Runs on Coffee and Cream

Way back in 2016, there was a blog prompt that I followed and used in my blog content - 5 Fandom Friday (you can read my past posts here). It was my my favourite blog prompt list because not only was it geeky, but it made me actually think about some of my geek interests. I had to dissect some of the shows I loved or books I read. I really enjoyed creating content with the prompts.

Well, it's back and I couldn't be more excited! When The Sartorial Geek announced it today, I clicked on the link right away to check out the prompts. And now I'm pumped to have something to help get my creative juices flowing again. I've been brainstorming about blog content lately and this news couldn't have come at a better time!

Season 3 of iZombie starts up tomorrow and I'm so excited for it! It's easily one of my favourite shows. I adore the writing, the concept, the jokes, and the characters, especially Liv and Ravi. I've read the comic books that the show is based on. Yes, they change things, but the overall idea is the same: zombies can function like normal humans with a regular dose of brains. Also, the memories and personality traits from the brain will affect the zombie who ingested the brains. That is until the brain has worn off and passed through the body.

Source

If you haven't watched iZombie, or aren't caught up, what are you waiting for?! I won't give away spoilers on how season 2 ended but let's just say that season 3 should start strong as we were left with a crazy ending. And if the poster for season 3 is any indication, I'm pumped to see how things turn out.

To celebrate the return of iZombie, I wanted to share a few of my favourite iZombie merchandise.


Clockwise from top right:
1. Liv Moore Pop! Vinyl
2. iZombie planner stickers (I need these!)
3. Ravi and Liv themed Minifigs print (how cool are these prints? Check out the shop!)
4. Brain pendant necklace

If you're watching the season 3 premiere tomorrow night, enjoy!
xo Jen

Have you ever come across a comic, manga, or novel that you cannot put down?! I love finding reading material that grabs my attention and won't let go. Even at 2 o'clock in the morning. This leads to the first comic book I'm recommending today.

Snotgirl
"WHO IS LOTTIE PERSON? Is she a gorgeous, fun-loving social media star with a perfect life or a gross, allergy-ridden mess? Enter a world of snot, blood, and tears in this new ongoing series from New York Times Best Seller BRYAN LEE O'MALLEY (Scott Pilgrim) and dazzling newcomer LESLIE HUNG!"


I was introduced to this series from Instagram (thank you social media!) because a good chunk of the ladies I follow were sharing photos of the Snotgirl issues. I headed over to Comixology and saw there were 5 issues to read so I wasn't too far behind. Well, those 5 issues were consumed in one sitting. Well, lying in bed actually, until the wee hours of the morning because I just couldn't stop reading it. 

The art is gorgeous. I just want to re-read it to stare at the images. And the story is fun and real and also mysterious. I'm so incredibly upset that I have to wait for more issues!

Next up to read is Motor Crush!

It's the weekend before Halloween! Time for pumpkins, mini candy bars, and dressing up!

To celebrate this holiday, I put together some of my favourite Halloween things right now:


Clockwise from top left:
1. Spell on Wheels - a new comic book series that just sounds absolutely fantastic. It's described as "Supernatural meets Buffy and The Craft".
2. Dark Night Leggings - I think this pattern from Sweet Legs is gorgeous and would be perfect to wear with a witch costume and then with every dress I own.
3. Haunted Castle Mug - Davids Tea released a great Halloween collection this year and I'm so loving the Haunted Castle mug and travel mug.
4. Current Mood: Halloween Pullover - As usual Look Human has some fun Halloween-inspired designs which are perfect for this time of year. I would definitely wear this sweater throughout October.

What tops your favourite Halloween things now?
xo Jen

Never in my life have I had so many books on the go. I have two novels on my bedside table that are both partially read, an audiobook over half way done, and a graphic novel sitting on the floor that hasn't been touched in a couple of weeks.

This is what happens when new books are released and I can't stop myself from starting them even when I have books on the go already.


1. The Nest by Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney (audiobook)

I needed a new audiobook and this book has been in my face constantly. Chapters Indigo has been advertising it like crazy in their emails so I looked to see if there was an audiobook. There is and I'm enjoying it thoroughly. It's a great story, very interesting, and I'm enjoying all the characters.

