While I don't actually read that many DC comics (especially at the moment), I thought it was time the Distinguished Competition at least got its own thread.
This week for me was Birds of Prey 127, the final issue of the run. Sadly, it ended with a total whimper. Though the series hadn't been the same since Gail Simone left, I'd been holding out hope that it would improve again.
ahh now I can't laugh about how there's a Marvel thread but not a DC one :(
No but it's about time we made one of these.
So what do you guys think about the new Kandor story arc?
Quote from: marhawkman on February 22, 2009, 11:57:08 AM
So what do you guys think about the new Kandor story arc?
I haven't actuallly been following it - can you give a quick run-down?
Um, the real Kandor was removed from Krypton before the planet was destroyed. It was and still is a city populated by Kryptonians. Superman rescued them from Brainiac and relocated the city to be next door to his fortress of Solitude in the Arctic. Now we have something like 1000 Kryptonians wandering around Earth.
A little behind the times: Its 100,000 Kryptonians. After the murder of Supergirl's dad, they used Brainiac's technology to grow a New Krypton on the other side of the sun, where they have all relocated, since the UN banned all Kryptonians from Earth, save Superman.
I think the story is poorly thought out cheese, myself, and were I buying the Superman books, would make me sorely tempted to drop them.
Yeah, I was actually reading Superman & Action Comics up until the Kandor arc was about to start, and that was it for me. Kandor's always bugged me, and I think back fondly to when actually Superman was the last Kryptonian.
Quote from: Talavar on February 23, 2009, 05:23:40 PM
Yeah, I was actually reading Superman & Action Comics up until the Kandor arc was about to start, and that was it for me. Kandor's always bugged me, and I think back fondly to when actually Superman was the last Kryptonian.
When was that... 1958? ;)
He's been the Last Son of Krypton before, he probably will be again.
Superman was the last kryptonian for a big chunk of the 80s, 90s & early 2000s - for a lot of that time, even Supergirl either didn't exist, or she wasn't Kryptonian, let alone all these other Kryptonian hangers-on DC has floating around now. The cartoon Superman TAS actually had to have their Supergirl be from a colony of Krypton, because it was editorial mandate at the time that Superman be the last Kryptonian.
It's only relatively recently that the original Supergirl was brought back, and the Kandorians, and Krypto, and a lot of those other relics of the Silver Age that I wish had stayed buried.
Regarding Johns and Frank's Action Comics work -
I picked up the Superman and the Legion six parter retroactively, and read it in one big gulp and it was pretty good. Lovely artwork, a nice spin on the Legion as Superboy's childhood pals, and so I decided to keep an eye on Action Comics.
I got the Braniac story next, and to be honest, it was terrible. The big emotional impact at the end, Pa Kent's death, just fell totally flat. Braniac's been set up as this very cold, very alien entity, and he then tries to blow up Superman's parent's farmhouse for revenge??? How come he's suddenly got concepts of revenge, hate or parents after treating all other life forms like cells on a microscope slide?
I picked up the first New Krypton issue, and it looked like it was going to be equally ham-fisted, so I dropped the series at that point. I like John's intent - that he plans to show that Superman is more than just his powers - and that his heart and compassion are what separates him from the rest of Krypton. But it all looked like it was going to be a bit too spoon-fed and belaboured for my tastes.
To be honest, the existence of other Kryptonians doesn't bother me. I think Superman's at his best in a complex universe with as many fantastic elements slapped on top as you can handle. I'm glad all the Silver Age stuff is back. But I've seen Kandor used much better - Frank Miller's DK2 and Morrison's All Star Superman for example.
*high fives Mike*
The basic concept for Superman was not "LAST Kryptonian" but "strange visitor from another world". Being the LAST was a rather contrived addition IMO.
as for brainiac.... his cold calculating demeanor is only when he's in charge of the situation. He acts like that when he thinks he can get whatever he wants. If he has to improvise he tends to react the same way everyone else does.
The problem with lots of Kryptonians is that they're so very, very powerful. When there's just Superman, that power is balanced by his uniqueness. I mean, is there a problem in the DC universe that the city population of Kandor, all with Superman's powers couldn't fix? 100 000 Kryptonians make the dangers of a few thousand Yellow Lanterns, Red Lanterns, Black Lanterns, etc. look like chumps - they could beat them in time for dinner, then go conquer the universe tomorrow. The only threat to a group of kryptonians is another group of kryptonians, that or writers contrive increasingly ridiculous ways to have their weaknesses commonly available.
Either way, it ends up watering down Superman. Kryptonians are everywhere, reducing him to being special for being a good guy - well, what's so special about that for a superhero? Most of them are pretty good people. Or you have everything threatening somehow having a chunk of kryptonite, which makes Superman seem to be useless.
Well said, Talavar. I agree completely.
Kandor is fine with me as long as it is in the bottle. Once it gets big then it's lame. And I can't see a plausible way for DC to make it so Kandor can't be made big again so best to leave it out.
Quote from: Talavar on February 24, 2009, 07:47:17 PMThe problem with lots of Kryptonians is that they're so very, very powerful. When there's just Superman, that power is balanced by his uniqueness. I mean, is there a problem in the DC universe that the city population of Kandor, all with Superman's powers couldn't fix? 100 000 Kryptonians make the dangers of a few thousand Yellow Lanterns, Red Lanterns, Black Lanterns, etc. look like chumps - they could beat them in time for dinner, then go conquer the universe tomorrow. The only threat to a group of kryptonians is another group of kryptonians, that or writers contrive increasingly ridiculous ways to have their weaknesses commonly available.
Either way, it ends up watering down Superman. Kryptonians are everywhere, reducing him to being special for being a good guy - well, what's so special about that for a superhero? Most of them are pretty good people. Or you have everything threatening somehow having a chunk of kryptonite, which makes Superman seem to be useless.
Or have them fight people that actually can face them in hand to hand combat. What makes Superman Super? Sure being Kryptonian accounts for a lot, but he is more than just that. Average Kyptonians can't do what he does. Remember the arc with that lady who used to be a Kryptonian soldier? Superman made her look like a pathetic chump.
Quote from: marhawkman on February 25, 2009, 01:57:15 PM
... What makes Superman Super? Sure being Kryptonian accounts for a lot, but he is more than just that. Average Kyptonians can't do what he does. ...
I think that's what Johns is going for.
Quote from: marhawkman on February 25, 2009, 01:57:15 PM
Quote from: Talavar on February 24, 2009, 07:47:17 PMThe problem with lots of Kryptonians is that they're so very, very powerful. When there's just Superman, that power is balanced by his uniqueness. I mean, is there a problem in the DC universe that the city population of Kandor, all with Superman's powers couldn't fix? 100 000 Kryptonians make the dangers of a few thousand Yellow Lanterns, Red Lanterns, Black Lanterns, etc. look like chumps - they could beat them in time for dinner, then go conquer the universe tomorrow. The only threat to a group of kryptonians is another group of kryptonians, that or writers contrive increasingly ridiculous ways to have their weaknesses commonly available.
Either way, it ends up watering down Superman. Kryptonians are everywhere, reducing him to being special for being a good guy - well, what's so special about that for a superhero? Most of them are pretty good people. Or you have everything threatening somehow having a chunk of kryptonite, which makes Superman seem to be useless.
Or have them fight people that actually can face them in hand to hand combat. What makes Superman Super? Sure being Kryptonian accounts for a lot, but he is more than just that. Average Kyptonians can't do what he does. Remember the arc with that lady who used to be a Kryptonian soldier? Superman made her look like a pathetic chump.
The list of people who can hold their own against
one Kryptonian is pretty short, let alone people who can stand getting dogpiled by Kryptonians - unless a writer suddenly invents a group of super-powerful, super-common enemies, which is just bad writing.
Quote from: Talavar on February 23, 2009, 08:53:34 PM
Superman was the last kryptonian for a big chunk of the 80s, 90s & early 2000s - for a lot of that time, even Supergirl either didn't exist, or she wasn't Kryptonian, let alone all these other Kryptonian hangers-on DC has floating around now. The cartoon Superman TAS actually had to have their Supergirl be from a colony of Krypton, because it was editorial mandate at the time that Superman be the last Kryptonian.
It's only relatively recently that the original Supergirl was brought back, and the Kandorians, and Krypto, and a lot of those other relics of the Silver Age that I wish had stayed buried.
Um... Talavar, it was a joke.
I was trying to remember when Kandor was first introduced (according to Wikipedia I was right). It was at the dawn of the third age of man... wait a minute... The Silver Age that they introduced all the extra Kryptonians: Kandor, Phantom Zone, Supergirl, Krypto, Beppo... all in place by the time I started reading comics. I like the idea that Kal El is the last survivor of a doomed race, but it's nice to see him interact with his peers.
