2011 Ramble Awards

2010
2009
2008

Favorites in Movies

Wheres My Book!?!?!

Damn Amazon, why didn't you ship it Sunday or something? I'm damn close to just going to the mall and buying the Girl Who Kicked the Hornets Nest.

2010 Ramble Awards

2009
2008

Favorites in Movies

Favorite Film: Monsters vs. Aliens
Why?: Tough call. Absolutely loved Inglourious Basterds. Saw Hangover, Star Trek and District 9 twice each. And yeah, Up and Coraline were technically better animated movies but this lfick was so fun its become one of my go-to videos to watch. Seen it at least three times since boot-er, DVD.


Favorite Performance by an Actor: Chrisoph Waltz for Inglourious Basterd
Why?: That opening scene in Tarantino's latest is just killer. Waltz literally waltzes his way through this movie in villainous style as the Jew Hunter.


Favorite Performance by an Actress: Melanie Laurent for Inglourious Basterd
Why?: Most of the best female performances are on TV or in smaller films. So, since I missed a bunch of those films cause they didn't seem interesting, Melanie was the only real choice. Okay, Zoe Saldana(Star Trek, Avatar) was close but Melanie's performance as a Jewish woman in hiding in France was so strong I'm sad she has not gotten too many Supporting Noms from award shows.


Favorite Director: Neill Blomkamp
Why?: Thought I was going Tarantino? So did I but I decided with Blomkamp because District 9 was a visual treat. Not as technical and future-bending as Avatar sure, but he handles the performances, settings, and effects so damn well that this film is one of my all time fav sci-fi flicks.


Favorites in TV

Favorite TV Series: Sons of Anarchy
Why?: That second season exploded from the first episode and burned the competition. Intense work.


Favorite Performance by an Actor: Neil Patrick Harris for How I Met Your Mother
Why?: How I Met Your Mothers a good comedy but NPH makes it better. Well, most the other cast is good to but without Harris, this show would've been canceled long ago.


Favorite Performance by an Actress: Katey Sagal for Sons of Anarchy
Why?: That last scene in Season 1, episode 1 and than the next couple episodes. Sagal is awesome.


Favorite Episode of the Year: The Ring-South Park
Why?: I knew it was a South Park episode. yeah, Sons was a better season overall butt he good episodes of South Park just killed. This one revolving around Purity Rings, Jonas Bros. and a foul mouthed Mickey Mouse was genius. Plus it has a hilarious ending that's a touch nostalgic for us long time South Park fans. Interestingly, Margaritaville episode won the Emmy this year for animated episode. That one was awesome.


Favorites in Comics

Favorite Ongoing Series: Empowered
Why?: This category is, in general, ongoing series. Traditional comics, OGN series, and manga. Topping this year in Empowered because volume 5 dealt with the circumstances at the end of volume 4 beautifully and sped to a draamtic conclusion that shocked me.


Favorite Writer: Adam Warren for Empowered
Why?: Not too many comic writers doing multiple books I like. Technically none at all. Sorry Geoff Johns. So I went with Empowered's writer artist Adam Warren.


Favorite Artist/Art Team: JH Williams III & Dave Stewart for Batwoman in Detective Comics
Why?: JH Williams killed ever issue. One of my fav artists on top of his game. He and writer Greg Rucka made this one of my fav superhero books this year. Williams design work and ability to shift his style to fit the mood is what makes him great. Plus the wonderful coloring of Dave Stewart. Can't forget him.


Favorite Collected Edition: The Life & Times of Martha Washinton in the 21st Century
Why?: Despite not being my fav Frank Miller or Dave Gibbons work, it is a good book made even more impressive in this single over sized omnibus with extras galore. Where the hell were all these specials on Frank Millers Ronin Absolute edition over at DC. Dark Horse kicked this one into gear with so much cool stuff. I got the 99 dollar hardcore. I hear there's a 30 dollar omnibus coming soon. The story of poor black girl who becomes a soldier and freedom fighter is just a good kick in the ass of dull comics.


Favorite Novel

Favorite Novel I Read in 2009: The Girl Who Played With Fire by Stieg Larsson
Why?: I checked out the paperback of The Girl with the Dragon tattoo expecting it to be over rated. That thing kidnapped me. This book, is so much mroe awesome. The second part of the Millennium trilogy about a financial reporter Mikael Blomkvist and the hacker chick Lisbeth Salander finds the duo tied up with a murder leading to Lisbeth. Its up to them to clear her name, though they are doing it separately.


