The peel-back logo replaces the “DC Spi

The peel-back logo replaces the “DC Spin” which was introduced in 2005 to much fanfare as it replaced the “DC Bullet” which had been in place since 1977. Like most big changes in comics, the leak of the new logo was met with some resistance from readers and bloggers. But DC reportedly tested the new mark with focus groups to their satisfaction. “This was the top performing concept across all consumer segments,” Desai told Fast Company.

Testopolis 2: The reckoning

Testopolis 2: The reckoning

Testopolis

Testopolis

Surprisngly Big Day of Stuff

My ill-fated interview with Jerry “The King” Lawler premeires on Pads & Panels today (in which I refer to myself as Mighty Ink Comics). It’s still pretty cool as Bill takes the ball, runs with it, turns it sideways, shines it, etc… I’m sure we’ll assault you with links today, so stay tuned!

Happy Days

Tomorrow’s April 1st, which means it’s time to pull awesome pranks on friends and family alike. What will I do…to for our loyal readers reader?

Been A While…

I’ve had plenty of great opportunities lately, thanks to Archie and Bill.  Most recently, Bill and I stumbled upon a pretty neat story idea that we’d like to flesh out. The only problem is, where do we fit plotting into the day-to-day stuff with our respective sites.

As it is, I already got a TON to do for both Pads & MIC. Once again, I will never complain about reviewing games and writing comics. It just feels…dirty. Meanwhile May 20th draws near, and Operation: Marriage will commence. Looking forward to the mini-comic the wifey and I are putting together, and I’ll make sure to post pics either here or on the main site.

The Rise of ANUBIS: Chapter 3

            The next evening, Greg decided to take Roxy to see a movie.  As they’d done many times before, they stopped for a bite to eat before the show, and laughed heartily during one of their patented “had to be there” conversations.  Later, both of them would swear it was the funniest conversation they’d ever had.

            The movie, Stock Room, was action packed and riddled with plot holes big enough to put a finger through.  They’d quietly comment back and forth like two film critics.  Suddenly, near the end of the film, the most disturbing noise came from the back row…

            “ZZZZzzzz…”

            Roxy jabbed Greg with a hard elbow to the ribs.

            “See,” Roxy said smiling widely and shaking her head. “THIS is why we wait until movies come out on DVD.” Opening his mouth to respond, Greg instead yawned silently, ultimately stretching his mouth so wide, it resembled a lion’s.  He groggily clicked his tongue and mumbled, “wuzzint sleep, just blinked hard.”

            “That was one heck of a blink, sleepy bear.  Let’s go.  Movie’s almost done anyway.”

            Greg’s head slowly slumped to his chest as he said, “Nothin’s over, just gimme sumthin…zzzzz…”

            “SHHH!” came the loud hiss from the only other person in the theater, an elderly woman with glasses so thick they could have been used as projector lenses.  Greg snapped awake and looked at Roxy as they shared another “had to be there.”

            Walking out of the theater, Greg almost in tears said, “I wonder if her prescription would count as ‘Magoo Strength.’”  The two burst into laughter for, what they didn’t know, would be the final time that evening.  That last laugh was cut even shorter by the sound of Greg’s cellphone.

            “Umm,” Roxy began, still giggling. “Your ringtone is Melissa Ethridge? You know that’s not ‘muy macho’ right?”

“I…haven’t figured out how to change it yet,” he fibbed as he checked the caller I.D.

“Yeah ok,” Roxy said as she rolled her eyes.

Greg smiled, but his mood changed suddenly.  “What’s wrong,” Roxy asked. The number on the phone’s screen was unfamiliar to him, but he had an idea who it was.

“Davis,” Greg said as he answered the call. “I won’t even ask how you got this number.”

“I’m afraid you’ll have to cut date night short,” said Arsinal. “I just got a lead on the police band.  Possible ANIBUS sighting. How soon can you be here?”

“Half an hour.”

“Priorities, Mighty Lightning.  Don’t delay.”

CLICK!

