It’s that time again fellow DC Fans and DC World Readers, where we delve in to the mind of someone who confesses to being a geek of the highest order.

In this edition, we have fellow Liverpool FC fan (top man – John), Dean Connolly who threw his hands up quicker than Superman racing to the rescue of Lois Lane when she finds herself in trouble.  Therefore, my thanks go to Dean for that, very much appreciated.  As you will see from his Confessions, Dean is a big fan of the DC Universe, passionate and a keen collector.  To be fair, with Dean’s initial it was always going to be…

But, that’s enough from me, you don’t want to read me going on, however, if you would like to take part in a future Confessions edition then please see the contact details at the end of this interview.

And so, on with it.  Please enjoy.


JH @DCW:  First of all, would you mind telling me a bit about yourself – name, age (if willing), where you’re from and what you do for a living, anything else you wish to mention?

DC:  Hi all.  I’m Dean Connolly.  I’m 21 (okay I lied) and come from Liverpool, England.  I am a Physiotherapy student and Learning Support Practitioner.

What, or who, helped kick-start your DC Comics fandom and when? 

As a kid, I loved Michael Keaton as Batman and would religiously watch Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman but my obsession of everything DC has happened quite recently.  I started re-watching all the DC movies about 5-6 years ago and got hooked.  I then moved on to the TV shows and then onto comics.  I’ve never looked back since ?

Who is your favourite DC Superhero?

I don’t have to think about this…. Batman!

Who is your favourite DC Villain? 

I loved Zoom in The Flash and Deathstroke in Arrow but my favourite is definitely The Joker.  How can you not love The Clown Prince of Crime?

Away from the two mentioned above, who is another character you could call a favourite, villain/hero/other character or one of each?

Alfred Pennyworth.  He’s a real unsung hero.  I have a lot of respect for the man who helped Bruce Wayne become the best detective ever.  I love Sean Pertwee’s portrayal of him in Gotham. I would love to see this carried over to the big screen.

TV shows – which is your favourite DC effort?

I used to watch Lois and Clark when I was growing up.  I would love this to come back.  I am really enjoying Gotham and Black Lightning at moment.  Both shows have fantastic actors and storylines.  Definitely joint favourites.

What is your favourite DC Movie? 

I honestly don’t have a favourite DC movie!!  If you ask me this question 7 days in a row, you would probably get 7 different answers.  I do love Batman (1989), Superman (1978), Man of Steel (2013) and Wonder Woman (2017).

Are there any DC Universe characters, any that we haven’t seen a live action/animated version of so far, you would like to see become part of the movie, TV or even animated universe?  If so, which character and who would you like to see play the part/s? 

With the recent announcement regarding the shows on DC Universe streaming service and Lindsey Morgan being linked to the Batgirl role, this question is hard to answer.  Maybe bring Supergirl in to the Man of Steel movies?

The DC Universe has featured many, many actors on TV and in the movies, as well as animated movies/series’, so I ask you – who is your favourite actor, anyone who has made some sort of appearance within a DC creation? 

Cameron Monaghan has been amazing in Gotham.  I have loved watching Cress Williams as Black Lightning too.

Comics – do you read them? If so do you have a favourite series, or a graphic novel, that you enjoy more than others? 

I do yes.  I started reading The Walking Dead to start off with.  My DC collection started with The Man Who Laughs and Batman: Year One.  I am currently collecting Rebirth Batman, Cyborg and The Flash.

My favourite Graphic Novel (So Far) has to be The Court of Owls.

This editions’ controversial question/s: 

CQ1) DC Movies – We all know that the DCEU is in full effect and the quality is, for me anyway, excellent.  However so is the DC Animated Movie Universe where the movies being produced are outstanding, so my question is this, DC Live Action Universe vs DC Animated Universe, who wins?

DC Animated Universe.  Both Teen Titans and Gotham by Gaslight were brilliant, but I could also add Attack on Arkham and Justice League Dark to that list.  I have really enjoyed the Live Action Universe especially MoS and WW but the number of great animated movies edges it for me.  This could change if Aquaman lives up to my expectations ?

CQ2) Superman in trunks or Batman with nips – which one should go, forever (only ONE must go, the other to stay!)

Those Bat-nips were a disaster…. They must go!

 

DC vs Marvel – Social media seems to be a hotspot for this kind of talk, however, at times, it can get out of control and comments can become quite malicious; what are your thoughts on the whole DC vs Marvel issue, or do you feel that there should be no issue?