2. The Importance of Being Married by Gemma Townley (novel)

I picked this book up at a garage sale and it's been sitting on my shelf forever. I thought it was time to read it and that it would be the perfect light book to read throughout Summer. Even though the story isn't too complex, I'm still really enjoying it. It's an easy read and I've found myself hooked on the story line and main characters. Unfortunately I've put the book aside while I read the next book in my list.

3. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child by J.K. Rowling, John Tiffany, and Jack Thorne (novel)

As I shared before, I picked this book up on its release day and haven't had the chance to finish it with how busy I've been. This book will be read before anything else however because I want to continue with the Harry Potter story.

4. Black Widow: The Sting of the Widow by assorted writers (graphic novel)

This is a compilation of Black Widow comic books that jumps through the years. I've only read the first couple of comics in this book but it's fun to see how the styles change from comic to comic depending on the year. Black Widow has easily become one of my favourite characters and I'm enjoying reading more of her history.

On top of the above list, there's a handful of novels, comics, and audiobooks I'm itching to get to so I'm expecting this crazy list of books to stay heavy for a while.

What are you reading?
xo Jen

*All quotes and pictures are from Goodreads*

I have found myself surrounded by so many amazing comic books recently. Everywhere I turn I see trades on sale, whether second-hand or at conventions, and I can't turn them down! Then there's all the new series that have been released in the last few months that have been getting rave reviews! My to-read pile has grown massive in the last couple of months. You know what that means? I have a Summer of reading ahead of me! There's a couple of comic book series that have stood out recently. 

Goldie Vance
"What's to Love: From Nancy Drew to Veronica Mars, we really dig girl detectives! Hope Larson (A Wrinkle in Time: The Graphic Novel) and Brittney Williams (Patsy Walker, A.K.A Hellcat!) present the newest gal sleuth on the block with Goldie Vance, an exciting, whodunnit? adventure that mixes the fun of Eloise with the charm of Lumberjanes. What It Is: In a timeless story, 16-year-old Marigold "Goldie" Vance lives at a Florida resort with her dad, who manages the place. Her mom, who divorced her dad years ago, works as a live mermaid at a club downtown. Goldie has an insatiable curiosity, which explains her dream to one day become the hotel's in-house detective. When Charles, the current detective, encounters a case he can't crack, he agrees to mentor Goldie in exchange for her help solving the mystery utilizing her smarts, random skills, and connections with the hotel staff and various folks in town."

I've only read the first two issues (the third one came out last week) and I know I'm already going to love this series. It's adorable and fun and I really enjoy the setting. It's pretty much the perfect comic to read this Summer since it has a Summer-vibe, taking place at a Florida resort. 

I've always been a Marvel fan over DC Comics. I grew up with X-Men and Spider-man with a bit of Batman thrown in. But ask me about Superman's history? Ha. I know nothing that movies haven't shown me.

The last year has proved to be a year of new things for me however. I started reading Batgirl and Black Canary, both comics that I really love and look forward to. I'm also addicted to the DC Bombshells comics. Then I found some DC Comics New 52 trades for a good price at a second-hand store. So I picked them up.

Catwoman (New 52)
"Meet Catwoman. She's addicted to the night. And addicted to Batman. But most of all, Catwoman is addicted to danger. She can't help herself, and the truth is--she doesn't want to. She's good at being bad, and very bad at being good"

I read the first two volumes - The Game and Dollhouse. I enjoyed them but I didn't love them. Catwoman is a great character. She's an antihero and badass and knows how to get what she wants. I found the comics a little too sexually explicit for my taste however. It wasn't a deal breaker but it was pretty cheesy and silly. I wouldn't mind continuing on with this series but I'd want to pick the trades up for a good price or maybe continue reading them digitally so it's not as much of an investment. 


Birds of Prey (New 52)
"One is wanted for a murder she didn't commit. The other is on the run because she knows too much. They are Dinah Laurel Lance and Ev Crawford--Black Canary and Starling. Together, as Gotham City's covert ops team, they're taking down the villains other heroes can't touch!"