Favorites in Music


Video is NSFW

Favorite Artist/Band: Kabuto the Pyhton
Why?: Despite my reservations about a rapper under a V for Venddeta mask, KTP kicked ass on the Parsletongue mixtape which I still bump sixmonths later. Plus several diss tracks, several guests verses, and collections of unsued, unreleased or older material-2009 was the year of the Python. His flow is just mean and fun. Thats a cool combination.


Favorite Album: Parsletongue Mixtape by Kabuto the Python
Why?: Despite it being too long with too much random filler, the meat of the album kills. From Saigons of Thump to the cool ass-kicking High School Musical(that has practically nothing to do with the movie other than two small references). Plus that Margret Thatcher sample for a middle verse in Open Season is just awesome.


Favorite Song: Bottoms Up by My Life with the Thrill Kill Kult
Why?: Death threat switched between evil and funky so the album had mixed results. But this sexy, funky, and slightly evil track is a gem. One of my fav all time TKK songs.

In case you are wondering, Chikara Pro Wrestling, fav wrestling company. Mike Quackenbush fav wrestler. Team FIST bes tag team. Team uppercut vs. Masters of 1000 Holds best match at King of Trio's Night 2. All Chikara.

Edit: If the spelling and grammers off, its because the auto spell/grammer thingee isn't working right.

2010!!! Two More Years to the End Times!!!

Yo. Back again. Quick updates.

Finished the third draft of my novel. need to do fourth draft. This would be faster if I had a new computer. get on that Carl!!!

Read the Fables novel and a cool book called Badass! By the guy who runs the side Badass of the Week. Both were entertaining reads. Also reread Red Planet and I hate to say this, but the edited version is less boring. Still a well thought out science fiction book from master Robert a. Heinlein.

Read a lot of comics. Okay, several comic books. Same old, same old. Though I did read all the Buffy Season 8 trades. Its okay, prefer it as a series.

Which I now have all of on DVD! Whoooo! As well as several other TV series, anime, and movies. including Duck Tales! Yes, i am buying my youth back.

Movies? Nothing worth noting really. Got a stack of bootlegs-er... a list of films I need to see. yeah, that's it.

Christmas was cool. Family and all. Did nothing for New Years.

I have, because I am a geek, started the Wonder Woman screenplay as its currently abandoned project right now. Wrote my opening which is... okay. However I give myself points on the amount of actual comic bits I used. In case you're wondering, it's the Contest. Which would work better in a visual sense than as a written piece sense it sort of just mentions the challenges and then gives Diana the weapons and sends her off.

Maybe I'll post it.

Book: The Moon is a Harsh Mistress

Summary: The Moon is a Harsh Mistress is an award winning science fiction novel by science fiction legend Robert A. Heinlein about a revolt on a lunar colony.

In underground colonies of the moon, the population is made up of criminals, exiled political opponents and descendants of such. The Warden, put in charge by Earth officials, is in control of the colonies though the people are, in a way, free. Free to create their own culture and way of life but they still work and get paid by the Authority.

HOLMES IV system, the colonies largest computer, runs most of the colonies and has became self aware. The Authority on Luna hires a contractor named Manuel Garcia O'Kelly Davis, nicknamed Mannie. Mannie is the computers(nicknamed Mike after Mycroft Holmes by Mannie) friend.

After a rally ends in a skirmish with Wardens guards Mannie, and an activist named Wyoh retreat to hide. They get in contact with a local named Professor Bernardo de la Paz. The talks of revolution and the appropriate way to go about ridding themselves of the Warden and the Authority that rules over them. How to make Luna free.

Mannie introduces the two of them to Mike and the four begin that very mission, to start a real revolution.

That's my brief, dumbed down explanation. I'd suggest the really good wiki page on the book here.

Thoughts: I don't know much about politics, so this was a hard one. It discuses libertarianism in a speculative fashion. Even blasts democracy here and there though the main character isn't really libertarian. Though I loved the scene where Mannie is explaining why taxes make no sense where he's from. Why pay social security taxes when you don't get social security?

The information on the social structure of the Loonies(as they call themselves) lives is really the most interesting thing for me. Whether its Mannie explaining Line marriage(a fictional form of Group Marriage) or how the Loonies deal out their own form of justice.

Heinlein definitely knows his science. Especially in the 60s when this book was written. Pointing out the gravitational differences between Earth and Luna and how that effects travelers. As well as talks of computer programming and the such.

