THINGS THAT MADE ME HAPPY IN JULY

 

Comic-Con International 2025 is in the books. I couldn’t attend in person, but, thanks to my friend Andy Mangels, I appeared on the annual “Out in Comics” panel via a video message we taped a few days earlier. I wanted to represent as my authentic self and share the joy and terror of being trans in this twisted version of our nation created by Trump and his equally vile lackeys. The feedback on my wee message was heartwarming.

Being trans is a personal journey with fits and starts. It does not follow a road map. Since the journey is all about change, it should not surprise anyone that it includes changes. An example would be that, as late as the publication of my story in DC Pride 2025, I thought I’d write under both Jenny Blake and my old name of Tony Isabella. Some folks, friend and foe alike, said I had a split personality and trolled me. Honestly, in my real life, I wanted to ease my transition for those around me and, in my writing life, I didn’t want to disrespect the work I did as Tony. That part of my journey has come to end.

Going forward, I will be writing as Jenny Blake exclusively. That’s who I am and I like her a lot. I’m fine with my previous work continuing to be credited to Tony Isabella. I worked very hard to create good and meaningful entertainment for my readers. I will never dishonor that work. But Jenny Blake Isabella is who I am. No matter how I appear at any given time, I’m still Jenny. I think being Jenny has made me a better person.

Right now, when conventions invite me to their events, I give them the choice of who they want for a guest: Tony Isabella or Jenny Blake. No matter which they pick, I am still Jenny. I’m always Jenny. But I understand we live in times where something as innocuous as a trans woman drinking a beer can result in very stupid people losing their shit. 

That choice won’t be offered once I am living full time as Jenny Blake. I do have a date planned for that, but am not revealing it in advance. Because my journey will have fits and starts, and I can’t predict when they will occur. 

Being openly trans is terrifying. But it is also wondrous and it brings me happiness. Here are some other things that brought me joy in July:

July 1: Marvel United A Pride Special #1. Marvel heroes unite against fear and hate mongering. “My Buddy” by Anthony Oliveira and Pablo Collar is the standout story, featuring Arnie Roth. A memorable tribute to an early gay character.

July 2: Sham Spotlight #5: Antsy & Sucko. Writer Tim Fuller is some kind of mad genius. He transforms old comics into hilarious and often rude craziness. Not every joke lands, but there are so many on each page. I’m a fan.

                                                                 

 

July 3: Godzilla Vs. Fantastic Four by Ryan North, John Romita Jr and Scott Hanna. I’ve read five of Marvel’s six new Godzilla one-shots and this is the best. Great use of the Marvel Universe in this kaiju spectacular!

July 4: John Cena. I love the guy! He’s been great fun in every movie or TV show I’ve seen him in. I saw Heads of State earlier this week. It was exciting, heartfelt and hilarious. I’d love to appear in a project with him. Twins 2026?

July 5: Women in Blue (Apple). In 1971, Mexico launches a female police force to distract the public from a serial killer. The ladies face horrible disrespect and toxic masculinity, but don’t back down. Gripping television.

July 6: Lay Lines by Carol Lay. I’m obsessed with “Murderberg Profiles.” These multi-paneled strips deliver darkly humorous character profiles of some truly shady individuals. Every strip is a delicious short story unto itself. 

July 7: Godzilla vs. Thor #1 by Jason Arron and Aaron Kuder is a chilling apocalyptic clash between the King of the Monsters and All-Father Thor of Asgard. The power unleashed makes for a scary classic that is simply unforgettable.

July 8: Donald Duck: Magic and Mayhem is cover-billed as the 90^th Anniversary Adventure. Written by Alberto Savini (story) and Joe Torcivia (dialogue), it’s a multi-chapter serial with our hero finding a genie. Very funny and satisfying.

                                                               

 

July 9: Revival. Based on the excellent comics by Tim Seeley and Mike Norton, this Syfy series about the recent dead coming back to life in a rural Wisconsin town is well worth watching. Great characters and plenty of surprises.

July 10: Gorgo Legacy by Mac McClintok and Patrick McEvoy takes place before Gorgo’s 1961 film debut. It’s cold-war intrigue and kaiju, an entertaining crossover with their ongoing Soul Wars series. Available from Titanic Creations.

