Ray's 7th DCU Megathread - Death of the Fourth OOMPH!!! (Fifth OOMPH Pending)

[Ray G.]

He was mentioned as one in the "Please Don't Ban Me" thread

That was a joke. He's just on sabbatical. :lol:

[Dark Sasha]

shill the four bucks.
8*4 is 32.
just stick to the main thing and you won' blow a whole lotta moneh.
Yeah, I could add another book.

My books:
Cap
Daredevil
Ex Machina
Powers
Criminal
Fell
And now Green Lantern.

House of M is my favorite event of the new wave, if 52 doesn't count. A perfectly self-contained story, and Bendis really nailed the characters.

I liked House of M too. But it wasn't really earth shattering stuff.

[ZombieSpeedball]

What did AAlgar get banned for?

AAlgar is a little too powerful to be banned at this point.

[Dark Sasha]

I would drop Daredevil if it wasn't for the Gotham Central reunion.

[MAK15]

Yeah, I could add another book.

My books:
Cap
Daredevil
Ex Machina
Powers
Criminal
Fell
And now Green Lantern.


I liked House of M too. But it wasn't really earth shattering stuff.

yes, you could add another book.
damn, that's one of the shortest comic lists I seen.

[jason hissong]

Yeah, I could add another book.

My books:
Cap
Daredevil
Ex Machina
Powers
Criminal
Fell
And now Green Lantern.


I liked House of M too. But it wasn't really earth shattering stuff.

You know why House of M is great?

Mags/Quicksilver.

'What would you have me do?'

and

"In whose name, boy!'

[Dark Sasha]

yes, you could add another book.
damn, that's one of the shortest comic lists I seen.
It is easier because I get a discount now.

You know why House of M is great?

Mags/Quicksilver.

'What would you have me do?'

and

"In whose name, boy!'

And the art.

[Deej]

Did anyone watch The New Frontier with Cooke's commentary??? If so, did it add anything worthwhile??

[Matt O'Keefe]

Yeah, I could add another book.

My books:
Cap
Daredevil
Ex Machina
Powers
Criminal
Fell
And now Green Lantern.


I liked House of M too. But it wasn't really earth shattering stuff.

I'd consider the two Avengers books required reading for Secret Invasion.

No event is really "earth shattering" If we're lucky they're entertaining.


Ray, we should converge on Sean at NYCC.:D

[John Drake]

Yeah, I could add another book.

My books:
Cap
Daredevil
Ex Machina
Powers
Criminal
Fell
And now Green Lantern.

And on the plus side, Ex Machina, Powers, Criminal, and Fell don't come out every month. Hell, Fell comes out like twice a year now.

[Dark Sasha]

I'd consider the two Avengers books required reading for Secret Invasion.

No event is really "earth shattering" If we're lucky they're entertaining.


Ray, we should converge on Sean at NYCC.:D
Oh I have picked up New Avengers some times. I read the gaydos and Mack issues.

But it could be at least"OH MY GOD! WONDERMAN IS A WOMAN!" moment in it or something.

And on the plus side, Ex Machina, Powers, Criminal, and Fell don't come out every month. Hell, Fell comes out like twice a year now.
And Fell costs as much as a bottle of pop from the vending machine.

[GrandeMaestro Fünke]

You know why House of M is great?

Mags/Quicksilver.

'What would you have me do?'

and

"In whose name, boy!'

Unpopular opinion here:
I thought House of M was boring.


Ray, we should converge on Sean at NYCC.:D

Tell him I said hi!

[chazbot]

Unpopular opinion here:
I thought House of M was boring.


But the pathos of Spidey realizing that he could have had a good life! The pathos!!

[Ray G.]

I'd consider the two Avengers books required reading for Secret Invasion.

No event is really "earth shattering" If we're lucky they're entertaining.


Ray, we should converge on Sean at NYCC.:D

I don't think he's there this year. :(

I hope I'm wrong, though!

[Ray G.]

Man, I can't wait for Action tomorrow. :rock:

That should be the easiest book of the week pick ever.

Also, next week looks so bare for premieres of any kind, I wouldn't be surprised if we wind up reviewing Titans #1 in the review crew thread. :lol:

[GrandeMaestro Fünke]

Man, I can't wait for Action tomorrow. :rock:

That should be the easiest book of the week pick ever.

Also, next week looks so bare for premieres of any kind, I wouldn't be surprised if we wind up reviewing Titans #1 in the review crew thread. :lol:

I have to wait a month :(. Might double dip and get SI tomorrow before my DCBS order comes.

No SI tie-ins?

[Ray G.]

I have to wait a month :(. Might double dip and get SI tomorrow before my DCBS order comes.

No SI tie-ins?

Nope, not that I could see. At least, nothing that would make a good jumping-on point. It's possible they'll add something, but the only other premieres week are the Batman Manga mini, Death Mask, and Wildstorm: Sign of the Beast. Don't see either of them having much support.

[Michael Blacklist]

Man, I can't wait for Action tomorrow. :rock:


No kidding. A word to everyone though: if what Johns told me is true, you're probably going to want to avoid his board and news sites tomorrow until you've read the issue.

[Ray G.]

No kidding. A word to everyone though: if what Johns told me is true, you're probably going to want to avoid his board and news sites tomorrow until you've read the issue.

Big spoiler, eh? :D

Cool, if they manage to up the ante after the mindblowing stuff so far I'll be very impressed. I really think this might be the best in-continuity Superman story in ten years.

[GrandeMaestro Fünke]

No kidding. A word to everyone though: if what Johns told me is true, you're probably going to want to avoid his board and news sites tomorrow until you've read the issue.

Gah. Damnit wish I was getting this tomorrow. May have to read it in store or pick it up if I go.

Also I really liked the last issue of Teen Titans, but I really admantly dislike Cassie now. She's just too mean.

Although I kind of want to see a Dreadbolt one shot.

[Michael Blacklist]

Big spoiler, eh? :D

Cool, if they manage to up the ante after the mindblowing stuff so far I'll be very impressed. I really think this might be the best in-continuity Superman story in ten years.

Our sales of Action have been through the roof since this arc started. I wish the last few months of Superman had been half as good.

[jason hissong]

Our sales of Action have been through the roof since this arc started. I wish the last few months of Superman had been half as good.

I wish the LoSH sold that well!

[GrandeMaestro Fünke]

Cool, if they manage to up the ante after the mindblowing stuff so far I'll be very impressed. I really think this might be the best in-continuity DC story in ten years.

Fixed.

[Ray G.]

Gah. Damnit wish I was getting this tomorrow. May have to read it in store or pick it up if I go.

Also I really liked the last issue of Teen Titans, but I really admantly dislike Cassie now. She's just too mean.

Although I kind of want to see a Dreadbolt one shot.

Calling it: Evil by 2009, dead by 2010.

Dreadbolt is actually fairly awesome.

[Michael Blacklist]

I wish the LoSH sold that well!

The weird thing is that Shooter's Legion is selling more than Superman at my shop.

[Ray G.]

Our sales of Action have been through the roof since this arc started. I wish the last few months of Superman had been half as good.

There can only be one good Superman title at any given time. Johns' title kicked ass, so Buseik's had to suck.

We'll see if Johns and Robinson can break the rule. :)

[Ray G.]

Fixed.

Well....Yeah, I'd actually put it in the top ten, easy.

It's not quite up there with Sinestro Corps for me, but it's close.

[GrandeMaestro Fünke]

Calling it: Evil by 2009, dead by 2010.

Dreadbolt is actually fairly awesome.

Yeah I see that happening too.

Also anyone else worried Action won't be as awesome once the Legion is gone?

[Michael Blacklist]

We'll see if Johns and Robinson can break the rule. :)

I really hope they break that curse. It's gone back as far as the weekly 'triangle' era books. . . I used to dread the Simonson/Bogdanove weeks.

[jason hissong]

The weird thing is that Shooter's Legion is selling more than Superman at my shop.

:rock:

[SteveZegers]

There can only be one good Superman title at any given time. Johns' title kicked ass, so Buseik's had to suck.

We'll see if Johns and Robinson can break the rule. :)

Yeah, I don't know what happened with Buseik. Started off so well. I think the aborted Krypto issue sent it off the rails.

[Ray G.]

Yeah I see that happening too.

Also anyone else worried Action won't be as awesome once the Legion is gone?

I really think Ares is starting to influence her more and more. She'll snap and hurt Ravager out of jealousy and anger, she and Robin will have a big blowup where she gets kicked off the team, and she'll be driven fully into Ares' clutches. She'll take on some new name like "Destruction's Daughter", have a couple of big battles with the Titans, and likely die redeeming herself.

It seems odd that McKeever's doing such wonderful work with all the other characters, but she gets more and more unlikeable. Which makes me think it's probably intentional. If I'm wrong, don't tell me, McKeever. :)

[SteveZegers]

Did anyone watch The New Frontier with Cooke's commentary??? If so, did it add anything worthwhile??

I thought so. Lots of stuff about what he was going for, things that inspired him, why some stuff had to be cut... That kind of thing.

[Ray G.]

Also, as for Action...there's Brainiac coming up! It'll continue to be awesome. I mean from what we've seen...Brainiac is collecting fucking bottled cities!

