Welcome, fellow DC fans and readers of DC World, to the first Confessions of a DC Geek of 2019. It may have been a while since the last edition but as I’m sure you will all agree, it is certainly always worth the wait.
In this edition we have big DC Comics fan, and supporter of DC World, David Armstrong. His love of all things DC will become apparent as you read the article. Therefore, without further ado I give you COADG #19, please enjoy and feel free to comment or on Twitter here or here. And if you would like to take part, see the Twitter links above or the details at the end.
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?
DA: Iʼm David and I am 32 years old and from Carlisle in Cumbria. I live with girlfriend of 10 years and our two children Cory & Shay. Currently I am coming up to 4 years working at the Train station as a guard.
What, or who, helped kick-start your DC Comics fandom and when?
I remember seeing the first Batman movie with Michael Keaton and couldnʼt get enough of the character and I was hooked ever since. It wasnʼt until seeing the Justice League cartoons that I realised they were all under one banner (DC) and Iʼve been a massive fan since.
Who is your favourite DC Superhero?
I think I gave that away in the previous question but itʼs Batman. I have a soft spot for most of the DC roster but if it came down to it then itʼs the Dark Knight.
Who is your favourite DC Villain?
Has to be the crown Prince of crime The Joker. For me the greatest villain in comics.
Away from the two mentioned above, who is another character you could call a favourite, villain/hero/other character or one of each?
Heʼs an anti hero but I am a huge fan of Red Hood (Jason Todd) and his history with Batman and the Batfamily. Another villain who is a firm favourite of mine is Deathstroke.
TV shows – which is your favourite DC effort?
For me itʼs Titans, Krypton and Gotham, itʼs such a shame that the latter is coming to end. Iʼll have no doubt the Watchmen tv series once that is released will make the list as well.
What is your favourite DC Movie?
Aquaman. To me it was the perfect comic book movie, itʼs also the first time I went to see a movie 5 times as I could not get enough of it. The whole cast owned their roles and Jason Momoa IS Aquaman. I canʼt not give mentions to Man of Steel which to me is the Superman film Iʼve always wanted and Batman v Superman. Overall I love most of them and itʼs an exciting time to be a DC fan at the movies with future releases like Shazam and the Joker with Joaquin Phoenix. I wouldnʼt be surprised if my list changes in the future.
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?
I think itʼs long overdue that both Red Hood and Deathstroke have their time to shine on the big screen in the DCEU. I know we got Deathstrokeʼs cameo in Justice League but to see him in action and actually take on Batman would be a dream come true, they are both fan favourites and would be massive hits with the audience.
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?
Ben Affleck as Batman. He was absolutely perfect for the role and to me is Batman. He is going to be a huge miss. Seeing the warehouse scene in Batman v Superman was something Iʼve always wanted to see in live action and in the previous movies have never got. Whoever wears the cowl next has some big shoes to fill.
Comics – do you read them? If so do you have a favourite series, or a graphic novel, that you enjoy more than others?
Iʼm currently reading Doomsday clock, heroes in crisis, Shazam and really looking forward to the female furries. My all time favourite graphic novel has to be Watchmen, itʼs a masterpiece.
This editions’ controversial question/s:
Controversial Q1). We have seen a pre-production teaser from the Birds of Prey movie which in turn has seen a lot of negative comments appear online on social media and various forums. What is your take on this, do you feel it fair to judge a movie that is nowhere near release or do you think all comments are fair game (I know my thoughts about those who judge already but this is a family friendly site)?
I think itʼs far to soon to be judging what looked like a costume test and was a little tease for the fans. I have lots of faith in the movie and fans should really wait till we see a proper trailer and then they can judge it better then.
Controversial Q2). Aquaman – despite its amazing use of VFX and giving us a visually stunning movie (aside from the fact we have Amber Heard and Nicole Kidman starring), the movie has been (criminally) overlooked in the Visual Effects category. As a big fan of the DC Universe, what are your thoughts on this?
I honestly do not know how a movie that looked that amazing and I was in awe at some places can not even get nominated, it boggles my mind further when other films which have been nominated, whoʼs vfx look like they are from a computer game get recognised.
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?
There is nothing like friendly competition but some fans do go overboard. Itʼs a great time to a superhero fan and long may that continue so we should enjoy it without aiming personal attacks at whoever likes what brand. I do think DC is better though of course.
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 think I would go the anti hero route and Iʼd probably model myself off Red Hood or Deathstroke, so I think my powers would be able in line with them and learn all kinds of fighting styles.
Conventions – do you attend them and, if so, do you have a favourite convention that you have been to?
I attend my local one where Iʼm from which is Carlisle comic con but have yet to attend any of the bigger ones. Itʼs definitely on the agenda and Iʼm planning on visiting LFCC where Iʼm hoping to meet Aquaman himself Mr Momoa.
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 am @DaveDcArmstrong on Twitter
Now we have your confessions of all things DC, I’d like to ask about 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?
Got to be the DC Funkoʼs popʼs, they are slowly taking over my bedroom and are very addictive. Iʼve also been buying a few statues and recently purchased a replica Batman v Superman Batarang which is so cool.
DOf 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?
It has to be my signed Suicide Squad poster from all the cast that my girlfriend had got for me. It takes pride of place in the living room.
In your collection do you have anything that is considered a bootleg piece of merchandise? If so, what is the item and what made you buy it?
Nothing at all. Will only ever get legit.
Do you have something in your collection that could be described as a rare item?
I think my signed Suicide Squad poster would be the rarest item I own. I also have few rare DC Funko pop like Enchantress and Plastic man as well.
What is the your “go to” item when showing off your collection to, say, friends or family?
If it isnʼt my framed poster itʼs my blu ray collection. I currently own well over 500 so I am not short of a movie to watch.
Going back to conventions again, if you attend, what sort of merchandise do you like to pick up, or do you prefer getting to meet the celebs and receive photos/autographs etc?
Itʼs the overall event. Meeting celebs and getting photos with actors who are favourites of mine, also the merchandise but also meeting the great people Iʼve met on Twitter like the DC World team and people Iʼve had conversations with from our love of DC.
What are the biggest and smallest items in your collection?
The biggest would be the giant toy Batmobile from the Justice League movie and smallest I believe is a Green Lantern replica ring.
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?
Has to be a real working Batmobile car. The closest Iʼve got is buying my son a battery powered toy version.
What is the most and least expensive or valuable item that you have purchased to add to your collection?
The most expensive would probably be the Harley Quinn suicide squad statue and as for the least expensive it would probably be socks.
Finally, The BIG Question – away from your confessions and collection, what are your hopes going forward for the world of DC Comics? Please feel free to write about all mediums (TV/Movies/Comics etc.) that you wish.
Definitely the movies. Shazam is up next which looks great and Joaquin Phoenix in the Joker film. Iʼm also hoping we will hear news on The Rocks Black Adam movie and also the next entry in the Arkham series or Rocksteadyʼs new DC video game. Overall itʼs a great time to be a DC fan.
And with that, another edition of Confessions of a DC Geek comes to an end. I do hope that you have enjoyed reading Davids’ confessions, I certainly did; a fine way to get to know our readers that little bit better.
My sincere thanks to David for agreeing to participate and confess all, always very much appreciated.
And so, if any of you would like to take part in a future edition (the more that do, the less chance of me having to bare all), then please get in touch via any of the ways below:
Twitter: @DC_ComicsGeek or @_DCWorld / Email: john@dcworld.org.uk. I hope to hear from you at any time.
Until next time, always remember: It’s not who you are underneath but what you do that defines you.
Cheers, John
