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DC Comics December 2024

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Introduction

I wrote last time that I received half a dozen Action Comics for some reason. Thankfully, Mark Waid wrote a great story for those books because I dedicated an entire article to them. Now I need to cover the rest of DC Comics December 2024. I think my plan to get the page back on track can be called successful. This marks the 11th article this month and I plan to write about 5 more. Plus, I finally posted episode 2 of Dragons of Eternity. Sorry, just had to take a short victory lap there.

Batman 154 (Legacy 919)

Writer: Chip Zdarsky, Artist: Carmin di Giandimenico

Quick Synopsis and Thoughts: A good old fashioned hard boiled detective story. Bats and Gordon investigate a murder. This ends with explosive results. Has the uncorruptable Gordon become corrupted? Or, is it part of the greater plan of Commander Star to take down both Bats and Bruce?

A fine issue for what it is. But, this feels more like a Detective Comics story than one for the main title. I also got annoyed at the ending. I think Zdarsky just threw that in for the sake of controversy. Then again, he’s the professional comic book writer. Maybe he’ll make a believer out of me. My verdict: Decent.

Writer: Torunn Gronbekk, Artist: Fabiana Mascolo

Quick Synopsis and Thoughts: Cats finds herself on the wrong side of a bounty. She uses her skills as an international woman of mystery to go undercover and try to find the person responsible. I mean, at this point, there’s a laundry list of name. As a result, unfortunately, she doesn’t come close to an answer this time.

About to sound like a broken record here. Feels like with every new writer on Cats, I have the same reaction. This person isn’t as good as previous person. Oh wait, this person does understand the character and is delivering a compelling story. This person is a national treasure and must be protected at all costs. I’m in between the second and third step with Gronbekk right now. My verdict: Good.

Detective Comics 1091

Writer: Tom Taylor, Artist: Michael Janin

Quick Synopsis and Thoughts: Bats got offered a youth serum that will give him the strength and vigor of a much younger man. He struggles with the decision, even asking Supes for his opinion. Meanwhile, he “negotiates” a peace between Penguin and one of the villain’s young victims. Later, the boy becomes the target of Asema. How does it all connect?

I think that the two Batman comics switched bodies, a la Freaky Friday. While I said that the main title feels like Detective, this story feels like it belongs in the main title. Very weird. But, I like this story much better so far compared to the main title. A lot happening, but I’m convinced Taylor will tie it all together nicely. My verdict: Good

Superman 19 and 20 (Legacy 862 and 863)

Writer: Joshua Williamson, Artist: Dan Mora.

Quick Synopsis and Thoughts: Guess who’s back? Back again. Doomsday’s back. Tell a friend. Or, your wife. In the aftermath of the Absolute Power story, Lois has powers herself. She and Supes team up to confront Doomsday. They must also deal with the Time Trapper. Crazy start to a story line!

Joshua Williamson became one of my favorite writers during his Flash run. Now, he’s writing Supes and it is probably my favorite DC Comic right now. Wonder Woman (more on that in a bit) is a close second or just barely nudges this one. He again proves his worth with this opener. Can’t wait to see where this one goes. My verdict: Great.

Wonder Woman 15 (Legacy 815)

Writer: Tom King, Artist: Daniel Sampere

Quick Synopsis and Thoughts: Last issue saw the death of Steve and the birth of Diana’s child. This one sees her begin to amass an army to deal with the threat of the Sovereign. She gathers the others from the “Wonder Corps” and starts to pull together a plan. This one promises to be good.

I said last month that Tom King hit his stride with Wonder Woman finally. I wouldn’t put him on the same plane as some of my favorites, but he’s figuring out the character and writing compelling stories. This introduction has me very excited for what’s to come. My verdict: Good, almost great.

My Verdict

DC Comics December 2024 brings fun books and mostly good stories. I wasn’t a huge fan of the Absolute Power story. But, the stories coming out of that all interest me. I want to see where they take these characters in the immediate future. Good stuff right now.

Note: Flash 15 not reviewed.

Images taken from DC.com

On the Tabletop

Tabletop is a Gift 2024

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Introduction

If you read my last article on tabletop gaming, you know that I chose Warhammer as my tabletop is a gift 2024 winner. While I played less over the last few years, my history with tabletop gaming goes back to my high school years. Some friends and I played Dungeons and Dragons weekly. Then, in college, I discovered Magic the Gathering.

