Once a week I sift through the millions of Etsy listings to find the best in geek chic for Blog@ readers. Last week was a killer for me because I did a special extended edition in honor of the end of Harry Potter (Can you believe I didn’t buy ONE thing?!). Regardless, another big movie event is happening this week and therefore Captain America is getting his time in the spotlight. Here’s a few things you could sport to make you feel like the First Avenger.

If you were watching Captain America on television this week instead of a movie theater I’d suggest this Comic Slate Coaster. Made by user BlameItOnBadLuck, the coaster is waterproof and 4 inches by 4 inches. $6.

Most of the items I found for Cap surrounded around his shield. Go figure. Here’s an awesome set of Captain America Shield Cufflinks from user funkygiftshop for a frugal $1. Or, if you’d prefer to see Cap running out of your sleeve, try these cufflinks from user ivcreations55 for $25.

I know someone who’s going to go absolutely wild for this Captain America Shield Bag. User CreoNodo writes, “Please don’t throw this bag at people (unless absolutely necessary).” Sure, take ALL the fun out of it! A pretty sweet creation, albeit a bit pricey, at $95.

I see these fun voodoo doll type keychains at conventions all the time but I’ve never come across a Captain America String Doll. User Stringdollworld handcrafted this mini-Cap from a single piece of flax rope and says it can be used as a keychain, a mobile phone strap, added to jewelry or any other similar use. $6.99.

Heading to a Renaissance Fair this year? Going LARPing with friends soon? How can you pass up this Captain America Chainmail Shirt?? I may have one reason, user BladeAvenger is selling it for $1,000. But you cannot deny the craftsmanship here. The user says the shirt fits a man who can wear up to a large t-shirt size in the broadness of shoulders and about a 36″ waist and designed it down to a point to be reminiscent of Cap’s original shield.

As always, bear in mind, since Etsy is a craft website and not a commercial, mass-market dealer, items are almost always one-of-a-kind or in very limited availability. When you see something you like, buy it. It may not be there the next time you surf round. (Yes, it’s a very dangerous site for your wallet.) Also, since most items are created individually, many sellers are willing to customize something specifically to suit your needs. Just ask!

Once a week I sift through the millions of Etsy listings to find the best in geek chic for Blog@ readers. Last week I gave you a Grab Bag assortment of geeky items from the crafting website but this week is something closer to my heart – Harry Potter. J.K. Rowling’s über-successful book series has already come to a close but this week sees the final installment of the film franchise. And boy am I bringing tissues with me to the theater. Even though the end will be sad, Harry Potter will remain awesome in my eyes forever. Here is a special extended edition of Etsy Made Me Do It. Accio crafts!

One of the biggest parts of going to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft & Wizardry is getting sorted into one of the four Houses. User TheTrendySparrow lets you choose for yourself! (Something Harry was able to do) Here is a Slytherin Keepsake Trinket box measuring 6 1/4″ x 3″ x 3 1/2″ with Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff also available for $17 each. A larger Gryffindor box is also for sale for $27 or a Golden Snitch box for $22.

The crazy words Rowling created for her magical spells have become imbedded in my brain. Why not wear them? These Harry Potter Custom Word or Charm Necklace Silver or Gold are certainly one way to do it! User chloe24k will send you one of your choice for $24.

Although each House has their own crest, Hogwarts itself has one that combines all four. You can show your school pride with this Harry Potter Antiqued Looking Crest Wall Art Print. User pixturethis created a collage of 8.5″ x 11″ prints, 9 of them making a minimum size of 25.5″ x 33″ wall hanging overall. The collection comes framed, $45.

The films have spawned countless amounts of fan art through the years but some of my favorites have been fan-made posters. These Vintage Harry Potter Movie Poster Collection are some of the best I’ve seen. But then again, I’m a sucker for the minimalist approach. The posters are 11×17 and user balancedpersonality has a set of 7 for $90. He also has them each sold separately in his shop for $15.  (more…)

Lots of DC characters are getting new costume designs with the relaunch, some more accepted by fans than others, but with the release of the Red Hood and the Outlaws #2 cover an already scantily clad character gets a tinier, and even more implausible, design.

