Bought/Thought August 11th, 2010 - SPOILERS

[Themanofbat]

I thought my long posts and rants were the lifeblood of this thread.

More like the death knell. HIYO!

Nice... t: t: t:

 

[Dread]

More like the death knell. HIYO!

I keed, I keed.

I know.

 

[Phaedrus45]

Both Scott Pilgrim and Expendables are getting great reviews today. There is still a big part of me that wants to stay away from Pilgrim, and maybe that's more due to the main male lead. I'm tired of that same character that we've seen in Juno and Superbad being replayed over and over.

Titans #26

I thought I had dropped this title; but, obviously not yet, as it was in my box at the shop. Thing is, I had finally finished The Rise Of Arsenal, the exception mini by Krul, and it promised Arsenal's adventures would continue in the pages of this title. Sooo, I probably would have picked up this issue regardless.

I shouldn't have.

Sure, if Krul continued his story in this book, it would be much better; but, this is the same boring crap I've come to expect from any Titans book. Arsenal does make an appearance, officially joining the team on Jade's behalf; but, it's dull stuff. The Brightest Day tie-in featuring Osiris is much of the same. He's still pining away from his sister and Black Adam. The only question about this book is if I stick with it for that tie-in. I'm thinking I'm a fool if I do.

Daytripper #9

This book just continues to impress me. It might be the best mini/maxi I've ever read from Vertigo, and this issue finally starts to weave all the previous obituary stories of the main character together. Told in the form of a dream sequence, we see the various lives led and characters met along way. He's lost in the idea of being stuck in this dream world and not living his life. Those dreams call out to him, making him want to stay forever. In the end, he realizes that "what my dreams really show me is what my life can be once I open my eyes. My dreams tell me who I am."

I have no idea what the final issue will bring; but, I cannot wait for it to come. The last time a comic has impressed me this much was I Kill Giants. And, I think this even surpasses that great story. It's a comic that makes the reader feel something, especially the thin balance of that thread of life. Each day can bring something special...and, each day can bring our final breath.

A big old smiley face really doesn't convey the feelings this title gives me; but, it's my highest rating I ever give a comic.t:

Welcome To Tranquility: One Foot In The Grave #1 & 2

Gail Simone has been promising me for a couple years that another Tranquility title was soon to come. Finally! Best of all, she doesn't even bother with all the crap currently going on in the other Wildstorm books, something that finally made me drop all of them but Gen 13. Nope, this mini picks up right where the previous 12 issues left off. Judge Fury has just been released from prison after being found not guilty of the crimes which he committed, and the town is preparing a Welcome Home party for him. While being escorted to town by the same officer who arrested him, the police car is attacked by a mysterious person, revealed in issue two as the son of Judge and Pink Bunny. Even more mysterious is the sudden arrival at the party of Mr. Articulate, who was murdered in the previous series.

Not sure how reader-friendly this book would be for new readers; but, it felt like getting back into an old pair of pants for me. The characters are nicely re-introduced, and Simone does a great job of mixing some great action with some great drama. (Plus, she throws in some nice humor, too.) Of everything I've read from Gail, I think this is my favorite. I wish she could drop one of her other titles and just do Tranquility stories for the rest of her time at DC. t:

 

[TheCorpulent1]

Our very own Tron Bonne saw Scott Pilgrim already and claimed that Cera manages to embody Scott well in a few key scenes. I was also pretty sad that Cera was cast and would basically be playing himself again instead of someone else who might actually bring the charm and manic energy of Scott to life, but supposedly Cera does better than we expected.

And Welcome to Tranquility's new mini has been like slipping back into a well-worn pair of shoes for me. I loved that Simone opened this week's issue with another faux bit of history from the Tranquility characters' pasts. Those were some of my favorite parts of the earlier series and this one totally lived up to its predecessors.

 

[Tron Bonne]

Yeah, I admit he does kind of bring in that socially awkward persona into the role some, but there are plenty of times when he falls away from that, especially near the end. I thought he did a good job.

 

[JewishHobbit]

Man, FINALLY got my comics this week... plus some, and I have to say... pretty good week. There weren't any that overly annoyed me.