[GrandeMaestro Fünke]

Also, as for Action...there's Brainiac coming up! It'll continue to be awesome. I mean from what we've seen...Brainiac is collecting fucking bottled cities!

Ja, that's true and hopefully that means Brainiac 5 will be involved. We also get a fill in issue from Kevin Maguire!

[SteveZegers]

Also, as for Action...there's Brainiac coming up! It'll continue to be awesome. I mean from what we've seen...Brainiac is collecting fucking bottled cities!

Which is an awesome Brainiac thing that has gone largely ignored.

[Ray G.]

Which is an awesome Brainiac thing that has gone largely ignored.

There's the potential for such epic evil there, I'm surprised no one else has played on it yet. It looks super-creepy.

[MAK15]

Also, as for Action...there's Brainiac coming up! It'll continue to be awesome. I mean from what we've seen...Brainiac is collecting fucking bottled cities!

I guess he got tired of bottled ships, huh?

[SteveZegers]

There's the potential for such epic evil there, I'm surprised no one else has played on it yet. It looks super-creepy.

And we finally get to see what a Gary Frank Lois looks like. (I'm betting smokin hot! :heybaby:)

[Ray G.]

And we finally get to see what a Gary Frank Lois looks like. (I'm betting smokin hot! :heybaby:)

He draws everyone awesome.

Yeah, it's hard to believe the best Superman story of the 2000s took place in the future with none of the usual supporting cast. No Luthor, no Lois, no Kents. Just the Legion, an all-new group of villains, and the most badass depowered Superman ever.

[Matt O'Keefe]

I don't think he's there this year. :(

I hope I'm wrong, though!

You're wrong, I checked his site.

[Ray G.]

You're wrong, I checked his site.

Then the NYCC site is wrong! I just checked there!

And :boogie:. This is going to rule. I wonder if he'll announce his new mini. You can ask him when he's doing something creator-owned, and I can ask him for an Anarky cameo. :D

[Matt O'Keefe]

Then the NYCC site is wrong! I just checked there!

And :boogie:. This is going to rule. I wonder if he'll announce his new mini. You can ask him when he's doing something creator-owned, and I can ask him for an Anarky cameo. :D

I'm going to beg for something non-superhero from him. I'm not snobby towards it, he just writes real life so much better.

[Ray G.]

I'm going to beg for something non-superhero from him. I'm not snobby towards it, he just writes real life so much better.

See, what I want to see most is some more scenes of civilian life for superheroes. He does it so perfectly in things like Gravity. Next issue of TT, with Miss Martian trying out secret identities, should be great.

[SteveZegers]

He draws everyone awesome.

Yeah, it's hard to believe the best Superman story of the 2000s took place in the future with none of the usual supporting cast. No Luthor, no Lois, no Kents. Just the Legion, an all-new group of villains, and the most badass depowered Superman ever.

It's a nod to the silver-age, which as I keep telling everyone, is awesome.

[Ray G.]

Hm, I wonder if JMS' DC projects will be announced there. I hope so. Same for Johns' upcoming stuff(which he'll actually be there for!).

[Ray G.]

Also, with Aalgar MIA and Howlett on only sporadically, the path to the top is clear for the first time. :boogie:

[Matt O'Keefe]

See, what I want to see most is some more scenes of civilian life for superheroes. He does it so perfectly in things like Gravity. Next issue of TT, with Miss Martian trying out secret identities, should be great.

I dropped his Titans, it wasn't doing much for me. My plan is to read it after I buy the preceding trades (about to purchase vol. 1 to get signed by Johns)


It's a nod to the silver-age, which as I keep telling everyone, is awesome.

There's so much untapped potential there. A reservoir of crazy ideas that any DC writer should be taking advantage of.

[GrandeMaestro Fünke]

Also, with Aalgar MIA and Howlett on only sporadically, the path to the top is clear for the first time. :boogie:

Still a ways to go my friend.

[Master Jack Rabbitt]

No kidding. A word to everyone though: if what Johns told me is true, you're probably going to want to avoid his board and news sites tomorrow until you've read the issue.

Will do. Thanks for the heads up

[Ray G.]

Still a ways to go my friend.

I want the DCU Crew shouting "You can do eet!" as I sprint for the top over these next few weeks. :)

[GrandeMaestro Fünke]

I dropped his Titans, it wasn't doing much for me. My plan is to read it after I buy the preceding trades (about to purchase vol. 1 to get signed by Johns)


This last arc has been a lot better, but I don't consider it a must read yet. I think if we get a roster change soon.

Jon Stewart just brought up Man-Bat randomly in his interview! He didn't even call him Man-Bat at first, he kept saying "Dr. Langstrom." :lol:

[GrandeMaestro Fünke]

I want the DCU Crew shouting "You can do eet!" as I sprint for the top over these next few weeks. :)

I believe you can.

[Ray G.]

This last arc has been a lot better, but I don't consider it a must read yet. I think if we get a roster change soon.

Jon Stewart just brought up Man-Bat randomly in his interview! He didn't even call him Man-Bat at first, he kept saying "Dr. Langstrom." :lol:

The team is too small, I think. There's really only five official members and Blue Beetle. Two of them are rookies, two are slightly unstable, and then there's Robin.

The problem is, I don't really know who would make it a cohesive team at this point. I'm drawing a blank on heroes who wouldn't be doing "on the job training" like Miss Martian, Kid Devil, and Blue Beetle. In fact, after singlehandedly stopping an alien invasion, Jaime has more cred than most of them.

[Michael Blacklist]

And we finally get to see what a Gary Frank Lois looks like. (I'm betting smokin hot! :heybaby:)

There was a sketch he did for Wizard that showed her. She was a pretty fine looking Lois.

[GrandeMaestro Fünke]

The team is too small, I think. There's really only five official members and Blue Beetle. Two of them are rookies, two are slightly unstable, and then there's Robin.

The problem is, I don't really know who would make it a cohesive team at this point. I'm drawing a blank on heroes who wouldn't be doing "on the job training" like Miss Martian, Kid Devil, and Blue Beetle. In fact, after singlehandedly stopping an alien invasion, Jaime has more cred than most of them.

Firestorm maybe? He's barely been in JLA. Like I've said before I think the team needs a teacher/mentor type character (maybe Beast Boy) and needs to get rid of Wonder Girl.

[Ray G.]

Firestorm maybe? He's barely been in JLA. Like I've said before I think the team needs a teacher/mentor type character (maybe Beast Boy) and needs to get rid of Wonder Girl.

Firestorm's a bit too old. He's in college. But he wouldn't be the worst choice.

The problem with the mentor thing is that the new Titans team is taking most of them out of play. It only leaves Jericho and Tempest.

I really want to see Squire join the team, even if just for an arc.

[Michael Blacklist]

That Frank Lois sketch I mentioned:

http://tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:144PsCFmdo-O1M:http://bp1.blogger.com/_f3SZ5Tu916o/RrtUciqmhyI/AAAAAAAABCI/SEd6p3fv-Ow/s400/gf-loislane.jpg

[SteveZegers]

I want the DCU Crew shouting "You can do eet!" as I sprint for the top over these next few weeks. :)

How about "You can do eeet, but why the hell would you want to?"

[MAK15]

That Frank Lois sketch I mentioned:

http://tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:144PsCFmdo-O1M:http://bp1.blogger.com/_f3SZ5Tu916o/RrtUciqmhyI/AAAAAAAABCI/SEd6p3fv-Ow/s400/gf-loislane.jpg

that's not bad.

[SteveZegers]

That Frank Lois sketch I mentioned:

http://tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:144PsCFmdo-O1M:http://bp1.blogger.com/_f3SZ5Tu916o/RrtUciqmhyI/AAAAAAAABCI/SEd6p3fv-Ow/s400/gf-loislane.jpg

Yeah, that looks right.

[Ray G.]

That Frank Lois sketch I mentioned:

http://tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:144PsCFmdo-O1M:http://bp1.blogger.com/_f3SZ5Tu916o/RrtUciqmhyI/AAAAAAAABCI/SEd6p3fv-Ow/s400/gf-loislane.jpg

:thumb:


How about "You can do eeet, but why the hell would you want to?"

Immortality, my friend.

[SteveZegers]

:thumb:



Immortality, my friend.
You already have that Ray. Anything else is hubris.

[GrandeMaestro Fünke]

I think I'm done with Simon Dark, it's just hasn't developed fast enough.

[Fake Pat]

I think I'm done with Simon Dark, it's just hasn't developed fast enough.

Good news, you're only six months behind everyone else!

;)

[Ray G.]

Good news, you're only six months behind everyone else!

;)

:nonono2:

It's been moving a bit slow, but there's some great stuff going on there. And utterly brilliant art. I'm with it till the bitter end.

[Michael Blacklist]

Good news, you're only six months behind everyone else!

;)

Simon Dark's a weird beast. The people at my shop who buy it don't buy any other DCU titles. Well, they did, at least. I only sold three copies of the last issue.

[Fake Pat]

:nonono2:

It's been moving a bit slow, but there's some great stuff going on there. And utterly brilliant art. I'm with it till the bitter end.

A bit slow?

127 - SIMON DARK
10/2007: Simon Dark #1 — 24,256
11/2007: Simon Dark #2 — 18,492 (-23.8%)
12/2007: Simon Dark #3 — 17,391 (- 6.0%)
01/2008: Simon Dark #4 — 16,242 (- 6.6%)

That's brutal.