And it's highly likely that at some point someone will come along and decide that they need to "streamline" the series and all those Kryptonians will just dissapear into a puff of retrocontinuity.
And what about the Daxamites? They are just as powerful as Superman. But then neither is as powerful as they once were: I remember when Superman could move planets. Now
THAT is too powerful.
Prime still can :thumbup:
Anybody else put a Superman skin on Male Tiny Cape so they could have a Superman Emergency Squad?
Don't forget about Daxamites. They had a Daxamite GL as one of the heroes fighting Prime in Infinite Crisis.
Quote from: Talavar on February 25, 2009, 05:04:29 PMThe list of people who can hold their own against one Kryptonian is pretty short, let alone people who can stand getting dogpiled by Kryptonians - unless a writer suddenly invents a group of super-powerful, super-common enemies, which is just bad writing.
Like Darkseid and his flunkies? This does neatly explain why Superman fights them so often. Oh and the Blackrocks could return. They've always been able to give Superman a good fight.
Quote from: GhostMachine on February 25, 2009, 08:46:10 PMDon't forget about Daxamites. They had a Daxamite GL as one of the heroes fighting Prime in Infinite Crisis.
Sodam Yat Rocks! Oh and Daxam is still out there! Too bad the people have become insanely Xenophobic and totally unwilling to relocate to a yellow sun.... Oh and Mongul took over their planet....
Quickie Reviews:
Spoiler
Green Lantern #38- Treadding water. Big fighty fighty issue. Sinestro Corps gets Sinestro back. Red Lanterns can make constructs with their blood/energy with enough willpower. Hal's freed from the Red ring, but is now caught with a Green and Blue one, with the last page with Hal in a new costume for the second issue in a row. Wash, Rince, Repeat. Oh, and Carrol Ferris is the head Star Saphire now. It does have good art, and the "Omens & Origins" section was kinda good with Jon Stewert and Newly- Saphire'd Fatality.
2.5/5
Green Lantern Corps. #33- Mongul and Arkillo cage match on Daxam. The loser? Daxam. Kyle and Soranik Natu hook up. Guess which one'll end up in some sort of appliance? Kyle decides to paint a mural. The Lantern that can speak to the dead (can't remember his name) has a nice chat with a Star Saphire. Apparently, the only thing he loves is death. And Sodom Yat's mom crashes into the GL Citadel (despite it having serious force fields?), letting him know there's a problem on Daxam. Next issue will have something happen, I promise. "O&O" is a pretty funny bit about Kyle and Guy priming the walls where the mural will be, and a good chunk of the Corps comes to help.
3/5
Justice League of America #27-30- This is a prime example of a story that is good, but didn't need 4 issues to tell it. The whole thing revolves around Milestone Comics' Shadow Cabnet and Icon being retconned into the main DC line. Something big is going down, and the SC need all the light- based folks they can find. Apparently, they forgot about The Ray. They kidnap Dr. Light (the mean Japanese one), and storm the Watchtower (or Space Needle, or whatever the heck it is now) to steal the last mortal remains of the other Dr. Light. At one point, Icon punches Supes through the station, and into space. Fighty fighty in the Tower, and fighty fighty in Dr. Light's home. And Supes and Icon just sit and talk about how the fight is a ruse... what? Anyways, during the fight, Flash is trapped inside Twilight, who is a walking parallel dimention. This is important. SC's been beat down, and Hawkman busts through the teleporter, saying Shadow Theif is crazy powerful and coming this way!
Then... a break for the "Face of Evil" tie- in issue? Apparently, an old villian, Starbreaker, gave some power to Shadow Theif. Now back to the story.
Shadow Theif shows up, looking like he did in JLU, which is cool. JLA fights their animated shadows, which is pretty neat, Shadow Theif is defeated. That took 2 pages. Then, someone notices that the moon's shadow is going to crash into earth. Pretty neat idea, I'll admit. It then takes 3 pages of both teams going "What are we going to do?"... then Superman just goes out there and punches it. And Dr. Light got her groove back. The end. Oh, you finally see Icon's employer, Dharma, who sets himself up as a villian pretty quick, and says we don't need to worry about Bats, and then projects a "vision of the future" i.e. Final Crisis.
It should've been done in 2 issues. Otherwise, it's a pretty good story. I would give it 3.75/5, but there's something I don't like at all. In issue 30, first page, we see the Flash. Halfway through the book, the Flash escapes Twilight! Art continuity doesn't come up much, but it drives me crazy when it does.
2/5
Reign in Hell #1-8- Blaze is the new leader of Hell. Yeah, Shazam's demon daughter. I had to look her up on Wikipedia too. Blue Devil is back to being a devil, Black Mary doesn't have powers, Ibis won't fight anymore, Zaurel is a bad guy now (!), Jason Blood is no longer bound to Etrigan, for the time being, Sargon has his head on a pike in Hell, Zatanna's in shellshock because her dad died... again, Neron's vaporized, and Dr. Fate is finally getting the hang of his magic stuff. And the Shadowpact book is STILL not coming back.There, I just saved youalls $32.
1.75/5
Booster Gold #17- Jurgens is trying to kill this book, and for the life of me, I can't figure out why. This plot is too convoluted to explain, and this is coming from a guy who likes time- travel stories.
1/5
Teen Titans #68- I like Kid Eternity. This issue kinda rehashes his backstory a little, including a bit of the Vertigo stories. Anyways, KE takes a depowered Kid Devil to newly- revamped Hell to find the contract KD signed to get his powers. Apparently, All Neron did was unlock KD's metagene (giving an easy loophole for him to get his powers back, but shhh, don't tell anyone!), then Blaze shows up. She offers KD the same deal Neron did, and he almost takes it. KE channels his aunt, and she convinces him to not take the deal. They go back to Earth, and pretty much say "What's Next?" Next issue will have the new team (which will consist of Wonder Girl, Blue Beetle, Kid Eternity, Kid Devil... eventually, Bombshell, Miss Martian, Aquagirl, and Static). And the "O&O" page shows BB hooking up with Wondy, a very pregnant Wondy, and a dead KD.
3.5/5
That's about it for now. Next Quickie Reviews in a month, I don't get to my shop that often.
(See Prev, I can write reviews too!)
I like where the GL stuff is going and I REALLY want to know what Yrra Cynril is gonna do now. Become Yrra Stewart perhaps? :D Nah, as much as I wish that John had the moxy for that... I just can't visualize the editors finally putting her "tortured soul" story to rest for good.
I wanna see just how far they'll go before Amy quits acting like a thrall and decides that like it or nor she's on the team.(even though she's not a teen)
It's confirmed!!! Morrison and Quitely on Batman and Robin! Amazing!!!
New Morrison interview at IGN
http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=20487
Spoiler
Since Bruce is obviously comming back sooner than expected I`m willing to give the new series a chance.
Aw... Dead=temproraily retired more than ever I guess. Though I suppose they could explain it away as part of Superman's use of the Miracle machine.
Well the thing is, it was always planned as a temporary thing, hence the last page in Final Crisis. He is just trapped in the Omega Sanction which was escaped from before.
A bit off current subjects, but still DC related I guess. Has anyone heard if/when/where the Crusaders Characters (Shield, Comet, etc.) are going to be reintroduced?
Speaking of Final Crisis, what happened with the Specter being the dog to Kain? I never saw the ending result.
That plot line was handled in the Final Crisis: Revelations mini by Greg Rucka and Philip Tan. If they showed some of that in the main Final Crisis book, it was probably to promote the tie-in (i.e. if you want to see what happens with this, buy this book!)
Quote from: Talavar on February 24, 2009, 07:47:17 PM
The problem with lots of Kryptonians is that they're so very, very powerful. When there's just Superman, that power is balanced by his uniqueness. I mean, is there a problem in the DC universe that the city population of Kandor, all with Superman's powers couldn't fix? 100 000 Kryptonians make the dangers of a few thousand Yellow Lanterns, Red Lanterns, Black Lanterns, etc. look like chumps - they could beat them in time for dinner, then go conquer the universe tomorrow. The only threat to a group of kryptonians is another group of kryptonians, that or writers contrive increasingly ridiculous ways to have their weaknesses commonly available.
Either way, it ends up watering down Superman. Kryptonians are everywhere, reducing him to being special for being a good guy - well, what's so special about that for a superhero? Most of them are pretty good people. Or you have everything threatening somehow having a chunk of kryptonite, which makes Superman seem to be useless.
I don't think I would use the term useless as you are overlooking the red sun facotr and the vulnerability to magic. I mean howmany magic people are their not ot mention that the daxamites are still around and have all the same powers as Superman already but are weak against lead. so there already were millions of supermen. P.S. I think superman became useless when the KC superman entered the picture
Alright, so, this has been bugging the heck out of me.