Greg turned towards Roxy, and put on his best fake smile.

“Work?”

“Work,” he replied deflated.

“Okay, I’ll grab a taxi, and…”

“No, I’ll give you a ride home first.  Priorities, darlin’…”

The Rise of ANUBIS (Chapter 2)

Mighty Lightning leapt into action, attempting to use his powers to take down Arsinal. Within seconds, he’d formulated a plan.  He’d decrease his density, propel himself into the air, and then increase his density to come down with mighty force to knock his foe out.  Instead, he leapt…then fell on his face.
Just like in the sewers after their first encounter, Arsinal was thankful the shadows masked his brief grin. This was, after all, a serious matter, and he wanted both of them to understand he meant business.  “That night downtown, I figured your powers were electricity based.  This whole building works as an electromagnetic pulse when I flip this switch, and as it seems, effectively negates your abilities.”  Steve, puzzled, asked, “then how are the lights back on, and we’re still…” He waved his arm around, attempting to move at super speed, “running on empty?”
            Arsinal began to walk towards his workbench. “I have back-up generators queued up from half a mile away, just out of range.”  Greg had heard enough. “So we’re your prisoners?”  Arsinal turned to face him again. “No, that’s not it at all…Mighty Lightning, right?” Greg nodded, as Arsinal continued. “I didn’t bring you here to trap you.  I brought you here because I need your help.” Steve chimed in, “Well, you’ve got one heck of a way of showing it.” Greg looked back to Arsinal, cocked an eyebrow and said, “Man’s got a point.”
            Arsinal paused for several seconds, trying to come up with exactly what to say.  He was never an impulsive person, which he imagines is the cause of many of his current problems. Finally, after what seemed like ages to Steve, he began.
            “About a year ago, when we had our first meeting…”
            “You mean when you humiliated us in front of the entire Chicago Police Department, right? That time?”