[Ray G.]

A bit slow?

127 - SIMON DARK
10/2007: Simon Dark #1 — 24,256
11/2007: Simon Dark #2 — 18,492 (-23.8%)
12/2007: Simon Dark #3 — 17,391 (- 6.0%)
01/2008: Simon Dark #4 — 16,242 (- 6.6%)

That's brutal.

I'm talking about the pacing.

[Hock]

What sites do you guys think might have the Quitely ASBatman variant up?

It's only 2 weeks away, I have no idea if they've released the cover yet.

there's a Quitely Goddamn Batman cover? :ecstatic:

Is Lee doing an ASS cover?

[Fake Pat]

I'm talking about the pacing.

Oh.

[GrandeMaestro Fünke]

:nonono2:

It's been moving a bit slow, but there's some great stuff going on there. And utterly brilliant art. I'm with it till the bitter end.

If I hear good things I'll come back, but there's too many better titles out there right now.

[Hock]

I love that bit. :D

I need a secret invasion banner like the one in your sig. Where'd you get that.

[GrandeMaestro Fünke]

I need a secret invasion banner like the one in your sig. Where'd you get that.

There's a stickied thread at the top of the board.

[Hock]

You could do another with the legion 'Tanks':

Mon El
Ultra Boy
Timber Wolf

Timber Wolf is a tank?

[MAK15]

Timber Wolf is a tank?

I'd think of Ferro Lad as more tank like material than tw.

[SteveZegers]

I need a secret invasion banner like the one in your sig. Where'd you get that.

I have two!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v448/SteveZ/sitrust-americookie.jpg

[Hock]

There's a stickied thread at the top of the board.

look at me, I made a banner.

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p320/BTHock/bannerbaltar.jpg

[Hock]

I have two!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v448/SteveZ/sitrust-americookie.jpg

I love it.

[Hock]

Many of them were before Geoff Johns started writing them.

:thumb:

Those issues Johns wrote which focused on the rogues were the best ones of his run. He made Captain Cold the coolest villain.

[MAK15]

:thumb:

Those issues Johns wrote which focused on the rogues were the best ones of his run. He made Captain Cold the coolest villain.

ba-dum ch!

[Hock]

Captain Cold is one of my favorite villains in the DCU.

But i actually agree with you, there's absolutely no reason whatsoever that the Flash couldn't defeat the entire Rogues in less than a second. No matter how much work Geoff Johns put in making them an Uber-threat i never believed it for a second.

Aside from Zoom of course. That's the problem that Mark Waid created when he amped up Wally's powers to such a high degree in the 90's. I'd like to see him get de-powered to a top speed of say the Sound Barrier or some such.

I disagree. I also think that Wally is too powerful, but I don't think the solution is just to cap his speed at the sound barrier. I think the answer is to make the sound barrier the fastest he can run without tiring himself out really quickly. Still let him go faster, but only every once in a while and make him really have to push to go faster.

[MAK15]

I disagree. I also think that Wally is too powerful, but I don't think the solution is just to cap his speed at the sound barrier. I think the answer is to make the sound barrier the fastest he can run without tiring himself out really quickly. Still let him go faster, but only every once in a while and make him really have to push to go faster.

kinda like in the JLU, when he went so fast he started getting sucked into the speed force?

[Hock]

I read Green Arrow & Black Canary # 6 last night...

What the fuck was that :?

I'm stealing it and i still feel ripped off. Talk about jumping the shark early :nonono2:

This book needs new blood and quick, Ollie deserves better. (Still shaking my head at how DC blew such a great opportunity with the Mayor Queen storyline)

I agree. The Mayor Queen Storyline was over way to early. I think they still could've kept him as mayor, got him married, and made Dinah a regular in his book. Instead we lost that... not great, but good, book, got a bunch of shitty wedding specials, then the cheesy GA/BC.

BAD MOVE DIDIO!

[Hock]

Does anyone use Excel to track their comics collection?

No, but I've only been collecting for a few years really, and I've only got about 4 long boxes, so I pretty much remember what I have.

[Hock]

ba-dum ch!

that was an unintentional pun. It actually took me a few seconds to get why you did the drum snap thingy.

[MAK15]

that was an unintentional pun. It actually took me a few seconds to get why you did the drum snap thingy.

I love unintentional puns.
they're the best kind.

[Hock]

So i'm reading up on this Superman/Siegel Estate copyright case and this could really turn out to be a big deal especially come 2013 when the Shuster estate deal expires.

But the one fact that really sticks out is this...

In 2033, the Superman copyright officially enters the Public Domain. No ifs ands or buts about it, black and white 25 years from now DC Comics will no longer own Superman.

So basically come 2034, we WILL see Superman in the Marvel Universe and elsewhere. Of course that means Batman,Captain America and many more won't be far behind either.

I'll be in my Mid 50's but damn will that be weird to see or what?

I don't think there will be much of that going on with the big 2. I think they'll want to keep their universes seperate. I do expect they'll be more crossovers. And even though the characters enter public domain DC will likely hold onto the trademark, which will help them out significantly.

[Hock]

I think DC owns a ridiculous number of trademarks to Superman, too. So even if there was an attempt to use him, what they could do with it would be extremely limited.

The limitations will be that they can't have the name Super-man in the title, likely they can't include the crest on his chest, and possibly the entire costume. I can't think of anything else they could trademark.

[Hock]

Somewhat related...Isn't there some regulation or agreement that DC has to always keep a Wonder Woman title in publication? I thought I read that sometime ago when it was mentioned that, despite being part of the "trinity," Wonder Woman has never been a top seller.

Could be...

Might be similar to the deal between DC and Alan Moore regarding watchmen, where the rights would revert to Moore if it ever went out of print.

[Hock]

I haven't been enjoying it since Kingdom Come Supes showed up. The cast is way too big.

yeah, there needs to be some attrition.

[Hock]

Paco Medina ain't bad, from his run on New X-men. Same for Mark Brooks. Mike McKone is pretty great, and Tony Daniel and Eddy Barrows aren't bad at all, even if their teens tend to all look like 17-year-old supermodels, but the faces are good.

Bagley's tops in my book.

I should maybe clarify that when I say teens I mean 12-16 area. There are a lot that draw fine 17, 18, 19 year olds, and lot's draw good children, but that middle ground seems to be a weak spot of many artists, including some of those you mentioned.

[Hock]

...yeah, I like, agree with this post 100%
although skottie young makes em look too cartoony for the mood sometimes...

Well Skotty Young has a pretty cartoony style as it is. Within that style he draws good teens. As for the mood thing... I think it would work with different colours.

[MAK15]

Well Skotty Young has a pretty cartoony style as it is. Within that style he draws good teens. As for the mood thing... I think it would work with different colours.

oh, aboslutely.
did you ever pick up the 'legion of monsters:werewolf by midnight' one shot?
there was an awesome Frankenstein backup by skottie young.
made a really creepy atmosphere with dark and dirty colors.

[Hock]

Terror Titans has been good. McKeever did a great job with the Ravager fight, the first writer that I've seen who has used and mentioned her pre-cog abilities in quite some time. The issue stumbles though with the Tim/Cassie (Dru) discussion.

First off, I had no clue that she was using this alias. I actually went back and read the Wonder Girl mini to find out where this started. I guess it was in Wonder Woman because she was already living in Georgetown under this assumed name. The mini was very lackluster - not worthy of anyone's time or money. The only cool thing is that Olympian from Global Guardians lives int he same house as Cassie/Dru.

Secondly, the fact that Cassie still doesn't trust Ravager seems to contradict her forgiving Hercules (again, in the WG mini) and I thought previous issues of Teen Titans where the two didn't seem so far apart. Maybe this is McKeever's way of bringing in a bit of internal conflict...which could be good. I just wish Cassie wasn't as extreme in her views...and Robin was more positive about being able to pacify Rose's viciousness. After their talk, I see no reason she's kept on the team...which I assume is Robin's call.

And lastly, everything about Cassie is a downer. There needs to be some kind of redeeming story and it just seems impossible to make her likable again. Maybe Arrowette is needed back on the team.

Yeah, and when she kicked supergirl off the team, Tim should've told her to fuck off and go deal with her own shit before kicking supergirl off. That kind of goes against what the Titans are all about to kick someone out who didn't do anything wrong.

[Hock]

oh, aboslutely.
did you ever pick up the 'legion of monsters:werewolf by midnight' one shot?
there was an awesome Frankenstein backup by skottie young.
made a really creepy atmosphere with dark and dirty colors.

NO, I should check it out though, see if I could find it in back issues.

[MAK15]

Yeah, and when she kicked supergirl off the team, Tim should've told her to fuck off and go deal with her own shit before kicking supergirl off. That kind of goes against what the Titans are all about to kick someone out who didn't do anything wrong.

and supergirl, of all people.
bitch got laser beam vision!
she could be all zap! zap! there goes copperhead!
and Tim acted like a terrible leader when dealing with Kid Devil.
he's got a telepath on the team.
he shoulda been 'yo, megan, tell Kid D not to fuck up with the plan' instead of just letting him figure things out while in a hole.

[MAK15]

NO, I should check it out though, see if I could find it in back issues.

or buy the legion of monsters trade.