Spoiler
Why the heck does Ganthet want Hal to be the leader of the blue lanterns? The reason seems to be solely because Hal is the main character of his own book. Hal won't even give hope the time of day, and yet Ganthet still wants him to be the centerpiece of the blues. I think we can all think of a candidate who would be perfect for the role: Kyle.
I mean, Ganthet chose Kyle himself to be the "torchbearer" the guy who kept hope alive for the GLC. Doesn't he seem like the absolute best candidate to be the Green lantern figurehead of the Blue lanterns?
But no... Hal comes back and Kyle gets stripped of his Ion powers and reduced to painting murals on Oa, while Hal is seemingly wanted simultaneously by every corps to join them.
*grumble grumble*
I think I may have an answer...
Spoiler
Blue Lantern rings won't work without a Green Lantern around. Maybe Ganthet know that Hal has enough willpower to allow all of the Blues function throughout the galaxy? It's a weak answer, I'll admit, but may turn out to be true.
And I wouldn't be suprised if Kyle'll end up playing on someone else's team by the end of Blackest Night.
*joins in the grumbling*
"grumble grumble grumble"
Umm... I have nothing to grumble about, but it looked cool. So there you go. :P
Hey, I know who ought to be the head of the Blue Lanterns: Superman.
Hehe... just so Livewire has MORE reason to call him a "big blue boyscout"... :P
Somebody is back. Do not click this unless you want to be spoiled.
Spoiler
(http://afghanant.files.wordpress.com/2009/04/superboy_returns.jpg?w=328&h=249)
I read that on your blog, AA. Personally, I is happy. That character just happens to be one of my DC faves. :P
Quote from: Previsionary on April 30, 2009, 12:26:23 AM
I read that on your blog, AA. Personally, I is happy. That character just happens to be one of my DC faves. :P
Yeah me too. I was really excited that is happened and it is weird how I've become such a huge Johns and Pre-LOS fan.
Quote from: AfghanAnt on April 30, 2009, 12:19:46 AM
Somebody is back. Do not click this unless you want to be spoiled.
Why would DC bring back Bucky? A Marvel character?? It doesn't make any sense! :penguinspin :penguinspin :penguinspin
YAY!!!
Now I need details. I won't be getting that series til it's over.
Wow, resurrecting two cool characters who never should have died in a single miniseries. Sweet!
Spoiler
I have to say though, I hope they explain Superboy's return better. I realize that's probably coming in the next issue, but my understanding is that Brainiac re-cloned him from Luthor and Superman... which doesn't explain how he has his former personality, age, and presumably his memories.
Quote from: Tomato on April 30, 2009, 04:43:18 AM
Wow, resurrecting two cool characters who never should have died in a single miniseries. Sweet!
Spoiler
I have to say though, I hope they explain Superboy's return better. I realize that's probably coming in the next issue, but my understanding is that Brainiac re-cloned him from Luthor and Superman... which doesn't explain how he has his former personality, age, and presumably his memories.
Spoiler
His body was taken to the Kryptonian birthing matrix that Superman was put in after his fight with Doomsday, instead of months like Superman, it took a thousand years. He need Lex's hair because the matrix only knew how to fix Superman not Lex.
Quote from: AfghanAnt on April 30, 2009, 12:56:58 PM
Quote from: Tomato on April 30, 2009, 04:43:18 AM
Wow, resurrecting two cool characters who never should have died in a single miniseries. Sweet!
Spoiler
I have to say though, I hope they explain Superboy's return better. I realize that's probably coming in the next issue, but my understanding is that Brainiac re-cloned him from Luthor and Superman... which doesn't explain how he has his former personality, age, and presumably his memories.
Spoiler
His body was taken to the Kryptonian birthing matrix that Superman was put in after his fight with Doomsday, instead of months like Superman, it took a thousand years. He need Lex's hair because the matrix only knew how to fix Superman not Lex.
..
you know... that actually makes sense...
And very happy to have him back... :thumbup:
Quote from: AfghanAnt on April 30, 2009, 12:56:58 PM
Quote from: Tomato on April 30, 2009, 04:43:18 AM
Wow, resurrecting two cool characters who never should have died in a single miniseries. Sweet!
Spoiler
I have to say though, I hope they explain Superboy's return better. I realize that's probably coming in the next issue, but my understanding is that Brainiac re-cloned him from Luthor and Superman... which doesn't explain how he has his former personality, age, and presumably his memories.
Spoiler
His body was taken to the Kryptonian birthing matrix that Superman was put in after his fight with Doomsday, instead of months like Superman, it took a thousand years. He need Lex's hair because the matrix only knew how to fix Superman not Lex.
Spoiler
Ok, that I'm cool with. I fleetingly got the impression he'd been healing for awhile from an earlier statement, but at the time that didn't make sense because of the emphasis on Luthor's hair.
I really like the Time Trapper reveal, too.
I may have to consider getting Adventure Comics:
http://comics.ign.com/articles/978/978610p1.html
This thread was buried.
Read Adventure Comics #1 yesterday. I really liked it. Not a lot happened but it had this real homecoming feeling to it that felt like the right way to start off Superboy's return. Also really liked the art and it fit the tone really well. The backup was ok, my opinion of it kinda changed with every page, and the art is by Clay Henry who I've always liked. Great start for me.
Also read Blackest Night 2. It was good but not much really happened, it's still setting up the threat and I wish some more actual story was in it.
Also big Blackest Night spoiler here. (http://comics.ign.com/articles/101/1013816p1.html)
Which version of the Legion of Super-Heroes are they using in Adventure Comics? (I hope its the version that's pretty much the original, pre-Crisis LSH)
Quote from: GhostMachine on August 13, 2009, 10:47:46 PM
Which version of the Legion of Super-Heroes are they using in Adventure Comics? (I hope its the version that's pretty much the original, pre-Crisis LSH)
uhhh....If you read Legion of 3 Worlds it's the main one from that series. I *think* that's the original Legion but I'm not even remotely a Legion expert. All 3 Legions are supposed to appear down the line.
It's the original Legion.
Also...
Spoiler
Why is Superboy getting his own Lex Luthor ala Simon Valentine? If he gets a Lana Lang and Cassie becomes his "Wonderwoman" I will be very upset with Mr Johns.
is anybody else ticked that
Spoiler
cass is no longer batgirl...stephanie brown is the new batgirl, I like spoiler but I feel like she's not batgirl material. I mean seriously cassandra could whoop all the batgirls (in their prime ) at the same time .
if its not barbara or cassandra its not batgirl
Quote from: Mystik on August 20, 2009, 09:44:45 PM
is anybody else ticked that Spoiler
cass is no longer batgirl...stephanie brown is the new batgirl, I like spoiler but I feel like she's not batgirl material. I mean seriously cassandra could whoop all the batgirls (in their prime ) at the same time .
if its not barbara or cassandra its not batgirl
Well, at least its not
Spoiler
Misfit!
Aw... but Misfit is awesome....
I still think it should have been Rose Wilson.
hehe... she's on my list of people who have better things to do.
Quote from: Mystik on August 20, 2009, 09:44:45 PM
is anybody else ticked that Spoiler
cass is no longer batgirl...stephanie brown is the new batgirl, I like spoiler but I feel like she's not batgirl material. I mean seriously cassandra could whoop all the batgirls (in their prime ) at the same time .
if its not barbara or cassandra its not batgirl
Spoiler
I am, Pod love Cass. And her explanation for quitting just didn't work with past stories. Of course DC has screwed her up badly the last couple years.
But I'm happy it's Spoiler. She's the only person I'd want otherwise. Misfit would have annoyed me, and Barbara would have ticked me off.
Going off Podmark's post....
Spoiler
DC has pretty much said that they don't want to make Barbara Batgirl again because she's become an inspiration to handicapped fans. However, I don't see why they couldn't make her Batgirl AND Oracle, by doing something similar to that episode of the Birds of Prey tv series, where she used an exoskeletal system underneath the costume that let her walk temporarily. All they have to do is give it some drawback (exhausting to use, has to be recharged after a period of time, etc) so she can't be Batgirl all the time.
However, I think Spoiler is a good choice to be the new Batgirl. And I don't like Cassandra Cain as Batgirl, so I'm glad she's being replaced. Wonder what kind of gimmick they'll give her now?
Oh, and I like Misfit. I just don't think she'd make a good Batgirl.
Yeah, Misfit is more of a teen sidekick character.
Cain? Hehe... Isn't she the dark and shadowy leader of the League of Assassins or something? That would kinda get in the way of being Batgirl...
Quote from: marhawkman on August 21, 2009, 11:41:05 PM
Yeah, Misfit is more of a teen sidekick character.
Cain? Hehe... Isn't she the dark and shadowy leader of the League of Assassins or something? That would kinda get in the way of being Batgirl...