I collected MtG up until earlier this year. Then, the tenuous playgroup we put together fell apart. I became more interested in other mobile games. That cut into my phone gaming usage. So, Warhammer wins mostly by default this year. If you’ve followed the page for any time, though, you know that doesn’t mean that the game isn’t deserving.

It took me some time to come around to Warhammer. I tried the other version, Hordes. But, it never quite kept me entertained for long enough. It might have been the time in my life. But, Warhammer now fills that space in my life.

Why Continue to Play Tabletop?

Part of the reason I continue to play tabletop is it gives me a way to spend time with my family. They all enjoy the traditional games like Scrabble and Monopoly. But, through me, they learned about new games. So far, we like Catan and Ticket to Ride the best.

But, I always look out for new games for us to play. I downloaded a holiday themed D&D adventure for us to try playing again. We tried a few years ago. But, I wasn’t in the right frame of mind and I didn’t set the right mood. So, I want to try again.

Tabletop gaming allows us to put aside our phones and computers for about two hours at a time and have fun as a family. And, D&D lets me share one other part of my history with them.

Why Warhammer Wins

I wrote earlier that Warhammer wins by default. While true, that sounds like it isn’t deserving. I promise you that Warhammer comes by this victory honestly. I spent at least one hour every week assembling, painting, and sometimes running through the tutorials. I haven’t spent this much time with a single game since a couple years ago when I wrote the two adventures for Quinn for D&D.

On the battlefield

Image 1 of 6

Hell, Warhammer did what D&D never accomplished. Both Chris and Christine asked to play the game at some point over the year. All of the boys showed some interest in the models as I worked to bring them to life. Also, a student asked the other day about Warhammer, so we talked some about the game together. The community will find you if you give it a chance.

The other thing that keeps me engaged with Warhammer is the rules. I’m not a huge rules nerd, but I do appreciate a game that has a massive rule set, but also condenses that rules set to make it easy to learn. The subscription that I subscribed to gives you one part of the game to play through at a time. This allows you to learn the game at your own pace. For all of these reasons, Warhammer wins this year.

What Makes Warhammer a Gift?

In addition to the reasons already mentioned, Warhammer is literally a gift every month. I receive a box (lately a bag) of models and guides. Sometimes they send paints and brushes. Twice, I received a larger scale model as a surprise inclusion. Receiving and opening these is one of the things that I look forward to every month.

Then, in addition to constructing the models, I need to organize and file the guides away. Part of those guides is lore that I haven’t even mentioned in any of my articles. You know me. I love a good story. World of Warcraft. Portal 2. The Final Fantasy series. Dungeons and Dragons. Most of my joy comes from the story within the game. While I haven’t read all of it, from what I see, the Warhammer story is a good one.

The Verdict

I think I made my case for Warhammer as our tabletop is a gift 2024 winner. It checks many of the boxes for me as a fun and interesting game. I keeps me occupied. It builds community. Speaking of that community. If you have any stories of your own from this year about Warhammer, reach out here or on any of our socials. I’d love to discuss them. Join us next week for our final gift of the year.

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Action Comics December 2024

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Introduction

Inexplicably, of the 13 DC Comics I received this month, over half of them were Action Comics December 2024. In my continued effort to keep the page alive, I therefore split the books into two piles, one for the Action and one for the rest. The nice thing about that is that we are currently in the middle of an epic story in Action. So far, it spans eight issues. From the looks of it, it continues for at least another three issues. So, let’s dig into the fun.

Action Comics 1072 – 1077

Note: I couldn’t find the covers for 1072 or 1073 on the DC.com web page. Apolgies.

Writer: Mark Waid, Artists: Michael Shefler and Clayton Henry

Quick Synopsis and Thoughts: Supes works and fights to discover the secrets of the Phantom Zone. So far, this journey showed him the deadly connection between one of his allies and the Phantom King. He explores that more. Then, the Zone makes him relive some of his history by taking him to Krypton near the time of his birth. Meanwhile, the other heroes try to keep things together. In the last issue of Action Comics December 2024, the two stories collide when the Phantom King starts to assault Earth.