My Starfire, you sure must have some amazing alien powers to keep a top like that on.

Red Hood and the Outlaws sees Starfire as part of an anti-hero group along with Jason Todd and Roy Harper. It was hard to tell from the cover to #1 what Kori was actually wearing but here she is in her newly designed, gravity defying glory. Now, Kori was never known for her modesty so I take no issue with her baring her body, what I do take issue with is the face that this costume is unwearable. I’ve seen a few amazing cosplayers pull off the current Star Sapphire costume but even that is with clear straps holding everything together and lots of double-sided tape. How is an individual actually supposed to fight in a strapless bra that doesn’t connect in the middle? I’m not even going to get into the shoulder armor. The art for the cover is by Kenneth Rocafort and Blond but I’m not certain who is responsible for her specific design as of yet.

Of course Starfire isn’t the only one whose new costume is receiving loads of flack from readers. When the cover for Suicide Squad #1 was released, fans of Harley Quinn (including our own Agent of S.T.Y.L.E. Alan Kistler) were almost unanimously appalled by the acrobats new garb. Superhero costumes are notoriously unrealistic when it comes to real-world applications but these new duds are pushing the boundaries of what is plausible.

I, for one, can’t wait to hear Alan’s take on it. But until then, what do you think of Starfire’s new costume?

Get your heavy-duty raincoats out, DC’s Red Lantern cat Dex-Starr is not going to be happy about the new kitty in town. Introducing…SPIDER-CAT!

Revealed on the Marvel.com blog today, Ryan Penagos wrote, “Spider-Kitty would also be appropriate. I would also accept ‘best thing Marvel’s ever done.’” I’d say I have to agree with him.

The story is included in Spider-Island: I Love New York City #1 and is written by Marvel’s Wonderful Wizard of Oz artist Scottie Young. The art is provided by art by Dave Guertin and Greg Baldwin. The rest of the Spider-Island tie-in book is written by Greg Rucka, Kelly Sue DeConnick and Joe Caramagna with art by Max Flumara.

So who IS Spider-Cat and just how would he/she fair in a fight against Dex-Starr? Now THAT is a Marvel/DC crossover that needs to happen. Spider-Island: I Love New York City #1 hits stores in September.

Once a week I sift through the millions of Etsy listings to find the best in geek chic for Blog@ readers. With the arrival of a new Transformers film last week I decided I’d see what Etsy had to offer in the way of Autobots and Decepticons. This week I thought I’d mix it up. When I do my searches for the column I tend to come across a lot of other really neat items that don’t fit into that week’s theme. But I do bookmark them for later and instead of waiting to bunch them together with other similar items, I’m going to show you a few of them now. I’ll probably wind up doing this now and again because honestly, there’s way too many cool things on Etsy.

It’s safe to say I can never get enough Doctor Who, so when I came across this Empty Child Mini-Print I exploded with glee. User myarmcanfly will sell you this 3.5×5 inch print for $4. I almost did an artist highlight on this seller but I recently did a very large Doctor Who-centric post and didn’t want to overdo it. That being said, please do check out the other Doctor Who prints this user has to offer. Particularly the Ood.

I’m almost purely paying lip service to myself (The Nerdy Bird) with this one. It’s a set of Superhero Wine Charms where the superheroes are made to look like birds. User spiffycool has The Punisher, Superman, The Joker, Batman, The Hulk, Spider-Man and Harlequinn in the set for $39.95. If you don’t drink wine or don’t have use for all of them, spiffycool can make any of them into a pendant, keychain, bookmark or tie tack. Nerdy Bird Fact: I have the Batman-bird charm as a necklace.

And well, if you ARE a wine drinker or a drinker of liquids of any type, might I suggest picking up a set of 4 Mario Themed Coasters to rest them on? User toasterovens has a wide selection of Mario imagery to choose from and they come in a Nintendo controller shaped holder to keep them in when not in use. Though it it were me, I’d keep these out all the time. $25.

There are a lot of fun geek aprons out there these days but these Made to Order Totally 80s Half-Aprons really caught my eye. It says 80s but as user razorbloom points out, she has 70s and 90s options available for you as well. For $53 you can choose from X-Men, Ghostbusters, Roger Rabbit, ALF and loads more.