The whole thing with Cassandra Cain becoming the leader of the League of Assassins and acting out of character was explained away. She had been drugged and manipulated by Deathstroke, but Robin (Tim Drake) managed to cure her.
Here's an idea: How about making Cassandra the new Nightwing?
then what would happen to dick when bruce takes back the mantle
Quote from: Mystik on August 22, 2009, 02:28:02 PM
then what would happen to dick when bruce takes back the mantle
Simple. Dick drinks a shrinking potion and becomes the new Bat-Mite. :P
Quote from: GhostMachine on August 22, 2009, 10:27:51 PMQuote from: Mystik on August 22, 2009, 02:28:02 PMthen what would happen to dick when bruce takes back the mantle
Simple. Dick drinks a shrinking potion and becomes the new Bat-Mite. :P
whoooaaa.... good one. :)
I'm not sure how much of that was Deathstroke though... I thought that was just how Deathstroke got her on Titans East.
Quote from: marhawkman on August 21, 2009, 11:41:05 PM
Cain? Hehe... Isn't she the dark and shadowy leader of the League of Assassins or something? That would kinda get in the way of being Batgirl...
Don't make me hurt you :angry:
Quote from: GhostMachine on August 22, 2009, 07:43:19 AM
Here's an idea: How about making Cassandra the new Nightwing?
Meh I'm not a fan of the idea. It's better than nothing I guess.
Making Cassandra a villain and then having her quit Batgirl because Bruce died showed a vast misunderstanding of the characters motivations and personality. But honestly no one should ever write Cass without reading the first half of her solo series. It was fast paced but excellent character work.
Quote from: marhawkman on August 23, 2009, 12:20:26 AM
I'm not sure how much of that was Deathstroke though... I thought that was just how Deathstroke got her on Titans East.
Deathstroke was responsible for everything. That was revealed in the WWIII mini. But honestly it was a hand wave to explain a very poorly conceived storyline.
Anyway Cassandra is going to be a supporting character with Barbara in the new series. That's acceptable to me. Cass and Spoiler are good friends.
Quote from: Podmark on August 24, 2009, 03:36:58 AMQuote from: marhawkman on August 21, 2009, 11:41:05 PMCain? Hehe... Isn't she the dark and shadowy leader of the League of Assassins or something? That would kinda get in the way of being Batgirl...
Don't make me hurt you :angry:
:LOL:
So Deathstroke somehow manipulated her into leading the Assassin guys? >.<
As Robby the Robot would say: "Does not compute!"
So...
Spoiler
Anyone think there wont be a white lantern corp but peace will be expressed as white light.
Corps? no.
White Lantern Corps... nah. I do think there might be a new book coming out of this, where representitives of all the colors form a group. And I was thinking white would mean "Life" since black meand "Death" and all.
I can understand people somehow getting the various emotions to work with each other, but a total synthesis of all of them? I can't see that.
I think the white corps will merely be the seven others working together united against the black, which will revealed to be the only way to stop them. Makes sense really. Life has emotions and a will, death is the total absense of all those things.
Dr Spectrum!
Quote from: marhawkman on September 03, 2009, 12:19:04 AM
I can understand people somehow getting the various emotions to work with each other, but a total synthesis of all of them? I can't see that.
Hal Jordan. If that guy doesn't end up a white lantern then i don't get it. Every time a new ring is discovered, he automatically gets one, to prove that he is worthy of all the emotional spectrum. If HE doesn't end up using all the color (like chaneling the power of every corp or using a ring of each) then i'll mentally apologize for calling that book too predictable.
Geoff Johns said once that by the end of his run, there'll be solid proof behind Guy Gardner's belief that he's the best Lantern around. I'm just saying...
Quote from: Trelau on September 03, 2009, 08:16:48 PMQuote from: marhawkman on September 03, 2009, 12:19:04 AMI can understand people somehow getting the various emotions to work with each other, but a total synthesis of all of them? I can't see that.
Hal Jordan. If that guy doesn't end up a white lantern then i don't get it. Every time a new ring is discovered, he automatically gets one, to prove that he is worthy of all the emotional spectrum. If HE doesn't end up using all the color (like chaneling the power of every corp or using a ring of each) then i'll mentally apologize for calling that book too predictable.
hmm.... He started with green, turned into Parallax, later used several Sinestro Corps rings, gets tricked into earning a Red ring, gets a blue ring to remove the red ring, tries to get an orange ring to fight the guy who made them.
Interesting observation..... Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, and Blue
Now he just needs Indigo and Violet. As often as he's fought Star sapphire he's never weilded that power.
Red Robin #4 sneak peek
:spoiler:
Spoiler
(http://media.comicvine.com/uploads/1/18863/950058-rrob_4_dylux_18_copy_super.jpg)
(http://media.comicvine.com/uploads/0/40/950072-final_crisis_7_18_super.jpg)
Quote from: Midnite on September 10, 2009, 08:13:27 PM
Red Robin #4 sneak peek
:spoiler:
Spoiler
(http://media.comicvine.com/uploads/1/18863/950058-rrob_4_dylux_18_copy_super.jpg)
(http://media.comicvine.com/uploads/0/40/950072-final_crisis_7_18_super.jpg)
URGH! Dick's been Batman for like 5 minutes...I hate DC lately...
The search for Bruce Wayne starts summer 2010, AfghanAnt.
In other news Johns and Manapul are leaving Adventure Comics after issue 6. Pod is a very sad panda. Issue 2 was so prefect.
Paul Levitz takes over.
(http://media.comicvine.com/uploads/0/40/948030-picture_5_super.png)(http://media.comicvine.com/uploads/0/40/948112-batgirlturnssmall_super.jpg)
Nice classic elements from Babs' costume. But I still want Cassandra back.
Thoughts?
It's interesting. Will have to get used to it.
Anyone notice that those thugs she's attacking look like the Mutants gang members from The Dark Knight Returns?
I like the costume design except the pinkish-purple. Hope that's just a fluke and the color is actually more like in the other picture, where it matches the color of
Spoiler
the Spoiler costume
.
Quote from: GhostMachine on September 11, 2009, 10:29:03 AM
Anyone notice that those thugs she's attacking look like the Mutants gang members from The Dark Knight Returns?
I like the costume design except the pinkish-purple. Hope that's just a fluke and the color is actually more like in the other picture, where it matches the color of Spoiler
the Spoiler costume
That was the 1st thing that caught my eye.
It looks very dated and 90's to me and not good 90's.
is it just me or does it feel like the bat family is inferior now. personally I love steph, dick and damian but I feel like they're not as good as there predecessors. have the old batman,robin and batgirl fight the new guys (both teams have prep time) and new guys would get slaughtered.
bruce bat> dick bat
tim robin > damian robin
cass batgirl > steph batgirl
heck cass could take the new team by herself with a lil com-link coaching from bruce
Quote from: Mystik on September 11, 2009, 03:13:16 PM
is it just me or does it feel like the bat family is inferior now. personally I love steph, dick and damian but I feel like they're not as good as there predecessors. have the old batman,robin and batgirl fight the new guys (both teams have prep time) and new guys would get slaughtered.
bruce bat> dick bat
tim robin > damian robin
cass batgirl > steph batgirl
heck cass could take the new team by herself with a lil com-link coaching from bruce
that's often the problem with successors and legacy heroes. they measure poorly against the originals. Personally I've always preferred the veteran hero to the brand new young one myself. Dick at least has the experiance but Bruce will always be my Batman.
Pouches! And how does that belt stay on?
I find Dick and Damian infinitely more interesting to read about than Bruce and Tim ever were. Steph should have stayed dead. Sorry Spoiler fans.
why the hell are the mutants in that image, is dark knight returns becoming the new kingdom come. force into everything
Blackest Night 3 was great.
Spoiler
Poor Firestorm, I honestly found that scene horrifying.
I guess someone ticked guy off
Spoiler
(http://comicsmedia.ign.com/comics/image/article/102/1026610/blackest-nights-future-december-2009-20090918090120175.jpg)
poor ice
Quote from: the_ultimate_evil on September 11, 2009, 07:11:58 PM
why the hell are the mutants in that image, is dark knight returns becoming the new kingdom come. force into everything
Actually, All-Star Batman & Robin is tied into DKR, sadly.
that guy image is sweet! :thumbup:
What's with Firestorm being kicked around every time there's a major DC event? That was really quite creepy, actually.
Quote from: Talavar on September 19, 2009, 11:41:17 PM
What's with Firestorm being kicked around every time there's a major DC event? That was really quite creepy, actually.
It actually made me dislike Geoff Johns and his treatment of younger superheroes. In fact, I actually put Blackest Night down and ended up reading the rest later because it just left such a bad taste in my mouth. Why would he do that other than shock value and to mess up yet another young superhero's love life.
