Bought/Thought October 28th, 2009 - SPOILERS

[kguillou]

If Punisher comes back from THAT kind of death, then it will be official, there is no such thing as death in the marvel universe. I mean most heroes have had ambiguous "deaths" which made it easy to bring them back or say they never died, but in Punisher's case, that dude is dead, dead and dead. What excuse can they use to bring him back?

 

[Franklin Richards]

Time Travel

 

[kguillou]

Or my favorite " It wasnt really me, it was a clone that i switched in at the last minute."

 

[Optikal]

The List: The Punisher - Wow. Just... wow. I'm a huge Frank Castle fan and even though I dread what is to come, this book was amazing. Frank goes out exactly the way I always imagined he would, in blood and violence and defiance. Had this been a long lasting curtain call for the character, I'd have been a very satisfied fan.

The Punisher 10 - Taking place just before The List, we see Frank and the Hood finally come to a head. I loved their interaction and Franks actions were just insane! I wanted him to put a bullet in Micro's head, but alas, we don't always get exactly what we want. Henry is an interesting character and his origins were a huge shock to me as a reader. He has great potential to be a critical player in Castles future.

Hulk 16 - Ugh. I hate this book more and more with each read. Red She-Hulk and Rulk discussing philosophy in the sewer?! WTF? Hopefully the upcoming War of Hulks will wipe these two suckers either off the face of existence or banish them to crappy character limbo.

War Machine 10 - Again, I'm a huge Rhodey fan and I've been seriously digging this new ongoing. But this issue absolutely blew. Osborn defeating War Machine so easily was pathetic. however, Rhodes plan to bring the government bad guys to justice was fantastic and really dealt one of the first serious blows to Osborns administration. I'm really interested in what happens with Jake and Endo in their armours though and whether or not Rhodey remains a cyborg killing machine. Now, onto the art. Normally I don't really comment on a books art because I have a pretty broad palette, but hot damn this issue was ugly. Silva should not be on this book at all. And on a book focused on high grade tech, thick blocks and shapes just looks like really bad high school fan art. Add on top the bright cheery primary colors, it just makes a dark and visceral book look really confused and messy.

Seriously look at the state of this:

Just look at that Iron Patriot! Bad... bad bad bad

Ultimate Avengers 3 - It was alright. Nowhere near as good as the previous two. I'm nto really digging any of the new characters either. However, the Red Wasp killing the would be assassins was awesome and made me chuckle. The new War Machine though? not so much. I do love Hawkeye though, even though he is just simply becoming his 616 counterpart.

I think right now I'm most interested in seeing the brothers Stark getting into a confrontation at some point. Overall though, I feel like the Ultimate lines have really lost a lot of steam and just don't seem as exciting or innovative as they used to.

 

[deathshead2]

Or maybe Death will just throw him back. She might like the fact she kills so many for her. Then Thanos wil get pissed and try to kill frank.

 

[Phaedrus45]

Well, there's plenty of blame to go around, unfortunately.

In this specific instance, it sounds like your comic shop messed up. I mean, you had it on your pull list, so that's a guaranteed sale they've lost out on by neglecting to grab you a copy. I can't explain why you did that. You said you're in Tacoma? Which shop do you go to? I'm a local boy -- I live in Gig Harbor.

As for why the hype died off -- that's a tough question to answer. But basically, we don't know. The book started off well and buzz seemed to subside. Part of that is undoubtedly due to our shaky schedule. Out of sight, out of mind. When we stopped shipping regularly, it gave people (like yourself) a chance to forget about us. And it's not like there's a dearth of super-hero books on the shelves.

But a bigger question is HOW to build buzz on an Image book -- especially an Image super-hero book. Think about it: Marvel and DC build buzz one of two ways: by bringing in a new creative team to start a "bold, new direction" OR by doing some sort of big inter-company event. I can't do the former because I'm not gonna replace myself on my own book, and I can't do the latter because I don't own all the Image characters, so doing a crossover is next to impossible. Of course, both of those things are also ADVANTAGES of Image Comics -- I like that I own and control my own book and can't be replaced or made to take part in a crossover I have no interest in. And both of those things can't be said for Marvel and DC, where creators don't have that freedom.