And now for something I can’t figure out if I think is genius or way too awkward. It’s a Spider-Man Wrist Clutch made from a pair of boys underwear. User…wait for it…crotchtalk…has this one made fully lined with recycled white cotton fabric, sturdy nylon wrist strap and zipper closure for $20.

As always, bear in mind, since Etsy is a craft website and not a commercial, mass-market dealer, items are almost always one-of-a-kind or in very limited availability. When you see something you like, buy it. It may not be there the next time you surf round. (Yes, it’s a very dangerous site for your wallet.) Also, since most items are created individually, many sellers are willing to customize something specifically to suit your needs. Just ask!

It was bound to happen and I have to say I’m damn excited for it. George R.R. Martin’s Game of Thrones series is being adapted to comics and there’s a very big name attached to the books.

The hugely popular book series was recently adapted to television on HBO and has created a whole new set of fans. Now Bantam Books, an imprint of the Random House, have announced that artists Alex Ross and Mike S. Miller will act as the cover artists for the comic adaptation which was revealed to be in the works earlier this year. Dynamite Entertainment is planning on publishing the monthly title come September and the books will be adapted and scripted for the comic page by writer Daniel Abraham will art by Tommy Patterson.

The issues will be collected in graphic novel format under the Bantam imprint. Senior Editor at Random House Anne Groell had this to say about the project in a press release sent out today, “It has been fifteen years since I first edited A Game of Thrones, and it is a genuine joy to be revisiting and adapting this landmark novel into a format that suits it so perfectly. George’s writing has always been highly visual, painting rich, detailed and striking images in the reader’s minds and hearts. And now seeing such a talented group of artists bringing that so vividly to life is truly exciting. I couldn’t be more pleased with everything I have seen so far–and I can’t wait for what is yet to come!”

“It’s a real privilege and a treat to be involved with reinterpreting Game of Thrones,” says writer Daniel Abraham. “It’s a brilliant piece of work, and watching the strength of that story come into a visual medium is fantastic.”

“George R. R. Martin’s Game of Thrones is the best book series I’ve ever read,” says cover artist Mike Miller. “Not just in the fantasy genre, but in ANY genre. Just as I hear people saying Game of Thrones is the best series on TV, I’m sure they’ll be saying the same about the comic book. You can’t find a better writer anywhere than George, and I was very excited to get the opportunity to draw covers for the comic book adaptation.”

The television show was picked up for a second season after the first episode aired back in April. No word yet on the official air date of season two but you can bet fans of both the book series and television show will be seeking this comic out to help tide them over.

Let’s just get this out of the way. I’m a Voltron girl. All the way. Once a week I sift through the millions of Etsy listings to find the best in geek chic for Blog@ readers and last time I showcased some Game of Thrones items from the crafting website. Since yet another Transformers movie is being released this week I figured it was only appropriate I find some Autobot and Decepticon crafty bits.

Why not start off with the basics? This Transformer Stainless Steel Pendant is simple and classy. User Youyousupply has this for just $3, not including the chain.

I find this Transformers DIY tube top dress absolutely adorable. Created by user cupcakeninja69 out of two different shirts for $25. Do yourself a favor and take a peek at her other dresses/tops as well. If you’re looking for something more casual, try this Decepticon Halter Top from user FishnetApparel for $24.

For the Transformer pimp in you, I suggest this Transformer Gold Brass Ring (which is actually just brass). It’s a size small/medium, whatever that could mean, from user Vampclothingct for $26.

I bet you never thought you’d see a Autobot Warpath Pendant. Neither did I but here it is and I have to say, I think it’s pretty snazzy. From user hlconrad for just $5. Make sure to check out all their other Transformers necklaces in their shop, including Nightbeat and Hound.