I didn't care for it much either. I mean, she didn't end up in a refrigerator, but she may as well have.
Yeah, I actually didn't have a big problem with what happened to Firestorm, mainly because I was totally expecting him to be c-list cannon fodder in this storyline. I still really enjoyed the issue even though what happened to Firestorm was horrible.
Since when could Firestrom affect organic matter? It looked like he was turning that girl into salt.
Anyway, there's already more of a coherent story than Final Crisis had.
Just want to say that I'm loving Francis Manapul's artwork on Adventure Comics. He's just astounding.
I am loving Adventure but I'm not such a huge fan of Manapul's work. It's ok but I'd take Mckone or Reis any day.
GLC #42 made murs a sad boy :(
Spoiler
Kyle sacrificed himself to save Oa.
(http://img29.imageshack.us/img29/2072/glc.jpg)
*cries a little bit*
Spoiler
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
Wow, that's a big collection of black rings....
Quote from: GhostMachine on September 19, 2009, 08:53:31 AM
Quote from: the_ultimate_evil on September 11, 2009, 07:11:58 PM
why the hell are the mutants in that image, is dark knight returns becoming the new kingdom come. force into everything
Actually, All-Star Batman & Robin is tied into DKR, sadly.
yeah but both were "wrote" by miller and outside the main canon. this batgirl is the new main universe, hence my question
Spoiler
You read comics long enough, and no one really dies. Especially in DC when they're coming back as space zombies or from a multitude of ongoing Final final final Crises/Earths. :P
Hehe.... Or in Marvel where they may or may not have been replaced by a Skrull. :)
http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=23954 (http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=23954)
This sounds very promising. I like that it's straight to TBP format as well.
That seems interesting, but isn't it more or less the All-Star line?
Still Johns Batman would probably be quite good.
Gary Frank interview on Batman
http://www.newsarama.com/comics/091208-Gary-Frank-Batman-Earth-One.html
Huh, Alfred looks like Sean Connery.
LMAO it looks just like J. Jonah Jameson Sr!
That's a really different Alfred.
The B-man is coming back !!!!
http://dcu.blog.dccomics.com/2009/12/09/dcu-in-2010-the-return-of-bruce-wayne-hits-in-april/
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/2009-12-09-morrison-bruce-wayne-st_N.htm?loc=interstitialskip
Well that didn't take long did it.
My initial thought is lame. You pull this whole Dick is Batman stunt and if it's really over this quickly what was the whole point? However they might impress me.
Personally I think if you were going to kill Bruce and make Dick Batman they should have stuck with it as long as possible. Wally style....ya know until this year.
Battle for the Cowl seems such a waste of time. *shrugs*
Quote from: Podmark on December 09, 2009, 05:03:41 PM
Well that didn't take long did it.
My initial thought is lame. You pull this whole Dick is Batman stunt and if it's really over this quickly what was the whole point? However they might impress me.
Personally I think if you were going to kill Bruce and make Dick Batman they should have stuck with it as long as possible. Wally style....ya know until this year.
They never said that this was permanent. They even show Bruce at the end of Final Crisis, alive and well in stone age. Besides its a 6 issue mini, so it will last till september, and Morrison said that he has an entire year of stories for Dick and Damian dynamic duo. So it will be a year and a half with Dick in the batsuit, which is not bad. Bucky didn`t last much longer as Cap, which I personally thought it would.
Only problem with that... as far as we know, Bucky will still be Cap when Steve revives, going by a recent annual.
Yeah, the Dark Avengers one, but the first cover of the Siege has Steve in the suit, though the covers may be misleading sometimes.
Quote from: bat1987 on December 10, 2009, 12:22:27 PM
They never said that this was permanent. They even show Bruce at the end of Final Crisis, alive and well in stone age. Besides its a 6 issue mini, so it will last till september, and Morrison said that he has an entire year of stories for Dick and Damian dynamic duo. So it will be a year and a half with Dick in the batsuit, which is not bad. Bucky didn`t last much longer as Cap, which I personally thought it would.
I know they set this up from the beginning. I'm just talking generally.
Quote from: bat1987 on December 10, 2009, 01:14:01 PM
Yeah, the Dark Avengers one, but the first cover of the Siege has Steve in the suit, though the covers may be misleading sometimes.
Iron Man had Bucky and Steve both working as Captain America. I'm really hoping they both keep the name.
It has come to my attention
Spoiler
That Kyle Rayner is once again alive and well.
All is right in the world again.
Hehe... I never really expected him to die die.
In Blackest Night, through Brightest Day (http://robot6.comicbookresources.com/2010/01/dc-announces-blackest-night-followup-brightest-day/).
Colour me interested.
DC announces Brightest Day: The Flash (http://robot6.comicbookresources.com/2010/01/dc-announces-brightest-day-the-flash/)
Brightest Day Tie-In- Justice League: Generation Lost (http://www.majorspoilers.com/archives/31486.htm/)
I loves me some JL International. And is that Ted Kord I see in the middle?!
Quote from: The Hitman on January 12, 2010, 09:57:56 PM
Brightest Day Tie-In- Justice League: Generation Lost (http://www.majorspoilers.com/archives/31486.htm/)
I loves me some JL International. And is that ****** I see in the middle?!
please use spoiler banner! i didn't finish blackest night, and as far as i knew that character was still dead
oh well, if it's him i'm glad he's back anyway ^^
do we have any release date for this Brightest Day follow up?
I wonder if we'll see a Brightest Day: Aquaman. <_<
Yay, Birds of Prey with Gail Simone is coming back! http://www.newsarama.com/comics/Birds-of-Prey-Simone-Returns-100113.html (http://www.newsarama.com/comics/Birds-of-Prey-Simone-Returns-100113.html)
Quote from: BentonGrey on January 13, 2010, 05:14:03 PM
I wonder if we'll see a Brightest Day: Aquaman. <_<
why no one likes fish boy
Quote from: the_ultimate_evil on January 13, 2010, 08:49:43 PM
Quote from: BentonGrey on January 13, 2010, 05:14:03 PM
I wonder if we'll see a Brightest Day: Aquaman. <_<
why no one likes fish boy
With punctuation or capitalization, that might make sense. ;) As it is, I choose to completely misconstrue it into "Why, no one likes fish, boy." I don't see what one's culinary preferences have to do with comic heroes. Also, don't be silly, all discerning comic readers love the man in orange! :D
Quote from: BentonGrey on January 13, 2010, 09:01:32 PM
Also, don't be silly, all discerning comic readers love the man in orange! :D
:unsure:
Quote from: BentonGrey on January 13, 2010, 05:14:03 PM
I wonder if we'll see a Brightest Day: Aquaman. <_<
Y'know... you may be on to somethng, Bent.
Brightest Day: Aquaman (http://bit.ly/zrbhf)
Quote from: Trelau on January 13, 2010, 01:34:50 PM
Quote from: The Hitman on January 12, 2010, 09:57:56 PM
Brightest Day Tie-In- Justice League: Generation Lost (http://www.majorspoilers.com/archives/31486.htm/)
I loves me some JL International. And is that ****** I see in the middle?!
please use spoiler banner! i didn't finish blackest night, and as far as i knew that character was still dead
oh well, if it's him i'm glad he's back anyway ^^
do we have any release date for this Brightest Day follow up?
Trelau, this is just cover speculation at this point.
I read today's Adventure Comics, the last by Johns and Manapul. It was a good issue with some great work with Lex Luthor. I really liked this book, I wish it could have gone on longer. Manapul's art has become one of my favorites and if I get the new Flash series he'll be a big reason why.
I wonder.... Could Brightest Day somehow be WORSE than Blackest Night?
It just has that "Crisis of the year" vibe to it.
First two covers for Return of BW.
http://dcu.blog.dccomics.com/2010/02/05/end-your-week-in-a-big-way-return-of-bruce-wayne-1-and-2-covers/
Both look awesome, love the similar sky motif.
BENTON!!! LOOKIE HERE!! (http://www.majorspoilers.com/archives/33504.htm/)
That is a good thing, of course it doesn't make up for the last several years of him being ignored or mistreated, but it's a step in the right direction. It's ALMOST enough to make me pick the book up.
:o
I was looking forward to Finch's DC work(Batman and Flash in particular),but that Aquaman is sweet. :thumbup:
For anyone who hasn't met him yet,he's a great guy and going to C2E2 by the way.C2E2 couldn't get any better for me,unless of course Ink shows up ;) ;)(Pretty please! :D)
Yeah, that cover is absolutely beautiful.
blackest night flash 3
bloody hell yes
I think Aquqman's shirt is bronze, not truly orange, just as his hair is blond and not necessarily bright yellow.
I have always thought it was golden, like a goldfish. The couple of Aquaman skins I've done I tried to make it that way.