I don’t get the whole DC vs Marvel argument.  I find it bizarre that some people think you must be 100% one or the other.  Why not enjoy the best of both worlds?  I do like Marvel, but DC is my overall favourite.  If you read comics make sure you read Marvels Deadpool the Duck.

If you were to fall in a swamp/be electrocuted/fall in a vat of chemicals/witness the death of a loved one etc. and made the choice to become superhero or villain, what would your name and powers be and what sort of costume would you go for?

I’m not sure if it has a name but I would love Peter Petrelli’s (Heroes) ability to mimic other abilities

Costume and name?   T-Shirt, Jeans and Trainers…. Nowhere better to hide than in plain sight. Has ‘The Imitator’ been taken?

Apparel – do you wear any clothing that relates to DC Comics and its Universe, if so, do you have a favourite item of clothing that is still worn aplenty and fading?

I do.  I have a few Batman t-shirts and jumpers and a lot of DC pyjamas (too many sets to name!).  You are never too old to wear superhero pyjamas.  My green/blue Batman PJs are my favourite and you could guess that by looking at them.

Disclaimer: Please note – this is NOT Dean. At least we don’t think so…

Before we go on to questions regarding your collection, could you please tell our readers where we may find you online (Twitter, YouTube, Blogs etc.)?

I’m on Twitter: @DMConno84 and @DC84TRI (you might have guessed I’m a runner & aspiring triathlete)

Now we have the necessities from you, on to the reasons that I created this feature, your DC collection. 

First up, do you collect large amounts of various and random DC merchandise or is there a single type of item that you like to pick up?

I have a sporadic collection.  I collect everything including Lego figures, comics, posters and Masks.  I do love my Court of Owls, Deathstroke and Joker masks.

Do the items you collect relate to one specific character/movie/TV Show etc. or is it just all things DC Comics? 

Originally it was all Batman but now all things DC started sneaking into my collection.  Cannot wait to move into a bigger place so that I can start collecting more masks and cowls.

Of the items you own, do you have a most prized possession? – I’m not asking for your favourite here, but the one/s you cherish most of all. Why does it/they mean so much to you?

My comic collection. It’s nowhere as impressive as other fans but I am trying to get there ?

Is there something in your collection that you would consider the strangest? If so, what made you buy it? 

I don’t really have anything that I would consider strange.  As soon as that changes you guys will be the first to see it through Twitter.

Do you have something in your collection that could be described as a rare item? 

It’s a sad thing to admit but I haven’t.  I have put some money aside to treat myself to something special at HVFF London.

What is the your “go to” item when showing off your collection to, say, friends or family? 

My masks or Lenticular comic collection.  I don’t think my family and friends are that impressed by them to be honest.

Have you met any celebrities that have a connection to DC?  Are you someone who likes to get pics and autographs from various conventions?

Unfortunately, I haven’t.  I wanted to meet Manu Bennett at Liverpool Comic Con but that didn’t happen.  I did enjoy his talk though.

What are the biggest and smallest items in your collection?

Smallest = DC Lego figures.

Biggest = Large Movie Posters

I doubt that this will be applicable but out of curiosity, is there an item in your collection that you regret buying.  If, by any chance there is, what is the item and why do you regret it?

Not yet but I’m sure this will happen someday.

Is there a Holy Grail for you, an item that you would love to own that may prove to be extremely difficult or even impossible to obtain? 

Detective Comics #27 in May 1939 or Michael Keaton’s Batman Suit

Cheeky question 1, but what is the most and least expensive item that you have added to your collection?

I have a lot of artwork from Bircham Art and Wills Artwork which I buy a lot of at conventions (cumulative value) – here’s a selection.

Cheeky question 2, but most and least valuable item in your collection?

Green Lantern Kinder Egg Toy (I’m guessing this is the least valuable? – John)


And with that final confession, another edition of “Confessions of a DC Geek” sadly ends.  My thanks go to Dean for taking part and proving that he deserves to be titles a DC World Geek.  I have no doubt that you will all agree.

If you would like to take part in a future edition of this great segment then please feel free to contact me at any time.  You can get me at the following:

Twitter: @DC_ComicsGeek

Email: john@dcworld.org.uk

Website Twitter: @_DCWorld

If you have enjoyed what you have been reading then please feel free to comment below or on any of the social media pages, including my own.  Please also free to contact me on the email address above with any comments you have, it is a pleasure to hear from anyone.

Finally, one more thanks to Dean (Up The LFC) and thank you all for reading.  As always, just like all the CW shows…

CONFESSIONS OF A DC GEEK WILL BE RENEWED AND RETURN SOON.

Cheers, John