[Hock]

It's not a new name. It's a descriptor that has been bandied about for quite some time

What distinguishes a graphic novel from a graphic novella? In prose fiction a novella is about 17000 to 40000 words. But what about a fraphic one. Is there a specific page count length?

[Hock]

Novella is like 80-100 pages

Novellette is smaller than that.

are you retarded? Page count has nothing to do with classification in prose fiction. Because of things like page size and font size, two different editions of the same book can have different page counts.

going by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America guidelines, which in many ways are the best to use because the speculative fiction community is the one which most often uses the novelette and novella terms.

Short Story: 1000-7500
Novelette: 7500-17500
Novella: 17500-40000
Novel: >40000

[Hock]

I read a really awful book on my break today, actually.

It was called "After", and it was something about the government opening death camps for teenagers after a school shooting.

It won like 20 awards. :?

what shitty awards is it winning? There are a lot of awards out there, and only a few of them actually mean anything. Most of them are just contests lower tier authors enter their books into for the cash prizes. And the judges for those aren't always that discerning.

[Hock]

Hock's DC Bash.

Marvel is better about giving it's artists a chance at writing, it appears. Ande Parks wrote that Daredevil Annual, and Skotty Young is writing and drawing a short X-men story, 8 pages or something.

[Ray G.]

Off to get my comics!

Man, this is going to be a good week all around.

[jason hissong]

<--- Pretends to be Ray.

Off to get my comics!

[Deej]

Hock's DC Bash.

Marvel is better about giving it's artists a chance at writing, it appears. Ande Parks wrote that Daredevil Annual, and Skotty Young is writing and drawing a short X-men story, 8 pages or something.

I really have to say...WHO CARES???

I'm a software engineer, how come I'm not being given a chance to Manage??

[Deej]

<--- Pretends to be Ray.

Off to get my comics!

Your enthusiasm is not really coming through in this post. You need to practice more pretending to be Ray.

[Deej]

Here you go Legion Lovers!!! This is a link to an article with Geoff Johns...but I think it might spoil Action Comics #843.

So now you're warned! Tread Carefully!!




http://forum.newsarama.com/showthread.php?t=152225

GEOFF JOHNS: LEGION OF 3 WORLDS, I

[SteveZegers]

I really have to say...WHO CARES???

I'm a software engineer, how come I'm not being given a chance to Manage??

Lack of charisma, and you're a little smelly.

[Deej]

Lack of charisma, and you're a little smelly.

Is it my breath??

And I make up for my lack of charisma with my bottomless pit of HATE!!

[MAK15]

Here you go Legion Lovers!!! This is a link to an article with Geoff Johns...but I think it might spoil Action Comics #843.

So now you're warned! Tread Carefully!!




http://forum.newsarama.com/showthread.php?t=152225

GEOFF JOHNS: LEGION OF 3 WORLDS, I


YES
I look forward to this.
yes I do.

[Fake Pat]

Man, there are some people in this thread that are probably gonna shit their pants when they see that newsarama article.

I'll give it a shot, doubt I'll end up sticking with it.

[MAK15]

Man, there are some people in this thread that are probably gonna shit their pants when they see that newsarama article.

I'll give it a shot, doubt I'll end up sticking with it.

heh, I'll read it, and I'm not even a legions fan.
but hell, that looks like a fight of epic proportions.
and you know it's gotta be big when 'proportions' and 'epic' are right next to each other.

[jason hissong]

I think I just shit my pants in excitement.

[Deej]

I think I just shit my pants in excitement.

I think i just shit ON Steve's pants!! He deserves it though. Just don't tell him!

[SteveZegers]

I think i just shit ON Steve's pants!! He deserves it though. Just don't tell him!

Oh thank God, I though it was me and I just didn't notice.

[Deej]

Oh thank God, I though it was me and I just didn't notice.

Sorry!! I'll make it up to you during NYCC '08...YOU can have lunch with Ray this time! ;)

[SteveZegers]

Sorry!! I'll make it up to you during NYCC '08...YOU can have lunch with Ray this time! ;)

Yeah! 15 bucks for a salad and bottle of diet Coke!

[Dark Sasha]

Sorry!! I'll make it up to you during NYCC '08...YOU can have lunch with Ray this time! ;)

That should be fun.

[The Doctor]

:confused:
Just a joke

So who do you think is a skrull, guys?
You!

Emma Frost I think but it'll probably just be a bunch of b-d listers

Damn. I never got the vol 2 hardcover of bendis' run on daredevil, and now it looks like it is out of print.
Is it? I have it and got it for next to nothing

yes, you could add another book.
damn, that's one of the shortest comic lists I seen.
Mine#s shorter

Detective
Amazing (x3)
Ultimate

Thats it

Hock's DC Bash.

Marvel is better about giving it's artists a chance at writing, it appears. Ande Parks wrote that Daredevil Annual, and Skotty Young is writing and drawing a short X-men story, 8 pages or something.

I would say for better or worse Marvel takes more gambles with their creative talent and 90% of the time it pays off

[Dark Sasha]

You!

Emma Frost I think but it'll probably just be a bunch of b-d listers

Is it? I have it and got it for next to nothing

:shock:

Emma would be kinda weird, but she is already kinda confusing in terms of her mental state.

According to Amazon. I started getting the hardcovers with vol 3 because I thought that's where Bendis' run started, and I of course was wrong, but I was able to read it without having to really read volume 2.

[Fake Pat]

:shock:

Emma would be kinda weird, but she is already kinda confusing in terms of her mental state.

According to Amazon. I started getting the hardcovers with vol 3 because I thought that's where Bendis' run started, and I of course was wrong, but I was able to read it without having to really read volume 2.

Emma's the only one that would kinda bug me, but I'm pretty confident she either isn't one.

There's solid evidence she won't be.

[SteveZegers]

I won't have my comics until tonight. I'm completely paranoid about spoilers.

[Dark Sasha]

Emma's the only one that would kinda bug me, but I'm pretty confident she either isn't one.

There's solid evidence she won't be.

I think it is safe to say Logan and Namor aren't skrulls.

[THAT Sean!]

Man...just read that Johns piece on the 'Rama and I'm STOKED. And I'm not even really a Legion fan!*






*Though I'm liking Shooter's run thus far.

[Joe Kalicki]

Man...just read that Johns piece on the 'Rama and I'm STOKED. And I'm not even really a Legion fan!*






*Though I'm liking Shooter's run thus far.

This will be the best comic ever written.

[Fake Pat]

I think it is safe to say Logan and Namor aren't skrulls.

Why?

[Dark Sasha]

Why?

Logan because he would be a load of trouble for the Skrull to replace him and he saved Echo from a skrull.

Namor because he seems to really be in it for himself most of the time and he would also be a pain to replace.

[The Doctor]

:shock:

Emma would be kinda weird, but she is already kinda confusing in terms of her mental state.

According to Amazon. I started getting the hardcovers with vol 3 because I thought that's where Bendis' run started, and I of course was wrong, but I was able to read it without having to really read volume 2.
Meh seems right to me

Ah, pity it rocks

Logan because he would be a load of trouble for the Skrull to replace him and he saved Echo from a skrull.

Namor because he seems to really be in it for himself most of the time and he would also be a pain to replace.

Wolverine was a Skurll in the X-books for a while many moons ago

[Master Jack Rabbitt]

yeah, there needs to be some attrition.

eh, the large cast will make sense when they're all shifted off to Earth-2 :cool:

[Master Jack Rabbitt]

What distinguishes a graphic novel from a graphic novella? In prose fiction a novella is about 17000 to 40000 words. But what about a fraphic one. Is there a specific page count length?

*shrugs*

[Master Jack Rabbitt]

Off to get my comics!

Man, this is going to be a good week all around.

<------------ jealous

[Fake Pat]

Logan because he would be a load of trouble for the Skrull to replace him and he saved Echo from a skrull.

Namor because he seems to really be in it for himself most of the time and he would also be a pain to replace.

They already confirmed that there are Skrulls that don't know they're Skrulls.

Logan and Namor are fair game.

[Master Jack Rabbitt]

This board scares me today. I fear spoilers

[Joe Kalicki]

I can buy three or four comics today, depending on how much Action costs.

[Glixy]

I don't want to throw out any spoilers, but...

Dr. Zoidberg has a cameo in todays Action Comics!!!!! It made my day!

[Fake Pat]

I don't want to throw out any spoilers, but...

Dr. Zoidberg has a cameo in todays Action Comics!!!!! It made my day!

No way.

[The Doctor]

I don't want to throw out any spoilers, but...

Dr. Zoidberg has a cameo in todays Action Comics!!!!! It made my day!

:eek:

[Fake Pat]

WOW.

I just found a bunch of scans from today's Countdown.

Embarassingly bad yet again.

[Glixy]

No way.

Yes way. He has his flip flops on and everything!!!

[Glixy]

WOW.

I just found a bunch of scans from today's Countdown.

Embarassingly bad yet again.

Horrible. So terrible.

[Fake Pat]

Yes way. He has his flip flops on and everything!!!

Tell me you have a scanner.

:cry:

[GrandeMaestro Fünke]

I hate all of you that have Action Comics and SI.

[Master Jack Rabbitt]

I hate all of you that have Action Comics and SI.

