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Geek Dad
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Geek Dad
Review – Batman Gotham by Gaslight: A League for Justice #1
Gotham by Gaslight: A League for Justice #1 cover, via DC Comics. Ray: This 19th-century Elseworlds started out as a gritty Gotham adventure – but with this new chapter, the scale has increased to an almost staggering degree. After taking about half a year off, a new arc begins as the entire Justice League of this era has gathered in Smallville. There's just one problem – very few of them can stand each other. As Harley Quinn's criminal gang ravages the town on behalf of Lex Luthor, Superman is focused on stopping them. This version of the character is very similar to the classic 1930s version, more a brawler than a superhero. But he's the only one focused – as this version of J'onn J'onnz views him as a murderer, complicit in the ancient Kryptonian genocide of the Martians. As a flashback journal by Adam Strange makes clear, this is a darker world – and every character in this world is haunted by the times in a way they usually aren't. Haunted. Via DC Comics. The most interesting segment of the issue is the showdown between J'onn and Alan Scott. Alan's ring has given him memories of the past wielders – including Jong Li, the last human wielder, who died in battle with J'onn ages ago. Alan in this world is a distinctly less honorable man than he usually is, but there's a brilliant flashback segment to his childhood with an abusive father that shows how he became so embittered and how he's choosing to rise above it now. This issue packs a lot of character work into an oversized first issue packed with action, but the scale of the issue escalates even more with the final page – as Lex Luthor arrives in town and debuts a new weapon that fits the aesthetic of this world perfectly. This is very much just the next issue of this series, so I highly recommend reading the previous mini before jumping in here – it's a great ride and another win for the Elseworlds line. To find reviews of all the DC issues, visit DC This Week. GeekDad received this comic for review purposes. Liked it? Take a second to support GeekDad and GeekMom on Patreon!
Geek Girl Authority
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Geek Girl Authority
10 Favorite Fictional Love Relationships: Healthy or Toxic?
With Valentine's Day fast approaching, it's natural to take a closer look at the love stories told within our fandoms. Many people love comparing their relationships to the ones they see in books, movies, and TV. But, while we can all enjoy the drama and conflicts that unfold on a screen, some relationships should never be emulated in real life. Here are five love stories that need to be removed from the romance pedestal and five that are actually worthy of the hashtag #couplegoals. Fictional Toxic Relationship or Healthy? The Joker and Harley Quinn There is no denying that Harley Quinn is devoted to the Joker, giving up her career as a psychiatrist to join in his villainous escapades. But the Joker cannot and does not reciprocate any affection. He uses Harley to meet his ends and keeps her around to puff up his ego. The Joker is manipulative and abusive in his treatment of Harley, making sure that he has the most power in their relationship. Harley should go find a 'Puddin'' who will respect and love her for who she is. Poison Ivy, we're ready for you to steal this girl's heart away from the crazy clown. RELATED: Gotham's Best Couple Will Return as Max Renews HARLEY QUINN for Season 5 Edward and Bella Coming into someone's bedroom and watching them sleep, without their knowledge or consent, is a crime. 'But, he's just being protective. It's cute.' No. They were not in a relationship at the time Edward began watching Bella in the Twilight series. He was stalking her. I guess it's a good thing that Edward has enough self-control to not eat the prey he stalks. And when they are in a relationship, Edward becomes so overprotective of Bella that it is stifling and oppressive. Oh, and don't get us started on the way Bella romanticizes the love stories of Romeo and Juliet and Wuthering Heights . Bella wants a relationship like the ones found in her favorite classical literature, and she gets it. Red flags, bloodshed, trauma, and all. Anakin and Padme When someone shows you who they truly are, believe them. And when someone spouts a passionate monologue to you about how they slaughtered an entire village, women and children included, you do not react by getting into a relationship with them! What the Tuskan Raiders did to Anakin's mom in Star Wars was unforgivable, but to massacre innocent children in retaliation? Padme, sweetie, this man needed intensive therapy, not a forbidden love affair. You can care for someone and hurt for their hurts, without getting into a relationship that will lead to your death. While the Jedi Council's rules and Palpatine's influence got in the way, there were some major issues long before that. Geek Girl Authority Crush of the Week: Hera Syndulla from Star Wars Severus Snape and Lily Potter We know that this was never a romantic relationship in the Harry Potter series, but with the amount of 'Always' car decals and merchandise, it seemed like a good reminder. If Lily had chosen Severus, the relationship would have been very toxic and would not have lasted. And if Lily had survived and lived happily with James and Harry, Snape would have emotionally self-destructed at best. At worst, he would have completely turned to the Dark Arts and gone on a rampage. Yes, it ultimately worked in Harry's favor that Snape was forever obsessed with his mom. But that is the thing to remember: it was not pure and healthy love, it was obsession. In real life, this is the stereotypical nice guy who gets upset that he's friend-zoned by the girl. He spends his time learning the dark arts of dating taught by incels on the internet. And you want to hear him say that he has always loved, and will always love you? Yikes. The Phantom and Christine Out of the two options for a husband, Christine has to choose between her childhood friend and the man pretending to be the ghost of her father. Who would you choose? Especially when you find out that the one man is willing to murder countless people who might get in the way of his romantic plans. It's a tough choice, huh? Erik (The Phantom) may be disfigured physically, but it's his dark and twisted soul that keeps Christine from fully embracing a relationship with him. Plus, that whole belief that he is either the ghost of her father or an angel her father sent to help her, makes us think that Christine should focus on her own mental health and well-being before making relationship