I really enjoyed these comics. I read the first three trades - Trouble in Mind, Your Kiss Might Kill, and A Clash of Daggers. I actually flew through these comics. I really liked Black Canary and Starling. Their friendship was strong and there was a lot of trust between them. And from what I can find, Starling was introduced in this series, and I love her! I want to read more with her. She was so kickass and I loved her look - the tattoos and pin-up style. It was interesting getting to know other female characters too - Poison Ivy, Katana, and Batgirl. I will definitely be looking for the rest of this series to read. 


Apparently DC is winning me over since I recently picked up the first trade of New 52 Wonder Woman and Batwoman. The DC Bombshells comics are making me want to read more about these ladies. 

What comics have you been reading lately?
xo Jen

*All quotes are from comiXology, where all these comics are available in digital format*

January is almost over and I'm really not sure where the month went. It's been a really snowy month. Like, tons of snow. Winter caught up and we've been shoveling every couple of days. It's been a work out. The weather has kept us inside though. Snuggling, reading, watching TV and movies... it's been nice.

Seymore is especially fond of the new bed we bought him on boxing day. It's a small dog bed which fits him perfectly.


I read through the first Lumberjanes trade this month, along with a few other books. I have the second Lumberjanes volume in my to-read pile still too.



I found Star Wars: The Force Awakens Pop! Vinyls really cheap and just had to pick them all up!


I've been adding to my sprinkle collection as I come up with more recipes I want to try.


I couldn't pass up these Valentines and stickers when I was out shopping last week.

 
I also bought a few other things this month: my first Tsum Tsum pack, a ceramic dish, and two DS games.


January has been a good start to 2016. It's been snowy and I haven't left the house much, but it's been nice and relaxing.

How's January been for you?
xo Jen

Over the past month I have found myself obsessed with two new comic book series that I'd like to recommend.

Paper Girls
"SAGA writer BRIAN K. VAUGHAN launches a brand-new ONGOING SERIES with superstar Wonder Woman artist CLIFF CHIANG! In the early hours after Halloween of 1988, four 12-year-old newspaper delivery girls uncover the most important story of all time. Stand By Me meets War of the Worlds in this mysterious young adult adventure."

When I first started issue 1, I instantly liked the comic - the time period, art style, writing. It wasn't until the end of the issue that I got hooked though. Things happen, hints are given, characters are introduced - all to set up the main story arc. That was it, I had to keep reading. I've devoured the first 4 issues. So far, I'm completely loving this series. 


Lady Killer
"Josie Schuller is a picture-perfect homemaker, wife, and mother-but she's also a ruthless, efficient killer! She's balanced cheerful domestic bliss with coldly performed assassinations, but when Josie finds herself in the crosshairs, her American Dream life is in danger! "

As soon as I saw the cover of this trade I knew I wanted to read it. It's such a great combination - a 50's housewife who's a trained assassin. It didn't take me long to get through all 5 issues and I really wish there were more. Josie is such a badass and I found myself just loving all the outfits, settings, and all the little details that made the story come to life. 


I'm currently reading through some trades that I found at a good price - Catwoman and Birds of Prey. What are you reading?
xo Jen

*All quotes are from comiXology, where all these comics are available in digital format*

I read a wide variety of comic books, but all the X-Men comic book series top my favourites list. However, I am loving some other titles and characters - DC Bombshells, Catwoman, Star Wars, and Spider-Gwen just to name a few.


I'm particularly fond of the Star Wars Jedi Cowl Dress, the R2-D2 teapot, and the X-Men cardigan. But all of these items are amazing. I still need a calendar for 2016 so I may have to look for the DC Bombshells one.

What would be on your comic book fandom wish list?
xo Jen

Happy Halloween! I don't have much planned for Halloween. I'll be handing out candy to trick or treaters this evening while I watch Hocus Pocus and play Animal Crossing. Fun, right? Then I have a date with Adam, some horror movies, and leftover Halloween candy later tonight. I'm actually looking forward to my Halloween night.

Now, if I was feeling the motivation to dress up tonight or even to find an everyday cosplay look, Ms Marvel aka Kamala Khan would be one of my top picks to dress up as.

Last year when they announced they were changing the story, writers, and artist for the Batgirl comic book series, I knew I wanted to read it. The new image of Batgirl in her updated costume and the description from the new writers, Brenden Fletcher and Cameron Stewart, that compared the writing and story to 'Veronica Mars' sold me.


