Bought/ Thought July 5th, 2007

[Upset Spideyfan]

You two need to take your lust for each other to the PM's.

 

[TheCorpulent1]

Don't censor us, you racist.

 

[Upset Spideyfan]

Oh that's it!

Its time to go out and lynch me some damn fools!

 

[Marcdachamp]

I read DMZ, but I pick up the monthlies. Seems like Vol. 3 should be out, though.

Well, I own the first two volumes, and they've collected up to issue 12 so far. What are the singles up to? My Borders didn't have a volume 3 so I kind of assumed there wasn't one yet.

 

[Darthphere]

Well, I own the first two volumes, and they've collected up to issue 12 so far. What are the singles up to? My Borders didn't have a volume 3 so I kind of assumed there wasn't one yet.

September 5th dude. I'm waiting on it too.

 

[Dread]

Good point. DC just tore apart Batman, Wonder Woman, and Superman's friendship before Infinite Crisis, and then by JLA #0 it was like nothing ever happened. Their relationship was exactly the same as it had always been. It made all of the strife and turmoil they went through with Wonder Woman being a murderer and Batman calling Superman an uninspirational ***** and Superman tacitly approving of Batman's mindwipe seem utterly inconsequential. I hope, at the very least, things between Cap, Thor, and Iron Man remain at least a little strained whenever all three of them are together again.

I never said I wanted the strife that has shattered the Avengers Big Three to just be negated and erased like DC has done. In fact that is one of the many problems that DC has right now, IMO. In their attempt to revive a status quo, literally, from over 21 years ago, they're steamrolling over people who became fans ever since, and when they change continuity every hour, no one knows what counts and what doesn't anymore, and interest is lost. That, and, well, lots of characters dying needlessly, lots of bungles, lots of characters acting OOC or having overly angsty things happen to them. 2 years ago, if you wanted to knock HOM, you threw what DC was doing in it's face, but ever since IC, few would ever make that claim against Marvel now.

I can think of an older example; Nightwing and Starfire. Really, what has effectively torpedoing any hope of romance between the two (once upon a time, they were the "Scott & Jean of the Teen Titans", only, y'know, Kori had more personality) done for either character? Nightwing's become an aimless man-****e and Starfire has spent over 15 years doing guest appearences or living from one Titans relaunch to another, sort of like Jarvis without IRON MAN or AVENGERS. All it does it create "tension" whenever they have to team up. Ask anyone who watches SMALLVILLE whether or not that gets old.

It going to a looooong time before Steve, Tony and Thor are all in the same room together.

I know, it is a shame in some ways. As for any hope, Thor probably likes Steve Rogers more than Tony Stark; Steve was a legendary enough warrior that even Thor knew who he was when they found him in a block of ice, and then there's the whole "worthiness" factor. On the other hand, Thor has learned that imposing his rule of law over the collective will of the public isn't the best option; now that the SHRA is law I wouldn't see Thor joining the New Warriors or the Secret Avengers to oppose it (although Bendis did promise some obligatory Ares vs. Thor rematch, so you never know. I dread it because Bendis' ability to treat power levels well is hit-or-miss). Of course, Iron Man has tried battling Thor before, and used his cells while he was dead to make his abomination clone. So I could see a "I would have words with thee" sort of statement coming.

They did it with Batman and Zatanna too, and there was so much room for awesomeness there, but no one even touched upon the tension until Dini did just now, and that was to make them all BFF!

I didn't mind it too much, and saw it coming. Dini pretty much worships Zatanna. And like others said, he's not the only DC writer smoothing over potential drama to make things cosy again. It may make JLA meetings tighter, but there has to be some middleground between "all heroes hate each other" (Marvel) or "all heroes love each other" (DC), right? Why can't anyone find a happy middle between extremes? In comics, in politics, in ANYTHING!?

 

[LouFerignoDemon]

Thor would definitely like Steve over Tony, but wouldn't get into something like the Secret Avengers or even the Mighty Avengers.