The characters are interesting enough. But no one I think I'll remember too well. Though it was nice to see a self-aware computer no try to kill men.

Overall I thought the book was solid but politics, economy, and matters similar give me a headache. This is a science fiction book with lots of politics. I'd recommend only to those who are looking for true science fiction.

The book also popularizedthe phrase: There's No Such Thing as a Free Lunch.

Book: The Girl With the Dragoon Tattoo

I decided to actually speak on the title.

Summary: The book is set in Sweden and is about Mikael Blomkvist, a financial journalist who co-owns a magazine that goes after corporations and operations with shady dealings. He is convicted of libel based on an article about industrialist Hans-Erik Wennerström.

After the trial, in which he will son have to serve 90 days in gaol(or jail), he is offered a job by aging tycoon Henrik Vanger. Its to write a family chronicle but that's just the cover to his real request, to find out who killed his niece Harriet.

Harriet has been missing for about 40 years and the cops ran down every lead humanly possible.

Interconnecting into these stories is Lisbeth Salander. An antisocial young woman with a troubled past. In her twenties she becomes an asset to a security company as a PI with incredible, and questionable skill.

Eventually the two end up teaming up on the case.

Thoughts: I sort of wondered why Lisbeth didn't just get the case to track down Harriet because she did the thorough background check for Vanger before he was hired. but I guess Henrik sort of explains that away when he "first" meets Blomkvist.

The original title was Män som hatar kvinnor which translates to men Who Hate Women. I didn't know that when I first read the book but I that title is a bit more clear to the story. However I prefer the title the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.

Also, there are some fucked up Swedes.

Other than that, its a briskly paced book. Its over 600 pages and the fact i had no trouble reading it was surprising. Let alone the fact I actually enjoyed it. I mean, the main characters are mostly likable. Though a little annoying at times. Some of the Vanger family are trash.

It was entertaining to see Blomkvist retrace all the leads to find a new angle on the situation. But I enjoyed Lisbeth the most. She's definitely a tough woman and lacks empathy at times but its amazing to read what she's doing and what she's thinking.

Oh, and I never figure out what happens in mystery's.

Overall: I say its worth all the press and raves.

Random Musings Sept. 4

Finished The Astonishing Adventures of Fanboy and Goth Girl. pretty good. Though I didn't really like the lead character and the ending... well... its was a mixed bag for me. But now that I know there's a sequel I already pre-ordered it.

The stories about a comic geek in high school whose home and school life suck. he has one friend who only hangs out with him when he's not doing his sports stuff. Then he meets Goth Girl. He also is working on a graphic novel.

It was definitely better than the first two Felix Gomez vampire novels I read. What a waste of great titles. Next up the real popular Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. I don't read mysteries(or usually like them in general. Which may be the reason I didn't like those Felix Gomez books. That and the character sucked, supporting cast bored me, etc.) so I wonder if I'll be able to stand it. Then some Neil Gaiman and Terry Prachett book.
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Blackest night is fine. But I'm so apathetic to superhero deaths and resurrections that even zombie versions aren't interesting to me.

In other comic news, Bomb Queen is a guilty pleasure. Though I'll just pick up the Omnibust's instead of catching up with the trades.

Expect my Favorites list sometime next week.
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California's hot. And last time I checked it was burning down. That was two days ago. I don't really follow the news.
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Already Christmas shopping as well as my bros December birthday. Almost done with him. Now for my mom and a couple friends, Lauren and Jay Jay.
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Lets have a sexy party.

Superheroes & Philosphy

So I read part of Superheroes & Philosophy: Truth, Justice and the Socratic Way. Meh.

Its a serious, philosophical look at superheroes. But, honestly, kind of boring. Certain characters kept popping up and at times focused a little too much on the film versions which dates the material a tad bit. Plus, as always, certain superheroes just hold on interest for me so I'd skip bits like the chapter on Matt Murdoch the Daredevil.

Still... interesting with a few comic writers contributing. But definitely no a book I'd look at ever again.

Whats Going On?

Added Twitter link to my link list. Nothing really interesting there.

Been writing my story... again. First draft is a success. it means you've finished something. Second draft is annoying because you realize the story needs vast improvement. Third draft is frustrating because you're bored. I'm a third draft now. Its frustrating. On chapter 8 still. Only a bit I retained from my second draft with additional material heavily added. Haven't done anything since I started last weekend. Too tired to go and do 9 tonight. (I'm not doing this on my computer this time).