July 11: Stuntman by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby. Once you get past the theft of Robin’s origin, this short-lived 1940s super-hero is a charming action farce. There should have been a movie back then. I’ll have more to say about this soon.  

                                                                         

 

July 12: Kevin’s New Power. Dan Parent’s homage to a cover that fascinated me in 1958. The original was from Superman #125. This one is a variant of Veronica #201, the introduction of Kevin Keller. It gives me gooey nostalgic feels.

July 13: Superman ala James Gunn. I saw it with my son Eddie and I absolutely loved it. It’s now my favorite Superman movie with, I think, the most relatable Superman of all. I’ll have much more to say about it.

July 14: Metamorpho in Superman. The Element Man was and is one of my favorite heroes. My teen self was over the moon seeing him portrayed so well in this new film. I hope he’ll be a mainstay in future DC movies.

July 15: The Justice Gang. I loved every member of the team, even Guy Gardner who I’ve loathed from the moment he appeared in the Justice League reboot and ever since. I would love to write any of them in the comic books.

July 16: Hawkgirl is a mystery in Superman. How she got here (if she’s still an alien) and how she fits in was not explored. But I like the character and that the actress who plays her is from Cleveland. I hope we see more of her.

July 17: Lex Luthor in the new movie. The scariest Lex of all. So obsessed he’s studied Superman’s fighting style and reduced it to coded attacks. When he could’ve been inventing a new and improved Nutrafol. That’s where the money is.

                                                                         

 

July 18: Sham Spotlight #6: Narc Shadows has undercover vampire Narnabus Shadows in yet another hilarious re-dialoging by Tim Fuller. I’m envious of his ability to do in long-form what I do in Last Kiss. Maybe I should try this sometime. 

                                                                       

 

July 19: Superboy #78. Realizing how much “Claire Kent Alias Super-Sister” moved me as a kid, I bought a nice copy on eBay. I would love to write a story in which her transition was real and permanent. What would Claire’s life have been like? 

                                                                     

 

July 20: Chirps by Lawrence Lieber is not just a thriller about its extraordinary title hero. It is a character-driven salute to hope and humanity. It’s the best novel I’ve read this year. I’m so pleased for my friend Larry.

July 21: Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees: Rite of Spring #1 by Patrick Horvath starts a six-issue sequel to the horror hit as a woman searches for her missing brother. I’m reading it on Kindle because I can’t wait for the trade. 7-21-25.

July 22: The Hungry Bear Restaurant in nearby Litchfield, Ohio. Barb and I went there for lunch and were impressed. It’ a great rural eatery with terrific food, friendly service and remarkably low prices. We’ll be going there again.

July 23: Deadpool Team-Up #895 by Christopher Long and Dalibor Talajic. Published in 2010, how did this slip under my radar? It has triggered me. Now I desperately want to write a new It! The Living Colossus limited series.  

                                                                             

 

July 24: DC Finest: Science Fiction: The Gorilla World. I’m very fond of this new trade paperback series. This particular volume, with its 600 pages of gorilla stories, truly tickles me. I love having all these crazy tales in one book.

July 25: DC Finest: Metamorpho the Element Man. Great blazes! The entire original run of one of my favorite Silver Age heroes in one book that also includes his guest appearances in Justice League and Brave and the Bold. So much fun!

July 26: Jimmy Kimmel Live With Fortune Feimster as host. Her guests were her Fubar co-star Arnold Schwarzenegger and her mom Ginny. So much authentic positive energy between them. These are the real Americans, not the MAGA cultists.

July 27: 40 Years of Scream: The Archival Collection. It has the first 15 issues of the British horror comics weekly. I’m happily reading it and wishing someday I get a crack at writing a weekly serial.

July 28: Zillow Gone Wild (HGTV). Host Jack McBrayer (30 Rock) visits wacky homes up for sale and shares their equally wacky histories. I wouldn’t want to live in them, but renting them for a few days would be great fun.  

                                                                         

 

July 29: I wrote a new Everett True cartoon for the first time in decades. I was amazed how easy it was for me to get back into that turn-of-the-century character. Look for the finished toon in the hopefully near future.

