New Joe Fridays: Week 52

[Specter313]

http://www.newsarama.com/NewJoeFridays/NewJoeFridays52.html

 

[Kevin]

Time to read.

 

[PhotoJones]

Short NJF...here's what I thought:

- I like Quesada's Mucha-inspired style. It's very fitting when doing a story inolving Dr. Strange, or any sort of magical, fantasy for that matter.

- He mentions the "small peanut gallery" and the *****ing done by it over Civil War and New Avengers, among other things. I'm sure this board in particular will light up with protests about how "Joe's not respecting the fans' opinions" and whatnot, but he's right. We are a very small microcosm of the comic book reading community. Sales are up, which means someone's doing something right. It sucks to hear (and sucks just as much to say), but if Marvel started making comic books based this forum's tastes, they'd be out of business fast.

- The more it's talked about, the more excited I am for Amazing Spider-Man to start shipping 3 times a month. I know, it's a marketing/sales idea, but to me, it's a good one. Cutting out the lesser quality Spider-books and giving the one that matters a good dose of adrenaline (and some guy by the name of Dan Slott), is something I can get behind.

 

[Kevin]

well... that was short

 

[Themanofbat]

I absolutely LOVED this quote...

Mike Carlin did this with the Superman titles many years ago. While he kept the title names separate, it was one large story. Amazing will do the same, but solely under the Amazing Spider-Man banner and now once again tell the single story of the life of Peter Parker, while we will have story arcs, there will be a continual line of connectivity that will tie it alI together and there will be some huge story arcs within the smaller stories that may take a year or more to resolve.

In simpler terms we’re going back to the continuous soap opera that use to make Spider-Man great and fans of Spidey will know that Amazing will be the place to get that story.

 

[PhotoJones]

I absolutely LOVED this quote...

Mike Carlin did this with the Superman titles many years ago. While he kept the title names separate, it was one large story. Amazing will do the same, but solely under the Amazing Spider-Man banner and now once again tell the single story of the life of Peter Parker, while we will have story arcs, there will be a continual line of connectivity that will tie it alI together and there will be some huge story arcs within the smaller stories that may take a year or more to resolve.

In simpler terms we’re going back to the continuous soap opera that use to make Spider-Man great and fans of Spidey will know that Amazing will be the place to get that story.

Yeah, I'm pretty stoked.

 

[Harlekin]

Yeah, I'm not really believing it, and I think it's really ****ing over people who just want to buy one Spidey book a month.

 

[PhotoJones]

Yeah, I'm not really believing it, and I think it's really ****ing over people who just want to buy one Spidey book a month.

Another comment from the peanut gallery?

In all seriousness, I hear you. But if you take the year as a whole, you could certainly buy your 12 issues of ASM and be done with it. At least this way, if you're not going to pick up every story arc, you have the option of choosing which story arc you do want to pick up, and there's a lot less of a wait between issues. And on the off chance that you're not digging the current creative team, the wait for a new one if just around the corner.

 

[Darthphere]

Yeah, I'm not really believing it, and I think it's really ****ing over people who just want to buy one Spidey book a month.

Like I said, not even Slott can get me to buy Amazing 3 times a month at this point. RIP PAD and Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man.

 

[Dread]

Very short, but I didn't mind.

- Joe Q's comments about how much disrespect he has for internet fans are nothing new (no, he doesn't use those words, but I read between the lines; he takes no criticism seriously if it comes from text). The reality is that we are a minority, and the silent majority of comic book readers are near-mindless sheep that will lap up anything franchise. That said, the irony is that while DISASSEMBLED, HOUSE OF M and CIVIL WAR were in their own ways littered with errors, mishandlings, misfires, and horrifically putrid endings, they on the whole created fertile ground for a lot of decent books and ideas. And, to be fair, while it was far from perfect, CIVIL WAR was aces more entertaining than HOM and Disassembled combined.

He does have a point about the Silver Age being fairly unpredictable, and in some ways some of their recent ideas are modern takes at those sorts of dynamics. Civil War provided an excuse for superheroes to fight bitterly again, which happened a lot in the old days. A bit of a misfire on many levels, but there it is. The NEW AVENGERS/Skrulls thing is a modern attempt at that sort of story, and WWH is a retrend of a "Hulk fights everyone" story, that happened a few times back then. Whereas DC tries to resurrect the Silver Age LITERALLY, Marvel is doing it metaphorically, while maintaining their current continuity and writing styles. In fact the only story that sought to literally "re-establish" 60's status quo was M-Day, which has been a disaster for the X-Line for the past 1.5 years and is finally trying to be reigned in by Brubaker & Carey, and the X-editors with their ENDANGERED SPECIES thing. Better late than never.

