"I Am the Night" Rewtach: "Baby-Doll" & "The Lion and the Unicorn"

Batman The Animated Series

Happy Birthday, Batman. Today, the Dark Knight Detective turns 80 and he doesn't look a day over 75! I keed, I keed. March has been a big month for Batman. Last week, "Detective Comics," the series that introduced him to the world, hit issue 1000. It's only the second comic series to hit that particular milestone. Batman continues to be one of the most popular comic book characters out there. Not too shabby for an octogenarian. It's the perfect time to check in on "B: TAS."

Drag Race Continues to Get Political As the Dolls Take On Trump and the Women That Love and Love to Hate Him

RuPaul's Drag Race, Episode 4: "Trump The Rusical"

In the early days of "RuPaul's Drag Race," it took a very apolitical bent and that was by design. RuPaul is on record as saying that she didn't want it to be too political or too polarizing. In the current political climate, that may seem odd. Heck, it might seem odd for back then, especially when you factor in how active trans women and drag queens, especially those of color, have been in fighting for so many of the rights we have today. But, we have to remember that when Drag Race premiered in 2009, they were in the halcyon days of the Obama presidency. We still believed in hope and change and we believed those things would last. 

But as days have gotten darker to coincide with Trump's rise, Ru has lifted the Drag Race political ban even hosting Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi in the Werk Room. And now, for this episode's maxi challenge, we get "Trump: The Rusical." A bunch of men dressed as women making fun of the President and singing about pussy power, may not seem super revolutionary, but in today's Twitter charged political climate it definitely is.

Comics Corner: Batman - Death of the Family

Batman

When DC launched the New 52, the Bat books were missing a key component. The Clown Prince of Crime. The Joker. In the first issue of the New 52 "Detective Comics" relaunch, The Joker cut his face off and left it as a gift. It was being held by GCPD. When Scott Snyder began his instant classic run on "Batman," you knew it was only a matter of time before he threw Joker into the mix. A year into his run, he decided to deliver one of the definitive Joker stories of all time.

When the Dolls Lead Diva Worship, The Audience Becomes Converts To the Church of Miss Vanjie

RuPaul's Drag Race, Episode 3: "Diva Worship"

I don't talk too much about "Untucked" because I feel like it is just a supplement for the main show. You should be able to watch "RuPaul's Drag Race" only and get the full experience no matter what Ru says in the intro. I feel like it's important to talk about this week's "Untucked" because it might help inform things in the future. It all goes back to this season's most polarizing dragtestant, Silky Nutmeg Ganache. Silky was part of the winning team and it feels all good, but she's upset. She claims that it's because she didn't feel comfortable as a woman of God, but in reality, it seems like she was pouting because the team didn't go with her choice of Whitney Houston. It seems that Yvie will be the whistleblower of this season and the fight that breaks out is really baffling. Why did Silky think she was going to have to lip sync? Why did she tear that away and then "perform?" For someone who prides herself on being real, the whole thing feels very produced and fake.

Re-Visiting the Marvel Cinematic Universe: Ant-Man

"Ant-Man" (2015)

Marvel just released a major movie, "Avengers: Age of Ultron," that had some big stuff happen. Hulk took off. The Avengers officially learned about the Infinity Stones. They gained a few new recruits and a new base. A whole country was almost destroyed. It's not like "Infinity War" big, but that's a lot. So, why not use the next film to decompress a little bit. Have a little fun. That's exactly what happens in "Ant-Man."

"Ant-Man" went through some hardships going from announcement to screen. Initially acclaimed director, Edgar Wright, was signed on to write and direct "Ant-Man." Wright was famous for the action comedies, "Shaun of the Dead," "Hot Fuzz," "The World's End" and "Scott Pilgrim Vs. the World," amongst others. There was a lot of excitement. Wright brought a lot of excitement and a lot of disappointment when he ended up leaving the project over creative differences. Wright is still credited as a screenwriter on the film, but we'll never know how much of his original script remained intact. 

As always, it's great to see Marvel continuing to bring lesser known, kind of out there heroes to the big screen. The focus is the second Ant-Man in the comics, former thief, Scott Lang. Hank Pym isn't neglected though. Hank was a founding member of the Avengers in the comics, so maybe it's not a huge shock that he got a solo film.

"Ant-Man" stars Paul Rudd as Scott Lang, Michael Douglas as Hank Pym, Evangeline Lily as Hope Van Dyne and Corey Stoll as Darren Cross. The film also stars Michael Pena, T.I., Judy Greer, Bobby Cannavale and a special appearance by Anthony Mackie. The screenplay was written by Edgar Wright, Joe Cornish, Adam McKay and Paul Rudd from a story by Edgar Wright and Joe Cornish. It was directed by Peyton Reed. The film opened nationwide July 17, 2015.

"Super Zeroes" Doom Patrol Recap: "Cult Patrol"

Doom Patrol

I'm a little late with this one. I hope you all did a little research on the Animal-Vegetable-Mineral Man and next you'll have to do some on the Decreator. That's your homework. Now without further adieu, let's get into the fourth episode.

