The Comic Thread

[Savok]

Warren Ellis.

[Superman's Dead]

In anything in particular? I should read that.

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[DoctorFinger]

Ellis' run on Thunderbolts - coming just after Civil War - is where Bendis got his version of Osborn. in TB he's made head of the Thunderbolts program which started using villains against their will, and it was fantastic.

[Superman's Dead]

Ellis' run on Thunderbolts - coming just after Civil War - is where Bendis got his version of Osborn. in TB he's made head of the Thunderbolts program which started using villains against their will, and it was fantastic.

I've been re reading ultimate spider-man, which I think predates TB. Not saying he didn't use it for his avengers run, but Normy is a villain that BMB just gets

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[muddi900]

Then you should read Warren Ellis' Thunderbolts. Dark Avengers was a poor facsimilie of that run.

Also, after Marcos Martin, Paolo Rivera is also leaving Daredevil in favor of doing more creator-owned work. http://robot6.comicbookresources.com/2012/06/rivera-leaving-daredevil-to-work-on-creator-owned-comics/

He will be replaced by almost equally talented Chris Samnee.

Edit: Savok's back...

[LordDon]

All the Atomic Robo is on sale right now (http://www.comixology.com/Atomic-Robo-Sale/comics-collection/438). You have no more excuses not to read this amazing comic. Go buy that shit.

[muddi900]

There are two types of people who hate Atomic Robo, people who hate fun and psychopaths.

[J Arcane]

I'm broke.

You're welcome to buy it for me though, smartypantses. ;)

[bryan]

I know Ellis has his detractors, but I find everything he writes relentlessly entertaining.

And score Atomic Robo on sale :D Time to make my wallet cry.

I just get all the Collected Editions and I am set?

[Xerxes]

Ellis can get bent. Fell #9 came out in 2008. 4 fucking years and counting!

[Ink Asylum]

More NextWave, dammit!

[bryan]

I picked that up on Comixology and was wondering why it ended so abruptly.

[Ink Asylum]

NextWave or Fell?

[bryan]

NextWave or Fell?

Fell... I, er, haven't read Nextwave.

[Savok]

Nextwave is the greatest piece of literature ever crafted by man.

[Ink Asylum]

Fell... I, er, haven't read Nextwave.

Fix that!

http://literarydilettantes.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/nextwave-agentsofhate-11-017-018-thumb.jpg

[Xerxes]

I picked that up on Comixology and was wondering why it ended so abruptly.

Some time they just push shit back. I think Templesmith was busy for a tick and then I think Ellis didn't have no new scripts. I think 2 years ago or so on twitter he said #10's script is done! Then it's like stuck in limbo.

Kind of annoying. Wiki said it was only to go 16 episodes. They went more than half the race and just quit.

[DoctorFinger]

If I remember correctly... Ellis lost a bunch of scripts for Fell when his HDD failed. Maybe 3-4 finished or near finished scripts. He's been trying to rebuild them from memory ever since, but it's been a tough slog. Templesmith also went on to more success so he's not desperate for the book to continue if Ellis isn't. They both want to continue it though

[Xerxes]

YOU ARE RIGHT!!!

I do remember Ellis talking about his failed HDD. Totally forgot that was the main hold up. That was a huge bummer. I was looking at one writers process for doing a comic and it was just so tedious. His method included a backup external HDD at all times in case something like that happens. I forget his name but his template is in Scrivener.

[J Arcane]

I put all of my important writing in cloud folders on some service or other. My current short story work is all on Google Drive, and my Hulks and Horrors docs are on Asus Webstorage.

Back up your shit, folks.

[Xerxes]

Anything I do on Scrivener goes to my Dropbox. Not local at all. Probably not the safest bet but still. I say not local, but there is the Dropbox folder on my computer. Haven't had a issue with it syncing at all. I have had the issue of leaving the program and file open at home and not being able to use it at work.

I was reading a article (http://io9.com/5912366/why-i-write-strong-female-characters)I think muddi posted in that rape thread about Rucka and his strong female characters. (groan)

Can someone tell me what's going on here?
http://img.gawkerassets.com/img/17nfqzhecdrdijpg/original.jpg

"No, I can't allow it?" Batman takes mass murders to jail. What's is he going to do so bad she can't allow. And does he make a habit of calling her "Princess" in the comics. In the JLA TPBs I have read and on the cartoon it was normal Wonder Woman or Diana. It doesn't even roll of the tongue in the Kevin Conroy voice I hear when reading Batman. Then the putting your hand on Batman. O_o

I'm lost.

[Savok]

I forget the whole story, but I think she killed her abusive husband or something like that. Anyway, she asked Wonder Woman for sanctuary and got it. Diana is a woman of her word no matter what was the gist of the story. Bruce was in full Batdick mode, of which entire volumes have been written.

[Xerxes]

Batdick mode? (googling that get's you a image of a bat's frank and beans) You mean serious business about crime?

Please someone tell the setup is better than that. -_-

[DoctorFinger]

It's a Greg Rucka story, so the set-up and payoff are both pretty good. It's from "The "Hiketeia", and it concerns a ritualistic request for sanctuary that Diana is bound to honor.

'Batdick mode' comes from around then too, when Batman was just the biggest dick in the world. It came in large part from the JLA Tower of Babel story where it was revealed that Batman had plans to take down all of the leaguers if he had to. After that everyone writing Batman turned him into a completely anti-social, but omni-compitent, dick.

[Xerxes]

He's only looking out for the greater good. :)

[Ink Asylum]

If I had the powers of Superman or Wonder Woman I'd be relieved that someone I trusted was prepared to take me down if I went nuts. Anything less is pure arrogance.

[muddi900]

They made a whole crossover around the Internet backlash to Batdickery.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infinite_Crisis

[Superman's Dead]

Just read death of spider-man. Definitely cried in ultimate fallout 1.

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[muddi900]

Are you spider-man's mommy?

Broke my heart

[Superman's Dead]

Right? Christ. Goosebumps just remembering it.

I picked up ultimate spider-man my freshman year of high school at a borders books. It was my first real introduction to comic books.

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[KSmitty]

Right? Christ. Goosebumps just remembering it.

I picked up ultimate spider-man my freshman year of high school at a borders books. It was my first real introduction to comic books.

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I refuse to read it. As long as I don't read it he's still alive right? Right?!?! *sniff*

[muddi900]

Ultimate Spider-man is the only Spider-man that matters

[Xerxes]

Ultimate Spider-man is the only Spider-man that matters

I haven't started it. I am however enjoying Scarlet Spider and Venom.

[muddi900]

Ironically? :p

[Xerxes]

Ironically? :p

Nope. I think they are both turning out pretty good. Venom is actually a huge surprise. I think somewhere on here I was bashing military Venom. I do wish he used more of his Venom powers. Flash still runs around with guns. Don't see Rulk going around with guns, that much. I also hope Yost gives up on "I was a really bad guy" and "I'm no super hero." We GET IT. It's only on book six though. Also his powers seemed whacked. First he had no spidey sense. But he keeps sensing danger. Is it awakening again or something.

I went back and read Spider-Island and that was really enjoyable.

[Savok]

Remender does good shit when put on the right book.

[Xerxes]

How is Secret Avengers?