But the point here, made again, is Joe is immune from criticism so long has Marvel continues to have commercial success and near-effortless dominance over DiDio's DC. Which is why I fear for seeing DC become such a pathetic rival. Marvel is at their best when they work a sweat. Still, from their perspective, they have no reason to heed criticism. Things are going well. No one listens to criticism when they're #1. No one. Ever. It is only when you start to stumble that you listen. Human nature.

That said, WWH's started off a lot better than CW did; all it needs is to actually have a satisfying ending.

- The ASM experiment is...interesting. The financial proof is that ASM is the core title and has been selling well over 100k for a few years now, which is essentially about as much as Spidey's other two books combined. The other titles do complicate things for a solo hero, although it is worth mentioning that a good reason why ASM has been so dominant is because it has been in perpetual crossover, from THE OTHER to PRELUDE to CIVIL WAR to BACK IN BLACK for over 2 years now. But even without it, ASM is the best selling Spidey title and the one that usually leads the franchise (aside for New Avengers or event books). In essence the other two books will be merged with it, not cancelled. The fear is that Marvel could lose tens of thousands of readers who don't want to make the switch. The advantage is that with ASM's normal numbers, they can afford to. If it works, it may lead to trimming some fat from the X-Line, which at times has been extended (do we REALLY need 3 main X-Titles?).

Plus, if Dan Slott can get on, I'll read it.

Good money is still on MJ being a Skrull. I am not saying I believe Marvel will do that, but I understand why it is a theory many believe. As for motive? Spider-Man's dealt with EVERYTHING. If you land in NY, your chances of battling him are fairly good. Why NOT keep tabs on him? Especially as he's teamed up with every superhero in existance and now is on the Avengers? He's been closely attached to the Fantastic Four, too. Contrary to Bendis' believe, Spider-Man has been a longtime superhero, debuting before a slew of other now-famous names and is worth keeping an eye on if you wanted to take over the government.

 

[Darthphere]

- He mentions the "small peanut gallery" and the *****ing done by it over Civil War and New Avengers, among other things. I'm sure this board in particular will light up with protests about how "Joe's not respecting the fans' opinions" and whatnot, but he's right. We are a very small microcosm of the comic book reading community. Sales are up, which means someone's doing something right. It sucks to hear (and sucks just as much to say), but if Marvel started making comic books based this forum's tastes, they'd be out of business fast.

Very short, but I didn't mind.

- Joe Q's comments about how much disrespect he has for internet fans are nothing new (no, he doesn't use those words, but I read between the lines; he takes no criticism seriously if it comes from text). The reality is that we are a minority, and the silent majority of comic book readers are near-mindless sheep that will lap up anything franchise. That said, the irony is that while DISASSEMBLED, HOUSE OF M and CIVIL WAR were in their own ways littered with errors, mishandlings, misfires, and horrifically putrid endings, they on the whole created fertile ground for a lot of decent books and ideas. And, to be fair, while it was far from perfect, CIVIL WAR was aces more entertaining than HOM and Disassembled combined.

He does have a point about the Silver Age being fairly unpredictable, and in some ways some of their recent ideas are modern takes at those sorts of dynamics. Civil War provided an excuse for superheroes to fight bitterly again, which happened a lot in the old days. A bit of a misfire on many levels, but there it is. The NEW AVENGERS/Skrulls thing is a modern attempt at that sort of story, and WWH is a retrend of a "Hulk fights everyone" story, that happened a few times back then. Whereas DC tries to resurrect the Silver Age LITERALLY, Marvel is doing it metaphorically, while maintaining their current continuity and writing styles. In fact the only story that sought to literally "re-establish" 60's status quo was M-Day, which has been a disaster for the X-Line for the past 1.5 years and is finally trying to be reigned in by Brubaker & Carey, and the X-editors with their ENDANGERED SPECIES thing. Better late than never.

But the point here, made again, is Joe is immune from criticism so long has Marvel continues to have commercial success and near-effortless dominance over DiDio's DC. Which is why I fear for seeing DC become such a pathetic rival. Marvel is at their best when they work a sweat. Still, from their perspective, they have no reason to heed criticism. Things are going well. No one listens to criticism when they're #1. No one. Ever. It is only when you start to stumble that you listen. Human nature.

That said, WWH's started off a lot better than CW did; all it needs is to actually have a satisfying ending.

 

[PhotoJones]

You can't deny it, though.

 

[Dread]

I know. I'm the minority, so my opinion doesn't matter to Marvel.