July 30: Life After People (History Channel). The images are AI generated, but I find some odd comfort in learning squirrel monkeys will be the new lords of Manhattan. They may already be the lords of Trump Tower. 

July 31: Jardiance: Movie Night in the Park. I’m a fan of fun commercials and those for this medication frequently delight me. This 75-second one has an amusing dance number with engaging characters and little jokes scattered throughout.

BEST COMIC BOOK/GRAPHIC NOVEL: Godzilla Vs. Fantastic Four

BEST BOOK: Chirps by Lawrence Lieber

BEST MOVIE OR TV SHOW: Superman

BEST PERSON: Jenny Blake

BEST OTHER THING: Hungry Bear Restaurant in Litchfield, Ohio

I have two weekends of garage sales for you this month. They are Friday and Saturday, August 8-9 and 22-23, from 9 am to noon, at 840 Damon Drive in Medina, Ohio. As usual, I’ll be promoting them on Facebook, BlueSky, X, Craig’s List, Next Door and other venues. New items are added every day.

If you’re a convention promoter or comic shop owner who would like to book me for an appearance, you can e-mail and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible. I don’t charge an appearance fee, but I would need hotel and travel expenses, a decent amount of booth/table space that lets me to get in and out of the space easily. For now, you can choose to have me appear as Jenny or Tony, but that will change when I go full time. I am available to do pre-event publicity and at least one panel per day of the event. I look forward to hearing from you.

Be brave, be kind, be yourself.

© 2025 Tony Isabella

JIM SHOOTER

 

My bloggy thing readership doesn’t overlap all that much with my Facebook friends. From time to time, especially when I do a long post on Facebook, I’ll also run it here. The following post was written a day after I learned of Jim Shooter’s death.

"He was a complicated man" was posted by many people when they expressed their condolences on the passing of a true comics legend. That "comics legend" thing gets used far more often than it should, but, in this case, it's accurate.

Yes, I had my issues with the man. I wasn't alone in that. But I have long since said my piece, addressed falsehoods and am content to have done that. If Shooter did not always do right by some people, he did right by others. It's the balance of a life lived large.

It was in July of 1963 when, at the age of 11, I read Fantastic Four Annual #1 and realized two things. Making comic books was an actual job. I wanted that job. When, a few years later, a 13-year-old Jim Shooter started writing stories for DC Comics, I was jealous. But I also felt empowered. He was no older than me. I could do it too, Which I did. He inspired me.

In later years, when I would run into Jim at comics conventions, it was always cordial. We had pleasant conversations. But the one that sticks in my mind happened at a convention - and don't ask me which one - when we found ourselves sitting at a dinner table together. I don't remember much of the conversations, but I do remember the best part of it.

We talked about the late George Roussos, a man we both loved and admired. I talked about how, when I started at Marvel, I sort of shared an office with George. Sort of because George had arranged towering file cabinets all around his desk, creating a George-cave. And, from time to time, I would hear George summon me to the cave. Sometimes for work reasons. Sometimes because he wanted to share some knowledge with me.

Jim smiled at my story. Because, when Marvel was arranging new offices or something, George wasn't comfortable working in a large bullpen. Jim basically found him a large closet, a new George-cave as it were. So, for a moment, we just sat around talking about and missing our friend George.

People will certainly be doing the same with Jim. They will share memories of him, some bad, but, hopefully, mostly good. I think he deserves that.

My condolences to his family, his friends and his fans. I regret he and I will have no more conversations...and also that we never got the chance to star in that big-budget Mutt and Jeff movie I used to make jokes about.

© 2025 Tony Isabella

 

 

THINGS THAT MADE ME HAPPY IN JUNE

 

June was Pride Month. It brought so many wonderful moments into my life that I will be devoting an entire blog to all the events I attended and the truly awesome people I met at them. I’ll also be writing about the DC Pride 2025 anthology and the reaction to my story therein.

