This has to be the funniest SNL sketch this season.

http://tinyurl.com/bol6ex

This could be a true competitor to Schweaty Balls. You decide.

http://tinyurl.com/acjlmo

Ok, I admit it. I’m behind in my reading. I still haven’t finished Secret Invasion, but the finish line is in sight.

For those still reading or re-reading, I offer the following public service. I give you the Secret Invasion Chronology. Created by fans for fans. Over a year in the making. It’s no mere list, but also the creation of the list. Very entertaining in itself. To firstmode, The Confessor, Gyroscope352, Graphic Man and anyone else I may have missed… I speak your name.

http://forums.comicbookresources.com/archive/index.php/t-198258.html

1. Wolverine and the X-Men

Never put Cyclops in charge again! Let him and the Professor guest spot on Batman’s show (see below)

Honorable Mention: Xavier Renegade Angel – A metaphysical journey that doubles as a 10 minute drug experience. Thank you for coming back to save us all!

Recently fallen off the list:

Batman and his Amazing Friends – I don’t even have the strength to look up the correct name for this one. How do you follow up an immensely popular, critically acclaimed film that changes how comic book movies are seen? By turning the clock back to 1982 for the next incarnation of the cartoon. Shame.

Star Wars Clone Wars – Amsuing at first, I just don’t care anymore

Amazing Spider-Man: Brand New Day

The simplest way to put it: If you’re not reading The Amazing Spider-Man, you should be.

Marvel started a new format in 2008 by printing new issues 3 times a month (That’s 36 issues this year!–Mathtacular Bill). Yes, I realize DC did something similar with the series 52 in 2007 and produced 52 issues, but it wasn’t any good.

The pacing of the stories is another highlight. While most comics fit into 5-6 issue arcs that can be easily collected and sold in larger volumes, ASM alternates storyline lengths even using classic 1-issue storys. Let’s face it, not every story should be 5-6 issues. Ever see a Star Trek show that was stretched into a Star Trek movie? You know what I mean.

The important thing is Spidey is fun again. He is the light-hearted, upbeat, wisecracking character from the older stories and the movies. When Spidey is more serious, it’s in the heat of a crisis and it makes sense. He’s no longer weighed down by the every little villain that has been thrown his way over the years. It makes me think Wolverine should go weekly and get a well-deserved character enema.

How good is it?

1. I’ve easily bought more continuous issues this year than ever before. I’m even trying to collect the 18 issues I’ve missed from 2008. That’s the equivalent of a year and a half of any other book. I don’t have to collect them to know what’s going on, but I really want to read them.
2. Fifteen years ago, I witnessed one of the writers dismissing a young fan and developed a grudge against him. Because of ASM, I’ve decided that he probably just had a bad day (but still understand the lesson there).
3. Three times a month I read a new issue and can’t wait for the the next one. If it’s one of the few weeks there is not a new issue, I’m disappointed knowing it will be a full seven days until I can get my next Spider-fix. That’s how good it is.

As a kid (and even now) I wanted The Columbus Dispatch to print the Spider-Man daily comics. That wound still runs deep, but this is even better.

Having said that, there are some absurdities that you have to accept if you’re going to watch the entire thing. **Only basic plot spoilers** The main plot revolves around rescuing Jabba the Hutt’s son. That’s right, you have to deal with a Huttlet. They gave Jabba a son and the Jedi’s decide to save him.

Also, Anakin has a padawan now. Brash, angry, shouldn’t-be-a-Jedi Anakin has been given a padawan to bring him under control. The good thing is that his padawan, Ahsoka Tano, is the brightest spot in the movie. When they remake Episodes I-III in 10 years, they should work her into it somehow. She manages to have an organically fun personality without it feeling like the fun personality is being forced out of the actor.

The whole movie is really the equivalent of 4-5 episodes of the animated show. Oddly, and in recent SW fashion, it’s probably longer than it needs to be, but it’s not terribly convoluted past the first five minutes. The film does not have to be watched as a lead in to the show. I’ve watched the first 2 episodes of the series and aside from Ahsoka nothing bleeds over from the movie. Unfortunately after watching the series, I think that the series is better than the movie which makes me wonder why they didn’t just feed us a few regular episodes in the theater instead of making the movie (aside from the obvious answer of money).

Now having thoroughly slammed the movie, it’s not only better than Droids and any Ewok spinoff, but it’s also better than many animated features. Let’s face it with the popularity of Disney and Pixar over the last 20 years, a lot of kiddie drek makes it’s way to theaters because there’s a built-in audience with a guaranteed return (sorry Delgo).

Buy, Rent, or TV: TV. If you’re that into SW, you already own it and purests know it’s not one of the “real” films anyhow. If you’re anyone else, just watch the series on Cartoon Network.

Make Hulk brain hurt. Winter cold.

Freeze brain like slushee.