This is kind of a throw away entry into the column because I’m pretty sure none of you could actually buy this for yourselves but how could I not include an actual Transformer? It’s a gigantic Optimus Prime statue from user Kreatworks. And it’s going for $6,990. Optimus is made out of recycled metal, auto and machine parts. Shipping isn’t listed by maybe he can just walk to your house…

As always, bear in mind, since Etsy is a craft website and not a commercial, mass-market dealer, items are almost always one-of-a-kind or in very limited availability. When you see something you like, buy it. It may not be there the next time you surf round. (Yes, it’s a very dangerous site for your wallet.) Also, since most items are created individually, many sellers are willing to customize something specifically to suit your needs. Just ask!

What I really wanted to title this column was, Etsy Made Me Do It: Game of Mother F’n Thrones. Because, well, that’s how good it is. Once a week I sift through the millions of Etsy listings to find the best in geek chic for Blog@ readers. Last week, in honor of the film, I shined the Emerald light on you with Green Lantern crafts. This week I’m busting with Game of Thrones giddyness post-finale (don’t worry,  no spoilers). In all honesty, for a show/book series with such a devoted following I thought I’d find a lot more items then I did. Anyway, I still found some fun ones, here they are for your sword-wielding, armor-wearing pleasure.

What girl wouldn’t want to be Khaleesi after watching Game of Thrones Jason Momoa for more than five minutes? Unfortunately that title belongs to Daenerys Targaryen and not myself but I can fantasize all I want while wearing this Khaleesi Copper Pendant. Also available in aluminum or brass from user spiffingjewelry for $24.

So, I’ve yet to read the George. R.R. Martin books the HBO series is based on but…apparently winter is coming…sometime…eventually. That’s why I got a kick out of this Winter Is Coming shirt from user CutItUp. Available in several colors and sizes, $15. Or perhaps you are ready to swear your loyalty to the Night’s Watch. In that case, you might want this seller’s Night’s Watch Oath shirt for $20.

Show your house allegiance by flying the House Targaryen banner! User valchiria created this gorgeous piece with brocades and red gems. Other houses to come but this one will cost you a pretty penny, $150.

Somehow I always manage to find these. It’s a Daenerys Targaryan fleece doll! Eight inches tall from user SKULLbunz for $25. A perfect likeness to actress Emilia Clarke, don’t you think?

I can’t even believe this exists. It’s a Severed Horse Head Catnip Toy. I love cats and I love horses, this is hysterical but I couldn’t bring myself to buy it. User bixbies writes, “Your cat will love waking up next to this horse head.” One of my top 5 least favorite parts of the HBO series thankyouverymuch! If you’re so inclined, it’s $7.

In all fairness, while these were fun to find and look at, HBO has done a pretty good job at creating merchandise for the show themselves. Check it out. I’ll take one dragon egg necklace, please. (Seriously Etsy users, get crackin’ on more GoT stuff!)

As always, bear in mind, since Etsy is a craft website and not a commercial, mass-market dealer, items are almost always one-of-a-kind or in very limited availability. When you see something you like, buy it. It may not be there the next time you surf round. (Yes, it’s a very dangerous site for your wallet.) Also, since most items are created individually, many sellers are willing to customize something specifically to suit your needs. Just ask!

With Oracle gone from the DCU, it was only a matter of time before the Birds of Prey put their headquarters in the Gotham Clocktower up for sale. Did you know it actually resided in Brooklyn, New York?

Located at 1 Main Street in Brooklyn, the building overlooks the Manhattan Bridge and the New York Harbor. I’m not making this up. There actually is a Clocktower building. In fact, I was just telling Gail Simone about it last week. I see the building while driving into Brooklyn to see my boyfriend and every time I thought, “Man, I gotta look up that building so I can write about its amazing likeness to the Birds of Prey headquarters.” The last time I drove by, I even thought how cool it would be if the clock part of the building was an actual apartment. Sure enough, this listing popped up on Yahoo news.

The actual Clocktower portion of the building holds a triplex penthouse apartment. In 2009, the asking price for the whole shebang? $25 million. Well a few months ago it went back on the market (I can’t believe there weren’t any takers!) for a mere $23.5 million. Turns out, the wealthy Gothamites, I mean, Brooklynites, weren’t biting on the 7,000-square-foot abode. So they decided to try something else.