Slightly annoyed, Arsinal sternly continued, “Let me finish, Ronin.  Around that time last year, my life went through some…serious changes.  Everyone I trusted betrayed me.” At this point, Arsinal thought he saw Ronin’s expression change, ever so slightly.  He continued once again.
            “The majority of the equipment I stored at Hopetech and the Illinois Department of Forestry was confiscated by CPD detectives.  I had an understanding with one of the guys on the force. We agreed it wouldn’t fall into the wrong hands.  That arrangement has since changed as many of my failed experiments have come up for sale on the black market.”
            Greg had a good idea who he was talking about on the force.  Following the events that had come to be known as the “Arsinal Incident” around Chicago, the internal investigation was heavily publicized.  In every article one name came up more than any other.  “If you’re talking about Captain Stevens, he did everything he could to keep you from being attached to what happened.  Considering it’s called the ‘Arsinal Incident,’ I’m sure it wasn’t easy.”
            “Captain Stevens is dead,” Arsinal replied.
            A hush came over the room.  The hum of the halogen lights were deafening now. Steve couldn’t believe what he’d heard, and for the first time in a long time, was speechless.  Greg stood somberly, and remembered how he wanted to impress Stevens after their poor showing during the “Arsinal Incident.” Now, unfortunately, he wouldn’t have that chance.
            Breaking the silence, Arsinal continued.  “And you’re right; he did do everything he could.  In fact, he gave his life investigating what I’m about to show you.”
            The lights all flickered back to life, as the effect of the EMP finally wore off.  Arsinal turned his back on the duo as he walked towards a large, hastily put together table. Greg noticed the move this time and thought to himself, “He wouldn’t leave himself this vulnerable unless he really means no harm to us physically.  I guess this is okay…for now.”
            When all three had gathered around the table, Arsinal unrolled a huge blueprint.  On it were detailed schematics for a suit of armor.  According to what Greg could make out, it was made completely of metal, unlike Arsinal’s old armor which only featured metal on the chest plate and helmet.  The helmet resembled a dog’s head plates shielding the temples.
             “One of your new designs,” asked Steve.
            “I’m afraid not, Ronin. That’s a long ways off in my current situation.  According to what we found, this design is called ANUBIS.  It’s an acronym for something, but what it stands for isn’t revealed in these documents.  All I can gather thus far is that this armor exploits a glitch in one of my earlier designs that removes moisture from the target.”
            “Kind of like mummification,” said Greg.
            “Almost.  Looking at these specs, it has the potential to turn the target into a pile of ashes.”
            Steve was getting visibly impatient. “Okay, so bottom line. Since you have all this data, why don’t you just go in there, guns blazing, and take back your tech from this guy?”
            Arsinal, who was more than a little annoyed at this point, replied, “Trust me, if I could I would.  Whoever this person is utilizing my research, chances are they’ve found a way to disable anything I may come at them with. I can’t risk getting captured, not while my tech is still on the black market.”
            Now Steve was furious. “Listen, pal! We’re not bounty hunters! It’s a shame what happened to Stevens, but I’m not about to risk my neck so you can atone for some stupid mistakes you made.  You said we’re not prisoners? Well, I’m outta here!”  Steve turned on his heel, and headed for the door.
            Not knowing if it was meant for them to hear, or simply to himself, Greg and Steve heard Arsinal say, “I didn’t want to have to do this…”
            Mighty Lightning and Ronin braced themselves for what was sure to be another trap.  Since they hadn’t had a chance to recharge their powers yet, both were still very vulnerable to anything Arsinal unleashed.  This, however, did not mean they’d go down without a fight.
            Suddenly, on a wall about thirty feet away from them, two large images were displayed from two separate projectors.  One was of Steve changing into uniform on an elevator. Another was of Greg using his powers to snatch an envelope from the mouth a statue of a horse about twenty feet tall.  Five seconds later, the images changed again.  This time, Steve was on rooftop in his regular clothes, practicing with the Tsunami.  Greg was shown in an alley, putting on his mask.  Another five seconds, and the images changed again, but they all communicated the same horrific point.
            “Greg Hoskins and Steve Matsuda,” Arsinal said as the projectors showed them changing into uniform, putting on their masks, doing amazing things that no other human could do. “I know your secret.  Now that Stevens is gone, I’m sure the CPD would want to know your secret as well.”
            All Greg and Steve knew at that moment were fear and rage. “Now, I am a man of my word,” Arsinal continued. “And I will destroy every shred of evidence I have.  All you have to do is help me this one time.  I’ll be in touch with further details.”
            Steve stormed out of the warehouse, leaving Greg behind.  Greg didn’t expect anything else out of him, and he himself didn’t know how to react.  As he took his first step towards the door…
            “Stay a moment. I want to ask you something.”
            “Yeah?”
            “You seem to have a good head on your shoulders.  I can tell you think things through the majority of the time.  Why is it then that you keep the kind of company you do?”
            Greg, still furious, decided to answer the question honestly.  “Since you already know who I am, I might as well tell you this too.  Before he died, my father taught me to see the good in everyone.”
            “Even a spoiled brat like Steve Matsuda?”
            “Even you.”
            It was Greg who stormed towards the door this time. “Hey,” Arsinal’s voice called from behind him.
            “What,” Greg asked, only turning his head half-way.
            “I’ll be in touch.”
            The door slammed, and Arsinal went back to work.

The Rise of ANUBIS (Chapter 1)

It was 11:30 PM when Greg and Steve, the costumed superheroes known as Might Lightning and Ronin, walked into the broken down warehouse.  This part of the city was one of many that had long since been abandoned because of the “Arsinal Incident.”

            “Man, I got a bad feeling about this,” said Greg.  Steve smirked and replied, “You always say that.  Exactly what part of showing me what ‘being a hero is all about’ is being scared of…”

            SLAM! The door closed behind them as if on queue. Bewildered, Ronin drew his sword, the Tsunami, so fast it seemed to suddenly appear in his hands.  “Then again, there is something to say about being prepared.”  Greg rolled his eyes, and simply said “yep.”  Their eyes were adjusting to the darkness, but not nearly quickly enough.  Greg slammed his Thunder Gauntlets together to create a burst of light that allowed them to see their immediate surroundings at least momentarily.  Using all the bass his eighteen-year-old voice could muster, he bellowed “Who is this,” to the seemingly empty room.