Green Lantern: Emerald Warriors 1 - This issue was okay for me. I like Guy and Ganthet and though he doesn't show up, I really like Kilowog and am curious to see his role once he shows up. My complaint on the issue is that it just kinda retreds stuff from the past few months of Green Lantern without actually moving the story forward much at all. I don't really mind that save for the fact that it's a $4 comic. If it's $4, it needs to deliver, and in that regard I feel it failed. I am curious about another Red Lantern becoming a focus point besides Atrocitus and Dex-Starr, and I felt that Bleez had a very interesting story in the Tales of the Corps mini. So if the main stars of the title for the next few months are Guy, Ganthet, Kilowog, and Bleez... well that I can live with. The art is fantastic as well.

Daredevil 509 - I really enjoyed this issue. The best thing about it for me was Typhoid Mary being brought in and the great use of her continuity through the Initiative. So often these a writer can't bare to pick up where another writer leaves off (Insert Brubaker here) so it's refreshing to see something do it here. I don't think I've ever read anything by Johnston but if this is something to expect from him then I'm excited to see what else he comes up with. I liked seeing Iron Fist and Cage in this issue and it becomes obvious that this issue is taking place between the scenes of Shadowland 2, which is fine. I'm eager to see what happens with Elektra, as I'm assuming her story might pick up in Shadowland.

Thanos Imerative 3 - Something I'm very surprised to say... I'm enjoy Shadowland loads more than this event. I LOVE Cosmic stuff, but this event just isn't really doing it for me. I liked Sepulveda on Thunderbolts, but hate him on this. The threat does nothing for me (and hasn't since the Realm of Kings oneshot) and the only foil that DID interest me was Magus, who was killed off in the oneshot leading into the event. I hate the way Drax looks now. Little things make the event feel choppy, like Beta Ray Bill's sudden appearance in this issue and Major Victory's capture last issue... things happening off panel with little explanation. Also, Drax has wanted to take out Thanos since issue 1, and as soon as Thanos and Starlord were done discussing things with Vision, Thanos is like "Okay, Drax... now's a good time to do this" and pow... they fight. That was just so random for me and took me out of the story entirely. I hate to say it but I'm kinda just waiting for this event to finish to see what happens next.

But with all that said, this isn't a particularly bad issue... the event overall is just kind of a let down... the worst of the Cosmic Events since the resurge in Cosmic Marvel. I did like the Robot Resistence and that Nova received the Cosmic Awareness, giving him an edge. I like how it referenced Nova's growth as a character and how some of the Cosmic big guns are going to be getting some limelight now due to Nova's chosen team (despite I'd rather see more with the smaller characters, like Groot, Jack Flag, and the Nova Corps members). It was a decent issue as far as this event goes, but I'm ready for it to be finished.

Incredible Hulk 611 - You know, I love Skaar and I've loved his book through his run in this title, but I always made the decision that when he and WWH finally have their showdown, it won't live up to the hype. I read this issue and I can't help but to think that it was too much build up for just one issue of payoff, especially with how well Hulk faired in WWH... and yet in only one issue and with all the buildup, I am completely fulfilled with this. I could honestly stop here, having finished this issue, and feel that the Skaar storyline had an adaquate and well thought out conclusion.

Now that said, I don't plan on stopping here, as I love the way it ended and I am eager to see the title continue now without the whole Red Hulk/Loeb influence that it's been under for the last 6 issues or so. This really was just a great issue and I couldn't help but to feel a bit choked up when little Skaar lunged to hug Bruce Banner. And great art by Pelletier.

Now one of these days I'm actually going to have to go back and read Planet Hulk.

Project Superpowers Chapter Two: #11 - Good issue with a LOT going on. The Zeus storyline is resolved and the Claw storyline is kicking to a head, as well as the Death-Defying Devil story that ties-in with that. As of last issue I felt there was a lot to be resolved but now I think they can do it by storyline's end next issue. This title had a lull midway through but the past few issues have gotten my attention and I can't wait for the conclusion and to see what comes next. I've read in interviews that there is a Chapter 3 planned, though it all depends on if sales justify it, and I've also read about a planned mini for The Ghost, which would be neat since he's one of the most appealing looks the series offers. Good issue, eager to see what comes next.