I experienced one more happy thing on the last day of June. As my Facebook followers know, the Hickory Ridge movie theater in nearby Brunswick, Ohio, is one of the select theaters across the country that screens movies from the Asylum. These films run one week, one showing per day, and the Asylum pays the theater to run them. As near as I can ascertain, this is so the filmmakers can say their films had a theatrical release. Which likely helps their overseas sales. If there’s more to it, please feel free to enlighten me.

This time around the movie was Jurassic Reborn, ninety minutes of CGI velociraptors on a secluded island shredding the humans who dared bring them back and an assortment of security guards and villains. Daniel Baldwin is the main villain and he chews the scenery like he was a thespian raptor. If you like off-brand movies like this, and you know I do, it’s fun.

Normally, when I see an Asylum picture at the Hickory Ridge, I’m the only one in the theater. This time there were several other people, a couple of whom thought they were going to see Jurassic World Rebirth. That’s why the Asylum refers to films like this one as “mockbusters.” Anyway, for a change, it was kinda nice to not be sitting alone in the theater.

Like theater #1, which we all went to because our tickets were printed with the wrong information. Or like theater #2, where because of equipment problems, we all had to move to theater #8. Where working out the problems meant the movie started about 40 minutes late. We were offered free drinks and popcorn.

I was sitting in a row with a comics fan and his son. We’d never met and he was pleased to know a long-time comics writer lived in the area and held regular comic books and pop culture garage sales. He’s going to try to attend the next sales.

Not a bad way to end the month. Watch a fun cheesy monster movie and meet some new people. I’ll take it.

Here are some of the other things that brought me joy in June.

                                                             

 

June 1: HGTV’s Ugliest House in America has started a new season and I’m both fascinated and horrified as host Retta takes us to a house that is wall-to-wall moldy carpets, including the walls themselves and the ceilings. Oh my stars and garters!

June 2: Anyone Comics (a fine store in Brooklyn, New York) has delivered my ordered copies of DC Pride 2025. I’ll have them for sale at my next garage sales. Just ten bucks each and, if buy from me, I’ll sign them for free.

June 3: Kosher Mafia by David Hazan and Sami Kivela made my list last October. I’ve now read the entire historical fiction series about gangsters and Nazis in Cleveland of 1936. Hazan and Kivela absolutely nail the landing. Highly recommended.

June 4: Public Domain Volume One: Past Mistakes by Chip Zdarsky. The creator of The Domain, super-hero star of comics and movies, gets little recognition or reward for his genius. But that might be changing. An outstanding series!

                                                                           

 

June 5: Pride on the Square. In my home town Medina, hundreds of LGBTQ+ folks and our allies came together to celebrate and show support for our community. It was a great event, made all the better because my wife and son joined me for it.

June 6: I’m happily catching up with Randy Reynaldo’s delightful Rob Hanes Adventures series. Issue #22 has a story that spans seven decades with hidden Nazi gold, paramilitary villains, an old enemy and a lost love. Spectacular fun.

June 7: Pride in the CLE (Cleveland). Over 25,000 good people, members of the LGBTQ+ community and our allies, came together in a lovely life-affirming day. As Jenny and Tony, I was recognized by comics fans wanting me to sign DC Pride 2025.

                                                                           

 

June 8: John Force, Magic Agent ran three issues and a pair of bonus tales, but I loved the low-key 1960s series about a secret agent with a magical talisman. If I had extra cash after buying DC and Marvel titles, ACG was my go-to publisher.

June 9: Barry Pearl. I had a great phone conversation, catching up with my long-time pal and noted comics historian. We talked about comics, our lives, and mutual friends. We’re hoping to do a better job of staying connected.

June 10: Bullet Train Explosion (Netflix). A 2025 Japanese movie filled with deadly bombs, political intrigue, edge-of-your seat suspense, shocking surprises and an amazing group of interesting actors and characters. I love this movie!

June 11: Pat Sajak was in excellent form for his final hosting of Celebrity Wheel of Fortune. It’s probably not in the cards, but I’d love to see him continue in that role. He remains a still vital elder game show icon.

June 12: All those who give emotional support to their trans children, fellows, friends and partners and to trans people they don’t know personally. We are a community under siege and it’s a hard way to live. Thank you.