I join you in the hatred

[Master Jack Rabbitt]

On the other hand, I read the latest ASS last night and it was awesome. :cool:


Also, I read the four-issue World of Krypton mini a couple nights ago. Damn, that mini was really quite good.

[GrandeMaestro Fünke]

This board scares me today. I fear spoilers
Me too. I'll be pissed off if anyone spoils Action or SI. I will go on a tirade.

I can buy three or four comics today, depending on how much Action costs.

Go for Action and SI!

[Glixy]

Tell me you have a scanner.

:cry:

In about 5 hours, when I get home from work, I will. Maybe someone can help you before then?

[Fake Pat]

In about 5 hours, when I get home from work, I will. Maybe someone can help you before then?

God, I hope so. :)

If you could later though, I'd be damn grateful.

[Fake Pat]

On the other hand, I read the latest ASS last night and it was awesome. :cool:


Also, I read the four-issue World of Krypton mini a couple nights ago. Damn, that mini was really quite good.

Early contender for best single issue of the year.

The only issues I can imagine beating it are A*S 11 or 12, or maybe an FC issue.

[Master Jack Rabbitt]

Me too. I'll be pissed off if anyone spoils Action or SI. I will go on a tirade.


*readies pitchforks*

[The Doctor]

So SI spoilers.......

[Master Jack Rabbitt]

So SI spoilers.......

:mad:

[jason hissong]

What if, at the end of this Johns/Perez thing, there is only one Legion, but the members come from all three teams?

[jason hissong]

So SI spoilers.......


Ummm. . . . . Skrulls.

That's all I have.

[Master Jack Rabbitt]

What if, at the end of this Johns/Perez thing, there is only one Legion, but the members come from all three teams?

That would be :crazy:

[jason hissong]

That would be :crazy:

And how!

Because, quite honestly, Threeboot SunBoy would cower in fear at original SunBoy.

[MAK15]

alright,alright,alright!
we're gettin' too skrully in here.
bring on the D to the C.
I skimmed Action Comics while at the shop. I loved how Supes and the Legion brought down Earthman. lotta memorable lines, there.
Detective Comics-I forgot. I'll pick it up tommorow, and prolly read it on my flight this weekend.
Kamandi 80 page giant-liked seeing where some of the elements in the later parts of the countdown arc came from. but Kamandi is kind of a prick.
countdown. not my fave ish.oh well.
and...I think that's it from me.
oh, and the Blaze ad 'insurrection' is awesome. I wonder how many more villain ads they got Stephane Roux down for?

[Dark Sasha]

:shock:

[Dark Sasha]

Skrulls!!!!!!!!

[Dark Sasha]

Without spoiling it, I must say that SI has the best Lenil Yu art ever.

[Dark Sasha]

Meh seems right to me

Ah, pity it rocks


Wolverine was a Skurll in the X-books for a while many moons ago
Now, I don't know after reading the first issue.

I could always read the trades.

I don't know now.

[MAK15]

what did I say, sasha?
what did I say?!?
take all the FUCKIN' skrull talk to the skrull boards!
graaah!
but yeah the book was good. look forward to what happens next.

[Dark Sasha]

what did I say, sasha?
what did I say?!?
take all the FUCKIN' skrull talk to the skrull boards!
graaah!
but yeah the book was good. look forward to what happens next.

But I'm excited and I like talking to you guys especially about this stuff.

He loves you too ya know.

[Ray G.]

Here you go Legion Lovers!!! This is a link to an article with Geoff Johns...but I think it might spoil Action Comics #843.

So now you're warned! Tread Carefully!!




http://forum.newsarama.com/showthread.php?t=152225

GEOFF JOHNS: LEGION OF 3 WORLDS, I


Mind blowing issue.

I nearly spat out my soda when I saw that preview.

LEGION OF SUPER-VILLAINS!!!! :rock:

[MAK15]

Mind blowing issue.

I nearly spat out my soda when I saw that preview.

LEGION OF SUPER-VILLAINS!!!! :rock:

you know that's what I'm talkin' 'bout!
:rock:

[Ray G.]

WOW.

I just found a bunch of scans from today's Countdown.

Embarassingly bad yet again.

Didn't think it was terrible....

My problems with this issue will be discussed in reviews.

[Ray G.]

Reviews starting shortly.

Also, Supergirl was surprisingly good, and had one of the most unlikely guest-stars I've ever seen.

[Black Roman]

So the bar has been raised, Final Crisis better bring it. But I have high hopes.

[MAK15]

Reviews starting shortly.

Also, Supergirl was surprisingly good, and had one of the most unlikely guest-stars I've ever seen.

everyone called it, tho.

[GrandeMaestro Fünke]

Reviews starting shortly.

Also, Supergirl was surprisingly good, and had one of the most unlikely guest-stars I've ever seen.

Ressurrection Man?

[Ray G.]

So the bar has been raised, Final Crisis better bring it. But I have high hopes.

I think they'll both be remembered as the best crossover events of the modern era.

[Black Roman]

I think they'll both be remembered as the best crossover events of the modern era.

It's going to be a great spring for all comic lovers.

[Ray G.]

Ressurrection Man?

Yeppers.

Seeing him casually pal around with Supergirl was very amusing. I actually really, really liked the way Puckett wrote her this issue, too.

[MAK15]

I think they'll both be remembered as the best crossover events of the modern era.

until next year when DC and Marvel try to raise the bar again with whatever mega event they wanna have peoples buy.
but yeah, this should be good.

[GrandeMaestro Fünke]

Yeppers.

Seeing him casually pal around with Supergirl was very amusing. I actually really, really liked the way Puckett wrote her this issue, too.

I'll check this out.

[Ray G.]

until next year when DC and Marvel try to raise the bar again with whatever mega event they wanna have peoples buy.
but yeah, this should be good.

Yes, but they'll likely suck. Just like Civil War and Infinite Crisis didn't exactly raise the bar from Identity Crisis and House of M.

[MAK15]

Yes, but they'll likely suck. Just like Civil War and Infinite Crisis didn't exactly raise the bar from Identity Crisis and House of M.

didn't really read house of M or Id crisis.
so...the analogy doesn't work.
and I liked IC and Cw...so nyeh.

[Black Roman]

didn't really read house of M or Id crisis.
so...the analogy doesn't work.
and I liked IC and Cw...so nyeh.

Then you should go read HoM and Identity Crisis.

[MAK15]

Then you should go read HoM and Identity Crisis.

I really should.

[Deej]

NYCC '08 schedule is now up!!

http://www.nycomiccon.com/images/100453/2008_PDFs/panels.pdf

[Deej]

OOOH!!! a Saturday 1-1:45PM panel of Legion of Superheroes...50th Anniversary!!

:boogie:

[MAK15]

feh, I won't be able to go to your 'NYCon'.
grrr...

[GrandeMaestro Fünke]

I think I'll be in NYC the last day of the 'Con. Is it easy to get in for the final day?

[Ray G.]

Great stuff!

I'm not sure if I'll be there for Sunday, since it's after a Passover Seder, but that Morrison panel is tempting...

[Ray G.]

Ah!

Downloaded panels. Now to actually start reviews!

[Dark Sasha]

Coming soon! My DCU thread exclusive!!

[Michael Blacklist]

I'm so glad Action is out. Having to hold my tongue about the preview at the end, from both everyone here in this thread and everyone at my shop, has been excruciating!

[SteveZegers]

I think I'm more excited for the Johns/Perez thing than the Crisis.

[SteveZegers]

I think I'll be in NYC the last day of the 'Con. Is it easy to get in for the final day?

Should be. If you can't, I should be able to sneak you in. (Seriously)

[SteveZegers]

Reviews starting shortly.

Also, Supergirl was surprisingly good, and had one of the most unlikely guest-stars I've ever seen.

It really was.

[Matt O'Keefe]

FNL coming back!:D

[Ray G.]

FNL coming back!:D

:boogie:

[SteveZegers]

Mind blowing issue.

I nearly spat out my soda when I saw that preview.

LEGION OF SUPER-VILLAINS!!!! :rock:

And what could be a better creative team? What? There isn't one!

[GrandeMaestro Fünke]

Should be. If you can't, I should be able to sneak you in. (Seriously)

Thanks Steve, I'll let you know if I'm gonna be there.

[Matt O'Keefe]

I think I'll be in NYC the last day of the 'Con. Is it easy to get in for the final day?

Yeah, Sundays are quiet.

[SteveZegers]

Yeppers.

Seeing him casually pal around with Supergirl was very amusing. I actually really, really liked the way Puckett wrote her this issue, too.

Other writers would have had her kill him. This issue showed my a writer with a good grasp on the character

[SteveZegers]

I hate all of you that have Action Comics and SI.

I thought SI was a little disappointing. I guess it always falls off after the swimsuit issue.

[SteveZegers]

What if, at the end of this Johns/Perez thing, there is only one Legion, but the members come from all three teams?

You mean after Barry Allen saves the day?

[Ray G.]