Titans: Villains for Fire Special, Titans 24-46 - You know how I"m trying to find titles to drop to help out my spending? I kinda suck at it... a lot. Anyhow, Deathstroke is my favorite DC villain and I also like Cheshire and Tatoo Man, and I liked Osiris in 52... so this title really does appeal to me. I'm trying to cut titles, not add them, and I've heard nothing but bad reviews for Titan titles, so I just kept bypassing this book. This week though, I skimmed the newest issue and I was intrigued still, then I skimmed a few previous issues. Then I did some excuse making, saying that after next week I'll be done with Hulk, and Project Superpowers will be done next month, and that in about 7 months or so both Echo and Secret Warriors will be done, and I'm likely to drop Batgirl, Thunderbolts, and Avengers Academy soon (maybe not Academy... I don't know), and I'm even considering dropping Batman and Batman & robin. So I'm making room! What's one more title?

Anyhow, so I bought all of these, since I hate starting anywhere in a book but the beginning, and I'm glad I did. I actually really enjoyed every issue and don't know what people are talking about. The characters are interesting, the story keeps me involved, and the personal struggles that everyone has makes it human. Starting with the oneshot where the new Atom dies, it felt harsh, but I liked it. It did bug me at first that Tatoo Man would be a villain again after such a good semi-heroic showing in Final Crisis, but I didn't read Ink and I guess that led to his downfall again. I liked Cheshire in Villains United and wished there'd be some mention that Deathstroke shot her in that, but there's enough bad blood between them here to justify me.

The story with Atom was harsh and hard to read due to how well the writer makes you feel for him as he is being beaten to death, but still good and it really gives you an idea of what this Titans team can do. The next arc with Lex Luther and Facade was good and I enjoyed the new feeling of this team. I know it'll eventually self destruct or something, but it actually feels like the makings of a new team learning how to work together. The most recent issue caught my eye due to the cover with Liam's gravestone, and skimming showed Arsenal, so I was eager for this one. I don't like how he looks now and the way he's carrying himself. I first grew to know him in Winnick's Outsiders, so that's how I prefer him. He was cool as Red Arrow, but now he's relapsed into drugs it seems, and he looks kinda silly. I think if he shaved his head or something it'd help, but he just looks a mess. However, I'd imagine losing a daughter would do that, so I can get used to it. Him joining the team feels temporary but I'm eager to see what happens with it. And I liked that it was Chesire and Tatoo Man who uncover that the missing kid was taken by someone who makes drugs out of children. Since both of them recently lost children it was fitting. I kinda hope to see one of them be the one to take out the main guy and not Arsenal.

For now I'm loving this title and I'm eager to continue it.

Best and Worst of the Week

Best - Incredible Hulk 611: I never expected a satisfying conclusion to the Skaar story and especially not completely wrapped up in one issue, but this issue delivered. The story made you feel for both of them, root for both of them, and in the end, cheer for both of them. The art was fantastic and the writing was tight. I'll go as far as to say that this is likely, to me, the best issue of the year thus far.

Worst - Thanos Imperative 3: God it hurts putting this here. It's not that I didn't like the issue, it wasn't bad, but I'm just not feeling it. And the art really distracts me. I was excited for the teasers showing Nova's team, but with no build up to Bill showing up, it took me out of the story his being there suddenly in the splash. I mean, he could have been in two pannels right before that just landing and offering his aid. And the random Drax/Thanos fight also took me out of the issue again. I just didn't much care for it.

 

[Phaedrus45]

X-Men Forever #5

Just when you think Claremont is going to end the Morlock storyline...he brings back Calisto at the very end. Man, I sure love this title. Yeah, at times it might not be great, but for the most part, Claremont keeps things moving at a fast pace...and, he seems to be having a whole lot of fun writing these alternate adventures. My only complaint this issue is that the Sabretooth from the Mutant Massacre is now being written off as a clone made by Apocalypse. For me, that makes this version of Sabretooth a bit weaker.

I think the beauty of this book is the many storylines that are continually running throughout it. Classic characters are constantly being reintroduced, and those who are not happy with the way the X-Men have been treated since that first movie came out many years ago will find that an old friend has come home again. Best of all, anything can happen. I love that Wolverine is dead, that Rogue and Kurt have switched powers, and that Storm is back to being an 11 year old girl. Just fun stuff.

Sky Doll: Lacrima Christi Collection #1

This is a beautiful book to look at; but, the three stories this time kind of failed to deliver for me. They were a bit out-there, and didn't focus on the Sky Dolls as much as the other characters in the Sky Doll world. Also, it's still way overpriced, especially as these issues are half the size as a normal Soliel issue, but still at that same $5.99 price tag.