The gigantic apartment is now for rent instead. For $50,000 a month. Well in THAT case! *reaches into pocket*

Currently, the Clocktower apartment sits atop Brooklyn’s most-expensive real estate list. The website Brownstoner writes, “According to StreetEasy, second-place honors go to 11 Cranberry, which can be had for $22,000 a month.” More details from the New York Times, “The main floor of the sleek modern apartment is dominated by four working clocks housed in four 14-foot-high round windows, which provide nearly unobstructed views (except for the clock faces) out to the four points of the compass.

“The 3,000-square-foot main floor has an open living room, dining room and kitchen with 16-foot-high ceilings,” writes the NYT, “There are three bedrooms on the 2,300-square-foot second floor (watch your head as you walk along the exterior walls), and on the floor above that, a 988-square-foot open loft with a 15-foot ceiling. Finally, up a narrow staircase at the very top of the building is a tiny windswept crow’s nest.”

There’s no name listed on the building, just a company. But that’s classic Oracle. I’m sure the real ownership runs through several dummy companies anyway. And just for the record, there’s an elevator in the apartment.

If you like hearing a grown woman cry, follow me on Twitter. I’m weeping over this. And buying a lottery ticket.

Once a week I sift through the millions of Etsy listings to find the best in geek chic for Blog@ readers. Last week I went old-school with classic Nintendo items but this week was, I guess you could say, chosen. Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps are flying into theaters this week for the first time and I can barely contain myself. Here are a bunch of unique Green Lantern items I found for you.

Every Lantern Corps has a ring but what if you had one ring…to rule them all? Check out this Sterling Silver Green Lantern Corps Ring that includes ALL the Corps’ symbols. User blackmore5253 (is that their Sector number?) can make this in sizes 6-15 for $69.99. And comic/genre fans will want to check out other items in the shop as well methinks…

Second best thing to having a Ryan Reynolds of your very own to hug and squeeze? This adorable GL Plushie is from user Googooli. It’s 10 inches long and only $6! How can you resist those pink cheeks?

For aspiring comic artists, check out this Vintage Green Lantern Recycled Comic Book Sketchbook. Made using Green Lantern Corps #211 from 1987, user crabappledesign threw in the front and back of the comic as well as a few ads to the overall design. $18

Want something a little different to show your GL pride? How about this Green Lantern Wall Art. Made from wood by user Sanchezz for $25.

And just for the sheer ridiculousness of it, a Green Lantern Lantern. User erindara will send this one to you for $75. In Brightest Day, In Blackest Night, I’ll have my Green Lantern Lantern to keep things bright!

As always, bear in mind, since Etsy is a craft website and not a commercial, mass-market dealer, items are almost always one-of-a-kind or in very limited availability. When you see something you like, buy it. It may not be there the next time you surf round. (Yes, it’s a very dangerous site for your wallet.) Also, since most items are created individually, many sellers are willing to customize something specifically to suit your needs. Just ask!

For some reason I can’t picture Frank Miller any way other than how he is today. Perhaps that’s why I find it so entertaining to read a young Frank Miller showing his love for Spider-Man in this letter column from back in the day.

This piece of history was pulled by Jeff Lester from Savage Critic. The note comes from the letter column in Amazing Spider-Man #169 from 1977. That would make Mr. Miller just twenty-years-old at the time of writing it. Granted, the fan-love is directed at the art in the book, which makes sense coming from an artist. Part of me wishes he was exclaiming his devotion to Peter Parker himself though. Now that would have been something to read. Of course, it wouldn’t be too long before Miller would get a chance to draw Spider-Man himself, taking on Spectacular Spider-Man in 1979 for Marvel.

Pretty cool, no? Keep an eye on today’s letter pages, you never know who will turn out to be the next famous comic artist in the business.

Since DC announced earlier in the week that Barbara Gordon will return as Batgirl, there has been an outpouring of support from fans and creators, both talking about their fondness for the character. Newsarama’s own, Jill Pantozzi even started an Oracle Draw-a-thon. Oracle gave a voice to many readers, and artist Phil Noto created this digital piece portraying Oracle saying farewell.

