Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaand we're done here.

I'm not sure if it was the Danish philosopher Søren Kierkegaard or Peter Cetera who said "Everybody needs a little time away". But, no matter who it was, right now, that's what I need. For the past few months, I haven't been......let's just say.....feeling like "myself", and leave it at that. So, I've decided to step back, take care of myself FIRST (for once) and get back to where I need to be. Where is that? I'm not quite sure. BUT, when I figure it out and get there, I guarantee you, I'll be back. And, I'll be electrifying again..something even I have to admit that I haven't been in quite a long time.
-I'm also taking a break from reviewing comics for Geeks of Doom, if you've never been there, it's an excellent website and I highly recommend you go there daily. They're great people, bringing you the finest of news. I will still be using my Twitter account, so make sure and pay attention to that. It's pretty much the only place that you'll be able to "catch up" with me.
-So, in advance I'd like to wish you all a Happy 4th of July, Happy Labor Day, Happy Halloween, Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas, and a very Happy New Year. Pardon me if I forgot something. Until next time, I'd like to leave with you something that will make you laugh, and, in a funny sort of way, remind you of me. Take care!

-Jimmy

What I thought of...Batman Eternal #9

Batman Eternal #9: Wow. Yeah, that's about it. Wow.
The Good: This issue, the good starts on page 1 and doesn't stop until the last page. This one, is not only ACTION packed, it's STORY packed as well. We find out TONS of Carmine Falcone, what he did while he was away from Gotham (When someone leaves Gotham for a period of time, why do they ALWAYS go to Hong Kong? No one ever goes to, like, Vegas or anything?), what happened to him and the lasting effects of his stay there. We also get some really good scenes with Commissioner Forbes, Catwoman, and the introduction of a character that will........no. No spoilers. You gotta buy this on your own to feel the effect.
The Bad: I had to read it digitally. Ewww.
The Verdict: BEST. ISSUE. SO. FAR. I'm not even kidding. It had everything-great story, great art, this issue was just phenomenal!! Go out and grab it NOW!!!

Hayeswatch 2: This Time it's Personal

Tonight's Episode: Nothing to see here....move along.

Week 9: Shit happens. OK, I'm not going to do the breakdown of the stats like normal, because it just wouldn't be right. I was EXTREMELY sick this past week, but am feeling much better now, thank God. At some point I'll talk about, but it won't be today.

What I thought of...Batman Eternal #8

Batman Eternal #8: Like the Doobie Brothers, Batman is Takin It to the Streets!!!!
The Good: There is a LOT of good in this issue!! And talk about a page-turner! I found myself burning through this issue, because it's filled with action. Batman is on a tear trying to take down Falcone and all his gangs and hideouts. We get a nice couple of pages of Stephanie Brown and the conflict with her...let's just say problems. Something pretty big happens in the end, and while it's pretty surprising, it makes me wonder just where the story is going.
The Bad: If I had to pick something bad about this issue, I'd say it reads too quick. But, again, it's only because it's full of high octane action.
The Verdict: BUY. IT. And do it NOW!!

HayesWatch 2: This Time it's Personal!!!

Tonight's Episode: The Self-Destruction of Jimmy PS Hayes*

Week 8: "I'm afraid I've got some bad news......"
Current Weight: 224.9!!!!!!! Um, yeah. I got nothing. Not sure how I put on almost 4 pounds, but I did. EPIC FAIL!!
Exercise: Oh yeah, THIS is why I put on 4 pounds. Cause I didn't do shit this week. Lame!!! This can't be the norm anymore.
Blood Sugar Levels: Again, not great. They seem to be getting too high in the mornings, so I might have to adjust my long acting insulin that I take before bed.
Mystery Problem: Here's the only GOOD thing about this week. The mystery problem-GONE!!!!! So, it's time to come clean on what it was. I had a diabetic ulcer on my leg. Now, PLEASE DO NOT Google diabetic ulcer, because you will find pictures that will make you vomit. Seriously, trust me on this one. My wasn't THAT bad, but, it was still a threat. Thankfully, with some medicine and treating it every day, I went to the doctor and he gave me a clean bill of health(as far as that's concerned). So, to this I can say AWESOME!!!!
Lesson Learned: My health seems to be taking a backseat to the rest of my life. And that's not cool. As the weeks go by, I realize that something crucial was missing from all of this. So, this week, I'm going to try and stay quiet and concentrate on educating myself. And putting together what's missing.
*-Thanks to Patrick Brower for this week's title.