                                                                         

 

June 13: The Amateur. Rami Malik is outstanding as a CIA decoder whose wife is killed by terrorists. He uncovers CIA involvement with the killers and goes after them. I love films where the bad guys meet their just fates. An outstanding movie.

June 14: Catching up with Alex Krislov, my dear friend of many decades. I took him to two of my favorite places in Medina: The House of Hunan and Black Cat Books. I learned being photographed next to a skeleton is not a slimming effect.

June 15: Louis Isabella. My dad and I didn’t always see eye to eye, but he was more supportive of my writing than any member of my birth family. The pick of his parents’ litter, he once said I was the pick of his. He inspires me to this day.

                                                                           

 

June 16: Godzilla Monopoly. For Father’s Day, Barb and our kids agreed to play this, which I’ve owned unopened for five years. We had such a good time I’m keeping it so we can play it again. Highly recommended. The Big G brings the fun.

June 17: Murderburg by Carol Lay. It’s a delightfully dark humor collection of comics stories about a sinister small town off the coast of Maine with a semi-retired mobster for a mayor and oh so many deadly corners. I love it!

                                                                           

 

June 18: Fubar (Netflix). I binge-watched the action comedy spy series starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. A cast of fun characters with crazy situations, lots of twists and turns and satisfying resolutions. Two seasons of solid entertainment.

June 19: The monthly lunch of friends who were part of the late Dave Massaro’s movie club. I’ve known these guys forever. They were fine with my transitioning. That’s not the case with some people in my life, so I’m very grateful.

June 20: Fortune Feimster. The actress/comedian was delightful as Roo on the Netflix series Fubar. She was utterly relatable as a talented CIA agent and an acerbic lesbian. She had some of the funniest lines in the series to date.

June 21: Secrets of the Bunny Ranch (A&E). A documentary series about the world's most famous brothel and the HBO series that popularized it. It’s especially unsettling for me because a dear friend worked there for a time. Recommended.

June 22: Time Travelers (Berkley, Michigan) hosted my first ever signing as Jenny Blake. This store has everything a fan could want, including a super staff. I was warmly received by all and hope to return soon.

                                                                         

 

June 23: I was a special guest at the Berkley Pride Block Party, across the street from Time Travelers. I gave a short talk about my journey and how the LGBTQ community goes forward. I also gave the countdown for the party’s color toss.

June 24: Marvel’s Ironheart is streaming on Disney+. A version of Rampage, a villain I created for the Champions in the 1970s, appears in the series. It’s always a thrill to see my name in the special thanks credits.

June 25: The Skechers Women's Hands Free Slip-Ins Sneakers have become my go-to footwear. They go with almost everything and are so comfortable. I wore them all day during my visit to Berkley, Michigan and have ordered a second pair.  

                                                                             

 

June 26: We celebrated son Eddie’s 37^th birthday at Fat Head’s Brewery in Middleburg Heights. Joining us were daughter Kelly, dear friend Jess and Uncle Terry. Nice place, great company, too much food. It was worth the food coma. .

June 27: John Lutz. He’s hilarious as the “Leave Him Alone” guy on Late Night with Seth Meyers. He’s also a writer for the show. As someone considering trying my hand at stand-up comedy, I love seeing writers perform.

June 28: The Day the Earth Blew Up. While it isn’t an animation classic, it is ninety minutes of good, occasionally heartwarming fun. I’m glad to see Porky and Daffy get a star vehicle and hope we get more films like this.

                                                                     

 

June 29: Dept. Q (Netflix). I’ve watched one episode of this UK show about a new police department dealing with unsolved cases. It has a terrific cast of rough around the edges characters and plenty of thrilling twists. I’m hooked.

June 30: Behemoth by Grant Sputore, Ryan Engle and Jay Martin. Swallowed alive by a monster, a group of people fight to escape. It’s a different kaiju thriller with scary moments galore and a satisfying conclusion.

BEST COMIC BOOK/GRAPHIC NOVEL: Public Domain Volume One: Past Mistakes

BEST MOVIE OR TV SHOW: Fubar

BEST PERSON: Louis Isabella. I miss you, Dad.