From Phil Noto’s Tumblr:

“Oracle 1989-2011 – My first job in comics was creating covers for DC’s Birds of Prey and and over the the course of 24 issues I drew this lovely lady a lot. And then I did some brief interior work on the Cassandra Cain Batgirl and finally did the first run of covers for the Stephanie Brown incarnation. They’ve all been great Batgirls much like Steed’s partners in the Avengers. I’ve done numerous pieces of Babs as Batgirl more so for the retro iconography and the aesthetic look of the black, yellow and red then her actual persona as Batgirl. Honestly in terms of fictional characters, I always just considered her to be Oracle. I, like many others, am very sad her to see her go, but if there’s anyone to keep her spirit alive as Batgirl once again, Gail Simone is the one to do it.”

Thanks for the memories, Mr. Noto and Babs.

Once a week I sift through the millions of Etsy listings to find the best in geek chic for Blog@ readers. Last week I showcased some items from the X-Men. This week, in honor of the big announcements Nintendo is making at E3 I decided to look for some fashionable Nintendo related items. And yes, I’m sticking to our roots this time around. Nintendo, especially classic, does seem to encourage a lot of crafting…

So, I pretty much need this NES Zapper Desktop Lamp immediately. Partly because it reminds me of the Leg Lamp from A Christmas Story but mostly because it’s nostalgic-awesomeness AND useful! User Recycled Retro Gear can send you one for just $28 bucks in grey or orange.

This may look like just a regular, old Nintendo console but you’d be wrong. It’s a NESputer. That’s right. A computer housed in an old console. Made by user slothfish, for $850 it includes: 1.6ghz Dual-core Atom CPU, 2 GB DDR3 RAM, 750 GB Hard Drive, Nvidia ION graphics (9400gt), WiFi 802.11b/g/n, Bluetooth wireless connectivity, HDMI out so you can plug right into your HDTV and 8 USB ports (6 in back, 2 connected to the front controller ports). If I hadn’t just bought a new computer…If you just need a hardrive though, check out this 500gb one from user 8bitmemory for $99.99 housed in an old Legend of Zelda cartridge.

When they say geek chic, this is what they mean. Try on this Gameboy Tube Dress from user HereandThereVintage for $60. Or, if you prefer to be a little more covered up, this other Gameboy dress from user LifeIsRandom for $40

Need a much COOLER place to charge your i-whatever? Check out this Rock Dock – Nintendo Joystick – iPhone/iPod/iTouch Dock from user GeekUnique for $44.99. Or, if you need more room on your desk, go for the Nintendo Controller version for $33.99.

Oh man, oh man. Something else I need to furnish my house, a NES Controller Rug. Dimensions are 28.5 x 13 inches and user WTCrafts will send you one to step all over for $63.

As always, bear in mind, since Etsy is a craft website and not a commercial, mass-market dealer, items are almost always one-of-a-kind or in very limited availability. When you see something you like, buy it. It may not be there the next time you surf round. (Yes, it’s a very dangerous site for your wallet.) Also, since most items are created individually, many sellers are willing to customize something specifically to suit your needs. Just ask!

It’s safe to say DC’s news of turning Barbara Gordon’s Oracle back into her previous persona of Batgirl has rattled a few cages. Mine for one. But the great thing coming out of this distressing turn of events is the visibility it’s giving to the physically challenged. Now one artist is calling you to arms to help keep that exposure going.

Much like the Adam Hughes commission above which shows Oracle in all her glory, artist Elena Barbarich, known as Yamino online, is suggesting any and all artists get their preferred tools out to illustrate Ms. Gordon in her chair. Yamino writes on her Tumblr, “I think we should do a big Oracle Draw-a-thon, to support visibility for disabled characters in mainstream comics, and comics in general.  Heck, it doesn’t have to be just visual art. How about an Oracle Create-a-Thon? Whatever it is you do, fanart, fanfic, music, sculpture, cakes…. let’s do it!”

Yamino, creator of the webcomics Sister Claire and Nightingale, wants some help reaching out and organizing and since I know a few people who know a few people, I figured I could help out a bit. Feel free to send your creativity to me to post on my Tumblr (EDIT: The official Oracle Create-a-Thon Tumblr has been made!) and spread the word to artists everywhere. Show Oracle being blocked by obstacles or overcoming them but most importantly, show her as the strong, capable character she is.