I see the whole fight between MA and Thor being because Thor won't register, then there'll probably be some understanding or agreement like they were offering Strange.

Thor won't side against humans after him basically taking control of Earth once upon a time, but he also definitely wouldn't want to be under government command.

 

[TheCorpulent1]

I never said I wanted the strife that has shattered the Avengers Big Three to just be negated and erased like DC has done. In fact that is one of the many problems that DC has right now, IMO. In their attempt to revive a status quo, literally, from over 21 years ago, they're steamrolling over people who became fans ever since, and when they change continuity every hour, no one knows what counts and what doesn't anymore, and interest is lost. That, and, well, lots of characters dying needlessly, lots of bungles, lots of characters acting OOC or having overly angsty things happen to them. 2 years ago, if you wanted to knock HOM, you threw what DC was doing in it's face, but ever since IC, few would ever make that claim against Marvel now.

I didn't say you wanted the strife that shattered the Avengers' big three to be negated like DC's, either. I was agreeing with you that tearing major characters' relationships apart never really adds anything to them by citing the case of DC's big three.

 

[Dread]

Thor would definitely like Steve over Tony, but wouldn't get into something like the Secret Avengers or even the Mighty Avengers.

I see the whole fight between MA and Thor being because Thor won't register, then there'll probably be some understanding or agreement like they were offering Strange.

Thor won't side against humans after him basically taking control of Earth once upon a time, but he also definitely wouldn't want to be under government command.

Glad you agree. IMO, the official heroes should start getting some PR issues when as soon as some hero comes back from space or death, they instantly dogpile them because their ID isn't in order. The war is over, the law needs to be ironed out, made simple and perhaps with some sort of leeway. Breaking the speed limit endangers drivers and pedestrians, but the cops won't destroy your car on the first offense or impound it indefinately.

I didn't say you wanted the strife that shattered the Avengers' big three to be negated like DC's, either. I was agreeing with you that tearing major characters' relationships apart never really adds anything to them by citing the case of DC's big three.

Alright. Two agreements in one day. Keen!

 

[LouFerignoDemon]

Most likely once Thor shows up, and probably does something like save a life or something, he'll be in violation of the SHRA, because:

1.) He's obviously not Clone Thor, and

2.) He's using his powers without a license.

They'll probably try talking to him, it becomes a small argument, Ares actually starts the fight, and Thor ends it.

 

[Dread]

Most likely once Thor shows up, and probably does something like save a life or something, he'll be in violation of the SHRA, because:

1.) He's obviously not Clone Thor, and

2.) He's using his powers without a license.

They'll probably try talking to him, it becomes a small argument, Ares actually starts the fight, and Thor ends it.

Unless it happens in Mighty Avengers, because Bendis once all but hinted that he wants to have Ares beat Thor in a fight. Then it's up in the air.

Like I said, the SHRA needs to have some sort of scale or "first offenses" clause, otherwise they are going to alienate way too many people. Considering they still have "underground" movements, that is the LAST thing that needs to happen. Tony's been throwing amnestys around like shots of Jager, but that doesn't change the fact that the SHRA needs to be explained simply and made less rigid.

 

[LouFerignoDemon]

Well, I'm saying they'll probably try to talk to him, and then Ares attacks.

Stark will most likely do what he does with most of the people that were closer to him, and just leave him time to think about it.

Yeah, I agree. It needs to have standards.

 

[fifthfiend]

Unless it happens in Mighty Avengers, because Bendis once all but hinted that he wants to have Ares beat Thor in a fight. Then it's up in the air.

Like I said, the SHRA needs to have some sort of scale or "first offenses" clause, otherwise they are going to alienate way too many people. Considering they still have "underground" movements, that is the LAST thing that needs to happen. Tony's been throwing amnestys around like shots of Jager, but that doesn't change the fact that the SHRA needs to be explained simply and made less rigid.

All but hinted?

 

[PhotoJones]

This week keeps getting bigger...

