of Shield, Flash and Legends of Tomorrow. We cover the Wizard World financial losses, Mark Waid’s Flash anger and Dave asks for your boudoir photography requests! A fun show as always! Click here to listen!

Farewell to the 9th Wonder of the World

Posted on by basementfodder

“Don’t treat me like a woman. Don’t treat me like a man. Don’t treat me like you know me, treat me for just who and what I am.” Those lyrics from the WWE entrance music of Joanie “Chyna” Laurer have been repeating in my mind since I learned of her death yesterday at the age of only 45. I keep thinking how oddly accurate those words are to her life. She struggled at the beginning of her career in wrestling with being ridiculed for her muscular physique and square jaw, enduring jeers from the crowds about masculine looks. She underwent jaw restructuring and breast augmentation in the late 90’s to combat those criticisms and, according to her book, to make up for a lifetime of emotional abuse because of her appearance. She became a mega star in WWE, becoming the first and only woman to hold the Intercontinental Championship, a multi time WWF Women’s Champion and a founding member of one of the most famous wrestling factions of all time, Degeneration X. Chyna was an inspiration to many young female fans, here was a strong, powerful woman that got in the ring and beat up men. Unfortunately, at the height of her popularity, the end of her offscreen relationship with Triple H and his subsequent relationship with Stephanie McMahon, caused serious friction, leading to the end of her WWE career. I watched Joanie’s life and career go through many changes over the next fifteen years. She tried so desperately it seemed, to hold onto the celebrity she had gained in WWE. She tried acting, to limited success, she spent time as a drummer/singer in a rock band, she did reality television, appearing on “The Surreal Life” and “Celebrity Rehab”. Her stint on “Celebrity Rehab” was painful to watch, she obviously had serious alcohol and substance abuse issues, but it seemed she was deeply in denial. She was one of many celebs that had issues with a leaked sex tape, and later on she spent time doing mainstream porn films. Recently, she had been crusading to get into the WWE Hall of Fame, to no avail. WWE COO Triple H went on record saying he couldn’t endorse her induction because of her lifestyle choices, including her stint in porn. Considering some of the life choices and behavior of other members of the Hall of Fame, this seems to me a ludicrous position. There have been few details on the circumstances of her death thus far, so I won’t speculate on the cause. I only hope that Joanie can find the peace and acceptance in death that she struggled so much for in life. As a fan of her for many years, my heart is heavy today. I hope those that think of her, think fondly. I will always think of the 9th Wonder of the World as a beautiful, powerful woman and an irreplaceable talent. Rest in peace Joanie.  – Todd 

Hotshot #7 Review

Posted on by basementfodder

I bought the first six issues of Hotshot many months ago. As you may know from listening to Basement Fodder or The Todd Files, I tried to just read one issue, but i mainlined all six in a row. I couldn’t put it down. The characters were so real, so well crafted and three dimensional. The artwork was solid, stylized but accurate and the colors leaped off the page. I had to have more! Well, finally, Hotshot makes his triumphant return in Hotshot #7 from Legacy Rising Publications. New publisher, same dynamic, balls to the wall storytelling and artwork that made me fall in love with the series. Not only was Hotshot back and fighting freaking dragons, but he was teaming up with Cary Kelley’s Dynagirl! This is one of the things I love about Legacy Rising Publications, they are building a universe of characters, a universe that branches out to include appearances by heroes from other comic companies. Think about it, an indie comic universe just as expansive and deep as the DC or Marvel universes. But that’s another article altogether. The action sequences are epic in scale, giving equal attention to both the heroes and their immensely powerful villain Dragoness. The writing is smooth and fits the previous issues well, which is impressive as the previous issues were written by scribe Victor Dandridge. Cary Kelley ably steps in and really delivers, making the transition smooth for the reader. The star of the book in the previous issues has been the relationship between Hotshot and his love interest Carla. I’ll admit i was nervous with the writing change as Dandridge is known for his ability to write realistic and powerful character interactions. But i needn’t have worried, as Kelley tackles this part of the story with masterful precision. The only true complaint i have about the issue is that it leaves you wanting more, which is in this case a good thing. Hotshot #7 is a solid return to the series and one that should not be missed, especially by those who’ve loved the previous issues. Highly reccommended! – Todd of Basement Fodder

Hotshot #7

Written By Cary Kelly Drawn By Michael Watson

Inks By Gary Mitchell, assist inks by Kendra Hale & Aaron Beatty, Colors by Veronica Smith