[muddi900]

Nope. I think they are both turning out pretty good. Venom is actually a huge surprise. I think somewhere on here I was bashing military Venom. I do wish he used more of his Venom powers. Flash still runs around with guns. Don't see Rulk going around with guns, that much. I also hope Yost gives up on "I was a really bad guy" and "I'm no super hero." We GET IT. It's only on book six though. Also his powers seemed whacked. First he had no spidey sense. But he keeps sensing danger. Is it awakening again or something.

I went back and read Spider-Island and that was really enjoyable.

I just read the first arc of Scarlet Spider and it was like every other anti-hero comics ever written. The art was cool, though.

I haven't even tried Venom because Remender is just not a good writer.

[J Arcane]

Anthony Bourdain's new graphic novel is up for preorder on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Get-Jiro-Anthony-Bourdain/dp/1401228275

I'm kind of curious about this one. I've never read any of Bourdain's fiction.

[Ghostbear]

He's only looking out for the greater good. :)

Hiketeia is an excellent story. I highly recommend it. Also your snide remark about Rucka's article does you little credit.

[Xerxes]

I just read the first arc of Scarlet Spider and it was like every other anti-hero comics ever written. The art was cool, though.

I haven't even tried Venom because Remender is just not a good writer.
Is he really a anti-hero? His actions defer from the stuff he's saying. I can't say I've read anything from Remender before this. Although this business with Crime Master is getting long in the tooth in Venom.

Hiketeia is an excellent story. I highly recommend it. Also your snide remark about Rucka's article does you little credit.

I'll give it a read. Just seems odd how adamant she is at stopping a non lethal hero.

Oh nos, not my credit!
http://static4.fjcdn.com/thumbnails/comments/oh+_47929f1b_a50a_7140.gif

[Ghostbear]

Now you're just being an ass.

[Xerxes]

I'm becoming less of a fan of you as well.

Edit: But thinking about it, you might be right. My initial post could easily give someone the same effect your comment gave me. My bad. (sorry) Mainly for coming off as dismissive in my post that got us here. Not the sarcasm.

[Ghostbear]

Indeed, I accept your apology. I think it's important that all types of people are adequately represented in fiction and Greg does a great job of portraying women who are more than just punching bags or sex toys. Also he's a friend of mine.

[Savok]

How is Secret Avengers?
Currently it's... very Remender. In this case that's both good and bad, the voices sound wrong a bit too often for my liking.

The short Ellis run before it was fantastic though. Included one of the best uses of time travel ever in comics.

[Deadend]

I just read the first arc of Scarlet Spider and it was like every other anti-hero comics ever written. The art was cool, though.

I haven't even tried Venom because Remender is just not a good writer.

SHUT YOUR WHORE MOUTH!

Spider-books are great. Ends of the Earth was a great arc, Dan Slott is great at giving a nerdy Spider-man. USM is great, if a bit slow paced, Venom is a great book about doing the wrong thing and making up for it, Scarlet Spider bored me however.

Remender is big into stories about redemption and recovery. That is the key theme of all his books. That is what Franken-castle was about. Frank regaining his humanity and capacity to care about why he was punishing. Fear Agent? Redemption for what Heath did in the war. Venom? First arc was establishing things, but after that, Flash made a bad move, everything else has been spiraling out of that.

Venom is about watching him make poor life choices out of mistaken values, as at ANY point, Flash could confess to doing wrong and put Betty and his mother out of danger, but he can't. It's great trainwreck stuff.

Wonder Woman was awesome this week, with some good stuff in Hades.
Also digging this second act of AvX, it's going in a direction I didn't expect it to. And I like it, most of the characters are acting as one would expect, aside from the Avengers deciding that taking Hope hostage is a good idea at all.

[muddi900]

SHUT YOUR WHORE MOUTH!

Spider-books are great. Ends of the Earth was a great arc, Dan Slott is great at giving a nerdy Spider-man. USM is great, if a bit slow paced, Venom is a great book about doing the wrong thing and making up for it, Scarlet Spider bored me however.

Remender is big into stories about redemption and recovery. That is the key theme of all his books. That is what Franken-castle was about. Frank regaining his humanity and capacity to care about why he was punishing. Fear Agent? Redemption for what Heath did in the war. Venom? First arc was establishing things, but after that, Flash made a bad move, everything else has been spiraling out of that.

Venom is about watching him make poor life choices out of mistaken values, as at ANY point, Flash could confess to doing wrong and put Betty and his mother out of danger, but he can't. It's great trainwreck stuff.

Wonder Woman was awesome this week, with some good stuff in Hades.
Also digging this second act of AvX, it's going in a direction I didn't expect it to. And I like it, most of the characters are acting as one would expect, aside from the Avengers deciding that taking Hope hostage is a good idea at all.

Remender is good at writing terrible dialog. There are points of the End League and Gigantic that are barely readable. Same for Uncanny X-Force

[Savok]

Remender gets Deadpool, for that alone he gets my attention because he's only the 4th writer to actually do so. That Captain Britain arc was painful though.

[muddi900]

George Perez recounts his terrible experience writing Superman, compares it to the wonderful experience he had writing post-crisis Wonder Woman.
http://www.supermanhomepage.com/news.php?readmore=11528

Sumarzed here
http://robot6.comicbookresources.com/2012/06/george-perez-couldnt-wait-to-get-off-superman/

Basically he got Macduffied

[Xerxes]

Just like Rozum's story.

[Deadend]

George Perez recounts his terrible experience writing Superman, compares it to the wonderful experience he had writing post-crisis Wonder Woman.
http://www.supermanhomepage.com/news.php?readmore=11528

Sumarzed here
http://robot6.comicbookresources.com/2012/06/george-perez-couldnt-wait-to-get-off-superman/

Basically he got Macduffied

I got a strong sense of things being sort a cluster fuck at DC with way less vision than what Didio and Lee claim there is.

Weird about Morrison not saying what direction/things he was doing in Action.. but maybe he did and no one could understand his accent "IMMMA GOEHNAH SSSUUUPPPRRRMMAAH BEEEUT KEENT INAGH WE SLAG" or something, I can't write the level of Scottish that Morrison uses.

I also want to say the speech in Rucka's Punisher #12 was fucking intense. Like it perfectly sums up what the series is about and what Castle is about.

[muddi900]

I still doubt Morrison himself wrote any of the issues after 5.

[DoctorFinger]

Morrison is renowned for not telling even his editors exactly what's happening far ahead in his books. They know the broad strokes - his introduction of Brainiac in Action for example - but supposedly they don't know the smaller details until they get the scripts. Which is one of the reasons Final Crisis turned into such a clusterfuck. He'd hand in an outline, and then out of the blue say he's using a character already locked into another tie-in.

[muddi900]

He also did not coordinate with any of the Countdown writers, probably because he was pissed at the shit Didio pulled during 52.

In short, DC editorial has always been incompetent.

[DoctorFinger]

He also did not coordinate with any of the Countdown writers, probably because he was pissed at the shit Didio pulled during 52.

In short, DC editorial has always been incompetent.
I'll give him a pass on Countdown. I'm too lazy to find the link, but a few months back someone published a great oral history of Countdown culled from a zillion interviews. Basically Morrison gave DC an outline of where some characters had to be at the start of Final Crisis, and asked that they keep the New Gods out of the books until FC began. So DC then, of course, made a year long event mostly built around the New Gods with Countdown at the center. Without telling Morrison. He didn't know they'd be whoring out those characters until after the books hit the stands. He may have been pissed about the DiDio's characterization of 52 ("Countdown is 52 done right!") and the editorial interference at the end, but it's just as likely he doesn't give a fuck about it either.

