Nerd Rock

Music's been on my mind lately. I'm not sure why, just has. So with that in mind let's talk about the musical genre that melds together two of my passions: nerd rock. When did nerd rock begin? Who knows? I would theorize that it evolved from new wave in the late 70's. There are plenty of bands who garner the label of nerd (or geek) rock; Devo, Weezer, They Might Be Giants, Barenaked Ladies, but I'm going to focus on three of my favorite bands who's nerd/geek focus is more distinct. Let's get started:

KIRBY KRACKLE- In my view there is none better than Kirby Krackle, a Seattle based band that revolves around the nucleus of front man Kyle Stevens and his co-writer Jim Demonakos. They write songs about the things we all love: comics, games, and the occasional awkwardness of stumbling through geek life. They're currently at work on their fourth album. If you've not heard them, check them out PRONTO! Visit www.kirbykracklemusic.com.
MY FAV NUMBERS: "Ring Capacity", "Going Home", and "Zombie Apocalypse"

FIVE YEAR MISSION- Awwww Indiana's finest entry into the nerd rock world. Their mission... to write a song about each of the Star Trek: The Original Series episodes. CLASSIC! They've done Year One and Year One, plus a special Trouble With Tribbles EP. Catchy and melodic, you'll find 5YM songs rattling around in your cranium when you least expect it! You can find them at www.fiveyearmission.net.
MY FAV NUMBERS: "The Cage", "Miri", and "Tomorrow Is Yesterday"

THE DOUBLECLICKS- Nerdy, folk music... need I say more? The Doubleclicks are composed of Portland sisters Angela and Aubrey Webber. They describe their music as "snarky, geeky, and sweet". What's not to like? The Doubleclicks are going places, so jump on the band wagon now so you can say you "dug them when"! You can check them out at www.thedoubleclicks.com
MY FAV NUMBERS: "This Fantasy World", "Internet National Anthem", and "Spock Impersonator"

Marvel Comics

Marvel Comics have always produced some of my favorite comic books. Their characters are incredible and well developed. I love the fact that Marvel was the first to give superheroes flaws and everyday problems. Who doesn't love reading a comic with these incredible characters with special powers, but that you can relate to in some way?

However, recently Marvel Comics has lost something. Their characters are still wonderful, and their movies are amazing. Their comic books, however, have failed to grab my attention and keep it.

I believe this is because Marvel Comics needs to SIMPLIFY! The sheer number of titles they have is often overwhelming. The fact many of those titles are released every other week is daunting. As a comic retailer, it's very difficult to try to sell a new new reader on some of the Marvel titles. I often have customers come in who have an interest in, let's say, the X-Men. There are well over a dozen X-Men titles we carry regularly, FOUR of those focusing primarily on Wolverine. We don't ever carry EVERY X-Men title available!

Most customers move on to something else. They want something they can latch on to. It's one reason the Walking Dead comic is so popular. If a reader wants to read Walking Dead, there's only one book. It's simple and easy to get on board. If you need to catch up you buy a trade paperback. Start with number 1, and work up. Simple.

When Marvel announced their NOW movement, I was hoping they'd simplify. Trim down the number of titles they have. Establish focus for their books and characters. More is not always better. Does the world really need four Wolverine titles? Sure, he's a great character but that's overkill.

So if I had one wish for Marvel it's that they would simplify. Give us one book for each major character. Give us one book for each team. Take each book back to once a month. Make smaller characters support players, or feature them in the occasional mini-series.

Take note Marvel... DC's doing many things correctly. It's alright if you do them correctly also!