Speaking of comps... need to get back to saving for my laptop. Hopefully by the end of July.

Need to buy more Cure CDs. Or at least but Bloodflowers. My downloaded copy sucks. Later this month. Waiting on my remaster of Kiss In A Dreamhouse by Siouxsie & the Banshees. Becoming really goth despite the lack of goth chic. Music this year has been two KMFDM CDs, new Thrill Kill Kult, the Lonely Island and just buying or finding older material. Yeah! Burnt copies of two PIG Cds I can't find and purchase. I'd much rather of real copies of them but oh well. Downloaded some free mixtapes though.

Movies... saw Star Trek again. Good times. Next week terminator. Week after that Sam Raimi's Drag Me to Hell and Pixars Up. Good times ahead.

Reading a book on Superheroes and Philosophy. Let you know about that one later. But today ventured around the Book Store more than staying in my little area. Found some neat things I'll look into later.

Few months ago, found a adult video store did exist in my general vicinity. Smells like burnt matches inside. One guy talked to me about pro wrestling. Interesting.

Speaking of wrestling, Chikara King of Trios was fun.

Personal life? What personal life? Antisocial shut in with most friends scattered about. Sucks but hey! I got reading and comics.

In case you care... Goblinstar666 is my aim name. I'm rarely on but still.

Reviews: DVDs & Books

DVD: Shanghai Express
A little bit western, mostly Hong Kong action comedy from the legendary Sammo Hung directing and starring with another legend in Yuen Baio and quite a large cast including Rosamund Kwan, Richard Ng, and many other recognizable Hong Kong actors and actresses at the time.

The story follows seveal points that intercept. Sammo Hung's character, Cheng, is a bit of a hustler returning home with big plans. Tsao(Baio) is the newly elected security chief for the village after the last one and several officers robbed the bank, a trio of Japanese carrying an important Chinese map, gangsters after them, and an Interpol agent tracking Cheng. They call come together in the town of Hansui and things get crazy.

If you're into Jackie Chan than you'll probably dig his older and younger "brothers" in Sammo Hung and Yuen Baio. All three were raised and trained in the Peking Opera School and have similar styles with the differences being Sammo Hungs larger and and was considered the most talented martial artist of the school at his time while Yuen Baio was one of the better acrobats. The performances were all really good despite the fact that, as it turns out, many just wanted to be int he film so some scenes and characters had little bearing to the story. The set design for the small town and the fancy hotel are all top notch for their time and period. If you're looking for something that's funny and entertaining, this is a good flick. Its got good laughs, good fight sequence, and a couple crazy stunts like when Yuen Baio hops from the top of a burning apartment to the ground, gets up and runs forward and still nails his lines out. That scene represents one of the big differences between Hong Kong and American action films, that the actors feel superhuman. Its not a great movie by any means, but its extremely fun.

DVD extras include commentary with expert Bey Logan, interviews with some of the cast, trailers, and even deleted scenes. Dragon Dynasty always providing good DVDs for their releases.

Rating: 8/10


DVD: School Rumble Season 2 Part 1
The second season of that crazy romance School Rumble kicks off. Thirteen episodes of romantic misunderstandings, characters too shy to express their feelings, crazy school activities, and the occasional rumble.

This season includes the cultural festival which, for those not into Japanese culture, is a festival put on by a high school featuring plays, shops, and food booths that are opened to the public. There's also the survival game taking place on school grounds that was made to decide which theme the main characters of class 2-C would do. We take a peek at some of the characters part-time jobs, studying for exams, and even the girls basketball club.

Watching this reminds me of how utterly lame the ending to the manga is. These episodes are silly fun with a number of great laughs. The survival game scene is so over-the-top because its mostly played straight. The play 2-C puts together was strange and fun. The basketball portion had a number of great laughs. The star of the show is Harima and he has some great lines. Most the characters are a joy to watch though I tend to like the female lead Tenma less and less with each episodes. I watch the series in dub and I love it. Yes... I love the dub, deal with it anime fans.

Bad point, forty-five dollars for thirteen episodes. Yes, its cheaper then paying the twenty for the 4-5 episode DVDs like they did with the first season but I'd rather that every other month then pay around forty dollars twice in three months for the complete second season. If I'm paying that much I'd like the complete season if possible.