[Savok]

DC doesn't have an editorial, they have useless people being paid for nothing who impose stupid mandates in order to feel important.

[Deadend]

Morrison is renowned for not telling even his editors exactly what's happening far ahead in his books. They know the broad strokes - his introduction of Brainiac in Action for example - but supposedly they don't know the smaller details until they get the scripts. Which is one of the reasons Final Crisis turned into such a clusterfuck. He'd hand in an outline, and then out of the blue say he's using a character already locked into another tie-in.

At this point in time, this is how many years of him doing it.. a smart editor would plan around that fact.

But again, we all sort of agree that DC has pretty shitty editorial. I think their editors spend tons of time sitting around and giving too many fucks about continuity in some aspects but not enough in other ways. And love their mandates/declarations.

But it's not that it's much different at Marvel.
I just hear less currently about artists and writers being fucked at the current Marvel regime, while I hear bad shit about the current DC regime.

They also love the early and mid 90s comic books, that alone is reason enough to hate them.

[DoctorFinger]

Marvel's editors are renowned schmoozers. DC's main editors - Mike Martz aside - aren't. That salves a lot of the talent's bruised egos.

I think what Perez went through is an example of DC's editors trying to work around Morrison's diva-ness. But what's the alternative? Morrison is sales gold, and he's one of the few major writers who's willing to work for them anymore. They need him now more than he needs them.

[Savok]

Morrison's a drug addict that shouldn't be allowed in main universe books because everything requires massive clean ups later.

Marvel's a frat house, if you're not BFF with someone important you're not getting a job in the first place.

[Xerxes]

Morrison's a drug addict that shouldn't be allowed in main universe books because everything requires massive clean ups later.

Marvel's a frat house, if you're not BFF with someone important you're not getting a job in the first place.

Sounds like DC too!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Would explains Rob Liefeld!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (http://excitableliefeld.com/)

[Savok]

No I think Liefeld has pictures of Didio in a fur-suit covered in faeces. With Greg Land, terrible art and thief extraordinaire, they can at least keep up the bullshit that he sells books. Everything Liefeld does gets cancelled from horrific sales.

Also that site is genius.

[Xerxes]

Dude Rob and Jim are apart of a secret cabal to bring 90s comics back.

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[DoctorFinger]

So it looks like Marvel is doing a major relaunch post AvX. Not a continuity reboot, but a lot of new books from the look of things. From the print version of EW, via Bleeding Cool (http://bleedingcool.com/)

UNCANNY AVENGERS: Writer Rick Remender mixes Avengers characters like Captain America and Thor together with such X-Men as Rogue and Havok in the flagship title of Marvel NOW! “It’s a bridge book” says Remender “something that can delve into both worlds.” OCT 2012.

http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m6kcz1xNZG1r9u466o1_1280.jpg

ALL NEW X-MEN: Brian Bendis takes on the most eccenctric and controversy-baiting Marvel NOW! book. The pitch: The original five teenage X-Men time-travel to the present day. “Here’s the big question that the original X-Men are gonna be faced with: ‘We’re gonna grow up and this is what we’re going to to get? That is not acceptable.” NOV. 2012

AVENGERS: The updated series promises a diverse sprawling cast that goes far beyond the movie lineup. “It’s not six Avengers it’s 18 or more” says writer Jonathan Hickman. AVENGERS will be bi-weekly and will feature a combination of one-off stories and longer, galaxy-spanning multi-issue arcs. DEC 2012

The Hickman Avengers book will be the hotness, of course. I'm a Remender fan, so Uncanny Avengers is something I can get into. Bendis' X-Men... I'm not sold on. I'll buy the first few issues, but I have a feeling I'm not going to love it.

There will be more, likely announced next week at SDCC.

[muddi900]

Didn't they just give X-men to Brian Wood?

I'd read Hickman's Avengers if it was as cool as his Ultimates.

[DoctorFinger]

They did, but is looks like Bendis' book will be called 'All-New X-Men'. That doesn't mean that Wood's X-Men will be around after that, but it doesn't mean it's gone either.

[DoctorFinger]

MTV Geek (http://geek-news.mtv.com/2012/07/03/marvel-now-reevolution/) with more on Marvel Now. They'll be launching one or more new titles a week from October thru February, so 20+ new/relaunched titles. But here's the killer part.

Uncanny Avengers #1 (October)

by Rick Remender & John Cassaday

From the "ashes" of "Avengers VS X-Men" the two teams come together for the first time to fight a new deadly foe -- the Red Skull, who wants to "x-out" the mutant race! Expect Captain America and Wolverine to be members, as well as a few "wild card" surprises!

All New X-Men #1 (November)

by Brian Michael Bendis & Stuart Immonen

Everything old is new again...after the original five X-Men suddenly reappear in the present! How do they get to the current time-period? What do they think about the events of Avengers VS X-Men? All I know is -- this definitely means the return of Jean Grey!

Avengers #1 (December)

by Jonathan Hickman & Jerome Opena

Details are sketchy so far on this relaunch, other than that the team lineup promises to be waaay different, and their focus will be more on threats to the universe, rather than just Earth. Can we expect some Thanos action here?Cassaday back on a monthly book? Yes please.

[muddi900]

3 months, and Cassaday would be off of it.

[Savok]

Remender only works on the right books, this isn't the right book unless they want hard sci-fi all day every day. And great, they're even going to be jamming all their recent shit ideas into it as well. Who do you guys like better? Nick Fury's black son or Loeb's dead son?

[DoctorFinger]

I like the floating head with what may be a SHIELD logo on it. ;)

The EW piece is up (http://popwatch.ew.com/2012/07/03/marvel-now-jean-grey-exclusive/), and Quesada notes that the image isn't for a specific book, but a promotional piece for the initiative.

So... Thor has swords, Iron Man's armor is black & gold (relocating to Pittsburgh?) Cable is back with an eyepatch and Cyclops' visor is now an X.

[muddi900]

Daredevil will have Mike Allred for an issue. It's old news, but it needs reiteration.

[Xerxes]

So more X-Men are Avengers now? Hulk needs armor? Isn't that the Iron Man suit Rhodey is using now? That just looks like such a odd line up. Sue? I mean you'd think Johnny or Thing would be the one all over that.

Is Nick Fury Sr. dead?

[Savok]

Everyone gets armour, where have I seen that before...

Also the more I look at that, the more obvious it becomes. The 90s are officially back, we're all fucked.

[muddi900]

Heh, the best book is still written by Waid.

[DoctorFinger]

so the next arc on DCU Presents is Marc Andryeko doing 'Black & Blue', a buddy book starring Black Lightning & Blue Devil. I sort of love the idea.

[LordDon]

The team they pulled together for the 1st issue of Lookouts (http://www.comixology.com/Lookouts/comics-series/8317) is fantastic. The art style is spot on with what Mike originally came up with (http://penny-arcade.com/comic/2009/06/10).