So ... the bottom line is that there are a number of factors that contribute to a book's lack of buzz, and there is no easy fix. But we do have some plans to help regain prominence when the book returns from hiatus in 2010.

In the meantime, I hope you'll check out the issues you missed, either in back issues or TPB form.

~ Jay

Cool! I didn't know you were lived so close. I actually live in Silverdale; so, the only close shop I have is in Bremerton. They are really good; but, every once in a great while, there is a screw up. (That's to be expected when you get as many comics as I do. I'm always spending $160.00-$250.00 a week. That also explains how I find out I'm missing something months after the fact.) Once a month, I drive into Tacoma to another shop (the one near the Tacoma Mall). If they don't have a copy of what I'm looking for, I then need to usually try online.

Anyway, since you're a local boy, I'll pick up the title again, and let my shop know next week to put it back on the list.

Since you are basically giving this book a relaunch, have you thought about renumbering from #1 again? Maybe be like some other comics, like Dead @ 17, but doing separate miniseries? Would that maybe give a bit of hype with each new one? Or, does that not seem to make much of a difference in sales?

 

[Phaedrus45]

Thanks, man. We're currently working on a way to do the book that will be the best of both worlds -- do what are essentially mini-series, but also keep retain the numbering and continuity.

What makes the mini-series appealing is that we've pretty much proven that we can't do the book on a monthly schedule, so continuing to solicit it as a monthly series just wouldn't be very honest. So we're looking at other avenues. But in the meantime, the book is still in production. The next issue is already halfway drawn and I've written scripts for the next two issues.

~ Jay

haha...and, there's my answer!

Even though die-hard fans love to have the numbers stay true (I hate all the different numberings in Marvel), but starting over at issue #1 can double your readership, I can't see how you don't go for it. My take on it for comic readers who aren't picking up the book is this: even if I see a book is going in a "bold, new direction," seeing the numbering being high could possibly make me think, "eh, I missed all those other issues, and don't really want to get into it." Plus, as a collector, you think "Ah, an issue #1! That might be worth something." But, an issue #(whatever you're up to now), a reader wouldn't have the same feeling.

 

[Phaedrus45]

Darn! I was hoping you'd be at the Portland Comic Book Show coming up next month. I hate to do that drive; but, the deals at these shows are too good to pass up many times. Plus, a one-day show for only 8 bucks sounds pretty reasonable.

Can't wait for Emerald City, again.

 

[chamber-music]

I wonder how they'll bring him back.
-Frank Castle is somehow brought back to normal
-clone
-turned black again
-New Punisher

He should come back asian this time t:

 

[squeekness]

Cool! I didn't know you were lived so close. I actually live in Silverdale; so, the only close shop I have is in Bremerton. They are really good; but, every once in a great while, there is a screw up. (That's to be expected when you get as many comics as I do. I'm always spending $160.00-$250.00 a week. That also explains how I find out I'm missing something months after the fact.) Once a month, I drive into Tacoma to another shop (the one near the Tacoma Mall). If they don't have a copy of what I'm looking for, I then need to usually try online.

Damn, that's a lot of money each week. How do you find time to read them all? I spend between 15-20 bucks a week and I don't always catch up. Besides that, what kind of storage do you have? I'm running out space for all my books myself.

 

[Phaedrus45]

Damn, that's a lot of money each week. How do you find time to read them all? I spend between 15-20 bucks a week and I don't always catch up. Besides that, what kind of storage do you have? I'm running out space for all my books myself.

Yeah, I need a special room just to hold that many comics. And, I always have comic build up. Everyone once in a while, I can catch up with a company...but, I always have a small box of comics around that I need to read. Many times, I let the minis build up, then will read them all at once, especially with DC.

