Comic Book Thread

[BreakABone]

http://www.ualocal38.org/calendar_files/june.jpg
This will probably fall flat on its face, but always worth a shot.

I mean there are a handful of comic fans on the forums, and I assume most of you pick up stuff, at least once or twice a month if not every week. So this would just be a dumping ground for impressions and haul or swag and news and the likes.

So anyhow, this week and some previous weeks here are my brief impressions


Brightest Day continues to feel like its too little story in each issue.

Joker's Asylum: Riddler, wasn't as good as I remember the originals being.

Red Robin, is probably the most enjoyable comic I read this week. Though not sure what Tim's plan is. And it kind of reminds me of Connor in Adventure Comics with his list.

Zatanna was a cool read. Curious where it goes.

Green Lantern/GLC- So far I think GLC is the better read, but I prefer the other 3 Lanterns to Hal.

Superman/Batman Annual, not sure its what I expected, but eh.

[incredibledave]

Didn't go to the store this week because I was crazy busy and not much I wanted to pick up (only Nemesis: the Imposters #4 and the Final Crisis tpb)

Next week is a big week though, with Batman #700, Daytripper #7, Unwritten #14 & SHIELD #2 (among other things), which look to be fucking awesome.

And in the interest of encouraging discussion in this thread, what your take on the adding of a new Green Lantern to the ranks BreakABone?

[BreakABone]

Its nice to see ONE Guardian doing something useful, I've grown to dislike them more and more as they continue to plunge the universe into some great danger because of their ineptitude.

I'm curious where the Guy/Atroticus story is going.

[Teuthida]

Invincible 72. Holy sh--

EDIT: Went around looking at responses to this issue. Pretty unanimous.

Holy. Shit.

Umm..... HOLY SHIT!

I know it was said earlier, but...HOLY SHYTE.

Fuck.

Just .... fuck.

[Ginkasa]

Expand Teuthida.


Anyway, I almost exclusively do Batman comics, so its pretty easy to guess what my pull list is from week to week.

- Red Robin was pretty fantastic. This book started out slow a year ago, but has really jumped in quality. One of my favorites right now.

- Red Hood The Lost Days was pretty meh. I was never a fan of Jason Todd coming back, but it is constantly difficult to ignore him. I was hoping this mini would give adequate reason for his return, but so far it hasn't.

- Joker's Asylum: The Riddler was also meh. The Joker's narraration didn't feel right. I've also never been a huge Riddler fan (I've been liking him more as a greedy detective recently than outright villain), but it was alright...

- I really liked the Superman/Batman annual. I only bought it for the Batman Beyond story (I don't collect the regular book) and it didn't disappoint. Batman himself (i.e. Terry) looked a little odd (too much muscle and the face seemed to detailed), but everything else seemed pretty closely related to the animated series. I also like how it seems to more or less follow the actual cartoon continuity as opposed to completely butchering the original concept (they did seem to change the origin around in a flashback, but it felt more like it was for brevity's sake than a real change).

- I also picked up the Final Crisis TPB and read it finally. As you may have guessed, I really was only interested in how it relates to the current Batman status quo. In that, I was a little disappointed. There wasn't really anything in there that I didn't already know from reading spoilers. On its own it was a little odd. I may be able to enjoy it more as I digest it... Its a really full story. "I'll plug the hole in forever!" Heh.

[Teuthida]

Expand Teuthida.

A really gruesome fight ending in the disembowelment of Invincible as he strangles to death a villain (Conquest) he couldn't allow to live (and thought killed previously.) Ends with his father and brother finding him gasping for air with Conquest (apparently dead) holding onto his pulled out guts next to him.


Looks like I need to get caught up on Red Robin. Fell off it a few issues ago when there was that crossover with Batgirl. I was reading both titles and then the crossover happened when both books came out the same week. I didn't know which to read first so I just stopped altogether.

Was nice how Superman/Batman continues from the series. The writer had Terry's voice down pretty well I thought. Looking forward to the Batman Beyond mini coming out...though a bit fearful as well.

[BreakABone]

I would concur with the other thoughts Danny posted on Invincible.

But as someone on Twitter pointed out, he doesn't live up to his name. :P

Red Robin improved once he confirmed Batman was alive, I thought the whole first arc was weak and out of character, but since then

[incredibledave]

@BreakABone: why did you keep reading it for 12 issues if you thought it was weak and out of character?

[BreakABone]

@BreakABone: why did you keep reading it for 12 issues if you thought it was weak and out of character?

It turned a page, around.. I want to say issue 6-7 whenever it was he discovered Batman, and it kind of turned just as I was gearing up to drop it actually. :lol:

[BreakABone]

http://dcu.blog.dccomics.com/files/2010/06/bm_700a-2-copy.jpg

This looks super-duper, anyone picking up the alternate covers for the comics this month?