[muddi900]

Wait is the new Black Lightning white...

http://robot6.comicbookresources.com/2012/07/tony-isabella-on-dcs-new-black-lightning-words-fail-me/

[muddi900]

Apparently we are going to get the Cassaday that drew the awful Shadowland covers:

http://cdn.ifanboy.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Uncanny-Avengers_510.jpeg

[muddi900]

lSIlr2-mw-w

[muddi900]

Chew writer John Layman taking over Detective Comics for #13, hopefully making it not suck.
http://www.dccomics.com/blog/2012/07/05/announcing-a-new-writer-and-artist-for-detective-comics

[DoctorFinger]

Layman working on not only a DC book but a core DC book blows my mind. He's been as critical of DC as anyone the past few years.

[muddi900]

Bitches and Blow, Doc, Bitches and Blow!

Also, Hickman is also writing New Avengers, with Steve Epting.

[DoctorFinger]

So 3 issues of Hickman's Avengers a month: 2 of regular and 1 of New. I can get behind that. Brevoort says they're already plotted out on those books through 2016.

[Voodoo]

DoctorFinger - Did Witch Doctor get cancelled?

[DoctorFinger]

No. There's a new series coming out - I think - in September. It was supposed to be out sooner I think, but there was some sort of delay.

[DoctorFinger]

DoctorFinger - Did Witch Doctor get cancelled?
The writer just told me on Twitter to expect an announcement at the SDCC next week.

[muddi900]

I think Witch Doctor is going the Hellboy model, with serialized mini-series

[Savok]

Wait is the new Black Lightning white...

http://robot6.comicbookresources.com/2012/07/tony-isabella-on-dcs-new-black-lightning-words-fail-me/
Not with that nose. I don't know why it's so awful either, it's all typical New 52 shit everyone else has suffered until you get to the word comedy, which is the first time I've seen it used at DC since the reboot. It actually interests me on that basis alone.

[Hemalin]

Oh god, please tell me that's not the final design for Blue Devil.

[muddi900]

Brett Booth, the awful artist on Teen Titans, redesigned those.

I checked out Venom on Xerxes insistence, did not like it.

[Xerxes]

Brett Booth, the awful artist on Teen Titans, redesigned those.

I checked out Venom on Xerxes insistence, did not like it.

Ouch. Is it the sucky writing of Remender that you've come to hate?

[BLeeP]

I honestly don't mind the physical appearance of The Blue Devil, though that costume leaves a lot to be desired. Trust me, it is much better than him just being a blue version of Hellboy (I'm a huge Shadowpact fan, and that design still made me cringe >_<).

[muddi900]

Ouch. Is it the sucky writing of Remender that you've come to hate?

Mostly for being mediocre.

[Xerxes]

Hmmm maybe it's my Venom googles on.

[Xerxes]

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cbWSJYSX1VU/T_vdfwapW3I/AAAAAAAACJ4/F_7-62bcbp4/s640/791.jpg

Sounds like most big events.

[Savok]

And yet it was actually readable because of that. It was incredibly character driven outside of the main plot. Everyone having to deal with their pasts, the mass recruitment from the Rainbow Corps (Scarecrow with that yellow ring was the best damn scene) and a good, genuine reason for strange team ups. No false promises about changing everything forever (with said changes only lasting until the next event) just a big crazy story about the universe almost ending.

[bryan]

I think the repercussions will be felt later on. I loved it, thought it was the best event I've ever read.

[Savok]

Well not really the universe got a reboot, half of what happened in Blackest Night didn't even happen now.

[bryan]

Oh yeah....

[muddi900]

Blackest Night started as a great Zombie book, but quickly devolved into a cheap continuity fix. Also, the Brightest Day 'this is how it was supposed to be' bullshit with the Swamp Thing.

[Zero]

Sinestro should have saved the day as White Lantern. I was so pissed when that lasted of all a minute so that Hal could get it. So lame.

[KSmitty]

Count me in the camp of being underwhelmed by Blackest Night. Although that may be partly due to the piss poor organization of the trades. Instead of arranging the books into one cohesive story, they kept things separate which proved jarring to the story at times as there's this assumption that you know why 'X' is happening when you haven't read the other volume yet.

[Zero]

Count me in the camp of being underwhelmed by Blackest Night. Although that may be partly due to the piss poor organization of the trades. Instead of arranging the books into one cohesive story, they kept things separate which proved jarring to the story at times as there's this assumption that you know why 'X' is happening when you haven't read the other volume yet.

I got all of the trades as a wedding gift so it was quite the task making sure that I wasn't skipping ahead. I had color coded book marks throughout. I had to take all of them with me to work instead of just one so that I didn't have to stop at one issue on my break.

[Savok]

DC has the worst god damn trades. They take 20 years to come out and are always clusterfucks.

[Xerxes]

DC has the worst god damn trades. They take 20 years to come out and are always clusterfucks.

I think big event trades always turn to shit. I can't recall one that was separate books based on the order the story. Rather you get a collection of the series they happened in. All out sequence.

[DoctorFinger]

New Sandman from Gaiman and JH Williams III (http://www.bleedingcool.com/2012/07/12/confirmed-with-video-announcement-by-neil-gaiman-new-sandman-by-gaiman-and-jh-williams-iii-for-2013/).

[muddi900]

So batwoman isn't making past #15

[Savok]

A pity but with the current arc being so shitty I can't really shed a tear for it. They'd of had something amazing if they hadn't pissed off Rucka. Fucking DC.

[Suave Peanut]

You guys tend to made me glad I don't read superhero comics anymore.

[KSmitty]

I got all of the trades as a wedding gift so it was quite the task making sure that I wasn't skipping ahead. I had color coded book marks throughout. I had to take all of them with me to work instead of just one so that I didn't have to stop at one issue on my break.

The thing is it could've easily been avoided by having Blackest Night vol 1, 2 and 3 that combined the relevant stories from the Green Lantern series and the Corps. The secondary stories with Batman, Superman, etc were fine as stand alone sidenotes.

I mean the Sinestro Corps war worked so well (mixing in various issues to make one cohesive story). I don't why they didn't follow that format with Blackest Night. Maybe because it was major DC universe event?

[DoctorFinger]

Marvel released logos for their next five movies (http://www.bleedingcool.com/2012/07/14/official-marvel-studios-title-logos-for-ant-man-captain-america-the-winter-soldier-and-thor-the-dark-world/).

Iron Man 3 - May 3, 2013
Thor: The Dark World - November 8, 2013
Captain America: The Winter Soldier - March 4, 2014
Guardians of the Galaxy - August 1, 2014
Ant-Man - TBA

They showed teaser clips from Iron Man 3 showing Ben Kingsley as the Mandarin. Edgar Wright also showed a test clip from Ant-Man, even though no casting has been done yet.

And they released concept art for Guardians of the Galaxy.

http://cdn.bleedingcool.net/wp-content/uploads//2012/07/guardians-of-the-galaxy-concept-art.jpg?848685

[muddi900]

I am guessing they will also debut Nova corps in GOTG

[Ink Asylum]

And they released concept art for Guardians of the Galaxy.

http://cdn.bleedingcool.net/wp-content/uploads//2012/07/guardians-of-the-galaxy-concept-art.jpg?848685

Yeah....does anyone who is not a comic reader know who any of those people are? I barely know about that raccoon character is because of him being added to Marvel vs Capcom 3.

What's their deal? What would a movie about them be like?