What sucks is when I want to read a book. Then, the build up goes beyond a small box. (In fact, right now, I have about 2 small boxes of comics to read; because I keep the independant books in a pile beside the tv in my bedroom.) It really is a bad, bad addiction.

 

[Phaedrus45]

Thanks for the review, Dread. I always appreciate seeing our book get coverage, considering it's usually drowned out by people rushing to review Marvel and DC books.

And believe me, no one needs to remind me of GEMINI. The fact that its schedule has so badly messed up is the driving reason behind our efforts to restructure DYNAMO 5. I need to win back some credibility with retailers, so that when DYNAMO 5 returns from its hiatus later in 2010, they can order with confidence that it will ship when we say it will ship. So we're not even soliciting it until the next arc is pretty much in the can.

It'll mean going without your D5 fix for awhile, but at least this gap in shipping is INTENTIONAL, as opposed to being merely the result of our lack of schedule-fu.

~ Jay

OMG! I just lost a bit of my respect for you Jay. Did you really say one of ther major influences on your writing was "the writing on the TV series Magnum P.I.???" hehehe

 

[squeekness]

Yeah, I need a special room just to hold that many comics. And, I always have comic build up. Everyone once in a while, I can catch up with a company...but, I always have a small box of comics around that I need to read. Many times, I let the minis build up, then will read them all at once, especially with DC.

What sucks is when I want to read a book. Then, the build up goes beyond a small box. (In fact, right now, I have about 2 small boxes of comics to read; because I keep the independant books in a pile beside the tv in my bedroom.) It really is a bad, bad addiction.

My boss at work buys like you do. (Ain't it cool that my boss actually reads, eh? ) I do get frustrated with him at times because he buys so many he's never as caught up as I am. I'll pick up a book and want to blab to him about it but then he'll say he's a coupla months behind. By the time he's read it, I won't even remember what I wanted to say.

 

[JewishHobbit]

I wish I knew people who read comics

The closest I have is a friend, and a brother-in-law who are both massively behind on their buying and are most likely not going to continue due to how far behind they are.

If I'm not talking comics on the hype, I'm not talking

 

[squeekness]

I do most of my talking here -- my boss is too far behind and the coupla co-workers I have that do read, read mostly DC and independents, where I read almost exclusively Marvel (I read Darkness also, my only outside book).

 

[Phaedrus45]

The only other person I know who reads comics is my ex's boyfriend. We might talk about it once a month...but, it's a short conversation, as he's probably not that much into hanging around his gf's ex.

Other than that, it's The Hype or a few people in my LCS. This week's conversation was more about if Paranormal Activity lives up to the hype. I say NO, and came away disappointed, especially in the lame ending...but, another guy thought it was one of the best horror movies he's seen in ages.

 

[Phaedrus45]

I do most of my talking here -- my boss is too far behind and the coupla co-workers I have that do read, read mostly DC and independents, where I read almost exclusively Marvel (I read Darkness also, my only outside book).

I've only read Darkness when he's involved in a crossover...but, I could never get into the character that much.

Anyway, here are 3 comics I read at work today, trying to pass the time:

Blackest Night Titans #3: Remember how I said Wolverine's The List was lame to me, because the villian came out looking like a chump? Well, in the three tie-ins, the Black Ring villians all get defeated...and, we still have a good 4 or 5 months left in this event. How does it generate interest by having these villians getting defeated...or, having all three tie-ins basically be the same story with different characters???

At least with Titans, we get one somewhat significant event, which is the death of Hawk of Hawk & Dove. (Of course, it pales in comparison to the death of Frank Castle...Frank is an A-list character, while Hawk is C or D-list at best.) Yet, halfway through a major event, I should be seeing the good guys getting their butts handed to them, leaving me dying to see how they can get out of this mess.

Final Crisis Aftermath - Ink #6: By issue #2, I was completely bored with this title. None of the Aftermath titles were particularily great ... the only one I'd recommend being Run ... and, I found myself not caring one iota for the characters in this title. Sheesh, I don't even remember Ink being in Final Crisis, or what part he played. I'm glad all the Aftermath titles are done. Maybe Final Crisis can finally be called Final.