BEST OTHER THING: Time Travelers in Berkley, Michigan

July continues my 2025 Vast Accumulation of Stuff comic books and pop culture garage sales. You can find much more information on my various social media, but, for now, here’s the schedule for June:

FRIDAY, JULY 11

SATURDAY, JULY 12

FRIDAY, JULY 18

SATURDAY, JULY 19

FRIDAY, JULY 25

SATURDAY, JULY 26

The garage sales are held from 9 am to noon at 840 Damon Drive in Medina, Ohio. We accept Cash and PayPal. 

Thanks for stopping by. I’ll be back with more bloggy things in the near future.

© 2025 Tony Isabella

MEET JENNY BLAKE LIVE AND IN PERSON!

 

I will be a special in-store guest of Time Travelers: Comics, Cards & Collectibles and signing for free on Sunday, June 22, from 1-4 pm, at 3116 12 Mile Rd, Berkley, Michigan. This will be my first time presenting as Jenny at a public comics event since coming out as trans in February. I’ll also be participating in the downtown Berkley Pride Block Party that same day.

From the Time Travelers website:

We are excited to announce the very special In Store Appearance of Jenny Blake (formerly Tony Isabella). She began her career at Marvel working for Stan Lee and Roy Thomas as an editor and writer. Her stellar work also carried over to DC Comics and, between the two companies, she created such characters as Black Lightning, Misty Knight and Tigra. Writing credits include Ghost Rider, Daredevil, Black Lightning and Hawkman to name a few. At age 73, Jenny publicly announced that she was transitioning. Her first published work as Jenny Blake begins telling her story, and can be found in this month's new release DC PRIDE 2025. This will be her FIRST In-Store Appearance since the announcement! She is currently working on the first issue of a new trans super-hero she's created. She feels this new hero will be a Peter Parker for queer and straight kids and have an impact like what was seen in 1977 when she introduced Black Lightning. Meet Jenny Blake at Time Travelers on Sunday June 22nd, during the Downtown Berkley Pride Block Party between 1pm and 4pm. She will be signing copies of DC Pride 2025 as well as any of the other MANY comics she worked on over the decades as Tony Isabella (and will sign to your preference on your books!) Get to know her and her inspiring story, as well as delve into the history of her time at THE BIG TWO, Marvel and DC Comics!

Cool, huh? At this time, I don’t know my exact schedule for the Block Party, but, having enjoyed Pride events in Cleveland and my hometown of Medina, Ohio, I’m looking forward to celebrating my fellow LGTBQ+ folks and our allies.

Obviously, I don’t look as cute as “Cartoon Jenny.” I still have a lot to learn about becoming my authentic self. But I’m happy to answer respectful questions about my transition and my over 50 years working in the comics industry.

My thanks to Time Travelers for making this trip possible. Let’s all have a great time together!

© 2025 Tony Isabella

THINGS THAT MADE ME HAPPY IN MAY

 

June is Pride Month and that means a lot to me. It was at last year’s Pride in the CLE (Cleveland) where I presented as Jenny Blake for the first time outside of my therapy sessions or my OutSupport Medina group meetings. It was the first time two of my dearest friends from the Flaming River Con saw me as Jenny. I received several compliments on my outfit, but the most wondrous thing about the event was being with thousands of members of the LGBTQ+ community and our allies.

I’ll be attending multiple Pride events this year. The first is Medina’s Pride on the Square, Thursday, June 5, from 6 to 8 pm. I will be presenting as Tony at this event, but, as you know, I am always Jenny.

Pride in the CLE is Saturday, June 7, from 11 am to 6 pm. I will be presenting as Jenny at the event. I’m checking into the Drury Hotel Friday afternoon and staying through Saturday night.

Last year, on Friday night, presenting as Jenny, I went to the Muze Gastropub at the Fieldhouse Gymnasium in Lakewood. However, this year, unless I can find friends wanting to go with me, I’ll probably hang out at the hotel. The country has become more dangerous for trans women. Rather than go to any clubs solo, I’m going to err on the side of caution.

Finally, on Sunday, June 22, I’ll be a special guest of the Time Travelers comic shop in Berkley, Michigan, the same weekend as the Berkley Pride Block Party. While it’s subject to change, I’m planning to present as Jenny.

