Batbrick

It is a huge problem in writing anything, I think. Just look at Scrubs, The Simpsons, Futurama, Cheers etc. Its a common criticism that characters unintentionally become increasingly stupid or exaggerate to the point where they are almost parodies of what they were, also called Flanderisation. The fact that you are aware of characters sometimes being too stupid, and even make steps to fix it when they do, shows a great awareness. Of course I still have it as a criticism, but all things considered you're doing a good job keeping your characters consistent for the most part. I personally love the 4th wall stuff myself, mainly because it is well done 4th wall and is used wisely to establish plotpoints nad get readers up-to-speed. That said I'd like to see them a bit more sparingly myself as I like to think of them as an occasional comic treat. Glad that you're trying to speed things up a bit too, that is probably my main criticism of the comic, you're good at giving the readers what they want, without giving the readers what they want (in terms of both ending up sucking, as well as trying to please everyone that is, and still making the comic as you want it, which is great). I think we can all agree to this, even if it is awkward to admit it Fantastic new comics KDog, the window issue is entirely resolved now, and some very freaky panels here too, especially the neck turning which is something that's always freaked me out, and the view of Dash and his cronies outside the cockpit with the mine. Great stuff, and after reading your notes, a very well setup line with the Roboforce henchmen, I love a good arc -Thomas

Wow, erm, that's certainly creative. I guess when you get angry you grow a starfish out of your eyes Actually, I'm just gonna go with his head exploded Batbrick Away!

Having just watched Pan's Labyrinth several times, I have a feeling this will be a film I'll never get sick of. Batbrick Away!

I don't think so, since there were already Angels in the episode I think the Doctor and Martha were both attacked by them and sent back to 1968. Also in The Time of Angels the Doctor mentions how they were not organised like those Angels and didn't have their extra powers. That said while it takes a while to get your head around them I think the angels two-parter introduced some great concepts to the Angels to make them incredibly threatening. Someone on a forum (Hint: It was me! ) had a pet idea that that the angels are such a malevolent threat because they could destroy a planet by virtue of simply one being there. The resulting video cam footage focusing on the Angel and broadcasted worldwide would result in millions of "Angels" all part of the one consciousness of the original Angel. Additionally their being some of the oldest beings in the universe, as well as in-show references by the Time Lords about their existence means that there could be many interesting stories about their malevolence stretching back all the way to early Gallifrey, giving them a reputation similar to the The Great Vampires and other beings that waged war with the Time Lords. I truly think that the Weeping Angels should definitely become one of the Doctor's greatest enemies, alongside the Daleks, Davros, Cybermen, Sontarans, The Master etc. They certainly have a unique look and modus operandi, have motives that could extend beyond the simple "exterminate!" of the Daleks and conversion method of the Cybermen, and have a mystery about them that even the Doctor himself does not know much about. Also, Lovecraft's Old Ones, such as Cthulhu and Shub Niggarath simply MUST be the main big bad of a season one day, they could make the most epic story ever, I repeat, ever, told. Batbrick Away!

Thanks Sinner, glad someone caught the videogame basis. And I was really glad to get rid of those printed piece, since I couldn't think of a single use for it till now. Er....no idea, quite a few pieces from quite a few sets. Thanks friend! Always appreciated! And I agree, Poison Ivy taking over the park only happens with about as much frequency as the Joker laughs. That is to say, a lot. Let's just say its the first time its happened! Thanks as always Righteous Squid, your opinion is always valued. Glad you like the man-eating plant, if there's an execution I'm proud of its that. And I have no problem with you taking inspiration from my designs, I owe you for posting instructions for those awesome Penguin duckmobile and downsized Batmobile. I agree the Manbats are out-of-place, but I wanted to have another element. That said, I wish now I had simply put them in another thread. Batbrick Away!

Wow AllanSmith, this is great! I honestly can't think of a single improvement, and I'm quite a nitpicker. I especially love the way you've done the eyes and excited little mouth, a mix of genius and simplicity. I love that there isn't a thousand little details distracting from the character's essence, which you've captured really well. Batbrick Away!