Need a break from all that other news? It’s time for this week’s Etsy Made Me Do It! Once a week I sift through the millions of Etsy listings to find the best in geek chic for Blog@ readers and last week I helped you show your geek pride. In anticipation of the release of X-Men: First Class this week, I decided to give some love to Professor Xavier’s super team.

For all your identification needs, the X-Men retractable badge wheel. User radbadge has this one for $8. Just a heads up: This badge wheel will give away as a mutant.

We can’t all be Ice Man, hence these Superhero Cool Feet from user WhatsEatingYin. They’re to stick under your laptop to help it from overheating. The pair, for $8, includes the likeness of Wolverine, Cyclops, Storm, Nightcrawler and Colossus.

If you get thirsty waiting for the next issue of X-Men to come out, take a sip of something from this X-Men 5oz Flask Vintage Comic Book Art. You can purchase this one from user goblinhut for $15. Pretty snazzy if you ask me.

Telling the time never looked so fun. User RRUclocks created this X-Men Nintendo Desk Clock out of the classic video game from the late 80s. You can get this one for $28 or check out this Recycled Comic Book clock from goblinhut for $20.

I wouldn’t have pegged this one an X-Men item except the creator intended it that way. It’s a Steampunk X-Men necklace! User gabriellemaggidesign hand made the necklace, which can be yours for $115. Great for an X-Men cosplay in my humble opinion..

And just because I’m a sucker for this kind of stuff, I give you – Professor X Meerkat. User niftyknits writes, “Meerkat Xavier leads his trusty band of XMeerkats from his wheelchair, which is a miracle of handknitted engineering!” I should say so! $87 for this degree of difficulty, $38 for Meerkat Cyclops or Meerkat Wolverine.

As always, bear in mind, since Etsy is a craft website and not a commercial, mass-market dealer, items are almost always one-of-a-kind or in very limited availability. When you see something you like, buy it. It may not be there the next time you surf round. (Yes, it’s a very dangerous site for your wallet.) Also, since most items are created individually, many sellers are willing to customize something specifically to suit your needs. Just ask!

Once a week I sift through the millions of Etsy listings to find the best in geek chic for Blog@ readers. And this time I’m going literal. Last week I put your brains to work with science! This week it’s all about letting your geek flag fly. Why? Because someone on Facebook told me tomorrow is Geek Pride Day.

Made up holiday? Absolutely! And also, according to Wikipedia, *ahem* “It shares the same day as three other science-fiction fan ‘holidays’ – Towel Day, for fans of the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy Trilogy by Douglas Adams, Star Wars Day, and the Glorious 25 May, for fans of Terry Pratchett’s Discworld.” And yes, I know May 4 is considered Star Wars Day too, May 25 is the day the original film hit theaters. Regardless, wanna let the world know what’s what? Try some of these on for size.

Geek Bookends for any type of literature you enjoy. Especially if it’s comic books. This set from user KnobCreekMetalArts run for $19.99 and are made from solid steel.

Geek isn’t the only label to wear proudly, nerd and dork are also terms to be employed. I should know, I go by The Nerdy Bird. Anyway, this Nerd/Dork cup and saucer set are reworked English Meaken coffee cups. From user trixiedelicious for $40.

If you prefer to let people know who you are all through the day, why not try this Laser Cut Geek Necklace from user Morphologica. Also check out the Dork variation as well. Both are $29.50 and are available in several colors.

I thought this Nerd Necklace was cute and simple. Made from sterling silver, user Underoakstudios says it’s, “Better than a pocket protector and knowing knowing Data’s “Ode to Spot” by heart for establishing nerd street cred.” $40

And last but not least, for a little Geek Contemplation comes this work of wooden art. User banished made this from 3/4″ solid maple and it measures 1 5/8″ x 4 3/16″. Yours for $12, or, if you prefer, the larger Nerd sign by WilliamDohman for $42 made from recycled plywood.