X-Men #194-200 - My nostalgia for X-Men comics is still going strong, so after buying (and enjoying) Carey's first arc, I picked up the rest of the series thus far. It's not bad stuff. The Humberto Ramos drawn issues are just awful, though. It's rare when an artist can actually make a good story seem like a bad one simply by being a bad artist. There's a difference between taking away from a story and actually making it almost unreadable, and Ramos likes to skip along that line. The thing about is art is this: it's ******ed. I'm not talking his style, either. His style is his style and it's made him pretty successful. I'm talking about simple things that anyone with a single brain cell would be able to master. For example, if you look at the cover to #194, Rogue and Mystique's hair is blowing to the right of the page. That means there's a wind coming from the left. Right? Not according to Ramos. Cable's hair is blowing to the left. For some, that might be a minor squabble, but to me it's jarring. This is a cover for cripe's sake. Thankfully, he does his 3 issue "Primary Infection" storyline and he's gone...only to reappear in #200. The weird thing is, is I actually used to be a fan of his. His Crimson work was very good, and still is today. It's just like he doesn't care anymore. I guess 10+ years in the same business would make me jaded and apathetic, too...I dunno.

The Bachalo drawn storyline is by far the stronger of the two. And let me say that his artwork is amazing. I've always been a fan of his, while admitting that some of his styles have have left me a little wanting. Not so, here. Recharged after a three issue break, he comes back full force and it's reminiscent of the style he was using in the inbetween phase from early Generation X to later Generation X/Uncanny X-Men. Basically, it's everything I want out of a Chris Bachalo comic book (stylized, detailed characters and backgrounds, excellent layouts and the freedom to experiment) without the cluttered, sometimes hard to follow aspects. I know there are a lot who might disagree, but that's just how I see it. And I think a lot of the credit has to go to Tim Townsend. That guy's an inking legend, especially with the X-Men books. He always compliments Bachalo's work very well and it's nice to see him have the time to complete a full issue over Chris' pencils.

I realize I haven't touched upon the story very much (at all). I guess I figured everyone who'd want to read it has done so by now. You all don't need me recapping events. I will say that I like what Carey's doing with Rogue. She's a badass, and I wouldn't want to cross her on a bad day. I think I mentioned in another review that I was enjoying Cannonball's growth as well. It's nice to see him finally having grown into his role as a full fledged X-Man. Iceman and Mystique's...fling...is a little odd, but I hope Carey gets into the aftermath of what Bobby's probably going through having literally slept with the enemy.

All in all, Carey's started a nice run on the book. It's not as great as I remember this title being at one time, but it's enjoyable and fairly smart.

 

[Darthphere]

This week keeps getting bigger...

X-Men #194-200 - My nostalgia for X-Men comics is still going strong, so after buying (and enjoying) Carey's first arc, I picked up the rest of the series thus far. It's not bad stuff. The Humberto Ramos drawn issues are just awful, though. It's rare when an artist can actually make a good story seem like a bad one simply by being a bad artist. There's a difference between taking away from a story and actually making it almost unreadable, and Ramos likes to skip along that line. The thing about is art is this: it's ******ed. I'm not talking his style, either. His style is his style and it's made him pretty successful. I'm talking about simple things that anyone with a single brain cell would be able to master. For example, if you look at the cover to #194, Rogue and Mystique's hair is blowing to the right of the page. That means there's a wind coming from the left. Right? Not according to Ramos. Cable's hair is blowing to the left. For some, that might be a minor squabble, but to me it's jarring. This is a cover for cripe's sake. Thankfully, he does his 3 issue "Primary Infection" storyline and he's gone...only to reappear in #200. The weird thing is, is I actually used to be a fan of his. His Crimson work was very good, and still is today. It's just like he doesn't care anymore. I guess 10+ years in the same business would make me jaded and apathetic, too...I dunno.

