Friday, August 25, 2017

Batman Year One Part 1 Issue #404

Released in February 1987 Batman Year One Part 1 issue #404 tells the story of Bruce Wayne’s first year as Batman.  The story also simultaneously follows James Gordon’s return to Gotham City.  It’s such a great story that follows the beginning of the friendship between Jim Gordon and Batman as these men battle a corrupt city.  I just love how their battle is not easy and how they make mistakes along the way; learn from them and overcome obstacles that eventually molds them into the heroic men they become.
I bought this particular issue a few years ago.  At the time a lot of magazines were going out of print.  This had me worried that eventually all print magazines including comics would either go digital or end production.  That’s when I decided to start buying popular comics as collector pieces (relics of the past).  Thankfully the prices were still affordable so I definitely had to get this issue of Batman and others.  While I do love the story and can read it in digital format, there’s definitely something special about holding the physical copy in my hands. The smell of the pages, the ink that runs off my fingers, and the vibrancy of the colors is something special that makes collecting older comics nostalgic and worthwhile.
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Wednesday, August 23, 2017

Advice for getting the SNES Classic Edition in Canada

The SNES (Super Nintendo Entertainment System) mini will release on September 29th for $99.99.  Nintendo has stated that it will be a limited release and will stop production by the end of the year.  While it might seem ridiculous to most that Nintendo is making the SNES mini limited, you have to remember that Nintendo has always made certain items limited since 1985.  As a life-long Nintendo fan this has been frustrating, but I understand it.  Hype Sells.  Also, all these retro games will eventually be sold on the Virtual Console (a service that lets you download retro games onto modern consoles).

Saturday, August 5, 2017

New Era MLB Retro Classic Collection

New Era’s MLB Classic Collection is a throwback to their 90’s Pro Model fitteds.  These retro hats feature 100% wool material, a New Era tag, grey underbrim, white sweatband, flat embroidery, and are made in the USA.  This release has revitalized my interest in New Era fitteds after years of poorly made polyester hats.  I knew it was time to quit collecting on-field fitteds as soon as the MLB batter man was missing his hat, and occasionally the ball on the logo.  Thankfully New Era has corrected all their quality control issues and has made an immaculate product.  Every stitch is perfect, the crown is true the original, and the sizing is correct (past hats could be off by 3 sizes).
Please note that unlike their Heritage Wool series from a few years back the MLB Classic Collection doesn’t have 3D embroidery, the New Era logo on the side of the hat, or a black sweatband.  Admittedly these are more subjective preferences on a fitted that I’m personally indifferent about.  Although I do love seeing the return of the white sweatband, a feature that I used to hate but I have now grown to love.  Just seeing a brand new pristine white sweatband just makes it look so much better.  For now I have only purchased the Away blue, Blue Jays fitted but I do plan on getting the whole Jays collection eventually.
New Era:
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