I get a lot of questions about my transitioning. While most of them are well-intentioned, many of them are very personal. Let’s just say it’s a long and sometimes difficult journey. Every day, I’m learning new things about being a woman and the steps I must take to achieve my authentic self. It’s not going to be an easy or inexpensive journey, but I work toward my goal every day. The support I have been receiving from the LGBTQ+ and online comics communities means the world to me. Thank you.

Now let’s talk about the things that brought me joy in May.

May 1: A great therapy session, followed by lunch with Barb and our friend Jess, followed by going to Black Cat Books to pick up items I ordered and chatting with our friend Kendra. Our country is in crisis, but there is still joy to be had.  

                                                                                   

 

May 2: Batarangs. Based on the classic story “The 100 Batarangs of Batman" [Detective Comics #244; June 1957], my talented pal Dick Pfister created these for me via 3D printer. It was a most welcome and completely unexpected gift.

May 3: My dear pals Martin and Pam Arlt came to my garage sale from Michigan. Afterwards, I took them to the House of Hunan for lunch and Black Cat Books, so I could show off my favorite Indy bookstore. Another great day in Medina!  

                                                                                 

 

May 4: Black Lightning by Brandon Thomas and Pico Ossio. It’s no secret I’ve been dissatisfied with much of what DC has done with my creation, but this five-issue series was authentic Jefferson Pierce and family. One of the best comics of 2025.

May 5: Thunderbolts*. I loved this a lot. It has heart, humor and an overriding theme of redemption. If you know my writing, you know that speaks to me. And the revelation of the meaning of the asterisk is perfect. It’s a good time.

                                                                       

 

May 6: IDW’s 100-page Godzilla 70^th Anniversary special. Godzilla is getting monster props of late and this collection of tales by James Stokoe, Matt Frank and others is worthy of the King. Great stories with great variety. I loved it.

May 7: Poker Face is back on Peacock. The second season opener was sensational with Cynthia Erivo playing five characters. Charlie Cale (Natasha Lyonne) was also at her bullshit detecting best. Who do I have to kill to get a part on this show?

May 8: Kardak the Mystic #1 by Joe Corallo and Butch Mapa. I got a kick out of this clever reboot of an Archie Comics super-hero who first appeared in 1939. Good characterization with a solid story and some surprises. More, please.

May 9: Thunderbolts: The Saga of Yelena Belova. In the film, this character (played by Florence Pugh) is a favorite of mine. I’d never read her comic-book adventures until this collection. Some good stuff here. 

                                                                 

 

May 10: Us by Sara Soler. This is Soler’s autobiographical tale of her partner transitioning from male to female and the changes they both faced. It is real, relatable and smart on every level, emotional and physical. A landmark graphic work.

May 11: Bragging Rights on Wheel of Fortune. The hook: the three contestants are friends who work with each other. This made for fun viewing and makes me want to see comics creators competing against one another. Call me, Vanna.

May 12: The Starbucks & PepsiCo remake of the iconic “Eye of the Tiger” ad for the new Iced Energy drink. I first saw the version they did with Seth Meyers and it was hilarious. I can get energy just from watching this ad.

                                                                           

 

May 13: My new Black Lightning box. Built for me by Akai Coit, it holds my blood glucose testing materials. Blood sugar levels, like lightning, shall ever appear, to some people hope and to other people fear.

May 14: Godzilla vs. Los Angeles is the latest in IDW’s Godzilla Vs. America series of one-shots. 100% of the proceeds support from this comic support BINC’s mission of book people caring for book people, including comic-shop employees.

May 15: Winter Soldier (2019) by Kyle Higgins and Rod Reis. This five-issue series has Bucky struggling with his own past while giving second chances to others. Action and emotion. I liked it a lot. Was there ever a follow-up to this concept?

May 16: Saturday Night Live’s season finale was terrific. Host Scarlet Johansson was wonderful and almost all the sketches were hilarious. I even enjoyed the musical numbers from Bad Bunny. It was a fun ninety minutes.

