Bought/Thought September 14th

[runawayboulder]

People NEED to start reading Daredevil NOW.

 

[TheCorpulent1]

I'm really glad I ignored the failures of my repeated previous attempts to get into DD and went ahead and tried Waid's take. It's just damned fine comics.

 

[runawayboulder]

It's killing me to see it slide already in sales.

 

[TheCorpulent1]

Eh, Daredevil's one of those characters who'll always get another crack at a series if the current one doesn't catch on. As sad as I'll be to see Waid's take go, the hardcore DD fans'll still have something, at least. Something closer to Smith, Bendis, and Brubaker's super-depressing takes, in all likelihood.

 

[runawayboulder]

I think Waid can do dark just as good as he's doing light in this book. People are just accustomed to the dark side of DD now. So to newer fans, it looks like he's being written out of character. It's not as simple as that though. This is DD back to his roots and it's a welcome change. Visually the book is also the most stunning on the racks.

 

[Dread]

DAREDEVIL will never go away. Not only is he a long time franchise, but the franchise that Joe Quesada helped run which led to him being promoted many times over.

DD is also a franchise that has usually sold in the midlist. The fact that the debut was so high was likely retailers overestimating demand.

The real downer will be if SHADOWLAND was such a poison pill that a lot of DD's fans left and decided never to return. For small franchises, 5% of a pissed off audience can be dire. If 10% of some titles left, the title would be canceled. In fairness, DD has never been allowed to fall that low without a relaunch.

In July, DAREDEVIL #1 sold over 68,800 copies. For perspective, that was easily the best sales DD had seen since July 2008. In August, issue #2 was literally 10 copies shy of 41k. That's a very hefty drop of over 25%. December's issue #512 sold a tad above 40,300 copies. BUT, the caveat is DAREDEVIL REBORN, which saw sales as low as 26k. You'd think it'd have sold like the ongoing. It seems as if retailers ordered DD #1 as if they'd get new readers, when instead, it merely attracted most of those who'd been there in December, with maybe a few hundred more (for now).

Frankly, it's long past time that Marvel stopped selling #1 issues for $3.99. It discourages impulse buying and gets copies into fewer readers' hands. As lousy as comic sales have been the last couple years, the unspoken secret is that most fans have "regular customer" deals at their shops that help them save something on comic costs. Imagine how bad comic sales would be WITHOUT retailers taking it upon themselves to cut customers a deal that the big two won't. So DD #1 had 30 story pages? Still sell it at $2.99. Would all of Marvel collapse into fiscal insolvency and Disney will sell it for a penny because readers genuinely got "extra pages" they didn't pay a buck for? No. And any Marvel editor who says or even implies otherwise is a liar.

If anything, a #1 issue needs to be seen as a marketing expense. You WANT as many people to actually read the bloody thing as possible. Not stores order it - copies in actual hands. Make it easier.

 

[TheCorpulent1]

I think Waid can do dark just as good as he's doing light in this book. People are just accustomed to the dark side of DD now. So to newer fans, it looks like he's being written out of character. It's not as simple as that though. This is DD back to his roots and it's a welcome change. Visually the book is also the most stunning on the racks.

It could only be out of character to people who can't read. Waid gives a very clear, sensible reason for Matt's change in attitude in the first issue.

 

[runawayboulder]

People were already b****ing about it based on the previews.

 

[TheCorpulent1]

People, I've found, are often dumb.

 

[CrimsonMist]

Daredevil is so good. SOOOO GOOD! It'll pain me when they resume it's monthly schedule, because this whole "new issue every couple of weeks" thing has me incredibly excited.

 

[Phaedrus45]

I love how differing opinions of the New 52 have been. Keyser loved Green Lantern and disliked Red Lanterns; and, I was the complete opposite. I didn't care for Atrocitus at all before this issue, and now DC has given him some actual personality. In contrast to Sinestro looking at his Yellow Lanterns from that first issue, the writer of Red Lanterns went far more in depth.

BTW, Keyser, I think you should seriously give a look at last week's OMAC. I'd love to hear your opinion of that book. Like I said in last week's bought/thought thread, I thought it was the best of that week's New 52. I do agree that the highlight has been the Horror/Supernatural books. I hope they can get a good audience.

 

[runawayboulder]

People, I've found, are often dumb.

That's why I never changed my first sig - it constantly rings true.