[incredibledave]

Fuck yeah Batman #700!

Also, the second Chew trade comes out this week, if its anything like the first 5 issue itll be amazing

[Teuthida]

Secret Six 22. Man I love this book. Just the right amount of sick and twisted.

[Professor S]

Please no one ruin Invincible for me! I trade wait on the series and just finished Vol 12, which was the best single volume I've ever read in comics. Dear sweet Christ on a cracker with peanut butter and jam. THAT is how you make superheroes compelling... not by making them "invincible", but instead vulnerable. Their vulnerability is where heroism lies. That and headbutting dudes half to death after both of your arms and legs are shattered... Ryan Ottley is an amazing artist.

http://zurairifm.files.wordpress.com/2009/08/invincible_64page14.jpg

But after reading Vol. 12... If the next series is getting even more outlandish reactions, I can't friggin' wait!

[Teuthida]

Mighty good. But heh- don't go ruining it for other folks who might want to read too.

Instead of those pages, to show off Ottley's art let's have...

http://fc03.deviantart.net/fs34/f/2008/239/e/1/Body_shave_by_WyA.jpg

Mmm, nipple shaving goodness.

[BreakABone]

So let's see this week's collection

Justice League: Generation Lost is turning into a fun little tale especially when compared to its brother, Brightest Day.

Secret Six 22, was an enjoyable read, but feel like I've missed stuff but been reading them all.

Batman 700 was an interesting tale, not sure if what would have went with for a huge landmark like 700, but let's see how it works out.

Nemesis 2, I don't like Mark Millar, not sure why continue to read his stuff.

Booster Gold, I always enjoy reading it, though part of it felt like a recap so we know what he is doing in JL: GL

[Professor S]

I don't think my page spoiled anything. If anything, it is the world's most awesome teaser.

[incredibledave]

Alright guys, here comes some review (would have been earlier but Ive been busy with work and with drinking)

Daytripper #7: Fantastic work as always, and this still makes me sad every time I read it. No way are you going to guess exactly how this ends.

Unwritten #14: Everything is still pushing toward an enormous confrontation. Some crazy developments and I cant wait to see what happens when this all blows up in their faces.

SHIELD #2: The art is amazing, no doubt about that, my problem is with the story, or lack there of. Hickman isnt exactly generous about plot points in this, and tries to keep a lot of whats going on shrouded in mystery. This may be a title better suited to trade.

JL:GL #3: Im reading this because of a challenge I have with Earl. Its fairly standard superhero stuff but it is nice to see Jaime and Booster and their voices seem about right. Gave this to a none comic reading friend and he loved it even without having read earlier issues, so I guess there is that.

Batman #700: This is a bit of a tricky title to review. Straight off the bat (haha) I'll say that this wasnt as good as I hoped it was, but it was exactly bad. It had a plot that made me want to go back and read it a few more times to see if I understood the mystery. It also had delicious Frank Quietly art, so I cant really complain.
My biggest problem was the other artists involved. Although I liked Tony Daniel on RIP his work in that was much darker than this. Entirely too many colourful costumes to really make it work (check out the last page of his part which is mostly black and red, looks heaps better).
I'm not a Kubert fan so I didnt really take to his Damian section, so that could just be personal taste.
Scott Kolins finished off Quietly's story and its incredibly jarring how different their styles are.
Lastly, Finch had 4 spotlight pages on the various Batmen of the future, and his style was only really suited to the DKR page.
Also, the characterization of the Joker in the first part is just off, no otherway about it.
So all in all, its a very good Batman issue, just maybe not the masterpiece you'd expect an anniversary issue by Morrison to be.

PICK OF THE WEEK: Daytripper #7. As much as I loved the Quietly pages in Batman#700 the guys on Daytripper are consistently putting out quality issues that can be read on their own, pack emotional punch, have amazing art and are coming out on time. More like this please :D

STUFF FROM LAST WEEK
Nemesis: The Impostors #4: What has been a good mini series end of a cliffhanger with no big explanation for what was happening, bad form DC comics, very bad form.

Demo v2 #5: Nice emotional black and white indie comic that involves minor use of superpowers. Some clever ideas, excellent characterization. This is everything you'd expect it to be. And thats good :)

Bulletproof Coffin #1: The concept in this is probably more entertaining than the execution, but its a 6 issue mini series so this could still do some interesting stuff. Recommendation... find a summary of #1 and then get #2.