Since the first issue of Batgirl that I read (#35), I've been hooked. It's one of my favourite comic books that I read currently. And I find myself taking in every bit of the art because Babs Tarr is amazing and I love how she draws everything.

Barbara Gordon has easily become one of my favourite people in the comic book world. And Batgirl has become one of my favourite superheroes. It's all thanks to the super talented team working on the series currently.

So of course I'd like to dress like Batgirl. Her new costume is amazing and there's no way you wouldn't feel tough and confident in it.

I would love to put together an Everyday Cosplay look for Batgirl in real life. I have some things that work but I will always be on the look out for the perfect yellow shoes and belt. I think they would make any all black outfit more Batgirl-like.

Have you read any of the new Batgirl series? What do you think?

xo Jen

Recently, I have fallen completely head over heels for some new comic book series.

Here we go...

Black Canary
"Dinah Lance hits the road! After years as a soldier and vigilante, the LAST place Dinah saw herself is on stage...but she's quickly learning she'd die to protect the gang of misfits she's fallen into. And she just might have to-for some reason, the newly rechristened band, "Black Canary," seems to be a magnet for trouble...and Dinah's not gonna believe it when she finds out the reason why! Martial arts, super-spies, and rock 'n' roll combine, from Brenden Fletcher (BATGIRL) and Annie Wu (Hawkeye)!"
The art, the dialogue, Dinah's personality... I love it all! I'm new to Black Canary, except for the tidbits I've read in Batgirl. But I cannot recommend this series enough. It's beautiful and tough and just amazing. 


DC Comics: Bombshells
"The ultra-popular statues from DC Collectibles come to life in their own ongoing comic book series! Learn the story behind this alternate reality where the Second World War is fought by super-powered women on the front lines and behind the scenes! It all begins with the stories of Batwoman, Wonder Woman, and Supergirl."
Based on the Bombshells statues, I knew I'd want to read this series. I love anything retro and it's a bunch of stories about some kickass ladies. So far, I'm loving these issues. They're gorgeous, the uniforms are amazing, and I love the stories. 


Power Up
"What's To Love: New York Times bestselling author Kate Leth (Bravest Warriors, Adventure Time: Seeing Red) and artist Matt Cummings (Adventure Time) create a new, original series that takes the magical girl story where it's never, ever been before. Combining a deep love of Sailor Moon with the tongue-in-cheek humor of Scott Pilgrim, Power Up is the story of the most unlikely people (and goldfish) taking on the roles of Magical Girl, whether they want it or not. 

What It Is: It has been foretold that four noble warriors of incredible strength would be gifted with cosmic abilities at a moment of planetary alignment...which, yeah, something definitely went wrong here. Amie is a disaffected twentysomething with a lot of attitude, Kevin is a washed-up athlete way past his prime, Sandy's a mother of two teenagers, and Silas...is a goldfish. Just a normal goldfish. Are we sure we read that prophecy right?"
As soon as I heard about this series I knew I wanted to read it. There's such a great team behind it that I knew it couldn't go wrong. The first two issues have been very cool. I'm really enjoying it.  


What comic books have you been enjoying lately?
xo Jen

*All quotes are from comiXology, where all these comics are available in digital format*

I keep adding more titles to my current list of comics I'm reading. I've shared some of the titles I've been reading previously so I thought I'd share a few more titles that I'm really enjoying.

Jem and the Holograms
"SHOWTIME, SYNERGY! Meet JERRICA BENTON--a girl with a secret. She and her sister KIMBER team with two friends to become... JEM AND THE HOLOGRAMS! But what does it mean to be JEM today? Fashion, art, action, and style collide in the most outrageous comic of 2015!"
Since I grew up watching Jem and the Holograms I knew I had to read the comic and it's exactly what I hoped for! It's super fun and I adore the art. The writing is great and I'm enjoying the story telling. If you were a fan of Jem growing up, I'd recommend checking out this comic. 



Princess Leia
"When Princess Leia Organa was captured by the Empire as a Rebel spy, she never betrayed her convictions, even in the face of the complete destruction of her home world, Alderaan. When her rescue came, she grabbed a blaster and joined the fight, escaping back to the Rebel Alliance and helping strike the biggest blow against the Empire, the destruction of the Death Star. But in the aftermath of that victory, the question remains; what is a princess without a world?"
I decided to give this series a try since I kept hearing great things about it and so far it has not disappointed. I'm thoroughly enjoying reading about badass Leia.