The Queens Parody Some Prestige Dramas, But the Most Drama Is Happening In The Werk Room

RuPaul's Drag Race, Episode 2: "Good God Girl, Get Out"

I feel like I would be remiss if I didn't mention the things that have came out about this season's most controversial contestant, Silky Nutmeg Ganache. Since the show has started, its gone way past her being really loud and overpowering. She's made a joke that reeks of Islamophobia towards Mercedes Iman Diamond, the show's first Muslim contestant. There have been some sexual assault allegations made against her. She hasn't really addressed any of these things, which is not a great look. It's hard to be objective about her, in regards to what I'm seeing on the show, but I'm going to do my best. That being said, let's dive in.

The queens head back to the Werk Room after the first elimination and say good-bye to their "cyster," Soju. It's clear some of the queens doin't think Soju should have shared that, but I'm all for it. Don't let them cyst shame you, girl. Brooke Lynn is feeling her oats after winning the first challenge, but Scarlet is not having it and tries to say that her dress is so great and she should have been in the top. Brooke Lynn wastes no time in pointing out the holes and puckering in the garment. You could seem them from space. They seem to be setting up a rivalry between Brooke Lynn and Scarlet? It's early so it could fizzle out like the hyped rivalry between Miz Cracker and Aquaria last season.

"In the Name of the Moon" Rewatch: "The Crybaby: Usagi's Beautiful Transformation" & "Punishment Awaits: The House of Fortune Is the Monster Mansion"

Sailor Moon

First off, happy International Women's Day! I feel like kicking of my "Sailor Moon" rewatch/recap today is very apropos. I've always felt that "Sailor Moon" was very empowering and really showcased all sides of "strong women." Usagi is clutzy and cries, but she is very empathetic and courageous, there's fiery Rei, brainy Ami, strong and sensitve Mako, fierce and lovely, Minako. They complement each other and compensate for each other's weaknesses. They learn from each other and grow.

"Sailor Moon" premiered on Japanese television 27 years ago, yesterday, March 7, 1992, adapted from the successful manga by Naoko Takeuchi It wouldn't debut in the United States until 1995 and it would be a bastardized version at that. Character names were changed. Genders were changed to make it less queer and more palatable to impressionable English speaking audiences. Despite that, I loved it. As a 12-year-old gay boy, I was entranced by the transformations, the attacks, the stories. I remember spending summers at my grandparents watching on the USA Network. I wouldn't watch the original, unedited episodes until my early '20's and it made my appreciation for "Sailor Moon" grow even more. 

The past few years, Viz Media has been releasing re-mastered editions on blu-ray featuring the original Japanese voice acting and a new English dub featuring the original cast. It's time for a re-watch! This will be similar to my "Batman: The Animated Series" re-watch and I'm really excited to get started. If you've never watched "Sailor Moon" and want to follow along, I encourage it! The whole series is on Hulu for you to enjoy.

Re-Visiting the Marvel Cinematic Universe: Avengers: Age of Ultron

"Avengers: Age of Ultron" (2015)

Iron Man, Thor and Captain America have all had their second solo films, so it's time for Earth's Mightiest Heroes to team up for the second time to face a threat that's too big for any one hero to face themselves. Even if that enemy is one that a member of the team created. Whoops.

Much like "Captain America: The Winter Solider" this movie takes it's subtitle from a comics arc that was relatively recent. In the comics, "Age of Ultron" was an alternate history where Ultron realized his dream of a cyborg domination and Earth's heroes form an underground resistance to stop him. It has nothing to do with this movie, but it's still a good read. You should check it out.

"Avengers: Age of Ultron" reunites the OG Avengers: Robert Downey, Jr as Iron Man, Chris Hemsworth as Thor, Chris Evans as Captain America, Scarlet Johannson as Black Widow, Mark Ruffalo as Dr. Bruce Banner/The Hulk and Jeremy Renner as Hawkeye. They are joined by Elizabeth Olsen and Aaron Taylor-Johnson's, Wanda "Scarlet Witch" Maximoff and Pietro "Quicksilver" Maximoff. Paul Bettany appears in the flesh, sort of, as the Vision and James Spader voices Ultron. "Avengers: Age of Ultron" was written and directed by Joss Whedon. It opened nationwide on May 1, 2015.

"Fuck Batman" Titans Recap: "Dick Grayson"

Titans

It's been a long, strange journey these past 11 episodes. I admittedly wasn't in favor of this when I first saw the trailer and I was full of trepidation when I began watching. I'm definitely invested in the show and I didn't think that I would be. The quality of the episodes has varied, sometimes wildly from one end of the spectrum to the other. Everything has led up to this. Dick has entered to try to save Raven and stop Trigon. The final battle begins.

"Super Zeroes" Doom Patrol Recap: "Puppet Patrol"

Doom Patrol

I never in a million years thought that "Doom Patrol" on the DC Universe streaming service would be one of the things that I look forward to the most in a week. I'm already dreading when the season ends and I'm ready to start campaigning for a second season. 

In the Season 11 Premiere, All the Queens Are Trying to Stand Out, But One Just Loves Munch Munching That Scenery

RuPaul's Drag Race, Episode 1: "Whatcha Unpackin'"

It feels like only yesterday we were watching Ru wuss out and crown two queens the winners of All-Stars 4. Oh wait. It was like two weeks ago. We can wash that away though, because we are leaving the scheming and lipstick pulling of All-Stars, for the arbitrary whims of RuPaul in a regular Drag Race season. We have 15 queens, the most of any season of Drag Race, so let's go.