Quote from: daglob on March 03, 2010, 05:34:33 AM
I have always thought it was golden, like a goldfish. The couple of Aquaman skins I've done I tried to make it that way.
Indeed, the color of those crackers is mighty similar. ;)
Anyone reading the Cry for Justice mini series?
:spoiler:
Spoiler
What's the point of bring back the original Prometheus and killing him off? The writing was sub par.
The problem with JLA:CfJ is that it was originally intended to be an ongoing series, which was then bumped down to mini status after the writer, James Robinson, was told that he was taking over the JLA book proper. Then, there were characters he was told he was allowed to use that were co-opted by other writers (Batwoman, specifically). From there, Robinson basically phoned in the rest of the series in order to build up his new JLA run.
Spoiler
What that has to do with Prometheus being offed is anyone's guess.
It seemed like Cry for justice was intended to be another harsher, more "real" take on the genre, with the painted art and the death and disfigurement (channeling Dr. Frinke, there).
And the bringing back etc did lend the end a little more weight, I thought.
Not Robinson's best work though, for me.
Just looked at the preview for Justice League: Rise and Fall. All I can say is that the genre is officially dead. The big two are staffed by carrion feasting on the rotting corpses of the heroes of my childhood.
I agree. Cry for Justice looks woeful.
Holy heck yes Batman!
http://www.newsarama.com/comics/red-hood-judd-winick-100315.html (http://www.newsarama.com/comics/red-hood-judd-winick-100315.html)
sweet
Quote from: doctorchallenger on March 09, 2010, 11:30:53 PM
Just looked at the preview for Justice League: Rise and Fall. All I can say is that the genre is officially dead. The big two are staffed by carrion feasting on the rotting corpses of the heroes of my childhood.
Naah... most of the writers nowadays are just trying to be the new Alam Moore and write the new Watchmen. They are just doing it with the mainstream characters rather than some "made up" characters based on pre-existing characters.
What they remind me of sometimes is a bunch of little boys who are trying to see how nasty they can be before some adult catches them.
Blurb from JL: Rise & Fall:
Quote?Green Arrow murdered Prometheus ? but it?s not over yet! With his city lying in devastation, his former sidekick dismembered and his granddaughter dead, the Emerald Archer continues to seek out his own brand of Justice from those responsible for the tragedies that have befallen him.?
Wow...that...well that speaks volumes. Aquaman's return, plus the promises of Brightest Day had me considering checking out a book or two. Lovely.
umm hate to tell you this but some of the newest books like rise and fall and the new titans are set after BN. and no bodies back
the titans are even putting up a statue for tempest
Great.
Ok, I really need to pick up Blackest night. Lots of death and mayhem sounds great.
Some of the most radical and interesting storylines came out in the 80's. For mainstream DC there was the first Crisis on Infinite Earths. I was about 13 years old when that series was in full swing, and I was growing up while comics were changing, becoming more grown up themselves. Back then, that was the first time anybody ever wrote a miniseries (or maxiseries) that literally re-wrote a comic universe's history. Pretty gutsy for it's time! Crisis really got me into DC big time; that, and my huge mega-crush on Starfire of the Teen Titans. *Ahem!* At any rate, I came onboard at a time when great ideas were in the offing. The Dark Knight Returns and The Killing Joke changed the way I saw Batman, and Swamp Thing was going through some dark and gritty adventures, including a battle alongside the forces of Hell against a huge shadowy hand that was menacing Heaven. And, of course, Watchmen made us all think deeply about the role of superheroes in society... but a lot of other unique ideas came about around that time that a lot of folks might not remember. Here are some of those unsung DC comics that I recall reading...
Amethyst: Princess of Gemworld, Camelot 3000, Cosmic Odyssey (miniseries), Doctor Fate, Invasion (miniseries), Justice League: International, Legends (miniseries), Lex Luthor: The Unauthorized Biography, Lords of the Ultra Realm, Manhunter, New Gods, New Guardians, Omega Men, Suicide Squad, Tales of the Teen Titans, The New Teen Titans, and Warlord (Just to recall a few)
Out of all of those, perhaps only Camelot 3000 has been kept reprinted, in trade paperback, even unto today. The rest exist now only as memories of a time when the experiments of talented writers and artists breathed new life into old heroes. Today's stories such as Blackest Night were made possibe by the dark and gritty tales of that bygone age and folks like Frank Miller, Allen Moore, and all those other talented folks who have come before and since. In recent years, I must say I have become much more interested in DC's universe than Marvel's due to the quality of the storylines at DC becoming more interesting again.
Doctordark- Welcome to the boards and I love your avatar.
Quote from: DoctorDark on March 31, 2010, 12:28:06 AM
Some of the most radical and interesting storylines came out in the 80's. For mainstream DC there was the first Crisis on Infinite Earths. I was about 13 years old when that series was in full swing, and I was growing up while comics were changing, becoming more grown up themselves. Back then, that was the first time anybody ever wrote a miniseries (or maxiseries) that literally re-wrote a comic universe's history. Pretty gutsy for it's time! Crisis really got me into DC big time; that, and my huge mega-crush on Starfire of the Teen Titans. *Ahem!* At any rate, I came onboard at a time when great ideas were in the offing. The Dark Knight Returns and The Killing Joke changed the way I saw Batman, and Swamp Thing was going through some dark and gritty adventures, including a battle alongside the forces of Hell against a huge shadowy hand that was menacing Heaven. And, of course, Watchmen made us all think deeply about the role of superheroes in society... but a lot of other unique ideas came about around that time that a lot of folks might not remember. Here are some of those unsung DC comics that I recall reading...
Amethyst: Princess of Gemworld, Camelot 3000, Cosmic Odyssey (miniseries), Doctor Fate, Invasion (miniseries), Justice League: International, Legends (miniseries), Lex Luthor: The Unauthorized Biography, Lords of the Ultra Realm, Manhunter, New Gods, New Guardians, Omega Men, Suicide Squad, Tales of the Teen Titans, The New Teen Titans, and Warlord (Just to recall a few)
Out of all of those, perhaps only Camelot 3000 has been kept reprinted, in trade paperback, even unto today. The rest exist now only as memories of a time when the experiments of talented writers and artists breathed new life into old heroes. Today's stories such as Blackest Night were made possibe by the dark and gritty tales of that bygone age and folks like Frank Miller, Allen Moore, and all those other talented folks who have come before and since. In recent years, I must say I have become much more interested in DC's universe than Marvel's due to the quality of the storylines at DC becoming more interesting again.
I've got to say that I'm kinda insanely jealous. I was mostly being born in 1986, not reading Watchmen. In the same way that I'm extremely jealous of my parents for living through the total social upheaval of the 1960s, I really envy anyone alive for comics in the 80s. I recently started going along to a local comic discussion group and one of the members is a proper old-school fan who's been collecting since he was a child in the 50s. Still, it's not all bad. I've been able to follow Planetary and Transmet and plenty of Vertigo titles since they began. I'll never be able to experience Crisis on Infinite Earths month by month as it happened, but I'm sure that Infinite Crisis is far from being the last in the line of DC's crossover "Crisis" events.
I can see it becoming a tradition like the old annual JLA/JSA team-ups: Crisis Month.
Quote from: DoctorDark on March 31, 2010, 12:28:06 AM
Some of the most radical and interesting storylines came out in the 80's. For mainstream DC there was the first Crisis on Infinite Earths. I was about 13 years old when that series was in full swing, and I was growing up while comics were changing, becoming more grown up themselves. Back then, that was the first time anybody ever wrote a miniseries (or maxiseries) that literally re-wrote a comic universe's history. Pretty gutsy for it's time! Crisis really got me into DC big time; that, and my huge mega-crush on Starfire of the Teen Titans. *Ahem!* At any rate, I came onboard at a time when great ideas were in the offing. The Dark Knight Returns and The Killing Joke changed the way I saw Batman, and Swamp Thing was going through some dark and gritty adventures, including a battle alongside the forces of Hell against a huge shadowy hand that was menacing Heaven. And, of course, Watchmen made us all think deeply about the role of superheroes in society... but a lot of other unique ideas came about around that time that a lot of folks might not remember. Here are some of those unsung DC comics that I recall reading...
Amethyst: Princess of Gemworld, Camelot 3000, Cosmic Odyssey (miniseries), Doctor Fate, Invasion (miniseries), Justice League: International, Legends (miniseries), Lex Luthor: The Unauthorized Biography, Lords of the Ultra Realm, Manhunter, New Gods, New Guardians, Omega Men, Suicide Squad, Tales of the Teen Titans, The New Teen Titans, and Warlord (Just to recall a few)
Out of all of those, perhaps only Camelot 3000 has been kept reprinted, in trade paperback, even unto today. The rest exist now only as memories of a time when the experiments of talented writers and artists breathed new life into old heroes. Today's stories such as Blackest Night were made possibe by the dark and gritty tales of that bygone age and folks like Frank Miller, Allen Moore, and all those other talented folks who have come before and since. In recent years, I must say I have become much more interested in DC's universe than Marvel's due to the quality of the storylines at DC becoming more interesting again.