[incredibledave]

AN interesting post I found

http://fraggmented.blogspot.com/2006/08/punk-comics-manifesto.html

[incredibledave]

To celebrate the new relaunch of the Avenger's titles, Marvel seems to be giving each of those titles a "Blank Variant", that is a special promotional cover that retailers can order if they order enough of the ordinary cover which is entirely blank except for a few things like some type saying "I am an Avenger!" or something. These extra formats are very similar to those used in earlier promotional material (cept those had pictures of guys who were actually Avengers)
http://i.annihil.us/u/prod/marvel/i/content/12792storystory_full-6107542..jpg

Does this seem kinda hilarious to anyone else?
It kinda like the one of those perfect example to bring up if you want to bitch about what the current state of the comics industry has become.
"Variant covers are purely for obsessive collectors, noone is paying that much for the art, just look at the Marvel blank variant covers!"
"Silver Age comics knew how to sell you a story, now-a-days you only get a boring pin-up cos people have already decided if they're going to buy it, just look at those Marvel blank variant covers!"

I can be the only one who thinks this.

[BreakABone]

Ahh this does look bad for you, but I merged your other two comic book threads, partially because they won't get much replies, and don't need 4 comic book threads on the front page.

[incredibledave]

Already guys, I know your probably tired of my posts but someone has to fill this thread up with meandering comments :P

Check out this solicit for September
BATMAN AND ROBIN #16
Written by GRANT MORRISON
Art by CAMERON STEWART
Cover by FRANK QUITELY
1:25 variant cover by ETHAN VAN SCIVER
Don’t miss this fantastic finale as BATMAN AND ROBIN’s storyline connects with THE RETURN OF BRUCE WAYNE! The climactic showdown between Batman and the Black Glove is finally here. It’s payback time for The Dark Knight as Batman and Robin face the ultimate evil. Will Damian betray his father’s legacy? Will Bruce Wayne return just in time to see Dick Grayson die? Plus, The Joker and Professor Pyg!
This is only the beginning of a startling new status quo for the Batman...
Retailers please note: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.
On sale SEPTEMBER 15 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

Morrison writing and Cameron Stewart drawing Bruce, Dick, Damian, Joker, Prof. Pyg and Dr. Hurt!? Holy shit!! This is going to rock!

[BreakABone]

I really wish comic books didn't try to shake up the "status quo" so often since usually, its an event to shake up the status quo and then an event to restore the status quo.

Aye yi yi

[incredibledave]

I dont have a problem with writers trying to shake up the status quo in theory.

Hell, REBELS seems to change its status quo every 7 or so issues and Fear Agent seem to be one gigantic middle finger to the concept of a status quo at all.

Its just annoying when writers try to use it as a way to drum up interest like its something that matters. The reason people are interested in Return of Bruce Wayne is not because its going to change the daily goings on of the bat family, but because its probably going to a be a quirky, well written, well drawn mini series. At least I hope thats the case :/

[BreakABone]

Well that wasn't my point exactly.

We had Batman RIP which was set to change the Batman "Status quo"
Then Final Crisis did, then Battle for the Cowl, which saw Dick take over as Batman and Damien as Robin.
Now we have the Return of Bruce Wayne, which sooner or later will return us to where we were before Batman RIP

[incredibledave]

I get ya now, truth be told I would have preferred 2 - 3 years of Dick and Damian just doing their thing but instead we only got 6 months before it all became about Bruce again (trying to resurrect him in B&R#7)

Oh well

[BreakABone]

I didn't hate Brightest Day 4!

That has to be a victory!

[BreakABone]

http://dcu.blog.dccomics.com/2010/06/23/for-immediate-release-dc-comics-launches-digital-publishing/

Looks like DC finally steps into the modern age, offering digital comics on the iPad, iPhone, PSN, PSP and of course computers.

[Teuthida]

Wow that sucks. Up to the full price of a physical copy for a digital download? And I thought Marvel's was bad at $2 an issue. I had such high hopes for digital comics to expand the market to nonreaders. Both companies haven't gave any reasons why one should stop downloading comics for free. The only nonreaders I see buying these comics are rich lazy folk...but I guess that's most of the population who own ipads/iphones.

Oh nm. Just checked out comiXology.com $.99 comics from the smaller publishers. Screw DC and Marvel.

[BreakABone]

Wow that sucks. Up to the full price of a physical copy for a digital download? And I thought Marvel's was bad at $2 an issue. I had such high hopes for digital comics to expand the market to nonreaders. Both companies haven't gave any reasons why one should stop downloading comics for free. The only nonreaders I see buying these comics are rich lazy folk.

Actually, most of the comics knock a price off the retail issue.

And they do provide SOME free issues and previews.

But I guess agree with you, but to be fair, they still need to pay the artists and writers for the books so cna't go giving it all away.

[Teuthida]

Of course I agree with you paying the artists being one myself. But the high price of comics these days are due to nothing much than the greed of Marvel and DC. Artists aren't making any more money than they did when comics were cheaper. In fact they're making a lot less because so few issues are being sold. For the big two it isn't the printing cost, it's seeing just how much they can charge per issue.