The Bachalo drawn storyline is by fare the stronger of the two. And let me say that his artwork is amazing. I've always been a fan of his, while admitting that some of his styles have have left me a little wanting. Not so, here. Recharged after a three issue break, he comes back full force and it's reminiscent of the style he was using in the inbetween phase from early Generation X to later Generation X/Uncanny X-Men. Basically, it's everything I want out of a Chris Bachalo comic book (stylized, detailed characters and backgrounds, excellent layouts and the freedom to experiment) without the cluttered, sometimes hard to follow aspects. I know there are a lot who might disagree, but that's just how I see it. And I think a lot of the credit has to go to Tim Townsend. That guy's an inking legend, especially with the X-Men books. He always compliments Bachalo's work very well and it's nice to see him have the time to complete a full issue over Chris' pencils.

I realize I haven't touched upon the story very much (at all). I guess I figured everyone who'd want to read it has done so by now. You all don't need me recapping events. I will say that I like what Carey's doing with Rogue. She's a badass, and I wouldn't want to cross her on a bad day. I think I mentioned in another review that I was enjoying Cannonball's growth as well. It's nice to see him finally having grown into his role as a full fledged X-Man. Iceman and Mystique's...fling...is a little odd, but I hope Carey gets into the aftermath of what Bobby's probably going through having literally slept with the enemy.

All in all, Carey's started a nice run on the book. It's not as great as I remember this title being at one time, but it's enjoyable and fairly smart.

What sold me on getting the trade eventually was Bachalo's Cannonball. The toothpick is just awesome. I'm shallow.

 

[PhotoJones]

What sold me on getting the trade eventually was Bachalo's Cannonball. The toothpick is just awesome. I'm shallow.

Sometimes it looks like a toothpick, and sometimes it looks like a match to me. If it is a match, that's sort of clever? Right?

 

[Darthphere]

Sometimes it looks like a toothpick, and sometimes it looks like a match to me. If it is a match, that's sort of clever? Right?

Clever and brilliant! Either way, badass. And Bachalo drew the best Gambit I've seen in years. Better then Jim Lee, dammit I said it!

 

[PhotoJones]

Clever and brilliant! Either way, badass. And Bachalo drew the best Gambit I've seen in years. Better then Jim Lee, dammit I said it!

That Gambit splash page in #200? Amazing. You'll be pleased to know I picked up X-Factor #1-5 as well. I wanted to give it a try before buying the whole run.

 

[Darthphere]

That Gambit splash page in #200? Amazing. You'll be pleased to know I picked up X-Factor #1-5 as well. I wanted to give it a try before buying the whole run.

Dude, it was sexy.

Spoiler

And on X-Factor.

 

[LouFerignoDemon]

That's awesome. I gotta pick it up now.

 

[PhotoJones]

Dude, it was sexy.

Spoiler

And on X-Factor.

Yeah, I'm through to #3 and it's good. It's actually really good. It's been awhile since I've read something Peter David's written and I'd forgotten how funny and intelligent he is. He and Dan Slott need to take over Marvel and claim it in the name of "Quality".

 

[Darthphere]

Yeah, I'm through to #3 and it's good. It's actually really good. It's been awhile since I've read something Peter David's written and I'd forgotten how funny and intelligent he is. He and Dan Slott need to take over Marvel and claim it in the name of "Quality".

#3? Oh snaps, you're going to start missing Sook soon.

 

[PhotoJones]

#3? Oh snaps, you're going to start missing Sook soon.

Yeah, I wondered what the deal with him was. I got to the second issue and noticed he only drew half of it. One issue must've been all he could handle. That's pretty sad.

 

[Darthphere]

Yeah, I wondered what the deal with him was. I got to the second issue and noticed he only drew half of it. One issue must've been all he could handle. That's pretty sad.

He self admits that he can't handle a monthly book. I mean, his art is good, even great, but I don't see the "OMG it takes me 3 months to do an issue" quality to it.

 

[PhotoJones]

He self admits that he can't handle a monthly book. I mean, his art is good, even great, but I don't see the "OMG it takes me 3 months to do an issue" quality to it.

Not being able to handle a monthly is fine. These days, it's the norm. But not being able to handle two issues with the lead time a debut series (well...debut volume, in this case) affords you is pathetic.