DC to "Rebirth" in June - Part 1

[Motown Marvel]

I dont know if you can expect more than this, people dont like to deal with such things in real life...in comics they like it even less i think.
There are people who find it unamerican that Batman is against guns.
Someone had the crazy idea that the current aquaman is a political message against Trump.

The overall arc in the superman comics currently is Clark teaching his son all kinds of things, so i agree that showing the dark past of america and the dark sides of being a hero and all that...would work extremely well to shape this into something deeper.
But i wouldnt hold my breath for it, i think they want this all to have a lighter note to it.

But if the writer doesn't want to talk about this then they shouldn't be writing a story where that conversation is necessary. And besides, we are talking about Superman. When does Superman shy away from doing the right thing because it's hard?

Thanks for the well thought out and provocative post. Honestly I've enjoyed these two issues and thought they were a good transition from the weighty Manchester Black storyline. As someone who leans left, I'm a bit ashamed that I didn't necessarily have the same observation you did. But I think that the approach is appropriate and fitting given the character who is depicted. Superman is teaching his son and he does so by emphasizing things like sacrifice and courage. I don't know that he is ignoring the evils of society as much as he is emphasizing an ideal.

I, like you, have loved this run of Superman. I find Superman and Aquaman to be the two best Rebirth titles. As someone who is raising sons that are around Jon Kent's age, I appreciate getting to see Clark dealing with the same issues of trying to shepherd a tweener.

While I get they were trying to emphasize American ideals, doesn't it make sense for the narrative to realize that despite the ideals we strive for there are hurdles and mistakes which require perseverance on a personal and cultural level? If you want to believe solely and narrow-mindedly on the ideal, then you will be ill equipped to handle the very real hurdles which you will be confronted with on the path towards that ideal. And what kind of future does Jonathan have as a hero fighting for people if he doesn't have any understanding of the struggles which they contend with, the very struggles which he will be fighting against as a hero in training?

And even all of that aside, there are no people of color in these books. Not even as a means to represent the civil issues which I've been talking about. But, just a black person who exists...because...you know...they exist!

 

[Mani-Man]

But if the writer doesn't want to talk about this then they shouldn't be writing a story where that conversation is necessary. And besides, we are talking about Superman. When does Superman shy away from doing the right thing because it's hard?

Hm, i understand you but maybe the writer doesnt realize or simply doesnt want to include it.
Maybe he simply is looking at the arc from the positive site and doesnt see the other one.
I dont know, have people asked him on twitter or so...it would be interesting to hear what he has to say about that.

I would love for comics to become deeper again and tell storys with stronger messages and all that.

 

[Sawyer]

Really curious to see Doomsday Clock alongside the rest of the comics coming out during it's duration, considering the time jump the other books will be building up to. Kind of reminds me of when 52 was running alongside the One Year Later arcs.

 

[Scarecrow_King]

Really curious to see Doomsday Clock alongside the rest of the comics coming out during it's duration, considering the time jump the other books will be building up to. Kind of reminds me of when 52 was running alongside the One Year Later arcs.

I liked how that played out with the One Year Later thing, more in theory than in practice. 52 didn't really impact many of the One Year Later titles, or answer what happened to most of the main characters during that year, like they said it would.

So I hope they make clever use of this publishing schedule.

 

[NongEyeGong]

Semi/sorta on topic but I'm glad these shirts are going to be for sale at comic book shops next month. I've seen them going for upwards to around $40 on eBay after their appearance at SDCC.

 

[CrimsonMist]

Anyone read Mister Miracle? That was some good comics. Im very interested to see what King and Gerads do.

Also, the Howard Chaykin "Newsboy Legion vs Boy Commandos" Kirby special was all sorts of fantastic.

 

[MMMMM...Pancakes]

I typically trade wait these days, but I like Mister Miracle and there's a lot of buzz around this title. Might have to break my rule.

 

[JewishHobbit]

Someone had the crazy idea that the current aquaman is a political message against Trump.

How is it not? I mean, I wish I could read it and just enjoy it... but it's such an obvious liberal-leaning retelling of Trump's victory/presidency that it's predictable and boring.

If I'm remembering it all correctly, you have an inexperienced "brute" coming in and taking control, rounding up and exiling the "undesirables", building a barrier around the kingdom to keep the foreigners out (like a wall you might say), etc. There are more examples in just the past 3 or 4 issues but those are the most obvious comparisons. You take that with the fact that the writer (like many comic writers) spend tons of Twitter time trashing Trump... it's very obvious. It's taken the fun out of the book (the same with Champions over at Marvel). I'm just trying to figure out whether Aquaman is BarAquaBama or simply an overall representation of the liberal mindset.