HOLY HELL! Very sneaky, I can't believe I didn't even notice that. Major props for the creepy factor there. Ah, I see, but I agree with Sonic Screwdriver (which is also a very cool username by the by), I think for the closeup shots it should be open and for wider shots closed. Batbrick Away!

Er, why? Joker wore his classic outfit. Batbrick Away!

I love that because it makes so much sense. The Doctor is a man with a time machine, he doesn't wait for anything he simply arrives whenever it happens. Its great to see moments like that. I agree, I like that they didn't shy away from the depression angle and certainly addressed it in a mature way (with aliens! ). The comparison between Amy's unknown sadness and Van Gough's own turmoil which he couldn't understand was cleverly done, as was the reveal that not only could the heroes not see the monster, it couldn't see them, and the significance of that in relation to The Doctor and Van Gough's own way of seeing the universe. That was another thing that I loved, I respect any episode that can give a good reason for the Doctor finding trouble other than simply arriving there at a bad time. He saw something off and investigated, like in the Angel two-parter. Or alternatively in a cave beneath the house. That's what's wrong with the new Cybermen, they don't hide beneath things! Batbrick Away!

No problem, glad to help. I think your comic benefits a lot from that anyway Yeah I remember that, she made comments about the possibilities of twins didn't she? ;) Anyway, as you suspected, I love where this story is going. I can definitely see things take a darker turn in part 4, somewhat reminiscent of that other nightmare inducing part with the dead man *shudders* I love the use of that picture you sit the ships on, in some shots I don't even notice its their unless looking for it. And the *THUNK THUNK* of doom is never a good sound. Hmmm, I wonder if "EVIVRUSSUFOENON" has any significance outside of being scary. Very much looking forward to the next one, more so than usual. That said, I think the way the cockpit opens and shuts kills a lot of the mood in some bits. Take the latest part where it starts closed, is then open again, then closed, then open for the rest of the comic. For inside shots I understand its a bit of a necessity, but a lot of these shots are wide ones. Batbrick Away!

Thanks for your comment professor flitwick, next up is a renovated Batcave, then Wayne Manor. Am working on the Wayne graves as well. And I won't touch the store for Simon the Pieman with a ten foot pole for some time, no way am I ready to moc something that hardcore yet! Thanks to samuraiturtle for this answer: Thanks ???theriddler???, glad you like it. I can understand what you mean y the Manbats in this setting, but outside of it I'm really proud of them. Thanks as always LuxorV, glad you commented and like the normal day view, I normally have that since my night shots are so poor Thanks too as always WhiteFang, more Gotham stuff is forthcoming, hopefully soon! Thanks Oky, I wanted the park initially to be quite complex, until I realised that there wasn't anything to really add without either cramming it, looking silly or just being there for the sake of thereness. And thanks for pointing out my embarrassing spelling mistakes Thanks Svelte, I'll keep this comment in mind, and post an updated version soon. That said, I'm happy you recognised the campy feel as I was definitely going for that. I may have tried round pieces but I'm pretty sure I didn't. I'm still happy with how it looks, and it actually looks better when not so flat because then the green bits underneath aren't so obvious, but I'll definitely try a rounded piece version and post it Batbrick Away!

:laugh: Fantastic little vig Dr.S, I always love your black and offbeat humour. Your description of how the show turned was hilarious, I espeically love that the Daleks invited him to dance at parties for not stopping them anymore. The sonic hammertm made me laugh, but the best part was the sitcom ending with a Cybermat of all things! The actual vig has some great colour going on, and the water effect and small tree really adds to the whole thing. You've chosen the best possible face for the Doctor as well. Batbrick Away!

My friends actually enjoy looking at my latest models and additions to my Batworld. One of my friends likes looking at them so much he fires those annoying technic blasters at them to try and knock some of the minifigs down! That said I do understand the attitude some people have toward such a hobby. While with most people I know don't care, I refuse to judge someone else on being wary about casually talking about it with others because everyone has different relationships with people, and even I don't tell some people merely as a matter of convenience. For some people Lego collecting is fine, others prefer privacy, and there's nothing wrong with either. Batbrick Away!