X-Force: Sex and Violence #2

I'm liking this X-Force mini more than most every issue of the previously revamped X-Force regular series. Dell'otto's art is better than Crain's; and, this relationship between Logan and Domino makes this story even more interesting. My mixed feelings toward it, though, lie in the fact that the relationship won't be pursued further down the road, as a new X-Force team is being made up...and, I don't think Domino is on it. It's cool seeing some classic characters return for this mini, and the last page with The Hand looked awesome.

X-Men #2

While I enjoyed the big Hope crossover that just ended, "Curse Of The Mutants" continues to impress me even more. The story seems well thought out. Blade is used very effectively for once, and even Jubilee finally comes across as an interesting character again. We learn this issue that vampires are rampant throughout the world, as the X-Men adjusts Cerebro to scan for vampires instead of mutants...and, their plan hinges on reuniting Dracula's head with his body. (It's the old "enemy of my enemy" scenario.) I can't wait for what comes next.

Dark Wolverine #89

Wolverine joins into the fray...and, I'm still a bit bored with it all. Frank takes some major damage, and with all of his focus on Logan, Daken escapes. Not to worry, because FrankenCastle finds him in the end...or, more to the point, Daken finds him. Things don't look too good for Frank!

It's an all-action issue, just like the previous two. And, Wolverine showing up kind of made things a bit more cheesy to me. Dark Wolverine used to be a fun title to read during the Dark Reign era. Now, it's quickly going downhill.

Adventure Comics #517

I'm appreciating this comic more and more with each issue. Where reading the early adventures of the Legion Of Superheroes seemed like a waste of this comic, I'm liking it more and more with each one-off issue. It's nice not to be involved in a four or five issue storyline, and for those interested in the Legion, but not wanting to get involved in their complex history, it's a perfect jumping on point.

This issue focuses on the three that were founding members of the Legion. Saturn Girl desperately wants to hold her own with the much stronger boys, Cosmic Boy and Lightning Lad. And, while this issue focuses mainly on that aspect, it's the dynamic between the three that become the cental issue...especially when she sleeps with one of them. Levitz's Legion was not only about the adventures, but about the personal dynamic of the members. It's what defines a great Legion story. I love that DC brought him back to them.

Birds Of Prey #4

I'm glad Simone is off Wonder Woman and back with the Birds. (Although, I'll say that Simone's WW is much better than what I've seen from Straczynski.) I've been enjoying this title...but, that might be more about Benes' awesome art. He draws female characters very well!!! Still, the book isn't so fabulous as to keep me coming back. As before, I would constantly find myself reading and dropping the Birds books, usually because they we or weren't involved in some event. I keep looking for that "wow factor" that would make me stay, and it just wasn't there.

This issue ends the first storyline; but, in truth, it leads right into the next. There is an extended fight scene between Black Canary and White Canary, while in another part of town, Oracle desperately tries to save Creole's life.

 

[Phaedrus45]

Green Lantern: Emerald Warriors #1

Pretty much what JH said is how I feel about this comic. It was good, just like Birds Of Prey; but, it didn't have the "wow factor." Part of that comes from my thoughts of "not another Green Lantern title to buy." I'm tired of the various Avengers, Green Lantern, and JLA or JSA titles that keep popping up. And, yeah, $3.99 is far too much to pay for so little. Used to be DC would at least give you a backup story; but, they've kind of ditched that idea now.

Superman #702

Superman continues his walk in yet another feel-good story. We get a bit of action; but, it's over rather quickly and isn't really even a threat to Superman. The story is basically Supe's telling some illegal aliens (and, I mean real aliens) that if they are going to live in the USA, they need to contribute to its well-being.

Batgirl #13

I keep wanting this title to get better and for Stephanie's life to be more central to the storylines. It's all the usual generic DC crap right now. This story features Clayface. Meh.

 

[Tron Bonne]

Green Lantern: Emerald Warriors #1

Pretty much what JH said is how I feel about this comic. It was good, just like Birds Of Prey; but, it didn't have the "wow factor." Part of that comes from my thoughts of "not another Green Lantern title to buy." I'm tired of the various Avengers, Green Lantern, and JLA or JSA titles that keep popping up. And, yeah, $3.99 is far too much to pay for so little. Used to be DC would at least give you a backup story; but, they've kind of ditched that idea now.