I get why it can be overlooked or enjoyed by those who agree with the writer's take on the Trump presidency, but for the rest of us it's just annoying and uncreative. It's a shame too because Aquaman has been one of my favorite books since the New 52 launch, and I was really looking forward to the artist change.

 

[Babillygunn]

How is it not? I mean, I wish I could read it and just enjoy it... but it's such an obvious liberal-leaning retelling of Trump's victory/presidency that it's predictable and boring.

If I'm remembering it all correctly, you have an inexperienced "brute" coming in and taking control, rounding up and exiling the "undesirables", building a barrier around the kingdom to keep the foreigners out (like a wall you might say), etc. There are more examples in just the past 3 or 4 issues but those are the most obvious comparisons. You take that with the fact that the writer (like many comic writers) spend tons of Twitter time trashing Trump... it's very obvious. It's taken the fun out of the book (the same with Champions over at Marvel). I'm just trying to figure out whether Aquaman is BarAquaBama or simply an overall representation of the liberal mindset.

I get why it can be overlooked or enjoyed by those who agree with the writer's take on the Trump presidency, but for the rest of us it's just annoying and uncreative. It's a shame too because Aquaman has been one of my favorite books since the New 52 launch, and I was really looking forward to the artist change.

It's a good story about a displaced, just king who sees his kingdom taken over by a brute usurper who plays on the frustrations of the kingdom to be complicit in his rise. It is a narrative that has played out countless times over the centuries from David and Absalom in the Old Testament through Shakespeare and Henry IV part II and Hamlet and a thousand stories in between. If it looks too close to our current political landscape, I'd say that has more to do with the fact that humanity has a history of falling for brutish clowns who tear down others and paint themselves as false saviors than it does with a conscious decision to say "hey look, Trump is a toolbox."

 

[Mani-Man]

How is it not? I mean, I wish I could read it and just enjoy it... but it's such an obvious liberal-leaning retelling of Trump's victory/presidency that it's predictable and boring.

If I'm remembering it all correctly, you have an inexperienced "brute" coming in and taking control, rounding up and exiling the "undesirables", building a barrier around the kingdom to keep the foreigners out (like a wall you might say), etc. There are more examples in just the past 3 or 4 issues but those are the most obvious comparisons. You take that with the fact that the writer (like many comic writers) spend tons of Twitter time trashing Trump... it's very obvious. It's taken the fun out of the book (the same with Champions over at Marvel). I'm just trying to figure out whether Aquaman is BarAquaBama or simply an overall representation of the liberal mindset.

I get why it can be overlooked or enjoyed by those who agree with the writer's take on the Trump presidency, but for the rest of us it's just annoying and uncreative. It's a shame too because Aquaman has been one of my favorite books since the New 52 launch, and I was really looking forward to the artist change.

Its a typical story of a Madman who throws the rightful king from his throne and feeds on the uncertainty and fear of the people who are afraid of the good changes the rightful king would bring.
You can find this kind of storytelling all over several mediums...even the lion king had something like that.

If you personally think that this arc is about Trump...well maybe your con consciousness is telling you something.
And i didnt knew the writer is trashing trump...i need to check it out, if so then he has a new follower in me.

Have to research that because if it is a story that hits close to the current politics, then i buy every issue of that twice or three times.
We need more storys that dont shy away from being deeper and political...that is what comics were meant to be once.(im still waiting for the day we get a Batman arc about banning guns)
And its a win/win situation if it makes Trump supporters who read DC comics go away...so yeah, everybody read the current AQUAMAN arc...its awesome.

 

[JewishHobbit]

What's the point in pretending it isn't influenced by Trump's presidency? You guys are acting like you have to defend it or something. It is what it is and the writer isn't even being subtle about it.

 

[Mani-Man]

What's the point in pretending it isn't influenced by Trump's presidency? You guys are acting like you have to defend it or something. It is what it is and the writer isn't even being subtle about it.

Or maybe you project something into comics that simply isnt there.
You have made the "Liberals writer kill marvel comics" topic did you?

Maybe its easier for you to blame something onto comics and writers instead of admiting a truth you dont like to admit...who knows.

Drop a fantastic and critical acclaimed story if you want...doesnt matter much in the end.

 

[JewishHobbit]

Or maybe you project something into comics that simply isnt there.

Blinders, my friend. You gots blinders. But lets say in theory that I'm wrong (I'm not). It's been stated that this story beat is old and has been used over and over again. In that case are we not just reading a completely unoriginal, uninspired knock off of a thousand stories that went before it? How is that quality? It's not. It's boring.