Very neat creation Sinner, I've been lazy recently but I'm glad I didn't miss this, I appreciate the mocs that are quite different from the norm. Fantastic use of the airship piece, quite clever, dare I say sneaky even. I still think Monty Zarknell was a nutter though The use of the flags and props is neat, the engine section looks quite nice, I really like the curved pieces on either side of it that push out. That said, I think the creation has a few noticeable flaws that drag it down in my opinion. The use of the airship piece, which inspired, puts it at odds with the rest of the blocky ship. While I'm not overly keen on ridiculously sleek and studless models, I think the whole thing would look a lot more appealing if the transition from the large piece to the rest of it wasn't so jarring. I also feel a bit more colour would do it a lot of good, as the tiny bit of tan doesn't really detract enough from the enormous amounts of dark grey which I think makes it a little ugly, and not in a good way. I think a bit more of the red to match the flag could do it a bit of good. I understand the goal of making it drab but I think that could still be more appealing colour wise without sacrifising that. That all said, this was a nice surprise for me, I haven't visited the sci-fi section for a while and the idea and execution are still am big success in my book. But really, 250 kph? Batbrick Away!

Thanks for the fantastic review CopMike! I really love the look of this set even if the vehicle won't fit properly into the hangar, and I absolutely adore the re-use of the very classic feeling giant trans blue window pieces. And I badly want that red skull helmet piece. Of course due to budget constraints I won't be purchasing, but even if Space Police III does not continue, I'm glad it could have such a strong base set. Batbrick Away!

Except he wouldn't be saved because he NEVER EXISTED. He didn't die, because he was erased from existence. Which means he was never born, never met Amy, never went on the TARDIS and never died. Doesn't mean he's alive, it means he never existed at all. Therefore, as Dfenz said it, nothing to save. Granted, I still reckon he'll be back, but stable time loop logic doesn't apply. Batbrick Away!

May I ask why? I thought it was very good, an improvement over last weeks which was good but this one had a lot more interesting stuff in it. There was a drag in the middle though because of slow pacing. I hope never to see Chris Chibnalll as a writer again though, the man's insane! I like that it ended on a hopeful note (regarding the Silurians) since I was very, very worried they were gonna pull another damn "There entire species is gone!" shtick. oh, and RRRRRRRROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOORRRRRRRRYYYYYY! He was such a good character too! I'm hoping he'll return for the finale. Wait, who was I talking about? Oh well Russel T Davies kept threatening too with every freakin' person saying lines like "You will die" or "One will still die" for BOTH Rose and Donna....but didn't go through with either. Well, given that the entire series is based on that concept, I'm gonna say........no. Batbrick Away!

Bring out your Dead part 2 and 3: Luscious is nuts! Interesting twist, though I was hoping for an expansion on the major arc. That said, I don't know if this story is over, isn't Meteor Madness the rare flavour that Shwartz and Valkyrie love? Batbrick Away!

Congratulations everyone! I'm happy Oky got something, his creations were fantastic and imaginitive. However I'm especially pleased that pedro and Inconspicuous both won the Market copetition, as they were my two favourites. Batbrick Away!

Pretty cool creation Randal, I always wanted to make my own Harvey Dent pre-Two-Face. I like the suit choice, but I think the brown eyebrows don't work, have you got any other fleshie faces that could match? Batbrick Away!