[muddi900]

Spacevengers

[DoctorFinger]

From left to right they're Space Wolverine, Space Hodor, Space John McClain, Space Jane from Firefly and Space Wonder Woman

[Savok]

Yeah....does anyone who is not a comic reader know who any of those people are? I barely know about that raccoon character is because of him being added to Marvel vs Capcom 3.

What's their deal? What would a movie about them be like?
Plucky underdogs against crazy cosmic threats with a lot of fun tossed in. A page from Annihilation Conquest - Starlord, where the team began.

http://i1003.photobucket.com/albums/af154/LordSavok/heavyweapons.jpg

[Ink Asylum]

But could it make a good movie? What existing movies would you compare it to?

[Savok]

Avengers. But in space.

GotG is pure comic books.

[Superman's Dead]

The Dirty Dozen: IN SPAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACE

[Ink Asylum]

Do you think, stylistically, something like The Fifth Element would be comparative?

[Savok]

The Dirty Dozen: IN SPAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACE
Actually that's more accurate then Avengers, especially with the current team's origins. Just toss a little Hogan's Heroes in too.

[Savok]

Do you think, stylistically, something like The Fifth Element would be comparative?
Film hasn't been made yet.

[Ink Asylum]

As someone who's never read the comic, I'm trying to understand how it could work as a movie. Even if there's no film, yet, you should still be able to compare the style of the comics to existing films.

[Savok]

It'll be a lot like Avengers 2. Guy on the left, Drax the Destroyer. He was created with the sole purpose of killing Thanos.

[bryan]

YES MORE GUARDIANS! SO FRICKING PUMPED.

Pretty much the only Marvel book I've pick up now.

[Ink Asylum]

It'll be a lot like Avengers 2. Guy on the left, Drax the Destroyer. He was created with the sole purpose of killing Thanos.

But will it be able to get an Avengers-level budget and creative team? Practically no one in the mainstream recognizes them and they won't have six blockbuster movies acting as a lead-up.

I guess I'm just baffled by this decision. I can't help but feel that they're only doing this because all their recognizable non-Avengers licenses are tied up with other studios. If Marvel could make Fantastic Four, X-men, and Spider-Man movies I feel like they wouldn't be doing this one.

Maybe it's a good thing, though. They have to be creative since they can't rely on well-known properties.

[bryan]

Wait, what they're actually making a movie?

[Savok]

But will it be able to get an Avengers-level budget and creative team? Practically no one in the mainstream recognizes them and they won't have six blockbuster movies acting as a lead-up.

I guess I'm just baffled by this decision. I can't help but feel that they're only doing this because all their recognizable non-Avengers licenses are tied up with other studios. If Marvel could make Fantastic Four, X-men, and Spider-Man movies I feel like they wouldn't be doing this one.

Maybe it's a good thing, though. They have to be creative since they can't rely on well-known properties.
Did anyone even know Blade was a comic character? I mean christ they're making an Ant-Man movie.

[DoctorFinger]

I'd actually say it's closer to a less Tarantino-ish Inglorious Basterds. A group of rag-tag but skilled soldiers fighting against overwhelming odds.

[Ink Asylum]

Did anyone even know Blade was a comic character? I mean christ they're making an Ant-Man movie.

Blade's a guy fighting vampires with swords. Ant-Man is a guy who shrinks. They're simple concepts and easier to sell to a mainstream audience. These guys look like they need a lot of explanation before most people would understand what they're seeing.

[Xerxes]

Ink Asylum you are't the only one. Hell I don't think even the hardcorest of fans knows what to expect on screen. With a talking tree and raccoon, there will be tons of CG for damned sure. Aside from that, nope. My mind can't make those character on screen relate to anything I've seen before. Also if the animated series can intro the characters with no huge explanation for each character, I'm sure they can do the same in the movie.

I'm just going to be cautiously optimistic what ever it is, it'll be kick ass cause Marvel has put out a shitty movie. Some a little mediocre than the others but I don't regret watching any of them.

[Savok]

Blade's a guy fighting vampires with swords. Ant-Man is a guy who shrinks. They're simple concepts and easier to sell to a mainstream audience. These guys look like they need a lot of explanation before most people would understand what they're seeing.
Drax and Gamora stab stuff, Starlord and Rocket shoot stuff, Groot is a giant tree. This isn't a proper Galactus where you get to talk about the power cosmic for 2 hours. No telepathic Russian dogs, no psychic martial artist, no avatar of death, no cosmic light bands.

[bryan]

While I like Peter Quill, it's really hard to present him as 'superheroic'. He's seriously outpowered by just about everything he meets.

[Savok]

Kinda the point.

[bryan]

I'm not disagreeing with you, I just think even tho he's the leader of the group he'll be put in the background in the movie, which sucks.

[muddi900]

Kinda like Cap

[bryan]

Yeah Cap did cross my mind. It'll be even worse for Starlord, cause he's not even peak human.

[Zero]

From left to right they're Space Wolverine, Space Hodor, Space John McClain, Space Jane from Firefly and Space Wonder Woman

http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/rr213/egomez2814/1726009-shut_up_and_take_my_money_super.jpg

[Ink Asylum]

Relevant to recent discussion:

http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m79rcplc9d1qeqx7ko1_500.jpg

[Squidbot]

How Jack Kirby's Art Helped the CIA Rescue Diplomats in 1979 (http://www.comicsalliance.com/2012/01/05/jack-kirby-cia/#ixzz20sGvvVIi)

[Savok]

Hah, sounds more like something the British would of done in WW2.

[Caped Crusader]

i_BVqa4gpdM

[KSmitty]

I think the series was recommended by someone here, Comixology is having a half-off sale on Skullkickers. The $11.99 book looks like a great deal.

[bryan]

What's it actually about? The art looks good.

[KSmitty]

If you have comixology you can download #0 for free, but from what I get from the series they're two mercs in a fantasy setting. The 11.99 deal is for the first two volumes/tpbs. I plan on getting it, I just wanted to spread the news.

[muddi900]

It's still available for free as a webcomic. It's way behind, but you can atleast check out the first few issues.

http://skullkickers.keenspot.com/d/20120106.html

[bryan]

Thanks, think you or someone else linked this earlier I remember reading this. Looks pretty good, will pick up the series.

[roboninja]

I don't read this thread a whole lot, but...this is the Guardians if the Galaxy:
http://i.imgur.com/9DPqE.jpg

And get off my lawn!

[Xerxes]

Who is stain glass man there?

[Savok]

That's the old team from an alternate timeline. Crystal dude is Martinex.

[Ghostbear]

This guy is the winner of Comic Con, for eternity:

s-m-KGgK5o4

[DoctorFinger]

Looks like Rucka leaving Punisher wasn't entirely his choice (http://blog.newsarama.com/2012/07/20/rucka-on-ending-his-punisher-where-the-character-goes-next/). Well, it’s a combination of things. The story in Punisher was reaching a terminus. There was a sort of second act of that terminus which involved the Avengers and always did. At some point a few months ago I was informed that Marvel wanted to end the book and would be spinning Punisher out into a different team book and I wouldn’t be writing it. So [editor Steve] Wacker and I talked about how we were going to wrap this up. It was Steve who proposed that maybe it’ll serve us better if we end the run in the way we want to end it, and then we can do this as its own stand-alone coda to it.So... they're actually going to put Punisher into a team? People howled when Spidey was put on the Avengers; they're going to scream when this is announced formally.