Still, they are undeniably kicking ass this year.

 

[Darthphere]

You can't deny it, though.

Oh I'm not, I just found it funny.

 

[PhotoJones]

Oh I'm not, I just found it funny.

That Dread steals my thoughts?

 

[Darthphere]

That, and how verbose he is. Dread always gets me with his long posts. What would we do without him?

Also, i don't even read these things anymore, I just look for the pictures.

 

[PhotoJones]

That, and how verbose he is. Dread always gets me with his long posts. What would we do without him?

Also, i don't even read these things anymore, I just look for the pictures.

What gets me is not the fact that he's so verbose, but the context around it. I mean, the kid lives in ****ing NYC, and he's on a message board for comics on a Friday night. I'm saying it's pathetic or anything, as I'm sitting here in front of my computer as well, but damn...I could find something to do on a Friday night in NYC...

 

[Darthphere]

What gets me is not the fact that he's so verbose, but the context around it. I mean, the kid lives in ****ing NYC, and he's on a message board for comics on a Friday night. I'm saying it's pathetic or anything, as I'm sitting here in front of my computer as well, but damn...I could find something to do on a Friday night in NYC...

Eh, I'd probably stay home too.

 

[PhotoJones]

Eh, I'd probably stay home too.

Sissy.

 

[Darthphere]

Too many trannies out there dude.

 

[PhotoJones]

Too many trannies out there dude.

Trannies are fun, though. They'll buy you drinks.

 

[Dread]

That, and how verbose he is. Dread always gets me with his long posts. What would we do without him?

Also, i don't even read these things anymore, I just look for the pictures.

Believe it or not, there are plenty of weeks when I have have gotten some 8+ comics on a Wed. and I go, "I am SO not in the mood to type for over two hours doing reviews". But I do anyway. Got to love what a little bit of a rep on a MB does to one's head. And then I hypocritically call Bendis an "egomaniac" when he only has the ENTIRE INDUSTRY fawning for him. I'd be an egomaniac too.

Admittedly, I scim first and look at the pictures and then usually go back and read the text. Few pics this week. Boo!

What gets me is not the fact that he's so verbose, but the context around it. I mean, the kid lives in ****ing NYC, and he's on a message board for comics on a Friday night. I'm saying it's pathetic or anything, as I'm sitting here in front of my computer as well, but damn...I could find something to do on a Friday night in NYC...

But could you find something to do on a Friday night without much cash? Because most bars, even cheap bear is $6 a bottle.

Are you hinting that I don't have a life? That I have no game? That no woman in her right mind would dare spit on me, much less have a conversation?

Well, you're right on all counts. Just keep it between us guys.

 

[Darthphere]

Believe it or not, there are plenty of weeks when I have have gotten some 8+ comics on a Wed. and I go, "I am SO not in the mood to type for over two hours doing reviews". But I do anyway. Got to love what a little bit of a rep on a MB does to one's head. And then I hypocritically call Bendis an "egomaniac" when he only has the ENTIRE INDUSTRY fawning for him. I'd be an egomaniac too.

Admittedly, I scim first and look at the pictures and then usually go back and read the text. Few pics this week. Boo!

I know the feeling. Some nights, I'm all like "Man, I really don't feel like going online and pwning noobs." But damnit, I have a responsibility.

 

[PhotoJones]

But could you find something to do on a Friday night without much cash? Because most bars, even cheap bear is $6 a bottle.

Are you hinting that I don't have a life? That I have no game? That no woman in her right mind would dare spit on me, much less have a conversation?

Well, you're right on all counts. Just keep it between us guys.

Haha. I'm just thinking what I would do if I were magically transplanted to NYC. I'm not loaded with cash myself, but I could literally spend the rest of my weekend life walking around with my camera, completely content.

And as long as comic books are still being published, we've all got lives.

 

[Dread]

I know the feeling. Some nights, I'm all like "Man, I really don't feel like going online and pwning noobs." But damnit, I have a responsibility.

Which, as we all know, comes with great power.

The 25th will be one of those 10 book weeks too.

Haha. I'm just thinking what I would do if I were magically transplanted to NYC. I'm not loaded with cash myself, but I could literally spend the rest of my weekend life walking around with my camera, completely content.

And as long as comic books are still being published, we've all got lives.

Landmarks are of no matter to native born New Yorkers. We just are bred not to give a damn. But out-of-towners love that sort of stuff. Like I never went to the Empire State Building, or cared too, until I was going with a friend from CA who was visitting.

Walking around New York contently with a camera, by the way, is usually what muggers call "fresh bait".