                                                                             

 

May 17: Trapped and unable to move for half-a-hour. I’m sore but otherwise uninjured. My SUV was not damaged, save for a $1,600 towing charge. More details soon. For now, know God loves trans people and our journeys to be ourselves.

May 18: The Simpsons: “Estranger Things”. I’ve never much cared for Itchy & Scratchy, but this episode was a poignant commentary on putting aside childhood things and the bond between Bart and Lisa and Homer. Nicely done.  

                                                                             

 

May 19: The Wedding Banquet (2025). Starring Bowen Yang and many other amazing actors, this comedy-romance is a queer remake of a 1993 film. It’s beautiful, emotional, heartwarming and so damned satisfying. I want to hug it and never let it go.

May 20: The Summer I Ate the Rich by Maika Moulite and Maritza Moulite is an intriguing novel about a Haitian American teen with a passion for cooking and zombie powers. In a world of the ultra-rich, she holds her own.

May 21: Murderbot (Apple+). This mix of comedy and sci-fi stars a security robot hiding its autonomy. It has an affinity for humans, despite our weaknesses, and a Star Trek-like streaming series. I loved the first episode.

May 22: The Atlas Artist Edition No. 2: Al Williamson. Edited by Dr, Michael J. Vassallo, this gorgeous 10.1 x 1.4 x 13.8 inches book collects all of the 99 stories the artist drew for Atlas in the 1950s. It is breathtakingly beautiful.

                                                                       

 

May 23: I’m in tears as I write this. My comp copies of DC Pride 2025 just arrived. It’s overwhelming to see my real name in the credits and to see my story there. I can’t wait for all of you to read it. Thanks to everyone involved.

May 24: Saintly Wife Barb is back from two weeks vacationing in Ireland with friends. She had the most wonderful time and loves the place. I hope to visit there with her sometime. Until then, I’m just thrilled to have her home.

May 25: Girlmode by Magdalene Visaggio and Paulina Ganucheau. This story of a recently transition girl making a new start in a LA high school covers a lot of teen drama, but ends with a great message about embracing one’s own strengths.

                                                                           

 

May 26: Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees by Patrick Horvath is a battle between anthropomorphic serial killers in a sleepy village that hasn’t previously known such horror. It’s chilling, suspenseful and highly recommended.

May 27: Saint John by Dan Schkade and Brennan Wagner. A cynical NYC reporter goes to Portland, Oregon to write about the title masked dogooder. A fine down-to-earth super-hero series. I’m two issues in and loving it!

May 28: Trans History: From Ancient Times to the Present Day by Alex L. Combs and Andrew Eakett. Just as I learn more about my true self every day, this smart graphic novel is teaching me more about folks like me. We’ve always been with you.

May 29: Victoria Groce is a force of knowledge and nature in the current Jeopardy Masters tournament. There are some truly great players in the tournament, but she dominates in a thrilling way. I could watch her every week.                                                                       

May 30: Poker Face: “Sloppy Joseph”. It’s Charlie versus a scary sociopath, an elite school student. Eva Jade Halford is amazing as the kid monster and the final scene of this episode made me LOL. It was perfect! 

                                                                       

                                                               

May 31: Call me Jenny. The vast majority of my online friends and my garage sales customers call me Jenny. This fills me with joy every time. I know I don’t often look like a Jenny, but it’s an ongoing process and I thank you for your support.

This month's top picks... 

BEST COMIC BOOK OR GRAPHIC NOVEL: Us by Sara Soler

BEST BOOK: The Summer I Ate the Rich

BEST MOVIE OR TV SHOW: Thunderbolts*

BEST PERSON: Peter David. You are missed.

BEST OTHER THING: Seeing my story in the DC Pride anthology

June continues my 2025 Vast Accumulation of Stuff comic books and pop culture garage sales. You can find much more information on my various social media, but, for now, here’s the schedule for June:

FRIDAY, JUNE 13

SATURDAY, JUNE 14

FRIDAY, JUNE 20

SATURDAY, JUNE 21

FRIDAY, JUNE 27

SATURDAY, JUNE 28

Thanks for stopping by. I’ll be back with more bloggy things in the near future.

© 2025 Tony Isabella