[DoctorFinger]

And that Deadpool vid is the greatest thing ever.

[muddi900]

There's gifs now (http://imgur.com/a/nDsXS)

http://i.imgur.com/yjihJ.gif

[Ink Asylum]

This one is my favorite:

http://i.imgur.com/dpnd3.gif

[Savok]

Looks like Rucka leaving Punisher wasn't entirely his choice (http://blog.newsarama.com/2012/07/20/rucka-on-ending-his-punisher-where-the-character-goes-next/). So... they're actually going to put Punisher into a team? People howled when Spidey was put on the Avengers; they're going to scream when this is announced formally.
Editorials just loves fucking over Rucka don't they.

And Punisher on a team book, they really have no idea what they're doing.

[DoctorFinger]

I doubt that Rucka is screwed over any more than any other creator. He's just honest enough to tell the public when it happens.

[muddi900]

Comixology is having a sale on Batman:
http://www.comixology.com/Batman-201-Sale/comics-collection/514

and Ultimate Spider-man:
http://www.comixology.com/Ultimate-Spider-Man-Sale/comics-collection/515

[Fubl]

So what do people think about the two major publishers digital store fronts. So far I've deffinerly bought more dc comics just below is some comparisons I thought I'd throw out there.

Some pros/cons for each


Dc
The dollar reduction after a month
.99 comics beyond series and such
Seems to have better sales
Con
No collected stories
No dark knight returns :)

Marvel pros
Collected editions
More back issues it feels like

Cons
Keeps price higher for longer for back issues
Most of the sales I've seen revolve around ultimate spidey or bad storyline spidey

[Suave Peanut]

...no Dark Knight Returns? I see it on Comixology, Kindle, and Nook.

[BLeeP]

Yea, why even use the publisher specific apps? Comixology gives you the full experience with none of the walls. I think the specific apps are silly and are only there to be eye catching.

If you didn't know, it is all the same store, you are just grabbing apps that restrict what you are able to buy. Also, The Dark Knight Returns had been on sale for 99c an issue for the last week and was on sale again the week before that. Comixology sales change at 11PM Eastern every night or so (if anything is going to change at all). Marvel has a sale every Monday (Marvel Mondays!). DC releases everything day and date of physical copies. Marvel has been slow getting to that point, but they are doing a lot better.

tl;dr: Use the Comixology app.

[muddi900]

Also, since DC is not doing anything about it, Collected editions are available through Kindle and Nook.

[J Arcane]

http://www.justpressplay.net/articles/9636-20-batman-stories-most-influential-to-qthe-dark-knightq-trilogy.html

[muddi900]

I read Who is Jake Ellis?, a cool sci-fi spy-esque thriller, which wasn't as cool as it thought it was. Too verbose. Still very fun, short and fast-paced.

I followed it up with the last of Scott Snyder's pre-52 run on Detective Comics, which explained one reason why I found Jake Ellis lacking; The artists was clearly trying to emulate Jock, but wasn't as good at it. Such a great run.

Also, this blog posts on the failure of the gate keepers of comics.
http://comics212.net/2012/07/27/no-more-gatekeepers/

[Xerxes]

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qm7NFKWYdTs/UBjWEK91jQI/AAAAAAAACOw/9qvCcro6CXw/s640/808.jpg

I think 2.99 is when I gave in favor of trades. I DO still on occasion track old Milestone media books. I think I have like 3/4ths the whole line up. Might as well collect them all.

[J Arcane]

4 bucks for something that'll take me all of 5-minutes to read and resolve nothing unless I buy like half-a-dozen more to follow is why I generally buy trades or do library checkouts or just pirate for the big stories.

[Ink Asylum]

I haven't bought an actual comic issue in at least 5 years. It's been all TPB.

[Shieldmaiden]

Same here. It's a damn shame, because I like the idea of collecting individual issues. It's just way too expensive.

[Suave Peanut]

I started buying comics in January and I'm already tired of it and ready to get rid of what few I have.

[Xerxes]

I started buying comics in January and I'm already tired of it and ready to get rid of what few I have.

You should have known better. :p

Trades or bust. Unless you just checking out something new you might be interested in the future. I would have though digitally you'd be able to subscribe to a title for like $15 a month. Same price as a trade for about the same amount of books. Although that could get just as pricey real fast.

[Savok]

What amazes me with all the decompression these days is that they without fail use it in completely the wrong spots, then rush through important shit.

[muddi900]

Every Marvel Now Teaser till now:
http://i.imgur.com/2UTN8.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/5nI8q.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/GgjxB.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/SRx0Y.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/Ml3lt.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/bnE1N.png
http://i.imgur.com/ppTgM.jpg

I am excited for Waid's Hulk, as he has stated it will be like his Daredevil, and maybe the new Deadpool. Besides Hickman's Avengers books.

[muddi900]

Rob Liefeld thinks all other Deapool Creators are D-list:
http://www.theouthousers.com/index.php/news/117158-rob-liefeld-calls-at-least-25-creators-marvel-d-list.html

[J Arcane]

Rob Liefeld is an idiot.

I'm really interested in Posehn's Deadpool. I'm going to check out issue 1 at least I think. I've been wanting to read Deadpool for a while, and Posehn is one of my favorite funny guys.

[Savok]

I suspect Rob's talking about recent writers in light of the popularity boom over the last few years and lets be honest, he's not wrong. The only writer who knows what they're doing with Deadpool these days is Remender, everything else ran the gamut from bad to face-crippling cringe (except Deadpool MAX, that was just kinda weird but worked somehow). Of course Rob wouldn't know what to do with Deadpool either so he can hardly talk.

A comedian on Deadpool.... maybe it'll be another Gerard Way and something unexpectedly special will happen.

Also glad to see Fraction on FF, as I hate both passionately.

[muddi900]

Posehn and Duggan actually wrote a miniseries with Image a few years back.

[Savok]

Was it any good?

[muddi900]

Haven't read it. Did see Posehn stand-up on youtube. It was quite funny.

[Savok]

Yeah but that doesn't translate. Still, that they have some experience makes me feel a little better. God it'd be nice if Deadpool stopped sucking.

[Xerxes]

Rob Liefeld thinks all other Deapool Creators are D-list:
http://www.theouthousers.com/index.php/news/117158-rob-liefeld-calls-at-least-25-creators-marvel-d-list.html

I wonder if his "fans" are just trolling him and he doesn't know it. Encouraging him to show the haters he can draw feet and call him the golden boy of the industry.

I mean would he have a job at DC if Lee wasn't there?

[bryan]

The only thing Liefield gave us was the new Prophet. And I keep thinking I would have preferred if it wasn't tied to him at all, cause I foresee it getting fucked up in the future.

[muddi900]

From Doom Patrol #29 1990
http://i.imgur.com/B6N6w.jpg

[Savok]

Moore is a wizard, maybe Grant's one of his constructs.

[DoctorFinger]

the idea that Morrison, Millar & Gaiman are all facets of Moore's psyche is the most comic book idea ever.

[muddi900]

Mark Waid guest wrote Gutters this week, A counter to Wally Wood's 22 panels:
http://cdn.the-gutters.com/comics/2e35b2037d7d09f67cbd9a3b5f90af3e72162096.jpg

[Savok]

Wow, even when it's not Sohmer it's not funny.