No, they're still doing that, all of their ongoings outside this that's $3.99 has a back-up as far as I know

 

[Phaedrus45]

Yeah, there are a few that still have it, like Adventure comics. But, some of the others have dropped, I think. Seems there were a lot more than there are now.

 

[WOLVERINE25TH]

Adventure Comics, Action Comics, JSA All-Stars, Batman: Streets of Gotham all have back-ups as far as I can recall. Down from what there used to be for sure, but still there. Fortunately, all the formerly double-sized books dropped in price along with their strips.

There really is no justification fer a $3.99 22-page book. If it's gonna be that much of a hardship to publish, cut back yer titles.

 

[TimBisley]

Action Comics didn't have a back-up this past issue (which was great by the way).

 

[Tron Bonne]

Yeah, it did drop it kind of randomly last issue, but it'll be back next issue with a Superboy back-up, then a Jimmy Olsen one

 

[Dread]

Marvel appears to be trying to push $3.99 as the default comic book price, or at least the price of at least 50% of their output, if not a slight majority. Given that Marvel's sales haven't all fallen into the abyss despite about 7-10 months of this, DC is hopping aboard, Image is starting to dip their toe into it, and that's how prices rise line wide. Marvel always seems to forge ahead in rising the prices of comics line wide, since the Silver Age. The difference is that in this case, that would mean a 99% increase in cover price since ten years ago, when many comics were still $1.99. The question is still whether this is due to comic sales being so dire, or the salaries of the talent being so generous, that it's a mandatory price increase, or if the Big Two are doing it because they feel they can.

If it is costs, then neither Marvel or DC, but especially not Marvel, have taken any action to decrease the amount of comics they publish per month since the economic downturn. Marvel, on average, seems to put out 85-95, almost 100, different comics a month. DC usually puts out about 75-85 different comics a month. Both are the big two not just due to franchises and profits, but the sheer amount of comics they publish combined overwhelm any competition.

 

[TheCorpulent1]

Yeah, it did drop it kind of randomly last issue, but it'll be back next issue with a Superboy back-up, then a Jimmy Olsen one

Really? For some reason, I thought the Superboy backup was in Adventure Comics. That's awesome for me, then. I was sad that I was going to miss the backup, since I didn't plan on picking up Adventure Comics just for that.

 

[Phaedrus45]

Thing is, for a good title, I won't complain about the high price. Action Comics is a good example, as it's focus on Lex Luthor is so much better than the few issues I've read of Straczynski's Superman. (Not sure if I'm spelling his name correctly...I've decided to be lazy and not keep looking it up. Hopefully the rule of "C before Z" is correct.) The new Green Lantern, though, does not justify the higher price, especially as I feel this is more of a Green Lantern Corps type of tale, anyway.

 

[Phaedrus45]

Looking at Detective Comics, they've dropped their backup feature and kept the $3.99 price tag. But, we're still getting the same amount of pages. Three issues ago was a 20 page Batman story with a ten page backup featuring The Question. Past two issues, though, have given us a 30 page Batman story.

Of course, that tells me we were getting a shorter main story than we probably got before...and, they filled it in with something we probably had no demand to read in the first place. It made it appear DC was giving us more for a dollar extra, when in truth we were getting a bit less.

 

[Tron Bonne]

Looking at Detective Comics, they've dropped their backup feature and kept the $3.99 price tag. But, we're still getting the same amount of pages. Three issues ago was a 20 page Batman story with a ten page backup featuring The Question. Past two issues, though, have given us a 30 page Batman story.

Of course, that tells me we were getting a shorter main story than we probably got before...and, they filled it in with something we probably had no demand to read in the first place. It made it appear DC was giving us more for a dollar extra, when in truth we were getting a bit less.

I didn't know they dropped the co-feature in Detective, but a Commissioner Gordan one will be on the title when Scott Snyder takes over writing duties. Though, yes, 30 pages is extra since the standard is 22 pages, I believe. Either way, it's not a whole lot for that extra for the dollar, but it's something.