 

[JewishHobbit]

I've dropped DD for the moment myself. I may come back to it when I get my costs down but for now I just don't dig the happier Daredevil. I think Waid's doing a good job with the book, I just find I don't care for Daredevil as much as a lighter hero.

But like I said, I've not gotten rid of my earlier issues. I might come back to it in a few months. I liked it from Bendis through Shadowland (Reborn not so much). I'll likely miss the character... though his joining New Avengers will help the DD shaped hole in my heart.

 

[runawayboulder]

JH, you're ears must have been ringing.......

I kid, I kid

 

[JewishHobbit]

It's been well established that my tastes differ from most hypsters. I typically enjoy what most people hate and get bored with what most people call gold. I'm unique.

 

[runawayboulder]

I think a Clockwork Orange style reprogramming is in order.

 

[Keyser Soze]

BTW, Keyser, I think you should seriously give a look at last week's OMAC. I'd love to hear your opinion of that book. Like I said in last week's bought/thought thread, I thought it was the best of that week's New 52. I do agree that the highlight has been the Horror/Supernatural books. I hope they can get a good audience.

OMAC is the book I didn't pick up that I've heard most good things about. It might be worth investigating at some point. A digital purchase, perhaps?

 

[Phaedrus45]

Finally finished the last four DC books, and got to some of my Marvel ones.

Superboy #1

Where some books seem to be just picking up where the story left off (i.e. Batwoman and the Green Lantern titles), this starts over from the beginning. Lobdell does a good job hooking me right into the character and story, seeing Superboy's birth in the lab and his captor's intentions for him later. It seems to be very much an X-23 type of story; and, their plans to have him inflitrate the Teen Titans peeks my interest.

I think it was a great idea to start over with this character, who's gotten pretty darn stale of late. Lemire wrote some decent issues; but, many times, that was in contrast to Grounded. If the idea is to give new readers a fresh start, where they don't feel bogged down in continuity, Lobdell got gets it right.

Suicide Squad #1

This issue wasn't bad; but, I kept thinking "T-bolts rip-off!" Heck, it's right down to the chips being implanted in their bodies.

That's the good/bad portion of some of these titles. While I am enjoying them well enough, I see that some are trying to be similiar to some Marvel titles. I found Action Comics Clark Kent resembling Peter Parker a bit, especially with the whole landlady portion of that book. With Suicide Squad, I kept seeing it. I started thinking, "Oh, I like the new Harley Quinn look;" but, then I realized, "Oh, she's just being made to look like Typhoid Mary mixed with some Domino, and her attitude is almost the same."

Still, many might not feel the same way. It's a good beginning, but it is also trying to be too flashy. (Like, with the new, improved Amanda Waller. I kind of liked how we had a character before, who'd appear occassionally in the DCU, who wasn't all thin and sexy. Now, she's just so damn generic.)

Batman And Robin #1

Decent start, and I like seeing the more serious Bruce Wayne/Batman returning to this book. What's bad is sometimes the dialogue came across as corny. It all picks up right where everything left off, it seems; but, readers don't need to know about that, which is nice. It's what I expect from Tomasi. Something that doesn't blow me away, but tells a decent story.

Batwoman #1

Ah, finally. The arrived of the long delayed Batwoman. It's worth the wait! I just love Williams' style. Things pick up right where he left off (a couple years ago?) New readers will be confused about some portions of this book; but, faithful readers will be greatly rewarded. I only had one complaint about this book, and that was the skin tone of Kate Kane. She now looks like Domino, minus the black eye.

Good stuff, intriguing first issue. It's almost got a Vertigo feel to it. Can't wait for the next issue.


Okay, so last week my favorite book of the New 52 was a surprising OMAC. This week, the title goes to ... Dang, looking through what I've read, no title jumps out as being far and above some of the others that got two s from me. I think I'll give it to Batwoman, just because Williams' style is just so unique. Those horror/supernatural titles, though, are really impressing me a lot. The worst of the week is easy: Green Lantern. The scenes with Hal Jordon were almost painful to read.

 

[Phaedrus45]

Fear Itself #6

And, this event continues to suck. With the exceptions of some tie-ins, this might be the worst Marvel event I've ever read. Say what you will about Bendis', but he usually set up a great event...which only might have tanked in the end. This has been bad from start to finish. This entire issue was just a lead up to the final battle, with lots of posturing and talk to let us know how serious everything is. It's overblown crap, really. The only thing good about this issue is knowing it will be over next month. (Oh, not really, though. We have to deal with some "aftermath," no doubt.)