Giant Days
"Susan, Esther, and Daisy started at university three weeks ago and became fast friends because their dorm rooms were next to each other. Now, away from home for the first time, all three want to reinvent themselves. But in the face of hand-wringing boys, "personal experimentation," influenza, mystery-mold, nu-chauvinism, and the willful, unwanted intrusion of "academia," they may be lucky just to make it to spring alive." "
Picture Lumberjanes grown up a bit and going to university together. This is a miniseries that I'm hoping turns into more!


Have you found any comics you're loving lately?
xo Jen

*All quotes are from comiXology, where all these comics are available in digital format*

The next week is filled with geek events and it makes me so excited! First, this Saturday is Free Comic Book Day! To participate, you need to find a local store that's listed on the site, head to that store on Saturday and pick up your free comic(s)! There's one local store near us participating in FCBD so we'll be able to head out Saturday for our comics.


You can see all the comic books that will be available for free here. There are a few I'd really like to get my hands on though.

Back in November I shared what comic books I read and collected. Now, three months later, and there's a few more titles that I've added to this list. Honestly, more and more comic titles being released are drawing me in and giving me kickass females to admire.

Batgirl
"Barbara Gordon is no stranger to dusting herself off when disaster strikes so when a fire destroys everything she owned, she spots the opportunity for a new lease on life—and seizes it! Following the rest of Gotham's young adults to the hip border district of Burnside, Barbara sets about building an all-new Batgirl and discovers all-new threats preying on her peers! It's a re-invention of Batgirl from the boots up, by the incredible creative team of Cameron Stewart (BATMAN INC.), Brenden Fletcher (WEDNESDAY COMICS), and rising star Babs Tarr!"
Batgirl #35 was the issue I started with since it was the beginning of a new arc, a newly re-invented Batgirl (as stated above). I didn't know all the characters when jumping into this comic but after finding out who Dinah was and that most of the other characters were new, I was pretty much set. And can we discuss how amazing the art is?!? I need to meet Babs Tarr at a comic convention and buy a print or two from her.

Gotham Academy
"WELCOME TO GOTHAM ACADEMY! Gotham City’s most prestigious prep school is a very weird place. It’s got a spooky campus, oddball teachers, and rich benefactors always dropping by...like that weirdo Bruce Wayne. But nothing is as strange as the students!"
I kept hearing people on Twitter talking about this series and I knew it was a new series that I could easily jump into so I gave it a go. I fell in love with the first issue. I love that there's so many questions surrounding Olive Silverlock and you're not sure what happened to her and why things changed for her. Her friend Maps is especially adorable with her passion and curiousness with what's happening around the school. It's a very fun read. 


izombie
"Gwen Dylan is a gravedigger in an eco-friendly cemetery--and a zombie detective. Once a month, she has to eat a human brain, and as a result, Gwen's mind is crowded with the dead person's thoughts. And lately, she feels compelled to fulfill their final requests."
One of my best friends recommended this series to me years ago. I knew I wanted to read it but just never got around to it, so when I found the first two trades at the comic book store, I picked them up without hesitation. I've only read the first trade so far and plan on reading the second soon. It's incredibly interesting learning about Gwen, her 'situation', and her different friends. And I'm a huge fan of the art throughout it. Gwen is just gorgeous, even with a slightly overtired, somewhat frazzled look. I'm very excited to start the second trade since the first one ends with some unanswered questions.


The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl
"Wolverine, Deadpool, Doctor Doom, Thanos: There's one hero that's beaten them all, and now she's got her own ongoing series! (Not that she's bragging.) That's right, you asked for it, you got it, it's Squirrel Girl, (she's also starting college this semester!) It's the start of a brand-new series of adventures starring the nuttiest and most upbeat super hero in the world!"
There's only two issues out so far of this series so I'm writing about it very early. But it's just SO cute. The first issues starts with Squirrel Girl aka Doreen Green singing her own theme song while kicking butt. Her personality and positive attitude is especially admirable. Two issues in and I'm a big fan of Squirrel Girl. 

*All quotes are from comiXology, where all these comics are available in digital format*