The fact that after reading... what was it... issue 23 or 24? I looked at my wife and said that next we'll have this guy who took over Atlantis start exiling people and build a wall around Atlantis. THE VERY NEXT ISSUE proved me right. The writer is literally taking the election and just changing the names. There are whole articles out there, including liberal-based ones, that agree that Aquaman is pulling from the Trump presidency. As I said before... the writer isn't even being subtle about it. Someone as hateful as you seem to be should be proud to admit that.

You have made the "Liberals writer kill marvel comics" topic did you?

I started it because I read an article that I found interesting and thought people might like to discuss. I'm not overly political though and lost track of it a while ago.

Maybe its easier for you to blame something onto comics and writers instead of admiting a truth you dont like to admit...who knows.

You say that like supporting Trump is a bad thing. I think he's doing an awesome job and hope that he continues along the same path he's done thus far. No shame there. I'm not even criticizing Aquaman for getting political. I'm just pointing out that it's happening.

Drop a fantastic and critical acclaimed story if you want...doesnt matter much in the end.

I haven't dropped it yet and don't plan to. I just hope the writer, who is a good writer, remembers how to be original again sometime soon. Or at least cover all perspectives rather than just the more liberal-based point of view (but I doubt that'll happen).

 

[Babillygunn]

Just because there are recycled themes and storylines doesn't make them boring.

And question: if you see this Aquaman storyline as overtly political, and you are a Trump supporter, then are you hoping Corum Rath prevails?

 

[JewishHobbit]

Just because there are recycled themes and storylines doesn't make them boring.

It's not boring because of recycled themes. It's boring because, thus far, it's been 100% predictable based on modern politics. There hasn't been a single curve ball when compared to Trump's election. Or if not predictable, it goes in directions where I can easily see where he got the idea based on modern politics. The writer's hasn't been creative with it.... which is a shame because he's typically a wonderful writer.

And question: if you see this Aquaman storyline as overtly political, and you are a Trump supporter, then are you hoping Corum Rath prevails?

No, but that's because Corum Rath is being portrayed as the liberal version of Trump and not how Trump actually is or with the values that he possesses. It's lazy writing thus far in that regard. I'm just eager for this story to end. Hopefully it won't drag on because it's not very good thus far. It reads like alternative liberal porn and is diminishing an otherwise fantastic book/character.

 

[Babillygunn]

No, but that's because Corum Rath is being portrayed as the liberal version of Trump and not how Trump actually is or with the values that he possesses. It's lazy writing thus far in that regard. I'm just eager for this story to end. Hopefully it won't drag on because it's not very good thus far. It reads like alternative liberal porn and is diminishing an otherwise fantastic book/character.

Yeah, you are not projecting at all. Lol.

But you make a decent point about Rath not sharing Trump's values. Otherwise he might've grabbed Mera by the tuna by now.

 

[Mani-Man]

Blinders, my friend. You gots blinders. But lets say in theory that I'm wrong (I'm not). It's been stated that this story beat is old and has been used over and over again. In that case are we not just reading a completely unoriginal, uninspired knock off of a thousand stories that went before it? How is that quality? It's not. It's boring.

You know a word of advice, you dont look particular smart if you tell others they have blinders on when you quite clearly have them yourself...makes you look weird.

And no, just because the basic outline of the story is used often doesnt make it boring...which you see in the praise that the story gets.
You find it obviously interesting...so intersting that you project something into the story.

The fact that after reading... what was it... issue 23 or 24? I looked at my wife and said that next we'll have this guy who took over Atlantis start exiling people and build a wall around Atlantis. THE VERY NEXT ISSUE proved me right. The writer is literally taking the election and just changing the names. There are whole articles out there, including liberal-based ones, that agree that Aquaman is pulling from the Trump presidency. As I said before... the writer isn't even being subtle about it. Someone as hateful as you seem to be should be proud to admit that.

Like i said, if you see similaritys to the Trump Administration in a comic story about a villian who takes over atlantis...well then you should really think about it.
Because that means that you can see similaritys to a villian and trump...or that your mind tells you something that you dont want to admit.
The question remains as to why the story and real life seem to be similar.

And i would like to see those articles, because i have not yet seen one comic book fansite or so see something like this in there.
What i have seen over the internet is people praising the story for its writing and people seeing that its a story about Arthur and what kind of king he wants to be, how he wants to protect his people and so on.

I started it because I read an article that I found interesting and thought people might like to discuss. I'm not overly political though and lost track of it a while ago.

Really? could have fooled me there.

You say that like supporting Trump is a bad thing. I think he's doing an awesome job and hope that he continues along the same path he's done thus far. No shame there. I'm not even criticizing Aquaman for getting political. I'm just pointing out that it's happening.

Yeah and with that the whole political discussion is over.
Blinders my friend...blinders.
If you still think that after those months...yeah, that says all.