DC Universe Reviews:

As usual, Sean McKeever delivers one of the stronger issues, script-wise at least. His dialogue is some of the better stuff in these issues, but the plots he's given to work with are still lacking. My main problem here is with Mary Marvel. After the hell she's been through these last few months, her corruption at the hands of Darkseid upon her return happens way, way too fast. I swear, Darkseid has some kind of hold over the naive teenage heroines(see Secret from Young Justice). Jamal Igle's art is pretty solid, a few panels of Mary aside. Darkseid chilling on the couch is pretty funny. The rest of the issue focuses on the team splitting up. Harley and Holly leave, and Jason essentially tells the rest of the team to fuck off and goes to hang out with the Gotham girls. Ray Palmer agrees to take Jimmy Olsen to the League and is preparing to show his face on our world for the first time in years when...whammo! Dark Mary out of nowhere! She shows up, kicks Forager's ass, and drags Jimmy off to Darkseid. A brief aside from Solomon showing that he escaped Earth-51 also reveals that the doomed world in the last two worlds was a reconstituted Earth-51. Not a bad issue, but with only three issues left, it's running out of time to really start moving.

Oh, holy fuck yes. Brilliant. Beautiful. A classic celebration of everything that is Superman and everything that is the Legion. The opening battle is wonderful, as a powerless Superman and the deranged Earth-Man plummet towards Earth, as the Legion frantically tries to turn the sun yellow again before Superman is killed. So many great Legion moments, such as how Chameleon Girl wakes up Sun Boy. When Superman comes back...damn. Johns knows this character inside and out. Earth-Man's eventual downfall is great, and I guarantee you we haven't seen the last of this character. He'll either come to our time eventually, or will be a new Legion arch-villain. The last three pages, which weave flashback and present day story together, are just beautiful. This isn't just the book of the week, this arc may be the definitive Superman and the Legion story. This is how you update the Silver Age! And then there's the trailer. Oh, holy fuck the trailer. Geoff Johns. George Perez. Superman and the Legion vs. Superman-Prime and the Legion of Super-Villains! August! Final Crisis: The Legion of Three Worlds. *dies*

BUY. THIS. ARC.

Okay, I was starting to give up on this title, but Puckett and Johnson actually delivered in a big way here! This is kind of close to what I want to see out of the character. Despite an annoying first few pages(with Supergirl asking Wonder Woman for help curing cancer, getting sucker-punched by her, and then getting sent on a fool's errand to get the purple ray), this issue is a pretty big surprise. First up is the most unlikely Supergirl guest-star ever - Resurrection Man! He's a logical guy to track down if you're trying to cure cancer. Puckett actually delivers on his voice, and it's like he stepped in from a different book. I love his response to Supergirl's plan to kill him until he gets the ability to cure cancer. She actually comes across as a naive teenage girl here, and is probably more likable than she has been in a while. Things get really interesting when Kara and Resurrection Man kidnap Dr. Luzano, a criminal mad scientist, for help. This, of course, becomes front page news, and Clark is less than pleased. I really liked Kara's impulsiveness this issue, and this felt like the strangest Brave and the Bold issue ever.

Dini apparently really liked the Batman/Zatanna team-up, because he's giving us another one! It's a lot of fun, and the start of another two-parter. Zatanna is being recruited to perform at a new club run by a rival of the Penguin's, but there's mysterious sabotage going on at the club. When Batman's interrogation of the Penguin turns up empty, he and Zatanna stage a magic show with Bruce escaping from chains. While they're there, discussing a potential relationship(which takes Bruce amusingly by surprise), the club-owner is ambushed by Scarface and the new female Ventriloquist. Soon, the club owner is shot, and he, Bruce, and Zatanna are all taken hostage. That's when things get interesting. Bruce quickly recognizes the woman behind the dummy as the former fiancee of a friend of his(not Janice Porter! Sorry, Doc!), and Scarface doesn't take kindly to him talking to his "woman". The issue ends with Bruce apparently being pumped full of bullets. I'm still not completely sold on the new Ventriloquist, but it's very cool that Dini is trying to enhance and revamp Batman's b-list rogues.

This is a slightly frustrating mini. There's a lot of good stuff here. Namely, anything to actually do with Raven! Marv Wolfman has done a great job of capturing the character of this intelligent, complex young woman who's dealing with a younger body and set of emotions. The high school scenes are a lot of fun. Occasionally the dialogue feels a tiny bit dated, but nothing too glaring. Raven going bowling? There's no way this isn't a recipe for hilariousness. Raven's emotional losses of control add a tension to these scenes that would have been harmless fluff otherwise. Damien Scott's art takes some time getting used to, but this is some of the better stuff I've seen from him in a while. The problem is, everything relating to the villain's plot, or the Medusa Mask, or the mysterious sniper who's Raven but isn't, is deadly dull and confusing. The ending, which apparently has one of Raven's emotional outbursts killing a friend of hers, comes out of nowhere and makes me worry about the direction this series will take next. The last thing I want to see is Raven on the run.

Well, that was an incredibly long wait for absolutely nothing. It gets one bonus star for great art. Seriously, this Mauro Cascioli guy needs to be a star. But the story? Ugh. Sabina(Black Adam Barbie) winds up in league with some demon calling himself Merlin, and they unleash a massive demon army on Las Vegas. Freddy and the Justice League show up, and promptly get their asses kicked. Freddy, desperate for an answer, comes up with a plan to hurl both he and Sabina through a portal, killing them both and taking the powers of Shazam out of play permanently. Meanwhile, Billy/Shazam sits around like a moron all issue. However, Freddy's willingness to sacrifice proves himself worthy somehow, and his guide Zareb reveals himself to be Zeus. He gives Freddy all the powers, Sabina dies, and Freddy officially becomes the new Shazam, complete with original Captain Marvel costume. Meh. This 12-issue miniseries has successfully gutted every last bit of magic, innocence, and wonder out of the Captain Marvel mythos. I don't recommend this to anyone. Just plain bad.

This issue, as with the last few, was very strong on character and humor, but significantly weaker on plotting. It's a Nightwing/Robin team-up issue, as they fly the new Batplane to the lair of Dr. Kendall, a deranged mad scientist responsible for the body-stealing and experimentation. The best parts of the issue are when they're in the Bat-plane, playing off each other. Dick's bickering with Red Arrow who's on watch in the JLA satellite, Dick and Tim are constantly threatening each other with the ejector button...it's fun stuff. Unfortunately, once they get to Dr. Kendall's lair it's all downhill. They battle a bunch of winged clones, get them to turn on their creator, and run like mad. Dr. Kendall escapes in a rocket. The whole thing is very silver age and more than a little wierd for what's usually a fairly street-level book. No more so than giant bug monsters, I guess. Then they have to swim back to the Bat-plane, and things get fun again. Not a bad book, and still the best Nightwing's been in years, but it feels a bit like this book's underachieving again.

First time I've really liked this book so far, and it has nothing to do with the form-fitting spandex. Pete Woods makes his debut as the new artist, and turns out some great work. Another new ex-Everyman Project turned villain is introduced, this one a "Boogeyman" from Montana. It's a bit too freak-of-the-week for my tastes, but at least this one's less creepy than the last two. The formation of Infinity Inc. as the oddest Superhero team ever is a lot of fun, even if Mercy actually joining the team seems like a very odd decision. I'm glad to see John Henry getting more actual page time, although I still wish he was an active member. Jerome's identity crisis, courtesy of his third self, continues to heat up this issue as his cold-blooded third part starts to intimdate one of his second half into eliminating the original. It's a creepy twist, and this issue also definitely feels more reader-friendly than the first two arcs. It's probably too little, too late, though. Much like the next book, it's likely on the way out and we should enjoy it while we can.

I wasn't the biggest fan of Remender's first issue, but this one got a lot better. It's very clear that Remender's going for a very intense, creepy wierd-science vibe, as opposed to Gail's more lighthearted take. After Ryan unleashed the hellish microbe from his blood last issue, the thing ate Panda and proceeded to turn on him. It quickly escapes, and Ivy Town has a whole new evil to deal with. In addition, Ryan's starting to shrink uncontrollably, he has a flirtatious new neighbor who seems to show up at the worst possible times, and Dwarfstar's back in town. Yep, Ryan's fucked, and the sense of tension really shows through this issue. I didn't much like the scene where Ryan abandons the anti-superhero asshole to his fate, though. The end of the issue, as Ryan is swallowed up by the Microbe just like his friends, only to have Dwarfstar show up and identify himself as the real Atom, promises things are only going to get more interesting next issue. Remender's run is looking promising so far.

Ugh. Seriously, what the fuck is going on here? This whole series has got to have some of the worst plotting I've ever seen. There's just no sense of pacing at all. Flashbacks occur at the oddest possible times, battle scenes are often composed of dozens of obscure and new characters just piling on each other in a jumble. Even the flashback segments with the Magnus brothers are painful to read. The ending, which apparently reveals that the Manhunter in the Robot Renegades was the mastermind behind the whole thing, makes about as much sense as the rest of the mini.

Bonus Reviews:

This story involves a murderous bank robber named Lucky going up against Jonah Hex. Lucky. That in and of itself lets you know that it's going to be a fun issue. As opposed to the incredibly grim tone of the last few, there's some real fun here as things get worse and worse for the poor hapless robbers, culminating in a duel with Jonah that you just know the guy is going to lose. Think of this issue as Jonah Hex: War Journal, if you will.

[MAK15]

yo, dc guys who read teh lightning saga, what was the face in the lightning rod?

[SteveZegers]

Without spoiling it, I must say that SI has the best Lenil Yu art ever.