So far, I enjoy this story. I mean, it wouldn’t be a 2 Generations Gaming review if I didn’t mention how growing up, Superman wasn’t one of my favorite characters. But, over time, they sold me on him more and more. Most recently, I like what they’re doing with Action Comics. The gave creators a little more control with what they tell. Mark Waid took that control and ratcheted it up to 11 (issues, so far). Every so often, they try to sell a story as the preeminent Superman story. I think, this time, they finally delivered. My verdict: Great.

The Verdict

I suppose I could have given more detail in the synopsis since it only covers one title this time. However, I want to you experience it as spoiler free as possible. I guess I’m getting soft in my old age. Merry Christmas. Enjoy the story.

Digital Playground

Mobile Gaming is a Gift 2024

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Introduction

From my last article, you know that I bought myself two gifts this year, a Nintendo Switch and a Retroid Pocket 4 Pro. Truly, mobile gaming is a gift 2024. Both brought me much joy. I always held a soft spot for mobile gaming ever since my parents bought us Game Boys for Christmas one year. I never owned a Game Gear, but I bought myself a Game Boy Color.

Then, Nintendo released the Game Boy Advance. I bought several consoles over the years, including the SP NES version shown in the picture below. That thing got me through 3 years of working overnights in a halfway house for errant teens. Before that, I learned how to solder to put a backlight in my original GBA. And, much of the reason that I played it so much is that I owned a ROM card that allowed me to try many different games on the system. Plus, the games were almost always good.

In keeping with that tradition, the Retroid Pocket became my chosen mobile gaming experience this year. It replaced my daily phone habit of playing Hearthstone and Magic the Gathering. As I discovered new uses for the console, I became more excited about the possibilities.

What is this Thing?

Version 1.0.0

What are those possibilities? Yes, I just practiced the worst type of journalism with a question for a title and a question for the opening of this section. But, I promise that I come by this honestly. Maybe you had those questions? If not, I would have. I’m a naturally curious person.

So, the Retroid pocket family of handhelds, the version 4 pro shown above, are a line of Android powered gaming devices. This provides you with the full suite of Android apps in addition to the various emulators that people developed for the system. Without going into too much detail, I found out that it gives me the ability to relive games up to the “sixth” generation of consoles.

While it looks like any other number of mobile gaming devices (most notably the Switch), that’s part of it’s charm. I’ve seen other mobile PCs that might be more powerful, but they also don’t look very portable or have the best battery life. That was the biggest draw for me when researching the possibilities.

It’s Actually Mobile

I took the Retroid Pocket on our Cape “camping” vacation. We used to tent. Recently, though, we’ve reserved a yurt for these trips, so we have access to a roof, running water, and electricity. So, at the lower end of “glamping”. One of the main reasons that mobile gaming is a gift 2024 in the form of the console is that I can fit it in my back pocket. Also, as Liam said the other day, the battery life on this thing is great.

When I opened the box and started working with the device, I only expected it to be able to allow me to relive my childhood. Play some old Atari and Game Boy advance games wherever I wanted. True enough, initially. However, as I worked more with the system, I found it to be much more powerful that expected. I showed Liam the new additions to the library, and he’s played the thing almost exclusively for the last week or so. I might have to buy another one.

As others succumbed to the iCult, I continued to stubbornly cling to my roots as an Android faithful. What can I say? I know they only give the illusion of control (unless you root, and who has the time for that?) but that illusion proves quite powerful. Because one of the reasons that I stick with Android is the customization offered. The Retroid Pocket is no different. In addition to the normal customizing, the addition of the controllers offer even more ability to make the device your own.

My Experience with the Retroid Pocket

Even with the large amount of customization, the system more or less comes out of the box ready to play. They include a powerful front end that finds and installs emulator cores for you for nearly any system you can imagine. Then, you just need to rip and upload some roms from your games and you’re good to go. Some of the newer and homebrew games include a rom with the cartridge purchase, making that easier.

As mentioned, the Pocket gave me the ability to relive memories from my childhood to early adulthood. I was talking with my brothers in the wake of my mother’s death and we talked about the year we received an NES for Christmas. That led to a discussion of games that I had forgotten and the ability to go back to play those games. I also told a story a few months ago about how my cousins had an NES and Legend of Zelda. That, in a lot of ways, inspired me to ask our parents for one.

Owning the system helped me to advance the web page, too. One of my most viewed recent videos of modern Atari games came from directly recorded gameplay on the console. I’ve used clips and screenshots from the games on our Instagram page. It is quite possibly the perfect mobile gaming console on the market today.