What I thought of...Batman Eternal #7

Batman Eternal #7: New players enter the gang war that's setting Gotham City ablaze!!
The Good: Woof. Not much. I thought that last week's issue was the worst that I've read of this series, but this one was even worse. A couple of story lines did move forward, there was some more introductions of new characters into the fray, a couple of fun team-ups, and a VERY interesting turn of events.
The Bad: There's a lot. I felt that this issue wasn't written as well as it should be. More than anything story wise, the biggest thing that I didn't like about this issue was the art. I'm just NOT a fan of Emanuel Simeoni. His art really doesn't fit this issue, let alone this series. I hope his run on this book is short. REALLY short.
The Verdict: I really CAN'T believe I'm saying this, but you might want to skip this issue. Now, I know this goes directly against what I said last week, but seriously, this issue was not that good and I'm sure that the things that happened in this week's issue will be recapped in future issues of the book.

HayesWatch 2: This Time it's Personal!!!

This Weeks Episode: Slow & steady sometimes is just slow & steady

Week 7: A slow week. And I mean that in every way possible.
Current Weight: 221.6. WAIT!!! I put ON a little over a pound!! That's not supposed to happen!! BOOO!! It seems that 220 is a barrier that I just can't seem to break. BUT, I'm sure as hell gonna try.
Exercise: Not much really, which would explain the above number. Again, have to start thinking that it's NOT optional and that it HAS to be done, no matter what.
Blood Sugar Levels: Surprisingly, they were OK this week. Nothing too out of control.
Mystery Problem: Again, slowly but surely getting better. Next week, I have a doctors appointment, so I'm anxious to see what he says.
Lesson Learned: If you want to make a difference, in ANY way, in ANY area of your life, you actually have to START by taking action, and not putting it off.

What I thought of...Batman Eternal #6

Batman Eternal #6: Batwing joins the mess and special guest star Jim Corrigan!!
The Good: There's a LOT going on. And I mean a LOT a LOT. Not just filled with action, but it's all over the place. From Batwing to Batman to Arkham Asylum back to Batwing & Jim Corrigan-you get the idea. This issue's script is written by Ray Fawkes, and you can tell the difference. I'm not sure if he's taking care of the "creepy, supernatural" parts of the book(I assume that would be Seeley's job), but the book has a noticeably different feel to it. A change in tone that's pretty dramatic, not because of the difference of the writer, because that's what this issue NEEDS.
The Bad: As I said above, there's a LOT going on. Almost have to keep a scorecard and old issues handy at this point. It's nothing bad, but I thought that there would be a point by now that the writers would stop introducing new story lines.
The Verdict: Even though this is my least favorite issue of the series so far, I say buy it. BUT, I have to warn you-I think this is the make it or brake it issue. From here, you're either in or your out. And, I'm in. 100%.

Hayeswatch 2: This Time it's Personal!!