Rating: 8/10


Book: A Gentleman's Game-A Queen & Country Novel
by Greg Rucka

A Gentlemans Game stars Tara Chace, the head of the Special Operations Section and designated Minder One in the SIS. When a several terrorist attacks break out in London the Prime Minister urges quick retaliation against the leader of a Terrorist organization. The job lands with Tara Chace, and not only is it a dangerous one but the results make things even worst.

This is a novel dealing with the world Greg Rucka created in his spy series Queen & Country. A very realistic look into the world of espionage. Now, I wouldn't have bought this book if it wasn't for the fact that in the current Definitive collection the last story takes place in between Gentleman's Game and Private Wars. So I bought it to see what happened.

Now, this was a fast read and not at all boring. I see this because I find most novels to drag on in the beginning or have dull characters that will eventually turn me off. But having known these characters, already been interested in their world, and the pacing of the series it gripped me. I love the comic but the book feels even more in depth into their world than that. Especially following one of the terrorists, Sinan, through his own journey. Of course, the stand out character is Tara Chace and always is Tara Chace. I love tough women and she's one of baddest bitches around. Its fast, action packed, suspenseful, and I urge you to check it out. Though I'd suggest picking up the definitive editions first, skipping the final story in the third volume, and then reading this.

The only down side, of course, is that the recent collection killed the ending to this book for me. Ah well, I'm fine with it. Its my own fault for not heeding the warning.

Rating: 10/10

So, Dumbledore is Gay.../Former Fat Boys(It's a Post That Segues Into Another Post)

I don't care either way. Seeing as I never picked up on any of this nor will I be able to really associate any scenes in the book as clues to his homosexuality. So I have to agree, on some level, with what the Former Fat Boys had to say in regards to this.

You know what, no, he isn't. This isn't rooted in any kind of homophobia, but since the release of Deathly Hallows JK Rowling has been serving up the most retarded backstories and future-stories to her characters that anyone could imagine. The books were nearly flawless and were a wonderful read, but come on JK put it in the book. I've seen write-ups quoting passages that supposedly point to the fact that he's gay and, frankly, I just don't see it. His relationship with Gellet, as described in the book, was simply a friendship. If JK wished to “out” Dumbledore then why in the world didn't she? She tied up every other realistic question in the end of Deathly Hallows, why not that question.

Was Slughorn gay too? Or Moody? Or any other number of characters who's sexual orientation wasn't discussed in the book? I don't care one way or the other, but the let literature stand. Why does there need to be a discussion of everyone's sexuality and why is it the defining characteristic of so much in our society.

If Dumbledore was gay, then why not weave it CONVINCINGLY into the story, especially if one of your goals (as is obvious from reading the books) to preach tolerance? Why not bite the bullet and be brave enough to stand up for it in the text. Frankly I think its cowardly what she did. She knew that the story would rate in the US where we're, admittedly, a little bit backwards about some of this stuff. Frankly, I enjoyed that in the books her lessons on inequality were masked by the Harry Potter Universe. Ie, instead of black/white/tan/yellow/red/brown race related stuff or Christians vs. Muslims vs. Jews it was Muggles vs. Pure Bloods. That vagueness provided for an excellent ability to take the lessons in the text and apply them to anything our world.

She's tainting the books with all the post book crap she's dishing about her characters and while I don't care one way or the other if Dumbledore is gay, I maintain that based on the books...he isn't and that JK is tarnishing the legacy of the books by revealing so much information about her characters that wasn't covered in her narrative.

I wouldn't go as far as say tarnishing the legacy of the books. Or saying JK was scared to do it in the book. But I really have no interest in these post-series reveals. But hey, if him being gay is a win for the Gay Community-then who am I to hate? Go gays.

On another, got their album. 6 bucks for 19 tracks of fun, player/party style nerdcore hip hop music. Even if he's a dirty republican. Kidding. I do sort of agree in part with MisMoshs point that celebrities talking about the war, politics, etc. do tend to unjustly make all republicans look evil and that some of them let their bias cloud their views so they can't be impartial. But still, Daily Show rocks.

Oh, here's some stupid/silly videos.










"Anything else Carl?"
I've got four chapters of one weird prose story done and the prologue of another done. Weird.

Books...

So today I had to make some errands. Going to Borders Bookstore and the library who I stopped really going to when they kept forgetting I returned my books.