Art was nice, felt really slow to me. Like not very much happened.

[Ray G.]

You mean after Bart Allen saves the day?

Fixed for rightness. :)

[GrandeMaestro Fünke]

yo, dc guys who read teh lightning saga, what was the face in the lightning rod?

We don't know yet.

Also Ray does it look like RM is just going to be in this issue of Supergirl?

[GrandeMaestro Fünke]

Fixed for rightness. :)

:thumb:

[Fake Pat]

I think I'm more excited for the Johns/Perez thing than the Crisis.

You'll change your tune when issue #2 of FC hits.

[Ray G.]

We don't know yet.

Also Ray does it look like RM is just going to be in this issue of Supergirl?

Based on the way the issue ended....I imagine he'll be in the next one for sure. Beyond that, I don't know.

[SteveZegers]

You'll change your tune when issue #2 of FC hits.

Are you from...The Future!

[SteveZegers]

Fixed for rightness. :)

Bart couldn't save his way out of a paper bag. Barry!

[Dark Sasha]

That exclusive might be posted later tonight.

[GrandeMaestro Fünke]

That exclusive might be posted later tonight.

?

[Fake Pat]

Are you from...The Future!

No, I've just been following all the interviews obsessively.

Something happens in #2 (I'm 99% sure) that you will freak out over.

[Dark Sasha]

?
All will be revealed.

No, I've just been following all the interviews obsessively.

Something happens in #2 (I'm 99% sure) that you will freak out over.

Are you one of Morrison's alter egos?

[SteveZegers]

No, I've just been following all the interviews obsessively.

Something happens in #2 (I'm 99% sure) that you will freak out over.

Super Pets? Yes, you might hear me squeal like a little girl with a skinned knee when they show up.

[Matt O'Keefe]

Looking at the NYCC schedule.

I'll try to make it to one DC panel.
Can't wait for 6-8. Any chance at you going to the Neil Gaiman event, Ray?

[Fake Pat]

Super Pets? Yes, you might hear me squeal like a little girl with a skinned knee when they show up.

Yeah, I just didn't wanna blow it for anybody who hadn't heard.

[Ray G.]

Looking at the NYCC schedule.

I'll try to make it to one DC panel.
Can't wait for 6-8. Any chance at you going to the Neil Gaiman event, Ray?

I'm still plotting out my schedule. About to print the slate now. :)

[Ray G.]

I see Gaiman is during DC Nation.

That's unfortunate.

[Matt O'Keefe]

I see Gaiman is during DC Nation.

That's unfortunate.

Gaiman > DC Nation

[SteveZegers]

Review!


Action Comics #863 - “I’m for everyone” Yes Superman, yes you are. This is just a perfect issue, everything I want a comic to be. The teamwork, the fun, everything. I just loved it.

Countdown To Final Crisis #4 - Mary, what are you thinking!? Just when I thought you were nice again. I enjoyed it.

DC Special Raven #2 - Like issue one, nice art, but I have no real interest in the story.

Detective Comics #843 - More Zatanna = More good! I really liked this. The little character moments with Bruce and Zatanna were great, and I do love me some backwards dialogue.

Supergirl Vol 5 #28 - Much better than I was expecting. A nice, sweet Supergirl! As she should be. Really nice art too.

Trials Of SHAZAM #12 - Beautiful art wasted on a huge mistake of a series.

[SteveZegers]

Gaiman > DC Nation

I gotta go with DC Nation.

[Ray G.]

I gotta go with DC Nation.

Really, this is the reason I come to cons. For the news announcements.

[Dark Sasha]

Gaiman is a great panelist though.

[SteveZegers]

Gaiman is a great panelist though.

Sure, but like Ray said DC Nation is a must for me. DC Nation and any kind of Superman panel.

[Fake Pat]

Gaiman is a great panelist though.

But if you skip DC Nation you won't get to raise your hands a bunch for Didio!

[Ray G.]

Gaiman is a great panelist though.

Yes, but as interesting as hearing him talk would be, he's not very active in comics right now. I'd much rather stay with DC. Especially because McKeever and JMS' new projects might be announced. :rock:

[Ray G.]

Heeeeeeeeey, I just took back the post-count lead in this thread. :rock:

[SteveZegers]

But if you skip DC Nation you won't get to raise your hands a bunch for Didio!

If I'm not there, important Krypto questions might go unasked. I can't take that chance.

[MAK15]

If I'm not there, important Krypto questions might go unasked. I can't take that chance.

do it for the krypto questions.

[Deej]

Wow!!! Johns knocked the Superman and Legion of Super-Heroes arc out of the ballpark and set up something totally AWESOME for August!!! Just like Green Lantern he's totally raised the stakes and excitement level for this book!! This is what DC comics should look like!!

And you know what...he's doing the same thing for Justice Society of America...he's just doing it very slowly.

I think DC should cut a few books...and just focus on making the core ones awesome!!

[Deej]

Heeeeeeeeey, I just took back the post-count lead in this thread. :rock:

Who cares? You're a post whore!! Now go out and make some friends and then I'll be impressed! ;)

[Matt O'Keefe]

Yes, but as interesting as hearing him talk would be, he's not very active in comics right now. I'd much rather stay with DC. Especially because McKeever and JMS' new projects might be announced. :rock:

Because you can't just use a palm pilot to check Newsarama's live updates:roll:
I'd borrow you my touch to go online;)

And his novels have always been on par with his comics, and many levels above his recent work in the field.

[Deej]

Great stuff!

I'm not sure if I'll be there for Sunday, since it's after a Passover Seder, but that Morrison panel is tempting...

I printed out the panel listing. I'm curious to find out which ones everyone plans to go to. I'm up in the air on Saturday afternoon right now. I have a Texas Hold 'Em tournament around 4pm...trying to determine if there are any good panels I'll be missing if skip out around 3PM.

[SteveZegers]

I think DC should cut a few books...and just focus on making the core ones awesome!!

Action Comics should always be one of the best, top of the read pile, comics. It's Action Comics! It deserves to be awesome.

[Ray G.]

Because you can't just use a palm pilot to check Newsarama's live updates:roll:
I'd borrow you my touch to go online;)

And his novels have always been on par with his comics, and many levels above his recent work in the field.

Yes, but I have a feeling that jumping up and screaming "WOOOOOOOOO!!!!" at a Gaiman panel might not be recieved well. And I'm all about the "WOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!"

[SteveZegers]

Who cares? You're a post whore!! Now go out and make some friends and then I'll be impressed! ;)

You used a smiley, but this was very mean-spirited! You smelly bastard!

[Ray G.]

I printed out the panel listing. I'm curious to find out which ones everyone plans to go to. I'm up in the air on Saturday afternoon right now. I have a Texas Hold 'Em tournament around 4pm...trying to determine if there are any good panels I'll be missing if skip out around 3PM.

I can already guarantee I'll be at the Secret Invasion and DC Nation panels on Friday, and the Legion and Crisis panels on Saturday. If I do come on Sunday, it'll be for the Didio and Morrison panels.

[GrandeMaestro Fünke]

Gah! Action Spoilers!

[Matt O'Keefe]

I can already guarantee I'll be at the Secret Invasion and DC Nation panels on Friday, and the Legion and Crisis panels on Saturday. If I do come on Sunday, it'll be for the Didio and Morrison panels.

The Didio panel is just a look back at the silver age. Nostalgia stuff, nothing to do with new stuff coming down the pipeline.




I wish I had $500 to meet up with Neil:(

[Matt O'Keefe]

One other thing: I don't know how any of you guys can pass up the Prince Caspian and Wall-E screening:no:

[SteveZegers]

I printed out the panel listing. I'm curious to find out which ones everyone plans to go to.

I won't really know until the days of the show. It depends what's going on at our table.

[SteveZegers]

One other thing: I don't know how any of you guys can pass up the Prince Caspian and Wall-E screening:no:

The whole movies? I'll try. It's so busy at these things. You just have to do as much as you can.

[Master Jack Rabbitt]

I just read this week's Action Comics.



eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeekkkkkkkkkkkkkk ! :eek:

[Dark Sasha]

Here it is. Here is my DCU thread exclusive. It's called Monkey Business. Enjoy:
Part 1

Page 1

3 widescreen panel page.

Panel 1

We see a bald man in a wheelchair and white lab coat. His eyes are covered with shadows as he is staring down. His hands are on his knees and his face is content and neutral. Behind him is a black background.

Narration: I was this man long ago.

Panel 2

We have a close up on the right side of his face. We do not see his eyes and his expression is still neutral, we do see however, the detailed structure of this side of his face. His cheeks are rough and wrinkled and his nose is curve and arched downward. His chin and his face are unkempt and have not been shaven for quite sometime. This man, even though we do not see his eyes in this panel, has not been sleeping.

Narration box: Yes, I was this man. This meek man with a marvellous mind that went further than any mind had ever gone and will ever go.

Panel 3

We are still in a close up on his face, but now we move the camera to see his whole face. We finally see his eyes, but the shadows are still there. They are blue. We see a smirk on his face and we see his yellow teeth shining at us in the little crack in between his lips as he is smiling. We also see that the left side of his head has a scar. It isn’t important now to notice it. It was from an accident he had when he was child and it will be important later on.

Narration box: I was the perfect article for humanity. A mind like a diamond. I was brilliant and flawless…..