This Week's Episode: The Rabbit that ate Las Vegas

Week 6: It's funny how Thursday turns into Sunday isn't it? Woops! Sorry about that, been another busy week. And, I'm happy to report, a very GOOD week!
Current Weight: 220.8. That's down a pound from last week, and while it doesn't set any weight loss records, it's a loss and I'm happy.
Exercise: Not really much to speak of this week. Hit the treadmill a couple of times, but that's about it. Gotta do better this week!!
Blood Sugar Levels: A little on the high side this week. I'm gonna blame the lack of exercise. Needs improvement.
Mystery Problem: Took a turn for the better this week! But, I don't want to jinx anything so I'm staying cautiously optimistic. Grade: B
Lesson Learned: I believe it was Mr. T. that said "talk is cheap, sucka!!". And, he was right. You can talk all you want and "mean to" eat less, eat better, exercise, ect. to improve your life, but if you don't actualy DO SOMETHING you're not going to get the results that you want. I have to admit, it's embarrasing writing this week after week and saying "Well, it's only 1 pound, but it's better than nothing." It's only ONE POUND better than nothing. I can do this. I WILL do this, and it's time that I start changing my lifestyle to reflect that.

What I thought of...Batman Eternal #5

Batman Eternal #5: Red Robin flies into Gotham as Harper & Cullen Row get caught up in the mystery!
The Good: Oh MAN!!! Just when you thought you knew where this story was going and what it was about...YOU DON'T!! That's right, the writers throw a BRAND NEW MYSTERY into the mix!!! And Red Robin shows up to join the action. This issue is chock-full of awesomeness.
The Bad: Again, just like last week, the Gotham gang war only gets mentioned a little bit. But, when you're telling a story that is this many parts, you can't spend all your time with one story line.
The Verdict: Just like the last 4 weeks, I'm saying BUY IT!!! New artist, new mystery....what's not to love?!??!?!?!?!

Hayeswatch 2: This Time it's Personal!

Week 5: This. Week. Was. Shit.

What I thought of...Batman Eternal #4

Batman Eternal #4: Batman battles Batgirl as Jim Gordon's troubles take a turn for the worse!!
The Good: Another awesome issue!! This issue, the focus splits a little and spotlights the relationship between Batgirl and Batman during this whole Commissioner Gordon crisis. The writers REALLY strain the relationship but are careful not to brake it, but they really pull it apart as much as they can. Meanwhile, we get to spend some time with Jim Gordon, who's basically given up on his case and accepts his fate, and that begins the journey of a VERY interesting road.
The Bad: I guess I would have to be most disappointed in that in this issue, the creative team took the focus away off the gang war and crime itself. Now, there IS a major development in the case, but it's yet to be a proven lead, and the real culprit is still miles away from being identified. Also, the gang war that started last issue, looks to have stopped for a brief minute, which is kind of weird pacing wise.
The Verdict: Worth the time and worth the money!!...just like the three issues before it. Keep going with this one, Batfans, it is gonna be SOOOO worth it in the end!!

HayesWatch 2: This Time it's Personal!

This Weeks Episode: Hydro Man wins at Last!

Week 4: Another pretty busy week caused by a huge-ass flood that destroyed a TON of damage. Including comics, toys, original art, clothes, etc. A lot of collectors have been through something like this, I've helped a bunch of friends clean up messes caused by water and, like everyone else, I never thought it would happen to me.
Current Weight: 221.8 Cool! I'm down 3 pounds from last week, which is fine. I was hoping for a little bit more, but I'll take it.
Exercise: Walking, walking, walking and then some more walking. Now. weeks are going from Thursday to Thursday, so 2 days at a convention and 1 day at the Kane County Toy Show adds up to a lot of miles. Also, through in 2 miles on the treadmill Monday and 2 miles on Tuesday, and there you go. I have all my weights and stuff down in the basement, and they did get wet, but that doesn't hurt them, but it's still a mess and kinda smells from all the water.
Blood Sugar Levels: Were about the same as last week, no real change.
Mystery Problem: Slow and steady wins the race. No DRASTIC improvement, but there IS improvement, so that's good. This week I'll give it a C+ just like last week.
Lesson Learned: Things can be replaced. And, for the love of God, PLEASE put your comics up on shelves. You can get them at Home Depot for like $20. Seriously. Do this.