Novel that left a bit of an impression but for the life of me I can't remember the title(something with the word GAME and MOON in the title I believe). As I got older I started reading less for some reason. I would occasionally read popular sci-Anyway I love books but don't read too much prose anymore. When I was younger I'd pick up a ton of stuff from libraries. You know, young adult books. Most of which I can't remember but I was young and into Goosebumps when that was big. There was this some what depressing sci-fi books like the Hitchhikers trilogy, some Robert Heinlein, and various of the Shadowrun based novels amongst a few others. Most of the original line seems out of print and they just started a new line books. But outside the Harry Potter stuff and the occasional non-fiction books.

As I was in Border I spent most time in the manga section telling myself I should try something but I did skim through the sci-fi/fantasy section. Didn't really know what to look at. Doesn't help I never really followed writers. When I was at the library I had a specific goal. And I was slightly disappointed in the lack of books related to pirates but even more so on the fact I decided I wanted to try a Hienlein book but was sorely disappointed that largest library in this general vicinity had absolutely no Hienlein. Lame. Maybe when I get some time I'll dig out the Cat Who Walks Through Wall and try to finish it. I always liked the characters but since I'm not a big mystery guy I was sort of bored for the first third of the book.

Not much of an update but eh.

I'm Looking Forward Too in the Rest of 2007

In no real order.

DCs Countdown
I really enjoyed 52 and this seems like fun. Dini's entertaining and the preview art(skipped the read) by Jesus Saiz has me giddy. It'll be interesting to see how the other writers and artists fare on this new weekly series.

Gail Simone on Wonder Woman
It deserved to happen sooner. Seriously, I like about half of what Simone has done and feel confident she'll restore Diana to the greatness she's lost since Ruckas run.

Wet Moon 3
Might be the end of the year till this hits but damn it I want it. Volume 1 was interesting to me and I wasn't sure how i felt about it but volume 2 last year was so engaging and fun. Plus Ross Campbell is a great artist.

Water Baby
Ross Campbell's Minx title scheduled for October. I think it somehow relates to his wet moon title but either way I'm down.

Excel Saga Vol. 16
Because the last two volumes were two of the best in a sensational run. 15 left me shocked and wanting more. The 9 month wait doesn't help.

Jack Kirby's Fourth World Omnibus'
I read the majority of these but in black and white and without the Jimmy Olsen stuff. So yeah, I'm pretty hyped.

Avatar: the Last Air Bender Season 3
Serious, whens its start Nickelodeon? Suppose to be this year sometime.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows
Last of the books. Hope it ends with a bang.

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix Movie
Didn't like the book but the movie looks good. As long as they cut to the meat of the story I'm happy. seems that JK Rowlings sometimes just adds too much to her stories.

Pirates of the Caribbean: At Worlds End
Just for Jack Sparrow. Oh, and Chow Yun Fat.

There's probably more but it's like 100% out and I'm tired.

Marvel Comics Unresolved/Altered Storylines

There's a great thread over at the Newsarama forums about unresolved threads lingering about in the Marvel Universe. Being an X-Men fan there are some that do raise my eyebrow. So let me just quote a big section of them some posters mentioned.

Magneto and Exodus's parting of views.

Magneto fighting the Shadow King.

Sebastian Shaw disbands the Hellfire Club because a mysterious shadowy person told him so and that the time has come. Next time we see Shaw, the Hellfire Club is still around hunting Machine Man. What happened?

Sabra's quest to capture Magneto.

What the hell connection Astra had to Nightcrawler.

Who the hell brought Fabian Cortez back to life?

Who was the voice talking to Magneto during Magneto: Dark Seduction?

Mr. Sinister being infected with the Legacy Virus?

What the plan that Genoshan magistrate had for Magneto?

Was Adam X a Summers?

How in the hell Holocaust was turned back into his human form then when back appearing in Exiles couldn't do so?

What happened to Bastion or the mysterious Trask who helped run Operation Zero Tolerance from the shadows?

Why the hell this said Trask was so damn interested in Magneto er.. Joseph?

Was it ever explain how Rogue got her powers back?

Where is Destines Diary's?

Why did Marrow live the X-Men?

Makes me wonder, being an X-Fan. But having jumped around so much and now back tracking old stories through Essentials I hope, or not, to read the stories where these plot lines were first introduced.

There's also some about Spider-Man and the opening to New Avengers.

Also, over at Comics Should Be Good Blog, there's some information on the original intent behind the characters of Mr. Sinister and Gambit. The bits about Sinister are very intriguing and I wish it would have happened like originally planned but as for Gambit, eh, I could care less about that character.