Now for the smaller companies the less issues a company prints, the harder it is to make a profit without upping the price. Isn't it better for all if they could sell a lot more for less? Especially now that Diamond has put stricter restrictions on how many books a series needs to be printed at just makes things harder. The industry changes according to whatever the big two do though which screws the little guys.

Which is why I don't get the digital comics pricing. There is no money being lost on printing. It's just greed. Marvel and DC pay their artists by page rate so it they're not getting any more money from the high prices on the digital comics. Only the company is making more money...and with the recent shuffle of management...probably the top writers from each.

[incredibledave]

I just bought Justice League: Generation Lost #4 for $3.99AUD on the DC comics app which is even cheaper than I would have got it at my LCS even with my 10% discount.

This is awesome.

Also, even though DC arnt paying anyone for printing, they also have to have it converted to the digital format, and there is additional costs in the maintenance of the app. Not to mention the large chunk of change it must of cost to make the app.

EDIT: Plus digital comics have no ads

[Teuthida]

http://thechedda.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/Sea-Bear-and-Grizzly-Shark-.jpg

The greatest comic book ever comic booked.

[Teuthida]

The first issue of the Batman Beyond miniseries was pretty good. Captured the tone of the show much better than Superman/Batman I thought. Has an old villain pop up...well, old to Bruce, but not very old compared to most Bat villains.

The Death of Dracula was surprisingly good. It was all setup and heavily dialogue based, but it was a good introduction into the world of vampires in the Marvel universe. A lot of different and interesting sects: Krieger Sect (western type warriors), Claw Sect (middle eastern type warriors), Charniputra Sect (gargoyle like), Mystikos Sect (business), Anchorite Sect (outcasts), Pureblood Sect (born as vampires), Tryk Sect (parasites), Nosferatu Sect, Atlantean Sect (underwater), Moksha Sect (seers), Siren Sect (all female seductresses). Could imagine it being a cool MMORPG with the myriad of types. Intrigued enough to stick with it and see where this all goes.

[BreakABone]

Instead of doing it monthly, think shall just update this one.

http://cdn.ilovetypography.com/img/newfangled-july.jpg

Let's start off with Batman: Under the Red Hood which is due in stores on July 27th, here are some clips

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JH4T5RH1NQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LjoR3eHPugI

And a review of the Blu-Ray, http://www.wfdvdreport.com/index.php?action=fullnews&id=1395

As for me, comic haul is tiny this week, but read Batman and Robin 13, I didn't realize it had been so long since the last issue (about two months or so), but we finally learn more about the Joker reveal, and of course Morrison knows how to get you coming back for more.

[Teuthida]

That scene with Robin and Joker was great.

Also thought I'd give X-Men #1 a try. Haven't read X-Men since Morrison's run. Was ok. Directly follows The Death of Dracula and has the return of Jubilee. Mostly enjoyed it for the Paco Medina art.

[Professor S]

Marvel can go %&$# themselves for bending over for the ridiculous Vampire hysteria. I wonder how much mythos they'll destroy in the process of this populist nonsense.

[incredibledave]

@Professor S: How much mythos could they really destroy?

Vampires being around isnt going to stop Tony from being an alcholic, or make the FF forget about fighting Galactus.

But I do agree that it seems a little rediculous

[Teuthida]

Can liken it to the Skrull invasion. Instead this time it's vampires. And it's not completely out of left field. Marvel always had vampires. Does seem silly for X-Men to restart their numbering for this event though. Then again I have no idea what's been going on prior in all of the X books.

[incredibledave]

I read Return of Bruce Wayne #4 today.
It was a bad comic, but it was bad in a way that's different to most bad comics.

Most the characters in the book were Dark Haired White dudes wearing fairly generic clothing (neither bad nor good thing) and it all took place in a fair generic old west town. The script also required a lot of information to passed along subtly with poses and facial expressions.

Originally it was planned for Cameron Stewart, one of my favorite artists, to draw it. However, a few weeks after it was announced he would be on the book he said that he couldn't do it because of a scheduling conflict (hes working on an Assassin's Creed book set it Moscow, which should be pretty cool), so he had to be replaced with someone who was willing to finish the book with the little remaining time.

Enter Georges Jeanty, the Buffy artist (apparently). Ive seen a little of what he can do and hes not a bad artist, hes just not a Cameron Stewart level artist, and isnt able to to easily distinguish between the various characters, frame a fight sequence within the amount of pages given or give the required subtle facial expressions. At least not in the time he had to work on the book.

So what you have is a competently drawn book minus all the subtle storytelling techniques. As someone who trying to learn to draw Im going to be studying this book really hard to figure out the little tricks that are missing.

But at the end of the day its still a bad comic book.

Also, Justice League: Generation Lost was pretty cool. If you are reading this series don't stop now, and if your a big Captain Atom fan you should pick it up regardless