Really? For some reason, I thought the Superboy backup was in Adventure Comics. That's awesome for me, then. I was sad that I was going to miss the backup, since I didn't plan on picking up Adventure Comics just for that.

Yeah, Superboy is in Action and The Atom in Adventure, both written by Lemire. We only get one of Superboy, though.

 

[IBRAH08]

Marvel appears to be trying to push $3.99 as the default comic book price, or at least the price of at least 50% of their output, if not a slight majority. Given that Marvel's sales haven't all fallen into the abyss despite about 7-10 months of this, DC is hopping aboard, Image is starting to dip their toe into it, and that's how prices rise line wide. Marvel always seems to forge ahead in rising the prices of comics line wide, since the Silver Age. The difference is that in this case, that would mean a 99% increase in cover price since ten years ago, when many comics were still $1.99. The question is still whether this is due to comic sales being so dire, or the salaries of the talent being so generous, that it's a mandatory price increase, or if the Big Two are doing it because they feel they can.

If it is costs, then neither Marvel or DC, but especially not Marvel, have taken any action to decrease the amount of comics they publish per month since the economic downturn. Marvel, on average, seems to put out 85-95, almost 100, different comics a month. DC usually puts out about 75-85 different comics a month. Both are the big two not just due to franchises and profits, but the sheer amount of comics they publish combined overwhelm any competition.

It's dumb though because I am actually dropping most of my Marvel books because they don't live up to the extra dollar. so they are getting less money (from me at least)

 

[Drz]

Yeah i see alot of people talking about dropping Marvel books because of the 3.99 price. hopefully Marvel sales do decrease so they can realize they *need* to stop the high price.

 

[TheCorpulent1]

Yeah, Superboy is in Action and The Atom in Adventure, both written by Lemire. We only get one of Superboy, though.

Well, he's getting his own series afterward anyway. I hope Lemire has a good handle on him. I like what I've read from Lemire so far, but it's always a tricky proposition when beloved characters get a bit of momentum behind them but are attached to new creators. Let's hope it's more like Captain Britain's resurgence under Cornell than Batgirl's... time... under Beechen.

 

[Dread]

It's dumb though because I am actually dropping most of my Marvel books because they don't live up to the extra dollar. so they are getting less money (from me at least)

Yeah i see alot of people talking about dropping Marvel books because of the 3.99 price. hopefully Marvel sales do decrease so they can realize they *need* to stop the high price.

The problem is that, so far, while basic economics will teach that sales will always see some drop with a price increase, Marvel has not been dissuaded. The truth is that this price increase has eliminated the midcard titles; the titles that don't sell gangbusters but still sell modestly well, well enough to live within the Top 55-70 for years. The reality is the price increase has not majorly effected the big titles, such as Bendis Avengers titles. Retailers order as many of those as before, if not more. But this means ordering less of smaller books, as well as being more conservative about ordering for crossovers. That is why SECOND COMING saw so many reprints.

 

[Tron Bonne]

Well, he's getting his own series afterward anyway. I hope Lemire has a good handle on him. I like what I've read from Lemire so far, but it's always a tricky proposition when beloved characters get a bit of momentum behind them but are attached to new creators. Let's hope it's more like Captain Britain's resurgence under Cornell than Batgirl's... time... under Beechen.

Yeah, the back-up in Action is suppose to be the lead-in to the series...whenever said series starts. It's still not been solicited way up until October, maybe even November (not sure on that, but it wasn't in the Superman solicit previews).

But, yeah, Lemire is a pretty good writer from what little I've read, but indie work and the such doesn't always translate to good superhero work. I'm anticipating the series, but my expectations has a tint of tepidness.

 

[Saved]

Marvel's a hypocrite, though, cause when you subscribe directly from them on a title, you buy the comics at about 1.50-1.75 an issue. So, essentially, Marvel's just provocating the demise of the comic book store.

 

[Phaedrus45]

Marvel's a hypocrite, though, cause when you subscribe directly from them on a title, you buy the comics at about 1.50-1.75 an issue. So, essentially, Marvel's just provocating the demise of the comic book store.

But, most comics you get from Marvel aren't available through subscription. I even called Marvel directly, telling them I'd like to buy every comic they put out each month, but wanted some type of subscription deal. They told me to check out milehigh.com and the like. Plus, I can't get all my variants through subscription...and, I can't make sure I get the best possible copy available, like at my shop.