            Suddenly, light after light illuminated the middle of the warehouse, each with an audible KLACK.  Standing at the far end of this path with his back to the boys was a dark figure, hunched over a workbench, and immersed in a shower of sparks. Even with his eyes still focusing and the sparks hindering his vision even more, Greg knew exactly who it was.

            “You,” Greg snarled through his gritted teeth.  Before Steve could even ask, Greg took off down the path of lights as if shot from a cannon, leaving heavy footprints in the concrete floor.  Each time his foot touched down, it sounded like rolling thunder, deafening and powerful, as if it were created by a mighty bolt of lightning.

If Mighty Lightning was the thunder, surely Ronin represented the lightning itself in this equation.  Even with his amazing speed, he took a couple seconds to catch up with Greg.  As the duo got closer to their target, the Thunder Gauntlets and the Tsunami began to crackle and glow, pulsing in time with their anticipation.  They were steps away from the mystery man when the lights cut off again.  It was pitch black.

“Coward. Show yourself,” Greg commanded as adrenaline continued to flow through his veins. 

“I guess my hypothesis was correct,” a voice spoke from the darkness.  Steve, after hearing the voice, now realized what Greg had.  “What? There’s no way! I saw you die on live TV!”  A spotlight appeared over Greg and Steve.  They could now see a figure walking silently, covered in just enough shadows that they couldn’t make him out.  Both of their fears were confirmed when the voice finally responded.

“The rumors of my death have been greatly exaggerated,” replied Arsinal.

Character Bios

I’m going to post the first part of my story, but before that, an introduction to the characters.  (I can’t just assume everyone picked up Arsinal #’s 1-3, the forthcoming Arsinal #4, The Arsinal Catastrophe, Mighty Lightning #1, or y’know…lives inside my head.) Here’s everything you need to know:

 

Mighty Lightning: Greg Hoskins lost his father to a freak archeology accident. His fathers dying wish was for Greg to receive what he’d given his life for: two metal gauntlets of alien origin. When Greg puts these on’ he becomes Mighty Lightning: a superhero who has control of his density, and lightning fast reflexes.

 

Ronin: Steve Matsuda had everything given to him on a silver platter. His father had seen to it that he never had to try for anything, including a starring role in the new Jupiter Jones movie based on the hit video game. With a new found determination to be his own man, Steve rejected the role, and decided to try to get the role again under an alias. When he began to research the role, he met Greg Hoskins working at an “EW GameShop”. After getting Greg fired, they became bitter rivals…until Steve discovered Greg is really Mighty Lightning.  Steve determined becoming a real hero would be the best character research of all. Although hesitant at first, Greg decided to show him what being a true hero is all about…if only to keep him out of trouble.

 

Arsinal: Raised on the South Side of Chicago, Arsinal Raymond Davis lost his mother at an early age to an apartment fire.  With no one else to turn to, his uncle Leon took Arsinal into his home, and taught him how to defend himself physically and mentally.  After graduating from MIT, Arsinal devoted his life to improving the practice of firefighting.  His crowning achievement was the HEAV2, or Heat Extracting Armor Version 2, which he developed while employed by Hopetech.  Forced by his boss, Ed Bradley, to demo the armor before it was fully tested, Arsinal ended up burning Ed and the suit became bonded to him in the process.  In the end, it became evident that the entire incident was a plot to frame Arsinal orchestrated by his boss, his best friend Brian, and his wife, Veronica.  Enraged, Arsinal originally sought revenge, but sacrificed himself to save not only his uncle, but the entire city.  After pushing the limits of the HEAV2 as far as they could go, the relays overloaded and Arsinal was at the epicenter of a massive explosion.

 

Now that we’ve got that out of the way, let’s begin!  Stay tuned…