Why Mobile is Still Important in 2024

Gamers have always wanted access to their games on the go. I, especially, love to bring my games with me. From the old magnetic board games we played in the car to my first Game Boy and then the Game Boy Advance, I always brought games with me wherever I go. I first learned about “mobile PCs” when Steam announced the Steam Deck. I preordered one, but then couldn’t justify the expense.

Especially when I learned that the battery life is abysmal and I repaired my old gaming laptop, I had no reason for another, even smaller PC that I’d have to keep plugged in more or less. Fool me once and all that. Well, while reading about other mobile PCs, I learned about the Retroid Pocket. I did some more reading and realized that’s exactly what I want from a mobile gaming console right now. I also bought a Switch for a similar reason.

So, in the sea of smart phones, mobile PCs, and hybrid consoles, I chose the my Retroid Pocket 4 Pro for my mobile gaming is a gift 2024. It gives me (and my son Liam and probably Quinn when he discovers it) exactly what I need from a mobile gaming experience.

The Verdict

I highly recommend you purchase one of these consoles. I have yet to find a reason to regret my own purchase. If you want something portable that lets you experience the glory days of retro gaming, there is no other choice, as far as I’m concerned. Let us know what you think in the comments or on social media.

Digital Playground

2024 Look Back on Mobile

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Introduction

As I started to implement the theme months over the last couple of years on the page, they evolved and changed. Not always for the best, as we saw with Frightober this year. But, always trying to make thing better around here, I tweaked the format slightly again this year. Two years ago, I simply announced my games of the year. Last year, I announced the contenders and then wrote an article about the winner. This year, I went more with a nostalgic look back before I talk about how my experience with gaming changed this year. This is my 2024 look back on mobile gaming.

Out of the three gaming genres that I play most (PC/Console, Mobile, and Tabletop), this one changed the most. I went from playing several games daily to only a few and then finally logging into two games on a semi regular basis every month. That’s my phone usage. Let me explain what changed.

A Gift to Myself

Because I am an adult male with adult motivations, I put together a reward system for myself to keep from calling into work last year. In addition to the stressful teaching duties, I took on two classes and department coordinator responsibilities. My very adult plan to keep myself going to work included ice cream for every full week, a Lego set for every month, and a Nintendo Switch for making it the entire second semester without taking a “mental health day”.

While I just treated the reward system with snark and some condescension, it worked. I made it through the second semester and bought myself a yellow Nintendo Switch like the one in the picture up above. I wanted a Switch of my own for a few years now and this finally gave me a reason to go through with the purchase.

Initially, I used it to play more Hades, probably my favorite game of the last few years. Then, more recently, I started up Pikmin 3. Initially, I wanted to include it in my puzzle games posts on Instagram. Then, I remembered how much I enjoyed the game. So, I kept playing. I plan to get deeper into both games over Christmas break.

The Real Reason

I don’t remember when or how I learned about the Retroid pocket. But, I quickly became obsessed with the idea of having all of my former games in handheld form. I ended up buying this first as a way to scratch the Switch itch. Initially, it worked. I transferred all of my Atari games to it and then built out my GBA library. Eventually, I expanded out to Sega Genesis and NES and SNES.

More recently, I discovered that it emulated PS1 and PS2 games faithfully. Of course, I started playing GTA3 and Fatal Frame as a result. The big news, though, for my family, is that it also works for Gamecube games. After I played Super Mario Sunshine (Chris guess that was the first game I got for it), I found Luigi’s Mansion. Liam discovered that and he’s been playing it ever since. I don’t think I’m ever going to see it again.

The Verdict

The 2024 look back on mobile initially started out as a lamentation of the fact that I no longer use my phone for gaming. However, it quickly establishes that’s because I branched out into other forms of mobile gaming. With the Switch and Retroid Pocket, I foresee a coming year of many different games.

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X Books November 2024

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Introduction

I started this trend last month, I think. I missed almost all of the Krakoa era books other than a few random issues and the very end. I tried to make up for it by ordering as many books as possible this time around. Due to less free time and the usual down tick in motivation around this time of year brings the misnamed X Books November 2024. But, hey, you’re used to that kind of thing around here.