decisions. Thank goodness Raoul was there to save her in The Phantom of the Opera because, without him, Christine would have been trapped in the darkness of the music of the night forever. Love, True Love Morticia and Gomez Addams They might be creepy, kooky, mysterious, and spooky, but the love between Morticia and Gomez in The Addams Familya is legendary. Unlike other sitcoms and media representations of married couples, the Addams support and respect each other, while never losing their passion. They embarrass their children with their public displays of affection, but it serves as a fantastic example of what a romantic relationship should be. They communicate effectively with each other, making their partner feel heard and seen. Morticia and Gomez know that no matter what comes their way, they will be able to take it on together as equals. And, it's good to flirt and express your desires with your partner, even outside of intimate moments. Westley and Buttercup 'Since the invention of the kiss, there have been five kisses that were rated the most passionate, the most pure. This one left them all behind.' Westley and Buttercup's love in The Princess Bride was passionate and pure. They were willing to fight for their love and overcome any obstacle presented to them. They even learned that death could not break their love. Buttercup may have been about to marry Prince Humperdink, but she remained steadfast and loyal to Westley, vowing to never love again after news of his death. Their fidelity and loyalty to one another transcends the bonds of time, life, and death. Westley was even willing to make a home in the Fire Swamp if that was the only way that they could remain together. Thankfully, they didn't need to stay there and instead just needed to fight the prince's army and the prince himself. But Westley kept his promise that he would always come for Buttercup. RELATED: 7 Romantic Star Trek Episodes Keiko and Miles O'Brien There are a few Star Trek couples that could be viewed as examples of healthy relationships, but one that we get to see throughout the years is Keiko and Miles O'Brien in Deep Space Nine . It is a realistic representation of marriage and family with two working adults. Did they have arguments? Of course. Were some conflicts bigger than something to be solved within one episode? Yes! Because that is life. And when you love someone, you work together and make compromises to fit each other into this new life you created. Sometimes it's messy, but just showing up for each other is what makes this relationship the longest-lasting in Star Trek history. And, whether it was meshing two cultures together or trying to both find fulfillment, Keiko and Miles kept trying. Rapunzel and Eugene Fitzherbert Admittedly, this relationship in Tangled could have been a disaster. Flynn Rider was arrogant, vain, and money-grubbing. With Rapunzel's naivete, she could have easily been taken advantage of. Yet, Rapunzel's pure heart was able to see the true Eugene underneath the facade. As Eugene learns to be open and honest, he and Rapunzel find the light in each other. Continuing in Tangled: The Series, Eugene and Rapunzel lift each other up. They save each other in multiple ways, some dramatic and adventurous, some subtle and compassionate. They are each a pillar of support and strength to the other. If that's not true love, then what is? RELATED: Unpopular Opinion – Tangled's Mother Gothel Wasn't That Bad Ruby and Sapphire (Garnet) When talking about eternal love and the ultimate example of what a relationship should be, people often say 'Two become one.' An incredibly literal representation of this is Garnet from Steven Universe . Ruby and Sapphire were two gems that were so unified in thoughts and feelings that they were able to fuse into one being. The power of their love is so strong that they can fight and take on monsters that other single gems cannot. Their love amplifies their powers, making Garnet physically strong and able to see the future. Ruby and Sapphire learn how to be completely in tune with each other because it is essential to fusion. And even after going off to find themselves separately, they come back together, now seeing how they make each other better. RELATED: The Top 10 Best Steven Universe Songs So, what is your favorite fictional love story? Do the characters express healthy love for each other, or is it a hot mess of toxicity? Do you still want to be like the characters from your favorite love story? Let us know in the comments! This article was originally published in February 2024.
Geek Dad
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Geek Dad
Review – Gotham City Sirens: Unfit for Orbit #1
Gotham City Sirens: Unfit for Orbit #1 cover, via DC Comics. Ray: It's time for another round of weekly Gotham City Sirens wackiness from our favorite chaos agents, and this time acclaimed artist Haining is joining the team alongside Leah Williams. These stories are always fairly dense and wacky, even more so than Harley's usual antics, and they take the place of the three main books for the month, I believe. But one thing that's impressive about how this mini-event is run is that they take place pretty firmly in continuity, referencing the current events in the main books. So Harley is currently rooming in Throatcutter Hill, Selina is on the run in her undercover identity – and breaks into Harley's apartment to recruit her. They're needed for a raid on an offbeat space-themed nightclub in Gotham where a rare artifact Selina is after is being held. And of course, Harley can't resist contacting her sort-of-girlfriend Ivy to bring the band back together. Breaking and entering. Via DC Comics. So, on one hand, I do have to say it's genuinely impressive that two queer women in an open relationship are among DC's top characters, although I have to say that the way the whole Harley/Ivy/Janet thing is treated here is…odd. It's played in a very jokey manner, with Ivy straddling Janet while Harley calls her and Harley seeming to be turned on by this. But before long, the core trio is back together and Selina is leading them into the lion's den. What ensues is a breaking-and-entering mission – but one that soon goes haywire as it turns out that it's not just criminals here, it might be something far stranger and from much further away keeping the artifact – which isn't actually an artifact at all. The reveal at the end brings back an iconic Justice League villain who hasn't been around in a long time, and seems to outclass the Sirens in power by a lot. Fun, if chaotic and kind of scattered launch. To find reviews of all the DC issues, visit DC This Week. GeekDad received this comic for review purposes. Liked it? Take a second to support GeekDad and GeekMom on Patreon!