I complained about Green Lantern; but, this book is no better.

New Avengers #16

I pray to God when Fear Itself is over, Bendis' drops all the Superhero narration from his Avenger's books. It's getting rather annoying, even more so than before. That said, I didn't mind this book so much. I liked the conclusion aspect to last issue's Squirrel Girl adventure (one of my favorite issues by Bendis this entire year); and, I wouldn't have a problem with DD being in Cage's New Avengers. He kind of fits in with that team pretty well. (It would be SWEET to see Matt and Squirrel Girl hooking up.)

PunisherMax #17

Aaron continues to amaze me at how GOOD this book is, and how his other titles never really compare to it. Rucka might be getting all the attention now; but, Aaron's PunisherMax is still the Punisher book to get. I love how each new story builds on the previous; and, the Max version of Elektra looks like a lot of fun. Like with all the issues before, I'm just dying to get the next one. This really is one of my favorite books that comes out every month; and, if I was on a limited budget, I'd put it above most every DC and Marvel book I get. t:

Daredevil #3

Another fun issue from Waid; but, it doesn't compare to PunisherMax. It's old school, though, which is a nice change of pace. In comparisons, it's so much better than when we had Diggle trying desperately to copy the styles of Bendis and Brubaker, and failing miserably. I think that's why everyone is enjoying the book so much ... just because it feels fresh and new; but, it's actually a throwback to comic writing from long ago.

That said, while I enjoyed it quite a bit, it's not close to being the best of the week. I still have found the first issue as the standout, and the next two have kind of paled in comparison.

Ultimate Spider-Man #1

Peter Parker is dead, and Miles Morales is the new Spider-Man. It's a decent first issue; but, part of me really hates this new direction. I don't see it doing a whole lot for sales. This is not like changing the alter ego of a lesser character, like Blue Beetle or Firestorm; this is killing off the most popular Marvel character around, Peter Parker. Sure, it's a "bold new direction;" but, it just might be a direction that nobody is really asking for.

Lots of coincidences in this first issue, that sets up the origin of the New Spider-Man. Sure enough, he gets bitten by a Norman Osborn radioactive spider; but, he does get some new powers that sets him apart from the original Spidey. (He can blend in with his environment, making himself seem invisible.) There are also a few mysteries. (Is his Uncle the Ultimate version of Deadpool? What's in the small, red box that his Uncle stole??) I'm interested enough; but, I think I'd still rather be reading about Peter and his Amazing Friends. What does Bendis think this is? The New 52??

Amazing Spider-Man #669

Sigh...

Okay, let me be honest and truthful for a second about how I went into this issue. I really ... REALLY ... wanted to like this book for one simple reason: Dan Slott obviously read my last review of his book, and I kind of trashed it. I felt bad; and, I've just loved my Slott books in the past. I don't write these reviews, wanting the writers and artists to see what I post .. but, just to say how I felt while reading them and see if others felt the same way or differently. (I kind of prefer differently, so I can see through another's eyes.) So, part of me hates to review this issue now.

I didn't like it. Where I felt a bit better about the last issue, this one was just so damn corny and silly. I don't get the feeling that even Dan is taking the storyline seriously. When he has a character say, "Cause the last thing anyone wants here ... is SPIDER-ISLAND: THE SEQUEL!," I feel he's echoing his reader's feelings. (That was a funny line. I did have to laugh.) The other thing I didn't like was how the last part of the book was given away with the cover. (One of my biggest comic pet peeves!) We build up to the Shocker at the end, with his numerous arms; but, it's ruined before we even open the book.

I do have one compliment for the issue, though. I loved seeing White Rabbit (is that her name? I can't quite remember, and I didn't see it mentioned in this issue) make an appearance. I would LOVE for Slott to do something with that character, ala what he's done with Squirrel Girl in the past.

Herc #7

Okay, now I'm glad this title is ending. This is the single worst issue of the series yet. This Spider-Island tie-in is the worst of the tie-ins, also. This issue was even more corny than the previously reviewed ASM! OH, it's bad. What I hate most about the Hercules books is when they just make him act is such a ridiculous way; and, Pak does it to the extreme here. Skip this one!

All-Winners Squad: Band Of Heroes #4

Thankfully, I can end my comic reviews for the day on a high note. This miniseries has been fantastic so far. While it's set in the present, most of the action takes place during WWII, as a lady tries to uncover the secret of Captain Flame and why his comic never saw the light of day. By issue's end, the secret becomes more apparent, as we find out Captain Flame was gay.