What I thought of...Batman Eternal #3

Batman Eternal #3: The return of a fan-favorite Batman supporting character: KING TUT!!!
The Good: OK, so it's not King Tut. It's Stephanie Brown! And boy, is she up shit creek. But, that is the LEAST of Batman's worries. There's a huge gang war, and somebody REALLY REALLY bad has taken control of the Gotham City Police Department. I also get the feeling that there's not one, but TWO major villains at work in this story and they're NOT working together. In fact, I'm not even sure that one is aware of the other. As the first 2 issues, this issue is action and mystery from first page to last and it's ALL good!! Just when you slow down to catch your breath, something else (literally) blows up!
The Bad: ............I got nothin.
The Verdict: I know it's early in the game, but this is seriously THE best weekly comic from DC that I've ever read. And, I've read them all. Grab it!!

Hayeswatch 2...This Time It's Personal!

This week's episode: Your body is a Temple....of Doom

Week 3: HA!! The biggest joke of all was pulled ON me, BY me. And that was to think that during a convention week, I'd have extra time. Silly Jimmy. From now on, these will run EVERY Thursday, so the next one will be up on May 1st, from there, it's be smooooth sailing. Let's get to the stats:
Current Weight: 224.8. YIKES!!!! A 2.1 pound gain! I'm going the wrong way! I'm not sure why this happened, but it happened. I'm not going to dwell on it, just refocus and work harder.
Exercise: Not much to speak of this week, and I'm sure that's what lead to the above gain. Lame. Again, no excuses, just gotta get back on the horse.
Blood Sugar Levels: Weren't that great, but consistently in the high 100's. With 3 out of 4 categories failed this week, we're gonna call this week best forgotten.
Mystery Problem: Slow & steady wins the race. Progress is being made, so for that, this week it gets a C+
Lesson learned: I'm not gonna win every week, but to win, I have to at least TRY, and quite frankly, I didn't really try. Yeah, it was a busy week getting ready and doing stuff for C2E2, but no excuses. I should've MADE time. After all, health is more important than comic book conventions.

What I thought of...Batman Eternal #2

Batman Eternal #2: A notorious villain appears for the first time in the new DC 52 continuity, and......SPOILER WARNING.....it is NOT King Tut. Dammit.
The Good: I gotta tell you, I'm LOVING this series more than I should. Not that it's secretly bad, but MAN, so far for 2 weeks in a row, The creative team (and I do mean TEAM) has turned out a REALLY solid book. Just like last week, action, suspense, shocks, surprises, and we get to check in with the rest of the Bat-Family. It's hard to go into more detail without spoilers, so I won't.
The Bad: Art-wise there were a couple of panels that I really didn't care for, but at this point, I'm just nitpicking, so it's really no big deal.
The Verdict: What do you think? BUY IT!!!!!!

What I thought of...Original Sin #0

Original Sin #0: This issue kicks-off Marvel's big summer crossover (I think, don't they have something else coming out too? No? All right, I'll take your word for it) and what wouldn't a big, blockbuster Summer Comic Book Event be without an issue #0 that introduces the players?
The Good: Obviously, the art. It's Jim Cheung & Paco Medina! I love both those guys! And seeing them drawing not only Nove and The Watcher (The 2 main characters in this book. OK, pretty much the ONLY characters in this book), but some pretty spectacular moments that have happened throughout Marvel history, is pretty awesome. I also liked the pretty much one-sided conversation between Nova and The Watcher. The creative team really played that up and it works great.
The Bad: Unfortunately, this issue is a little lacking in the story department. It has a good one, but I really don't think this is an actual Original Sin lead-in, so much as it is a "Hey, remember the Watcher? Here's his deal" kind of issue. In fact, readers of Nova should especially read this issue, as it contains something that's VERY important to that title.
The Verdict: Toss-Up. It's really your call. If you want something that leads into the Original Sin story itself, pass on this issue and just pick up issue #1. BUT, if you like Jim Chueng and don't know anything about The Watcher, you should grab this one. It's a nice refresher course on who he is and what he does.

Hayeswatch 2. This Time, it's Personal.