Yeah, then what? That seems to be the problem modern books have. what hasn't been done yet?
Quote from: thanoson on March 31, 2010, 04:20:30 PM
Doctordark- Welcome to the boards and I love your avatar.
Thanks for the welcome, Thanoson! Your avatar is pretty cool itself, Thanos being one of my all-time favorite Marvel villains. I kind of always saw Thanos as being the Marvel equivalent of DC's Darkseid, the Eternals and the New Gods being kind of similar races of beings.
Back unto the main topic, though... I think the trickiest thing in comics must be trying to come up with fresh ideas after so many decades of ideas that have come and gone, or been done already. That's why in the Superman comics there are so many different takes on Krypton and the story of Kandor. I think the most recent involved Kandor being rescued from Brainiac by Superman and the inhabitants of Kandor creating a "New Krypton" literally grown out from the city of Kandor itself. So now there is the old Krypton and New Krypton, which was a unique idea. Instead of being a dead people, now Kryptonians are major players in Superman's storyline... an event which had the Guardians of Oa worried about the New Kryptonians becoming a race of interstellar conquerors once their powers reach Superman's level, most especially since General Zod is the head of their army, which didn't work out so well on old Krypton. ;)
Regarding Crisis and it's legacy, I believe we've had two more Crisis events since then: Infinite Crisis, and Final Crisis. I won't spoil the ending of Final Crisis for those who haven't read it but consider the idea of Batman vs. Darkseid for a moment. 'Nuff said! I'm still just a little surprised by the Superboy being the Time Trapper reveal from a while back, in I forget which comic... but the outcome of Final Crisis is even more surprising in it's own way. It is less epic than the previous two crisis endings, though; less universe-altering. But even at it's worst it was like Shakespeare compared to Marvel's Secret Wars I and II. There was just something way too humerous about the Beyonder, to take him seriously as a villain! :D
Agreed about the Crises, liked all of them, but first one was the most epic by far.
Batman vs Darkseid was totally hardcase. Glad Bruce is coming back soon. :thumbup:
since this is the DC thread ive got a question someone may be able to help me with. captain marvel is equal to superman in power but when all the marvel family is transformed is his power lessened because its divided amongst them? thought i read that long ago.
Yep, that's the deal with Cap. Marvel. For a while I thought that was retconned out, but when Black Adam powered up Isis and Osiris in 52 he mentioned he felt a little depowered.
yeah, but apparently it's not that much....
Yeah, like after the Sand Thing Saga in Superman: Supes power was supposed to be halved.
What IS half of infinity, anyway?
Yes, yes, I know that has all been retconned out of existence, and even after the event they fudged a bit on his power level.
Bad news: http://blog.newsarama.com/2010/04/02/greg-rucka-done-with-batwoman-and-dc/ (http://blog.newsarama.com/2010/04/02/greg-rucka-done-with-batwoman-and-dc/)
I finally decided to give Detective Comics a try and was pleasantly surprised. The first arc, while bizarre, was entertaining. The following arc, Batwoman's origin, was excellent. And the current arc, "The Cutter," has been nothing short of amazing; being very reminiscent of a Gotham Central story. Sucks to hear Rucka go solely on this title alone.
Guess who's taking over writing duties on ACTION COMICS? Paul Cornell! Hold your applause.
Quote from: http://dcu.blog.dccomics.com/2010/04/12/paul-cornell-steps-in-as-new-action-comics-writer/I know what you?re thinking ? ?Didn?t they just announce a new ACTION COMICS writer?? Well, we did. But stuff has changed and we?ll get to that in one second.
Firstly, starting in June, HUGO award-nominated writer Paul Cornell will join interior artist Pete Woods and cover artist David Finch on ACTION COMICS. Cornell comes to DC with a very shiny resume, including work as a novelist and in comics and television ? notably, for the Dr. Who series. Cornell steps in at a critical point for our hero, coming out of THE WAR OF THE SUPERMEN. So, what does he have in store? Well, let?s ask him. Take it away, Paul:
?I?m proud and honored to be taking on such a historic title. It?s particularly great to begin by featuring Lex Luthor, who?s always been one of my favourite characters. So many legendary creators have written this title in the past that I?m giddy and frankly terrified at the prospect of following in their footsteps.?
And who wouldn?t be psyched to work with artists like Woods and Finch? As you can see from the Luthor image above by Mr. Finch and the Woods images below, ACTION promises to earn its title in spades.
Does this mean you'll start reading a DC comic?
Batman and Robin #12 was New X-Men #146. Nuff said.
Batman and Robin #12
This is the only DC book I read that is non vertigo. At least with any regularity. So far it has been mostly good and the art has been great (I'm a big Quietly fan but the current artist is really challenging Quietly). Only prob:
Spoiler
I love that somebody completely incapable remaining seated for more than 30 seconds turns out to be Oberon Sexton. At least when Bullseye was Hawkeye he still killed people left and right and required a 24/7 cover up team. But the biggest serial killer ever? Sanity is an on and off switch.
O_O'
I didn't think the editors would go there but did you guys see what happened to Mirabai?
Spoiler
Seraglio = Harem
IE Mordru is going to use her for a concubine....
So.. there's going to be a male Star Sapphire.
I admit, I didn't expect the "skimpy costume" rule to apply if/when they finally did, and my expectations were pretty low to begin with, and I am aware that there is a level of sexism/double standard in comicdom...
And yet, I actually felt insulted when I saw this:
http://robot6.comicbookresources.com/2010/05/if-predators-a-star-sapphire-wheres-all-his-skin/
Gads... :doh:
Quote from: Glitch Girl on May 18, 2010, 01:12:18 AM
So.. there's going to be a male Star Sapphire.
I admit, I didn't expect the "skimpy costume" rule to apply if/when they finally did, and my expectations were pretty low to begin with, and I am aware that there is a level of sexism/double standard in comicdom...
And yet, I actually felt insulted when I saw this:
http://robot6.comicbookresources.com/2010/05/if-predators-a-star-sapphire-wheres-all-his-skin/
Gads... :doh:
Maybe Afghan Ant will release his Sapphire Ant skin and you can use that one instead. ;)
Tt! DC had the perfect opportunity to re-introduce Cosmic Boy's old magnetic man-corset here with a male Star Sapphire, and passed it up!
What the Grell!!???!!
Seriously, that design sucks.
On a brighter note, Birds of Prey is back, with Simone and Benes. When I picked this up last week, I shoved aside Return of Bruce Wayne and McCarthy's Fever to read this first. And I'd forgotten how dense Simone's writing is. Its not like Morrison, where on a good day he's blown your mind by page 2. Simone takes her time rationing out information bit by bit to provide something thats not immediately obvious but rewarding. She's definitely at her best with this kind of street-level real world crime writing (compared to say Wonder Woman). Her other strength is characteristaion. Zinda is fantastic in this issue, newcomers Hawk and Dove are definitely an intriguing addition to the mix, and the core three characters are portrayed as well as ever.
I am really glad to see this series back in the hands of the team who made it great the first time round.
the costume is good, except for the SHOULDERPADS!
Quote from: daglob on May 18, 2010, 03:53:07 AM
Maybe Afghan Ant will release his Sapphire Ant skin and you can use that one instead. ;)
I've seen that one. Personally, I think Ant's is far more fitting (if he'd just tone back the lipstick ;) ) than the thing they seem to be using.
Here's my gripe...
They came up with the uniforms in the first place for an all girl group of lanterns. Suddenly, the fans start calling for a male member and that uniform design came back to proverbially bite them in the butt. But rather than try to run with it, we get this "I'm too macho to be pink" thing that doesn't even look like it belong in the same corp, and naturally the new guy is the dominant player (at least, judging from the cover). Brilliant.
Maybe I'm reading too much into this, but it's a bit like the race in comics thread, except with gender.
Quote from: DrMike2000 on May 18, 2010, 07:52:12 AM
On a brighter note, Birds of Prey is back, with Simone and Benes. When I picked this up last week, I shoved aside Return of Bruce Wayne and McCarthy's Fever to read this first. And I'd forgotten how dense Simone's writing is. Its not like Morrison, where on a good day he's blown your mind by page 2. Simone takes her time rationing out information bit by bit to provide something thats not immediately obvious but rewarding. She's definitely at her best with this kind of street-level real world crime writing (compared to say Wonder Woman). Her other strength is characteristaion. Zinda is fantastic in this issue, newcomers Hawk and Dove are definitely an intriguing addition to the mix, and the core three characters are portrayed as well as ever.