As always, bear in mind, since Etsy is a craft website and not a commercial, mass-market dealer, items are almost always one-of-a-kind or in very limited availability. When you see something you like, buy it. It may not be there the next time you surf round. (Yes, it’s a very dangerous site for your wallet.) Also, since most items are created individually, many sellers are willing to customize something specifically to suit your needs. Just ask!

…and for a second, all was right with the world:

(Inspired by last week’s episode “The Bubble,” and first posted at Phil Noto’s Tumblr Your Nice New Outfit.)

It seems a lot of comic creators are having tough times these days when it comes to healthcare and related issues. Colorist Moose Baumann is the latest on the list.

Baumann, colorist on covers of Green Lantern, 52, Flash Rebirth and more, is looking for help to get himself and his wife out of an extraordinary $90,000 in debt from medical expenses. Baumann recently spoke with Newsarama about his plight. Here’s what he told us:

A few years back my wife had breast cancer. She had chemo and a partial mastectomy, and we thought things were good. A year later we found out that it had spread, and she went in for more chemo and surgery. Several months prior she had lost her job and her insurance, and because of her “prior condition” she no one else would insure her. So we’ve been working on paying off the full cost of her medical bills for the past two years, just north of $90 grand.

Right now work is scarce and money is super tight, and on June 1st it looks like we may lose our home because of all of this. I’m trying to sell some prints of my work online to make some quick cash, and hopefully keep my home. I’m reluctant to ask for help, it’s embarrassing, but I’m at the end of my rope.

Baumann is currently selling prints of his work which you can preview here. People can email the artist at moosebaumann [at] mediacombb [dot] net to place orders. He’s accepting both Paypal and money orders. If you’ve enjoyed any of his work, please consider helping the guy out.

Science rules! Or at least, that’s what I took away from five seasons of Bill Nye the Science Guy. Once a week I sift through the millions of Etsy listings to find the best in geek chic for Blog@ readers. Last week I showed you some unique hand carved wooden superheroes, this week my inner science geek is showing itself. Take a gander at these scientific items I found on Etsy…

Ok, so technically this first one is more math related than science but it was too awesome to pass up. This Pi Cuff Bracelet has the first 480 numbers in Pi etched in brass. User KarlaWheelerDesign created the look for $50. She’s also got one with binary code for $60.

Need something to snazz up that boring ol’ lab coat? How about some Lab Coat Bling? User ShopGibberish created this pin out of three scrabble tiles with the periodic table used to spell out the word “geek.” The user is willing to create whatever phrase you’d like out of the elements. $18.

When you need to dress up, why not say it with science? You’ll look impressive sporting one of these DNA Helix ties for sure. Your choice from user projector, $25. The shop also has a few other science-minded ties you can check out here.

The first law of thermodynamics is you don’t talk about thermodynamics. Wait. Strike that. How about a First Law of Thermodynamics Formula Handstamped Necklace made from sterling silver to show your devotion to the law? “The first law of thermodynamics states that although energy can be transformed, it cannot be created or destroyed,” writes user nikhajewelry, “A sterling silver tag has been handstamped with the simplest form of [the] formula.” Yours for $16. If you’re a geologist, I suggest taking a look at the “Gneiss Schist” necklace as well.

And last but not least, something that caught my eye on Etsy a while ago and was waiting for a chance to show you all. Now’s as good a time as any I guess. It’s a Phrenology Helmet. For $250, user bellehemets will give you this item. “This bicycle or skateboard helmet is one-of-a-kind and hand-painted by DJ Baskin,” writes the user, “The design is based on an old diagram of the late Nineteenth Century pseudoscience.” Also available? The Brain Helmet for $120.

As always, bear in mind, since Etsy is a craft website and not a commercial, mass-market dealer, items are almost always one-of-a-kind or in very limited availability. When you see something you like, buy it. It may not be there the next time you surf round. (Yes, it’s a very dangerous site for your wallet.) Also, since most items are created individually, many sellers are willing to customize something specifically to suit your needs. Just ask!

I’m just going to say this: Chris Samnee is one of the best comic artists out there right now. The daily(?) sketches he posts on his blog not only prove that, they also make you wish that someone could clone him so that every single comic could be Samnee’d. Seriously, check these out and tell me that you’re not in awe: (more…)