Because the characters were clearly in Asian settings and were Asians themselves. Sokka and Katara have darker skin and the entire water tribe is clearly based on eskimo/inuit. The Air Nomads take influence from Tibet. The Fire Nation is heavily based on Imperial Japan, with touches of China and the Agni Kai concept from India (apparently). The Earth Kingdom is a ton of regions but very much calls to China. So for the casting the three main heroes are caucasian, while the villains are the main asian characters. No unfortunate implications there at all.... Of course the movie-makers can choose whoever they want to play the characters, doesn't make it one iota right. Of course the Fire Nation being played by Indian actors is not a problem (though it loses a lot of the Imperial Japan analogy), the problem is that this is another egregious example of Hollywood whitewashing their films, which I find downright insulting.And it is not simply "anime styled". The Teen Titans cartoon was simply anime-styled, the world of Avatar takes place in a world heavily inspired by Asian cultures, themes, and mythology. It has anime elements of course, but it takes influence from Chinese art and history, Hinduism, Taoism, Buddhism, Yoga. They even had a cultural consultant to review scripts to see if they were faithful. The show used loads of East Asian calligraphy, with another consultant for accuracy. The use of the word "Avatar" comes from the Indian language of Sankrit, its meaning and significance is shown at the top of the show's title card. For the bending: # Tai Chi focuses on alignment, body structure, breath, and visualization. This technique is the foundation of "Waterbending" in the series. # Hung Gar was chosen for its firmly rooted stances and powerful strikes to present the solid nature of earth. This martial art is the basis of "Earthbending" in the series. # Northern Shaolin Kung Fu uses strong arm and leg movements. This technique is the foundation of "Firebending" in the series. # Ba Gua uses dynamic circular movements and quick directional changes. This technique uses centripetal force to generate power, and uses nearly constant circular movement to create angles between the combatants. This martial art is the basis of "Airbending" in the series The only exception to this is Toph, who can be seen practicing a Chu Gar Southern Praying Mantis style. Oh hell just go here: http://avatar.wikia.com/wiki/Influences_on..._Last_Airbender My point is this is a clearly Asian world, and an amazing and beautiful one at that. Of course I expect some caucasians would have to be cast, knowing Hollywood, but the whitewashing of the film has just reached ludicrous levels.

So, uh, isn't anyone concerned about the whole race controversy? Batbrick Away!

This was incredibly hard to vote for, so many fantastic entries. Ultimately I chose them based on which work the best as actual possible sets. 1 point - for Inconspicuous' Skull Palace Escape. So much like the classic Johnny Thunder temple sets, a majorly awesome thing. 1 point - for Pedro's Dhurban Chariot Race. Bonus points for being an excellent manip, but the whole thing is pretty much exactly how a real such set would be, and a damn fine one at that. 1 point - for Oky Wan Kenobi's Nizam's Warship. not as good a manip, but the moc itself is just amazing. The badguy themed ship is wonderfully styled, and like Predro's exactly like a real set would be, down to the additional part to jump up the price. And is that a falling floor mechanism I see? Honourable mentions to JopieK's The Palace of the Flying Fakir, lego-maniac's The Nizam's Palace and Skalldyr's The Oasis of Little Birds for all being mocs that make me cry with builder's envy. Batbrick Away!

1 point - for Peppermint M's Police Motorbike. It is full of the hilarious humour I love Eurobricks for, and wonderful in its simplicity. 1 point - for Fugazi's Persian Grocer. This thing is just epic, with a great architectural design, and I love how clean yet obviously fitting in with the Prince of Persia theme it is. 1 point - for lisgr's Fight for the Golden Tower. For being an example of pure, distilled awesome. Extra points for firing canon and bikini clad sword babe, so pulp its brilliant. And an honourable mentions to pedro's flipping sweet Sand-Cloud city and Tereglith's pimped chariot for sheer virtue of having a camel drag it, along with also being a great moc. Batbrick Away!

1 point - for Inconspicuous' Al's one-Stop Convenience Stall. This is probably my favourite, it doesn't try to be too elaborate or too large in scale, it is simply a market stall that I cannot fault in any way, everything is placed perfectly. 1 point - for Pedro's Dhurban Indoors Bazaar. I love the atmosphere of this one, and the use of fabric is very well done, as is the placement of figs. 1 point - for Oky Wan Kenobi's Belly Dance and Hookah Bar. I won't even bother explaining this one bar one word: Bellydancers. Honourable mention: NewRight's Persian Delicacy, I love the desert shade set up, and Johnno's Trouble, I can't be the only one who cracked up at that can I?