I haven't dropped it yet and don't plan to. I just hope the writer, who is a good writer, remembers how to be original again sometime soon. Or at least cover all perspectives rather than just the more liberal-based point of view (but I doubt that'll happen).

He is original and he shows the perspective he needs to show...the one from Arthur.

 

[JewishHobbit]

Man, you're making me laugh with your naive points of view. But it's not worth arguing over. Enjoy the comic.

 

[JewishHobbit]

Oh, but because you asked to see some examples of sites comparing this run to Trump:

https://graphicpolicy.com/2017/07/19/review-aquaman-26-2/

https://comicsverse.com/aquaman-2-review/
(Note: This just has a brief mention later in the article as it is discussing the events way back in issue 2)

http://comicobsessed.blogspot.com/2017/06/some-thoughts-about-aquaman-24.html

And these were found after a single google search. There's probably a lot more if I would have clicked over to page 2 and on.

 

[Babillygunn]

Oh, but because you asked to see some examples of sites comparing this run to Trump:

https://graphicpolicy.com/2017/07/19/review-aquaman-26-2/

https://comicsverse.com/aquaman-2-review/
(Note: This just has a brief mention later in the article as it is discussing the events way back in issue 2)

http://comicobsessed.blogspot.com/2017/06/some-thoughts-about-aquaman-24.html

And these were found after a single google search. There's probably a lot more if I would have clicked over to page 2 and on.

And here I thought you just read Infowars.

 

[Mani-Man]

Man, you're making me laugh with your naive points of view. But it's not worth arguing over. Enjoy the comic.

Hit a nerve there did i snowflaky?
Yeah you dont strike me as a person who likes to hear truths, but thats okay...you do what you must...good luck in your bubble where everything revolves around your little ego while the rest lives in the real world. XD

But you can pat yourself on the back, seems like at least 3 other guys see some weird current political message...so its not a total loss on your part...you must be proud of yourself.t:


Anyway...

What is the current opinion on the Harley Quinn comics?
I dropped it after 3 issues because it just felt too weird in terms of the style.
Ive been thinking about giving it another try, but im not sure if a have the endurance for it if its not good.
I have no idea how to look at the Harley Quinn comics.

 

[CaptainWagner]

What's the point in pretending it isn't influenced by Trump's presidency? You guys are acting like you have to defend it or something. It is what it is and the writer isn't even being subtle about it.

I can't explicitly comment towards the series because I haven't read it, but it's kind of hard to believe you're being objective when everyone else seems to love it so much while you, known to be upset about "liberal comics" are criticizing it.

Meanwhile, I'm REALLY hoping the rumors about Lemire doing a Hawkman ongoing are true and am quite frustrated that The Signal is actually BATMAN and the Signal and is apparently just a mini-series...

 

[JewishHobbit]

And here I thought you just read Infowars.

Never touch Infowars. They're loony

 

[JewishHobbit]

Hit a nerve there did i snowflaky?
Yeah you dont strike me as a person who likes to hear truths, but thats okay...you do what you must...good luck in your bubble where everything revolves around your little ego while the rest lives in the real world. XD

Funny how your idea of "truths" is pretty much "because I don't want it to be". I've actually shown examples that support my opinion of how the story is inspired by the Trump presidency. Your defense is to pretend those things are nothing (despite being obvious) and provide nothing of substance to back up your side. But hey... you strike me as a person who doesn't like hearing truths so just keep on putting your fingers in your ears.

And like I said... I think it's funny that you somehow find the notion of someone writing a comic based on things in today's political landscape (as if it isn't happening in multiples comics right now as it is).

But you can pat yourself on the back, seems like at least 3 other guys see some weird current political message...so its not a total loss on your part...you must be proud of yourself.t:

Examples were asked for so I did a 5 second google search and shared the three I found on the first page. I was doing you a favor, but please... feel free to find a bunch of articles showing your side of the argument if you want. I doubt you'll find them so easily. I mean, I know you won't because that might require you to crawl out of that little echo chamber of naivety that you're so adamant to stay in. Or don't actually look into things. I don't really care. I don't feel the need to have my opinions verified as I'm apparently not as sensitive as you seem to be, "snowflake".


Now if you'll be kind enough to stop making the DC thread into some sort of insulty anti-Trump political whatever... let's get back to talking about comics.

 

[Saint]

The moment we're living in is so bizarre it's difficult to conceive of it having no impact on a writer's work. Comics have always provided an element of social commentary, and the fact that the guy with the nuclear codes is an infantile narcissist and self-aggrandizing compulsive liar who holds no values or loyalty except to himself and those who provide him with the adulation he subsists on demands comment.

I would think even right-leaning creators would feel compelled to comment; political affiliation doesn't even matter because Donald Trump has no politics, no ideals, and no positions except those which benefit Trump.