This weeks episode: The Chocolate Mousse is Not in Season

Week 2: Week 2 went pretty well. I didn't break any records exercising or eating, but I was able to cut down a lot of behaviors that make me look like a fool, and turn me into a fat ass. Here's the stats:
Current Weight: 222,7. That's down almost 2 pounds from last week, which I'll gladly take. I don't really want to go more than that. People who tend to take off 5 to 10 pounds a week, usually gain it back pretty quickly
Exercise: I did a lot of cardio this week. Since the weather has been nice, been walking a couple miles a day. Stayed away from strength and resistance  training this week. Don't know why, just never felt like it. Which is something I better get out of my system pretty quick.
Blood Sugar Levels: Bit on the high side. Upper 100's and lower 200's. I COULD adjust my insulin, but what I SHOULD do is eat better.
Mystery Problem: Getting better. Doctor said that I should make a full recovery, unfortunately, it's going to take some time, but it IS improving. This week, it goes from an F to a D-.
Lesson Learned: This goes for men AND woman. If your shaving with a razor and you feel a sneeze coming on, PULL THE RAZOR AWAY FROM YOUR BODY!!! Trust me on this one, I have the scars to prove it.
PS-Sorry this is almost a WEEK late. Been busy. I'm terrible.

What I thought of...Batman Eternal #1

Batman Eternal #1: A year-long mystery begins and it begins with a bang! And, a crash. And flames, did I mention the flames?
The Good: Just about everything. THIS is what I want out of a Batman story. Mystery, a supporting cast member in jeopardy, and Batman kicking ass.
The Bad: Man, this is hard to pick. I liked the writing, I liked the art, I liked the whole FEEL of the book overall. I give up, nothing to gripe about here.

-While I was reading this, and knowing that it's going to run, I thought in the back of my mind "how much is this going to change from what I'm reading today? Will the creative team change some of the original story? The Ending? ANYTHING about the series that is "set in stone" at this point?" And then THAT got me thinking "Wow. I wonder how much EVERYTHING will change in a year. How the comics industry will change in a year. How much pop culture will change in a year. How much the world will change in a year." And then THAT got me thinking "I wonder how much I'LL change in a year?" And that leads into...........

HAYESWATCH 2: This time, it's personal

This week's episode: Citizens on Patrol

So, how much CAN I change myself in year? I'm guessing, quite a lot. I mean, a year IS a long time, right? You can do almost anything in a year if you put your mind to it. Get a new job. Get a new car. Even get a new house, if you work super hard at it. OK, getting a new house might take a little longer than a year, but there are people who do make enough money that they CAN do it. You could move to a new town, city, even COUNTRY if you wanted to! You could learn a new language, all right, I'll stop giving examples. It's annoying. SO, over the course of the next year, you'll get a weekly Hayes report. It'll include:

-My weight (and, if it was +/-/the same from the previous week)

-How much exercising I did that week (how much and what kind, you won't get blow by blow workouts, cause these tend to be long and boring to read, unless you're really into that sort of thing)

-My blood sugar levels

-3 or 4 times you'll my A1C

-And maybe various little shit along the way. Let's start it off:

Current weight: 224.0 I'm not really sure what my goal weight will be one year from now, but it's going to be less than I weight now)

-I just had my A1C done, so for this week, I'm counting that and my sugar levels as 1 think. My A1C was 8.7. My goal, for 1 year from now, is to have it below 7.0

-Mystery Problem: Yeah, this one's weird. I have something going on. Something physical not emotional, and I'm not going to tell you what it is. Maybe someday. When it gets better, you'll know. If it doesn't, you'll DEFINITELY know. Right now, I'm going to give it an F.

-And something that I learned this week, is a lesson in contentment. Yes, goals and dreams are a VITAL part of life. Without them, you never improve yourself. But, while you're chasing down these goals and dreams, be sure to take a second and enjoy the season of life that your in right now. Just because you're not a bazillionaire or have a brand new car or your not working your dream job, doesn't mean that you can't be happy right where you are. See you in a week!