The man: Are you comfortable in there, Superman?

Page 2
Splash page

We have a full shot of the man looking at Superman as the man of steel is trapped in a block of ice, which is on top of a grey platform that breathes out mist. Superman looks like he is running, and he was. His eyes are still staring at the man in the wheelchair. The camera is behind the man but it is to his side, so we see the smile on his face as he watches Superman as he is frozen in this block of ice. The background is more detailed now. We see now that we are in some kind of laboratory. In the basement to be more specific. This is a lab fit for Victor Frankenstein as we see the gothic shadowing mixed with the glare of the yellow lights on the walls.

Narration: …And cold. Very cold.

Man: Would you like me to make you a cup of tea? You look like you’re getting a chill.

Page 3

4 panel page, 2 rows.

Panel 1

We see the man’s full body in a small centre shot. His smile is bigger now and his cheeks are more folded and the wrinkles really start to show in a more energetic way. His yellow teeth should be really dynamic but still realistic in tone and in shade. Also, his coat is wrinkled.

Narration: It is a paradox of sorts, but these days, these days in that chair, that chair that I hated some much, were also the best days.

Man: Now that the Man of Steel is on thin ice, there is nothing stopping me from ruling the world!!!

Panel 2

The camera zooms in to his upper body. The smile is still there and the expression is still the same.

Narration: Those were days that men like me could conquer gods like him! My mind could beat his might and all the while I was, in my physical appearance, fragile and weak.

Man 1: Soon the devices will activate and the entire world will know my power and I shall be a king!

Man 2: A king that beat a god!!

Narration 2: But I was never that weak. Not then.

Panel 3

Camera zooms further, focusing on his face.

Narration: But my victories were short. He always found ways to beat me. They always do. But in my defence and in my innocence, I kept trying and would continue to try, because I believed that I could beat him.

Man 1: How does it feel, Superman? How does it-
Man 2: NOO!!!!!

Narration 2: And not even he, the man who can do anything, could stop me in that sense.

Panel 4

Zooms further, focusing on his eye.

Narration 1: No one could.

Man: Not again! Not again!!!

Narration 2: Except me.

Page 4

4 panels again, 2 rows.

Panel 1
A shot of an eye again. It is his eye, but there is something different. We have moved forward.

Narration: In that sense, I was the one who finally was able to defeat the Mighty Ultra Humanite.

Panel 2

Zoom out, we now see a white gorilla face. Content and neutral as the background behind him remains a blur.

Narration: My thoughts became clearer and I, already a genius, grew smarter. My experience taught me that it was pointless. It always was pointless.

Panel 3

Zoom out further, we now see his upper body and the pulsing and throbbing brain that lies down like a crown on his head.

Narration: He would always be there to stop me and if not him, someone else. So, I did the smartest thing I have ever done in my life.

Panel 4

Zoom out further, we now see his whole body in frame. His gigantic gorilla form with snow white fur. He is wearing a black apron. The background is still a blur.

Narration: I stopped caring.

Off panel voice: Excuse me, sir!

Page 5

Full splash page. We see the Ultra Humanite in a coffee shop. He works here and his face is depressed and down. The off panel voice is a customer. The coffee shop is full with people.

Customer(off panel): Where the hell is my cup of coco!!!??!?!

At the bottom of the page there is the title:
Monkey Business

[Deej]

I think I'm more excited for the Johns/Perez thing than the Crisis.

I concur.

BTW...Is that Luthor on the topright? And XS!!! Woohooo!!!!

[Master Jack Rabbitt]

I'm so glad Action is out. Having to hold my tongue about the preview at the end, from both everyone here in this thread and everyone at my shop, has been excruciating!

I bet. I don't envy having to hold secrets like that. :lol:

[Master Jack Rabbitt]

I think I'm more excited for the Johns/Perez thing than the Crisis.

I think I'm equally excited

[Deej]

You used a smiley, but this was very mean-spirited! You smelly bastard!

shhhh! you hairless freak! don't let Ray in on my cruelty!!

[Ray G.]

One other thing: I don't know how any of you guys can pass up the Prince Caspian and Wall-E screening:no:

Those are rough. I'm extremely excited for both those movies.

But these screenings can be a bit crazy, and I think I can wait for the theater.

[MAK15]

Here it is. Here is my DCU thread exclusive. It's called Monkey Business. Enjoy:
Part 1

Page 1

3 widescreen panel page.

Panel 1

We see a bald man in a wheelchair and white lab coat. His eyes are covered with shadows as he is staring down. His hands are on his knees and his face is content and neutral. Behind him is a black background.

Narration: I was this man long ago.

Panel 2

We have a close up on the right side of his face. We do not see his eyes and his expression is still neutral, we do see however, the detailed structure of this side of his face. His cheeks are rough and wrinkled and his nose is curve and arched downward. His chin and his face are unkempt and have not been shaven for quite sometime. This man, even though we do not see his eyes in this panel, has not been sleeping.

Narration box: Yes, I was this man. This meek man with a marvellous mind that went further than any mind had ever gone and will ever go.

Panel 3

We are still in a close up on his face, but now we move the camera to see his whole face. We finally see his eyes, but the shadows are still there. They are blue. We see a smirk on his face and we see his yellow teeth shining at us in the little crack in between his lips as he is smiling. We also see that the left side of his head has a scar. It isn’t important now to notice it. It was from an accident he had when he was child and it will be important later on.

Narration box: I was the perfect article for humanity. A mind like a diamond. I was brilliant and flawless…..

The man: Are you comfortable in there, Superman?

Page 2
Splash page

We have a full shot of the man looking at Superman as the man of steel is trapped in a block of ice, which is on top of a grey platform that breathes out mist. Superman looks like he is running, and he was. His eyes are still staring at the man in the wheelchair. The camera is behind the man but it is to his side, so we see the smile on his face as he watches Superman as he is frozen in this block of ice. The background is more detailed now. We see now that we are in some kind of laboratory. In the basement to be more specific. This is a lab fit for Victor Frankenstein as we see the gothic shadowing mixed with the glare of the yellow lights on the walls.

Narration: …And cold. Very cold.

Man: Would you like me to make you a cup of tea? You look like you’re getting a chill.

Page 3

4 panel page, 2 rows.

Panel 1

We see the man’s full body in a small centre shot. His smile is bigger now and his cheeks are more folded and the wrinkles really start to show in a more energetic way. His yellow teeth should be really dynamic but still realistic in tone and in shade. Also, his coat is wrinkled.

Narration: It is a paradox of sorts, but these days, these days in that chair, that chair that I hated some much, were also the best days.

Man: Now that the Man of Steel is on thin ice, there is nothing stopping me from ruling the world!!!

Panel 2

The camera zooms in to his upper body. The smile is still there and the expression is still the same.

Narration: Those were days that men like me could conquer gods like him! My mind could beat his might and all the while I was, in my physical appearance, fragile and weak.

Man 1: Soon the devices will activate and the entire world will know my power and I shall be a king!

Man 2: A king that beat a god!!

Narration 2: But I was never that weak. Not then.

Panel 3

Camera zooms further, focusing on his face.

Narration: But my victories were short. He always found ways to beat me. They always do. But in my defence and in my innocence, I kept trying and would continue to try, because I believed that I could beat him.

Man 1: How does it feel, Superman? How does it-
Man 2: NOO!!!!!

Narration 2: And not even he, the man who can do anything, could stop me in that sense.

Panel 4

Zooms further, focusing on his eye.

Narration 1: No one could.

Man: Not again! Not again!!!

Narration 2: Except me.

Page 4

4 panels again, 2 rows.

Panel 1
A shot of an eye again. It is his eye, but there is something different. We have moved forward.

Narration: In that sense, I was the one who finally was able to defeat the Mighty Ultra Humanite.

Panel 2

Zoom out, we now see a white gorilla face. Content and neutral as the background behind him remains a blur.

Narration: My thoughts became clearer and I, already a genius, grew smarter. My experience taught me that it was pointless. It always was pointless.

Panel 3

Zoom out further, we now see his upper body and the pulsing and throbbing brain that lies down like a crown on his head.

Narration: He would always be there to stop me and if not him, someone else. So, I did the smartest thing I have ever done in my life.

Panel 4

Zoom out further, we now see his whole body in frame. His gigantic gorilla form with snow white fur. He is wearing a black apron. The background is still a blur.

Narration: I stopped caring.

Off panel voice: Excuse me, sir!

Page 5

Full splash page. We see the Ultra Humanite in a coffee shop. He works here and his face is depressed and down. The off panel voice is a customer. The coffee shop is full with people.

Customer(off panel): Where the hell is my cup of coco!!!??!?!

At the bottom of the page there is the title:
Monkey Business

oh, dude, that wasn't bad.
you forget that he wasn't always in a simian body.

[Deej]

One other thing: I don't know how any of you guys can pass up the Prince Caspian and Wall-E screening:no:

I read all of the Narnia books back in the day. I saw the first movie on DVD....HATED IT!! Maybe if I was 8-10 years old I would have enjoyed it...but I sat there embarassed that I brought the movie home for others to watch with me.

[SteveZegers]

shhhh! you hairless freak! don't let Ray in on my cruelty!!

I'm completely hairless because I choose to be! It's not the same thing!