Muppet Peter Pan #2: Boom's best of the kid's line of comics. After reading the first issue of the Pixar comics, I dropped them all. (I even read my kid a couple of them, and she didn't laugh once. She's more of a fan of Beasts of Burden by Dark Horse...although, it's a bit too scary for a 7 year old..and, I have to change the language from time to time.) I have yet to read a bad Muppet comic, and this is so cute. Of course, my enjoyment comes from being a fan of the old Muppet Show and their earlier movies. (I LOVE Muppet Christmas Carol!) The writer really knows their muppets, and all the ridiculous humor and jokes are spot on in these books. This is very good stuff! (I'm not sure if someone who isn't a Muppet fan would enjoy it...I'd be interested in finding out.)

 

[Upset Spideyfan]

Dang, the Reed's didn't do too hot did they.

 

[IFryKids]

It looks like I need to get a hold The Punisher: The List now. Damn. I don't usually read much of the Punisher, but his stories always look much better to me when drawn by Romita Jr. And it looks like Daken's earned himself a permanent spot on his rogue gallery. Just....damn.

 

[Kitsune]

Or my favorite " It wasnt really me, it was a clone that i switched in at the last minute."

Life Model Decoy.... Mine grew a bad mustache and is calling himself Witsune...

 

[Kitsune]

Just look at that Iron Patriot! Bad... bad bad bad

I was noticing it looks like his armor looks like it's accommodating a schlong that goes all the way up to his chest star.

 

[Jay Faerber]

Cool! I didn't know you were lived so close. I actually live in Silverdale; so, the only close shop I have is in Bremerton. They are really good; but, every once in a great while, there is a screw up. (That's to be expected when you get as many comics as I do. I'm always spending $160.00-$250.00 a week. That also explains how I find out I'm missing something months after the fact.) Once a month, I drive into Tacoma to another shop (the one near the Tacoma Mall). If they don't have a copy of what I'm looking for, I then need to usually try online.

Anyway, since you're a local boy, I'll pick up the title again, and let my shop know next week to put it back on the list.

Since you are basically giving this book a relaunch, have you thought about renumbering from #1 again? Maybe be like some other comics, like Dead @ 17, but doing separate miniseries? Would that maybe give a bit of hype with each new one? Or, does that not seem to make much of a difference in sales?

Atomic Comics is the shop by Tacoma Mall, and it's a good store. It's the shop I got to most often these days, although I wouldn't exactly call myself a regular. I've never been to the shop in Bremerton, though. I didn't even know they had one.

~ Jay

 

[Jay Faerber]

haha...and, there's my answer!

Even though die-hard fans love to have the numbers stay true (I hate all the different numberings in Marvel), but starting over at issue #1 can double your readership, I can't see how you don't go for it. My take on it for comic readers who aren't picking up the book is this: even if I see a book is going in a "bold, new direction," seeing the numbering being high could possibly make me think, "eh, I missed all those other issues, and don't really want to get into it." Plus, as a collector, you think "Ah, an issue #1! That might be worth something." But, an issue #(whatever you're up to now), a reader wouldn't have the same feeling.

We will probably be going the mini-series route, but it's still up the air.

~ Jay

 

[Jay Faerber]

OMG! I just lost a bit of my respect for you Jay. Did you really say one of ther major influences on your writing was "the writing on the TV series Magnum P.I.???" hehehe

I don't think I ever said that exact quote, but I do love that show. Yes, it's dated, but the writing was often really, really good.

~ Jay

 

[Phaedrus45]

I don't think I ever said that exact quote, but I do love that show. Yes, it's dated, but the writing was often really, really good.

~ Jay

The quote is from Wikipedia. I was never a Magnum fan. My favorite show was always Soap. That show is still hilarious. Can't believe my mom let me stay up to watch it.