Jenkins writes an amazing story, and you come to care about these characters quite a bit. By the time you find out Captain Flames secret, your heart goes out to him, as you realize he's not only dealing with causing so much death, but also having to deal with people who would judge him harshly for his lifestyle. I can't wait for the next issue.

 

[Tron Bonne]

I'm going to have to disagree with you a lot on the Action Comics turning Superman more into Spider-Man, Phea. I think it's worth remembering that Grant Morrison is basing his interpretation of Superman's origin on the original Golden Age material, and in that Clark Kent was more a kind of an everyman reporter living paycheck to paycheck than the middle class yuppie-ish kind of character most of us has grown up with. If anything, I think it's pretty arguable that the Spider-Man crew probably even adapted that idea from Superman as opposed to vice versa. I think it only comes off that way because the way Parker is really does strike at a modernized version of the GA Clark Kent.

And I'm not sure what you mean with the SS being a Thunderbolts rip-off. I'm not reading either book, but I thought the concept of the Suicide Squad we have today (quasi-reformed villains taking on missions) pre-dated the Thunderbolts by at least a decade.

 

[Phaedrus45]

I'm going to have to disagree with you a lot on the Action Comics turning Superman more into Spider-Man, Phea. I think it's worth remembering that Grant Morrison is basing his interpretation of Superman's origin on the original Golden Age material, and in that Clark Kent was more a kind of an everyman reporter living paycheck to paycheck than the middle class yuppie-ish kind of character most of us has grown up with. If anything, I think it's pretty arguable that the Spider-Man crew probably even adapted that idea from Superman as opposed to vice versa. I think it only comes off that way because the way Parker is really does strike at a modernized version of the GA Clark Kent.

And I'm not sure what you mean with the SS being a Thunderbolts rip-off. I'm not reading either book, but I thought the concept of the Suicide Squad we have today (quasi-reformed villains taking on missions) pre-dated the Thunderbolts by at least a decade.

This is more like the current Thunderbolt's direction, making the villians work against their will by placing devices in their body, in case they decide to revolt.

As for Action Comics, for some reason the whole landlady scene just reminded me of old Peter Parker; then, when we had the subway scene, it just reminded me so much of the Spidey movie.

 

[hippie_hunter]

And I'm not sure what you mean with the SS being a Thunderbolts rip-off. I'm not reading either book, but I thought the concept of the Suicide Squad we have today (quasi-reformed villains taking on missions) pre-dated the Thunderbolts by at least a decade.

I consider the modern take of the Thunderbolts since Civil War to be a total rip-off of the Suicide Squad.

 

[TheCorpulent1]

Does it really matter? They're both rip-offs of The Dirty Dozen, which is in turn a rip-off of something else, I'm sure. It's the execution that really matters.

 

[JewishHobbit]

Fear Itself #6

I complained about Green Lantern; but, this book is no better.

Come on now... Green Lantern is nowhere NEAR Fear Itself's sucktitude!

New Avengers #16

I pray to God when Fear Itself is over, Bendis' drops all the Superhero narration from his Avenger's books. It's getting rather annoying, even more so than before.

He only started it during the first issues of the Avengers and New Avengers Fear Itself tie-ins. My guess is that it'll end once the tie-ins finish. I've honestly gotten used to them toward these last few issues. They've flowed well and told a good portion of the story. They were a mess in the first issue or two of Avengers because it tried to do the different time periods of interviews including older ones with Janet and such. Past that though they've been alright, though they are getting old.

I actually liked it in this issue because it had all the Avengers weighing in on what it means to be an Avenger (according to the internet) and then paralleled that to Daredevil. Look at the page of when they're criticizing each other "a menace" "a criminal" etc. and then look at the last page when they're talking about Daredevil. It's a pretty cool mirror. I liked it.

 

[Harlekin]

This is more like the current Thunderbolt's direction, making the villians work against their will by placing devices in their body, in case they decide to revolt.

Yeah... that goes back to the eighties for the Suicide Squad. They used to have wristbands that were bombs and in the latest Suicide Squad mini from a few years back, Waller also used some nanochip stuff to make brains go splooey. Also, operatives that revolted got their memories altered.

Ellis Thunderbolts definitely took its approach from that. Doesn't matter much though, since this Suicide Squad sucks. Sexy Amanda Waller? That is just a travesty.