Exceptional X-Men 2

Writer: Eve Ewing, Artist: Carmen Carnero

Quick Synopsis and Thoughts: Last issue saw Kitty Pryde trying, in vain, to put recent events behind her and live a life as normal as possible given her situation. She ran into a young mutant and that complicated her plans. Further complications arrived in the form of Emma Frost. This issue continues that story with Kitty meeting up with other mutants and coming closer to a team. That is until Emma arrives at the end to ensure they’ll be in good hands with her.

The great thing about so many different books after the fall of Krakoa is that we get many different versions of how everyone deals with that fall and the aftermath. I especially like this story because it puts Kitty in the Charles role with Emma Frost as her Magneto. I expect stories similar to She-Hulk with Rowell and that makes me happy to have that vibe again monthly. My verdict: Good.

Phoenix 4

Writer: Stephanie Phillips, Artist: Alessandro Miracolo

Quick Synopsis and Thoughts: Jean and Carol take some time to celebrate after the events of the last issue. Jean remains ever vigilant, but Carol implores her to just enjoy herself. That vigilance proves prescient as the council plans some way to reign in the Phoenix before she destroys all. Gorr the God Butcher answers that call and kills Jean after a brief fight. Fear not, True Believers, as the Phoenix rises from that death more powerful.

I couldn’t get into the previous story. I think that might have been because I missed the set up. I often don’t like the universe spanning stories and prefer things to be more personal. This one takes the good from both of those storytelling methods to bring a personal touch to a godlike power that can destroy everything. My verdict: Decent.

The Uncanny X-Men 3 and 4 (Legacy 703 and 704)

Writer: Gail Simone, Artist: David Marquez

Quick Synopsis and Thoughts: Rogue takes the lead in this book. She and Logan bicker about their roles in the team as Logan threatens constantly to go back to “lone wolf” mode any minute. While he broods in the wild, Sarah Gaunt attacks the team, taking out Kurt. She then makes her way to Logan and leaves him bloodied. Rogue faces off against Gaunt while the rest of the team deals with the army she sent to kill them. Logan gets back on his feet, ready to fight, on the last panel.

You all know by now that Gail Simone is one of my favorite writers ever. She wasted no time in sending an existential threat to kill Rogue’s fledgling team. Remember when I said that the books allow for different types of storytelling? Well, this one goes straight for the jugular and leaves you breathless by the end of it all. This might be my favorite of the X Books November 2024. My verdict: Great.

X-Force 4 (Legacy 294)

Writer: Geoffrey Thorne, Artist: Marcus To.

Quick Synopsis and Thoughts: Forge’s team rises from their defeat at the end of the previous issue, dust themselves off, and go back at defeating Nuklo. They need to lead him away from civilization. That takes them into the realm of Man-Thing, who offers his assistance in the fight. Nuklo falls and the Avengers also arrive on the scene to help deal with the aftermath, shocking Forge with Storm’s presence.

They sold this issue as a Man-Thing story and then he only showed up in 4 or 5 pages towards the end. Then, the Avengers show up? Kind of random. I like this iteration of X-Force. It’s just that this story was all over the place. Maybe they’ll find their footing in the next one. My verdict: Decent.

X-Men 5 and 6 (Legacy 305 and 306)

Writer: Jed MacKay, Artist: Ryan Stegman

Quick Synopsis and Thoughts: Psylocke and Kid Omega go on a “psychic mission”. While there, they learn that someone is activating the x-gene in order to create new mutants. One of the mutants that has been reborn is Cassandra Nova. Then, as the team trains, Magik and Temper search for a mutant girl. There, they find out that the feral sentinel is hunting her down. Feels like both of these things are connected and will collide sooner rather than later.

The MacKay takeover of X-Men hasn’t quite lived up to the previous era so far. I like the stories that he’s telling and he’s making the group into something that I can enjoy. But, I just think that Gail Simone is dealing with things much better right now. MacKay’s irreverence works with the Avengers, but it doesn’t quite fit right now with the X-Men. Like X-Force, I hope the title finds it’s voice soon. My verdict: Decent.

The Verdict

In the wake of the end of such a massive story, X Books November 2024 are still finding their voice and footing. While the books overall are good, I just don’t think that things are coming together as well as maybe they could. I know in a few months, I will probably be eating these words once everything does finally work. For now, though, I stand by my assessment.

Images taken from Marvel.com