[Xerxes]

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TqdZSg57nRs/UCCSXwqJDgI/AAAAAAAACUU/rWn246JF7AI/s640/814.jpg

I never thought about it but this is kind true. Also they are ninjas who aren't really ninjas. I mean they haven't assassinated anyone. I was watching the new series and Leonardo keeps talking about Bushido. You ain't no samurai. O_o

[muddi900]

Joe Kubert, legend who famously drew on Sgt. Rock, Tarzan, and Hawkman, has passed away.
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/avclub/daily/~3/NuycY55kqX4/

Here's a list of some of his vest covers:
http://goodcomics.comicbookresources.com/2012/08/12/25-great-joe-kubert-covers/

[Ghostbear]

Neal Adams did a Joe Kubert tribute piece. It's pretty incredible.
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g302/ghostbear1/web%20hosted%20pics/nealadamsjoe.jpg

[Zero]

That is wonderful.

[Savok]

Really Sohmer? You "wrote" that?

[roboninja]

Rob Liefeld thinks all other Deapool Creators are D-list:
http://www.theouthousers.com/index.php/news/117158-rob-liefeld-calls-at-least-25-creators-marvel-d-list.html

I thought it amusing the story is filed under "News and Satire"

the idea that Morrison, Millar & Gaiman are all facets of Moore's psyche is the most comic book idea ever.

They should collaborate on that nook right now. It might sell the most ever.

Wow, even when it's not Sohmer it's not funny.

I chuckled at the Geoff Johns line.

[Ghostbear]

One by Darwyn Cooke:
http://www.blogcdn.com/www.comicsalliance.com/media/2012/08/kubertmemoriam.jpeg

[J Arcane]

http://i.imgur.com/BmN0V.jpg

[Shieldmaiden]

There is a video of Smith telling the story at a talk he was giving. It's pretty funny.

[Savok]

That's from An Evening With Kevin Smith

fKbAEmvZyKQ

[muddi900]

All of Image's new 2012 series have free #1's now.
http://www.comixology.com/Image-2012-1s-Now-Free/comics-collection/598

It wouldn't be a big deal if Image hadn't had the most amazing new series ever. That Walking Dead money is getting great use.

EDIT:
I reccomend people check out Fatale, The Manhattan Projects, Mind The Gap, Saga and Prophet

[Deadend]

All of Image's new 2012 series have free #1's now.
http://www.comixology.com/Image-2012-1s-Now-Free/comics-collection/598

It wouldn't be a big deal if Image hadn't had the most amazing new series ever. That Walking Dead money is getting great use.

EDIT:
I reccomend people check out Fatale, The Manhattan Projects, Mind The Gap, Saga and Prophet

Well, fuck. I hope the trades hit soon for Prophet, Saga, and The Manhattan Projects.

[pomeroy]

Manhattan Projects is awesome.

[muddi900]

Mind The Gap was my biggest surprise. I have read Jim McCann's Marvel work, and it was run-of-the-mill. Mind the Gap was brilliant.

[Superman's Dead]

Ughhhhhhhh I bought the first issue of Saga the day it came out but I'm new to monthlies so I promptly forgot about it. That art is so gorgeous

[pomeroy]

Eh...I'm not that into Saga.

READ MANHATTAN PROJECTS, SUPES. IT'S SO COOL.

[bryan]

Saga's good for the art, but the story is a tad whimsical for my taste.

I can't recommend Prophet highly enough tho.

BTW first trade of it is out on Comixology.

[muddi900]

Kirkman has changed everything. Image couldn't get high-profile talent 3 years ago, beause they gave a really basic deal for creator-owned comics that meant no money upfront. The reason we never saw a 10th issue of fell.

[DoctorFinger]

You're absolutely right Muddi. I knocked Kirkman a little for his Manifesto a few years back, but the proof is in the pudding. Image is knocking it out of the park lately, and Vertigo is a shell of the company it used to be.

[muddi900]

Alan Moore claimed, somewhat correctly, that he was singlehandedly supporting the American industry, because sales of his books never faltered even through the lowest point of the industry.

Kirkman seems to be his successor. Eric Stephenson, Image's publisher, also gets the credit for putting that Walking Dead money to good use and actively pursuing creators.

[Savok]

Isn't Prophet funded by Liefeld?

(who I should point out has been having the best public meltdown the industry has ever seen on Twitter)

[muddi900]

It is part of Liefeld's extreme studios, but it's still mostly Image money.

[muddi900]

Hickman's other 2012 series, Secret, is also one of the free Image books. It is way better than Manhattan Projects, and I really like Manhattan Projects.

[pomeroy]

Secret is ok. But it's not better than The Manhattan Projects.

[Ink Asylum]

http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m9jntpdKP71qcu04vo1_500.png

[Deadend]

Yeah, Image took the thing Vertigo was doing and did it better. Plus they put more money and promotion behind it, and and in true image fashion, made sure the art and colors were GREAT. Like I've loved a ton of Vertigo books, but the art for many of them has never really been that great. I get a sense that Image is running things more like a TV Network.. but in the good way, they don't have a dedicated vision other than making things be good and giving stories a chance.

Maybe it will last, maybe it won't. But for now we are getting great comics out it, and yeah.. a bunch of them read like movie/TV shows, but at least they aren't superhero books.

[bryan]

They're mostly great, but who greenlighted Alpha Girl it's pretty medicore.

Secret isn't better than MP I thought the twist was predictable. Interesting enough premise tho, seem like a hardcore version of 'Sneakers'.

[muddi900]

See in other Hickman comics, the reveal would have been 3 pages long, with lots and lots of text. In Secret, he's doing something similar to Warren Ellis and Grant Morisson; more visual storytelling.

[KSmitty]

Recent reads:

Irredeemable vol. 4 - Honestly this might be the last issue of this one that I buy. The sheer amount of stupid that some of these characters exhibit is baffling. "Sure he's killed a couple billion people, BUT WE CAN STILL GET THROUGH TO HIM!!!" Ugh.

Incorruptible vol. 1 - Interesting premise, not so solid follow through.

Haunt vol 1 - Okay I love Kirkman and all, but this book hit a lot of the Spawn beats.
Secret agent back from the dead - check
Feelings of betrayed love - check
Angtsy, angry, torn 'hero' - check
ectoplasmic suit that is both weapon and armor - check
tendrils that look/behave a lot like certain someone's chains - check


Okay so with all the ranting and raving here (and by that I mean muddi) I picked up a couple of tpbs of Pak's Hercules. I have Love and War and whatever volume Thorcules is. I should get to those sometime this week. If you have any other volumes to recommend let me know (the Amazon reference for the volume would help).

[Savok]

Pak's whole fucking run. That was easy.

[Shieldmaiden]

Pak's whole fucking run. That was easy.

Seconded.

True fact: my main motivation for losing weight is to be able to do Herc cosplay.

[Scaryfaced]

I read through a very short series from the early 90s called Children of the Voyager last weekend. It was part of Marvel's Frontier line. One of my students brought them in for me to read, so I felt obligated. All and all, it was a pretty interesting, if a bit familiar story, but the art grabbed me. It was simplistic, but a great use of ink and solid block colors. I especially like how the Voyager was drawn.

It reminded me of HP Lovecraft, so I gave her a book recommendation when I returned it. Perhaps I can get a few high schoolers hooked on classic horror.