Geek Dad
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Geek Dad
DC This Week Roundup: Law and Justice
Harley Quinn #52 cover, via DC Comics. Ray: This book has always been one of DC's silliest, but it rarely gets as silly as this issue – as Harley and Ravager duel to the end in…district court? The two of them are facing the local council over a brawl they had when Harley tried to destroy Althea Klang's latest invention – a wifi hotspot placed right outside of Harley's landlady's apartment building. Ravager was hired to stop Harley, which led to a Looney Tunes-esque battle of wills and bats. There's also an interesting subplot involving Chicken Fingers, who surprisingly can't back up Harley on this one and his dark, shocking (for this book) origin is revealed. Overall, it's pretty funny and Harley and Ravager playing off each other is great. I'm not sure about the ongoing subplot involving Althea Klang's crush on Harley, though – the villainess isn't a particularly entertaining character, and I don't get why both Harley and Ivy are being given new love interests suddenly. Peacemaker Presents Vigilante/Eagly Double-Feature #4 cover, via DC Comics. Peacemaker Presents Vigilante/Eagly Double-Feature #4 – James Gunn, Story Consultant; Tim Seeley, Rex Ogle, Writers; Mitch Gerads, Matteo Lolli, Artists; John Kalisz, Colorist Ray – 8/10 Ray: This two-part series is defined by one thing – ultraviolence and lots of it. The first story, by Seeley and Gerads, turns Vigilante loose on the most violent assassins in the city. This story might not have too much in the way of complex plot, with only short segments each issue, but Seeley's biggest role in this is taking us inside the thoroughly insane mind of Vigilante as he gets more and more unhinged with each issue. The second story doesn't work quite as well on that front, with Peacemaker and Eagly's adventure having more of a Looney Tunes vibe with a lot more blood. Peacemaker might as well be a pincushion, as many times as he gets stabbed by the assassins roaming the island. While he eventually does take them all out and get some peace, there's another unexpected villain lurking for the final showdown. Fun, but not much of a story either. To find reviews of all the DC issues, visit DC This Week. GeekDad received this comic for review purposes. Liked it? Take a second to support GeekDad and GeekMom on Patreon!
Reuters
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Reuters
Fact Check: Video of Lady Gaga kissing female heckler is a scene for the Joker sequel
A video of Lady Gaga kissing a heckler who told the American singer she was going to hell has been shared online without the context that it shows a movie scene being filmed. The video shows Gaga walking up a flight of stairs and stopping sharply when a woman yells: 'You are going to hell'. The Poker Face star walks back to confront the woman, grabbing her cheeks and kissing her on the mouth. The video was shared in mid-May with the caption, opens new tab: 'I love this!,' adding, 'You know… seriously… before you throw stones, maybe you should look at your own judgmental heart.' In June, the video continued to be shared without context, and some Facebook posts suggested it was evidence of an assault. But the video shows Gaga filming a scene for Joker: Folie a Deux,, opens new tab a movie musical and sequel starring Joaquin Phoenix as the Joker, the infamous DC Comics villain. Gaga played the Joker's love interest, Harleen Quinzel, aka Harley Quinn. The woman kissed by Gaga is Jennifer Lamb-Hewitt, opens new tab, a professional actress, stunt performer and stunt coordinator, who told Reuters the video shows a fictional scene. 'In the spring of 2023 I was cast in an acting role that required me to receive a kiss from the amazing Lady Gaga,' Lamb-Hewitt said in an email. 'The scene was great fun to film, and a wonderful experience. As a proud parent of pansexual young adults, this opportunity was an honor.' Other videos of the same scene show cameras and crew, opens new tab members around. The film's director, Todd Phillips, also appears alongside, opens new tab Gaga after the shot ends. Phillips told Entertainment Weekly, opens new tab in 2024 that the scene did not make it to the final cut of the movie. He said he realised he wanted the moment to be a musical one, not one with dialogue. Representatives for Gaga, Phillips and Warner Bros Discovery, the parent company of Warner Bros Pictures, which produced the film, did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Missing context. The video shows Lady Gaga shooting a movie scene. This article was produced by the Reuters Fact Check team. Read more about our fact-checking work.
