One thing that’s really nice, though, is that they actually got the Nightwing/Starfire scale correct (well, more correct than usual). Starfire is actually taller than Nightwing: something that artists seem to forget constantly, as do the toy makers.

I need to dig up my DC Direct Starfire and Nightwing: I think they were also in scale. Also, it would allow me to set up a great Nightwing/Starfire set up: I’ve got them as Mini-Mates, DC Infinite Heroes, DC Universe Classics, and DC Direct heroes. If they’d make a 13-inch Starfire, I’d be very happy.

Growing up, though, some of my sisters would get a little annoyed when I’d make adjustments to the nativity set we had. Hawkman instead of an angel, Batman as one of the wise men, the Martian Manhunter hanging around, etc. I think I went too far when I had a Captain Kirk with a phaser pointed at baby Jesus.

Anyhow, here’s a photo of Robin hanging out on a globe ornament. You can see a couple of others on my Flickr page.

I considered making a Batman with Indiana Jones Nunchuks, but that was just too awesome.

"Shortly before four in the afternoon on the third Monday in the month of May, the people of the city of Metropolis learned the meaning of joy. They had no explanation for this feeling, and there were gaps in their knowledge of what had gone on in their lives so far that day. It was as though they were all waking up, or at least opening their eyes, for the first time in an awfully long time. The first thing many of them saw was the red-and-blue figure of Superman drawing a line across their sky, and he became the symbol of their joy. It felt like a miracle, though none could say why."

From Elliot S! Maggin’s novel, Miracle Monday

So Happy Miracle Monday, everyone! Hug your Krypto or Streaky. I will likely watch some Superman animated episodes, and I have both Superman and Superman II in HD on my Tivo.

SWSX (South by Southwest)

I’m probably just jealous that other people are there. But it does seem like the whole thing is run off of "smug."

Secret Invasion

I barely have interest in company-wide crossovers when I give a crap about the characters, much less with Marvel characters. "He/She’s a Skrull" is this year’s "Superboy punch."

Iron Man and The Dark Knight movies

Just can’t manage to work up much enthusiasm for either.

There’s probably much more, but I don’t care enough to write about them.

Only one problem. It’s totally hard to believe that humans, even in the 50s and 60s, would hate such a lovey-dovey, large-eyebrowed, dimpled chin, totally cute Martian. It undercuts the whole "humans hate me because I’m different" schtick.

I’m going back for the Batman tomorrow. Hell, I think I might get the set. Thanks a lot, DC Direct, for making me spend more money on toys. Merry Christmas to me, I guess.