[DoctorFinger]

We're getting our first look at Johnathan Hickman's Avengers lineup, courtesy of three interlocking covers by Hickman's SHIELD collaborator, Dustin Weaver

http://i.newsarama.com/images/Avengers_1_2_3_Covers_02.jpg

Cannonball and Sunspot on the Avengers? I dig that. You have 14 characters here, including the mystery character between Cap and Cap Marvel. Hickman says the roster begins at 18 characters and expands from there, so at least 4 characters aren't shown. He's indicated strongly that both Shang Chi and Black Panther will be involved in the books, so they're possible hidden members. Hickman is also writing New Avengers, which is where I assume you'll see Luke Cage, Dr Strange and more.

[muddi900]

Speaking of Dustin Weaver, did SHIELD ever finish.

[DoctorFinger]

nope, but all involved say its still coming.... Eventually

[muddi900]

Also, Widow's gun placement is unfortunate.

[Xerxes]

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cq6fnrIeo8I/UD74kxZRj5I/AAAAAAAACbM/Y0z-mZmresA/s640/834.jpg

[J Arcane]

http://i.imgur.com/9bo2j.jpg

[muddi900]

It's Penultimate Issue of Big Comic Event Week, which means there is going to be Mainstream Media Spoils Sensational Death Day too, so here it is:


it's Professor X (https://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/50-years-original-marvel-comics-x-man-killed-prized-student-article-1.1156859)

[Savok]

Well it was their turn.

[muddi900]

Avunger games? Battle Avengeroyale? (http://ifanboy.com/articles/marvel-now-the-younger-heroes-hope-that-the-odds-will-ever-be-in-their-favor-in-avengers-arena/)

http://cdn.ifanboy.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/AvengersArena_01_Cover.jpg

also,

[imghttp://i.imgur.com/GitPX.jpg[/img]

[DoctorFinger]

That Nu52 cover was kind of funny. I also like that Marvel is being as blatant as possible with the Battle Royale homage/rip-off. Although I'm surprised that they didn't change it to The Avenger Games.

[muddi900]

Dave Johnson pitched them the cover as an homage to Battle Royale.

[DoctorFinger]

Dave Johnson pitched them the cover as an homage to Battle Royale.
But you just KNOW the pitch was: Battle Royale in the Marvel U. The cover came later.

[muddi900]

I think it was editorials attempt on capitalizing on Hunger Games. I bet there's a badass chick with a bow in it. I bet Kate Bishop is in it.

[Savok]

http://i1003.photobucket.com/albums/af154/LordSavok/nottoday.jpg

[Squidbot]

Not sure how it's published outside the UK, but any of you that ever wanted to try 2000AD (Home of Judge Dredd, many other fine stories and the comic that spawned the likes of Alan Moore, Neil Gaiman, Grant Morrison, Bryan Talbot, Brian Bolland and Mike McMahon to name but a few) now would probably be a good jumping in point.
Prog (issue) 1800 released this week, and contains five new storylines. A good place to start with the comic, maybe, if you've not read it before but were curious.

[muddi900]

I believe IDW has the rights to publish in the states, but I'll google around.

Also, Skottie Young's Baby Variant for Hickman's New Avengers:
http://i.imgur.com/n3CMv.jpg

Seems like an Illuminati storyline.

[muddi900]

So they just edited the trade of Teen Titans for the sake of the Retcon:
http://www.bleedingcool.com/2012/09/16/retconning-robin-out-of-teen-titans-1/

[Shieldmaiden]

What the fuck? Did they wake up and realise that they hadn't unnecessarily fucked with the Bat family enough? What's next, retconning the Green Lantern's to make them a barbershop quartet who were all recruited into the Corps at the same time?

[Squidbot]

Seen Dredd yet, Jonno?

[Savok]

This is why the Nu52 is so shit. Zero planning, zero organization, just manchildren using the universe as a playground.

[Shieldmaiden]

Seen Dredd yet, Jonno?

Nope, that requires money and stuff which I don't have yet. I was pleased to read your positive impression though.

This is why the Nu52 is so shit. Zero planning, zero organization, just manchildren using the universe as a playground.

They've managed to reverse the old issue of needing to buy a load of books just to make sense of it all. If you read any given book or even family of books, they're mostly fine, but as soon as you try and reconcile, say, Superman, Batman and the Justice League, the complete lack of planning becomes clear.

[Squidbot]

Failure to attend mandatory Hall of Justice public information film. 6 months in the cubes, creep.

[Savok]

They've managed to reverse the old issue of needing to buy a load of books just to make sense of it all. If you read any given book or even family of books, they're mostly fine, but as soon as you try and reconcile, say, Superman, Batman and the Justice League, the complete lack of planning becomes clear.
That was always a myth anyway, it was only ever the events they ran like the fucking Crisises trying to make things "simpler" that ended up requiring maps and charts. Blackest Night in that sense was the perfect event, you had a central story and you had tie-ins that were just that, tie-ins. How those characters dealt with their dead family and friends coming back as super powered zombies, utterly unimportant to the main event.

Also the Bat books have been treating Tim like he was a Robin. Maybe the trades will have Racer X in his place.

[Hemalin]

Can they hurry up and do the big crossover event that reverts everything back already.

[Fubl]

See I thought when they did the new 52 green lantern and batman were largely alone since both had just came off major events unrelated to the rest of the universe

[Xerxes]

Regarding 52: Mostly seems like they(editors and writers) wanted thing the way it was when they were kids. 2 generations of readers have come since then and some of them do not want to deal with the okie doke. It's like fan fic almost.

[DoctorFinger]

See I thought when they did the new 52 green lantern and batman were largely alone since both had just came off major events unrelated to the rest of the universeMore likely they were left alone because their two biggest writers - Johns and Morrison - had been dictating the direction of those lines for long enough that they'd already made all of the changes they wanted to make. A bunch of characters were major players in Brightest Day and Blackest Night, and most of them were changed big time in the new DCU.

The problem is really the retcons or the reboots, it's the talent on the books. The books DC puts exciting new writers on have - for the most part - been the bright spots. When they put old retreads on books, the results are...less encouraging. But DC's corporate culture won't let them get the hot, young writers that Marvel consistently snaps up, so we get a healthy dose of Lobdell, Leifeld, DeFalco, Jenkins and Bedard.

[Savok]

Actually with Batgirl's #0 issue basically erasing Oracle and every other Batgirl from existence, Morrison's Batman is more and more becoming an Elseworlds.

[muddi900]

Swamp Thing suggests Brightest Day happened, but Hawkman suggests it didn't. But I never really cared much for canon, so meh.

[muddi900]

So there will be Cable & and the X-force (http://www.newsarama.com/comics/cable-x-force-marvel-now.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Newsaramasite+%28Newsarama.co m%29), and there will be a new Uncanny X-force (http://www.comicsalliance.com/2012/09/17/im-gonna-write-it-like-i-stole-it-sam-humphries-on-taking/). Because there aren't enough books with X in the title.

[Xerxes]

I either of them like Wolverine's old wet work team? And is the X family still split up with a Wolverine and Cyclops side?

[muddi900]

Uncanny X-force is the book that everyone says is awesome but isn't and when asked "why?" they are all dumbfounded...

[Xerxes]

Easy, they wear all black. :p


Update: Google google google... Oh it's Rick Remender. You don't like him for some reason. You wouldn't like it.