I am really glad to see this series back in the hands of the team who made it great the first time round.
Seconded. I'm very happy that Birds of Prey is back, and with Simone at the helm.
The cover makes sense when you consider Carol's history with the Predator.
Quote from: Glitch Girl on May 18, 2010, 02:31:18 PM
Quote from: daglob on May 18, 2010, 03:53:07 AM
Maybe Afghan Ant will release his Sapphire Ant skin and you can use that one instead. ;)
I've seen that one. Personally, I think Ant's is far more fitting (if he'd just tone back the lipstick ;) ) than the thing they seem to be using.
Here's my gripe...
They came up with the uniforms in the first place for an all girl group of lanterns. Suddenly, the fans start calling for a male member and that uniform design came back to proverbially bite them in the butt. But rather than try to run with it, we get this "I'm too macho to be pink" thing that doesn't even look like it belong in the same corp, and naturally the new guy is the dominant player (at least, judging from the cover). Brilliant.
Maybe I'm reading too much into this, but it's a bit like the race in comics thread, except with gender.
I don't think you're over-reacting at all. The fact that this guy's uniform is not pink is just pathetic, considereing the whole corps is about colour-themed groups.
It reminds me of some guys on the City of Heroes boards who refused to play Energy Melee because of the pink glow (before color customisation allowed them to choose, Oh, I dunno, black? instead... :) )
I don't know enough about the latest GL stuff to comment more, but thinking of a male member of some pink love corp GL group makes me think of Marvel's Eros/Starfox rather than macho-chain-dude in the picture.
Urgh...that costume is all sorts of fugly. I'm really surprised they didn't go star sapphire (http://fc09.deviantart.net/fs48/f/2009/201/f/c/Star_Sapphire_AfghanAnt_by_IUltrahumanite.jpg) on this costume. In fact, this costume doesn't even make sense. Once again DC/Johns has failed.
Umm. That's not that new a costume design. The Predator character appeared back in the early-to-mid 1980s, and he didn't look that different from the design shown. Maybe a few tweaks (the pink glowing trim), but the black-and-white armour with the helm and the shoulder pads... not new.
Quote from: Kenn on May 19, 2010, 02:52:28 AM
Umm. That's not that new a costume design. The Predator character appeared back in the early-to-mid 1980s, and he didn't look that different from the design shown. Maybe a few tweaks (the pink glowing trim), but the black-and-white armour with the helm and the shoulder pads... not new.
Really? I searched and could only find reference to the "Predator" from Superman/Predator.
Edit: I should have checked Comicvine...http://media.comicvine.com/uploads/0/40/290242-68491-predator_super.jpg
So, all they did was give him pink accents on his old uniform, while Wonder Woman gets a complete makeover. Again, brilliant guys.
they also added the corps logo to the helmet and chest peice.
They will probably tie the design into the "personally customized" [fill in color of your favorite lantern] Lantern costume that was started some time ago (20 years? More?). The thing about a uniform is that it is "uniform". I understand altering the GL uniform for different races with different anatomies, but they really shouldn't have allowed the wide varaince of costume they seem to have now.
This does not mean that I don't like the custom costumes (especially Guy's); it's just that for a corps of galactic policemen, the uniforms should be the same.
Although... I rode with my daughter over to Biloxi Monday, and we saw some motorcycle cops wearing T-shirts and denium pants. The shirts said "police", and the pants were blue, but I can't say they were the standard jodhpurs, boots, and leather jacket of the past. Bear in mind, Biloxi is right on the Gulf, and the temperature was around 80, and the humidity was probably nearer 90%. I'm sure the cops were much more comfortable than they would have been dressed in leather.
Not surprising more innocent people are murdered in Brightest Day #2. They really should have called it Bloodiest Day.
Well, As has been said several times, the concept of "uniform" in the context of GL is kinda flexible..... very flexible.
Anyone reading the First Wave stuff?
The Batman/Doc Savage one shot was enjoyable. Enjoying First Wave itself so far. Doc Savage #1 was --- off for me. Have it, but have yet to read Spirit #1.
Looking forward to the Legacies stuff they're talking about as another line the DC'verse.
RTT
I can't say I've read it. the previews they've stuck in the other books are kinda cool though.
Guys, don't forget to go and check out Gotham City Sirens #12 if you have the time + moolah. Our forum member, Ink, drew this week's issue!
Quote from: RTTingle on May 21, 2010, 03:10:39 AM
Anyone reading the First Wave stuff?
The Batman/Doc Savage one shot was enjoyable. Enjoying First Wave itself so far. Doc Savage #1 was --- off for me. Have it, but have yet to read Spirit #1.
Looking forward to the Legacies stuff they're talking about as another line the DC'verse.
RTT
I've only read the first issue, but I aggree with you. I don't like Justice Inc. at all.
Quote from: daglob on May 27, 2010, 08:04:07 PM
Quote from: RTTingle on May 21, 2010, 03:10:39 AM
Anyone reading the First Wave stuff?
The Batman/Doc Savage one shot was enjoyable. Enjoying First Wave itself so far. Doc Savage #1 was --- off for me. Have it, but have yet to read Spirit #1.
Looking forward to the Legacies stuff they're talking about as another line the DC'verse.
RTT
I've only read the first issue, but I aggree with you. I don't like Justice Inc. at all.
I'm a huge Doc Savage fan and I was very excited to see the Avenger as well but.... The Avenger they've changed enough and not for the better that its not sending me and Doc is just not quite right. The storyline is one that should be deeper into the series not the opening shot also IMO.
They need to devote more pages to each story also. They seem like demos or previews more than ongoing stories. Docs action sequences are just off in Doc #2. Art Tilbert would draw a fine Brick brawl but Docs fights just don't seem like skilled combat. Contrast them to his fight in first wave #2. That's more how it should be.
I'm a serious pulp fan and they're close to losing me. Didn't care for the new version of the Blackhawks much either.
Paul Cornell exclusive to DC? (http://www.bleedingcool.com/2010/06/01/paul-cornell-to-go-dc-exclusive-and-write-new-doctor-who/) If this is true, I will be sorely disappointed and left in an awkward place. Who will understand and write Captain Britain correctly now? :(
they handed him action comics. would be hard to say no for a lot of writers, methinks...
(http://i.newsarama.com/images/aqualad_front_ff.jpg)
I guess a scan/photo of Brightest Day #9 slipped through the cracks.
New Aqualad? What happened to the old one? You know what? Never mind, I don't want to know. :mellow:
Quote from: BentonGrey on June 11, 2010, 05:02:25 PM
New Aqualad? What happened to the old one? You know what? Never mind, I don't want to know. :mellow:
Zombies ate him.
I said I didn't want to know....yep, they just treat the Aqua family SOOOO well. :(
If it makes you feel better, I think Aquaman is the most interesting he's ever been right now.
Heh, isn't this new one similar to one thats going to be in the Young Justice cartoon?
Quote from: murs47 on June 11, 2010, 06:03:59 PM
If it makes you feel better, I think Aquaman is the most interesting he's ever been right now.
Knowing your tastes Murs, nope, not really. :P Seriously though, where is Aquaman even appearing these days?
Quote from: Podmark on June 11, 2010, 07:13:38 PM
Heh, isn't this new one similar to one thats going to be in the Young Justice cartoon?
I was thinking the same thing.
Arthur and Manta's love child!
Quote from: Podmark on June 11, 2010, 07:13:38 PM
Heh, isn't this new one similar to one thats going to be in the Young Justice cartoon?
I think so, ya.
Quote from: BentonGrey on June 12, 2010, 02:09:03 AM
Seriously though, where is Aquaman even appearing these days?
In Brightest Day. Every time he steps into the ocean, he re-animates dead sea life and they attack him.
(http://i50.tinypic.com/2zgw66w.jpg)
This is the greatest Aquaman panel of all time.
*shakes head*
Please, Benton. He insulted Free Willy and paid the price. He also got attacked by a giant dead squid. But worse of all... your fishboy keeps killing fish! I always suspected something was wrong with you aquadorkians.
BWAAAAHAHAHAHAAA!!!!! That is awesome. Aquaman sucks.
I can almost feel Benton's stare through the pc. Jesus, it's cold.
I guess Aquagirl is going to get fridged soon. Whitefish can't have two minority sidekicks now can he!
Also I'm calling it now but I think Blaqualad is Black Manta's kid.
Quote from: murs47 on June 12, 2010, 02:18:58 AM
Quote from: Podmark on June 11, 2010, 07:13:38 PM
Heh, isn't this new one similar to one thats going to be in the Young Justice cartoon?
I think so, ya.
Quote from: BentonGrey on June 12, 2010, 02:09:03 AM
Seriously though, where is Aquaman even appearing these days?
In Brightest Day. Every time he steps into the ocean, he re-animates dead sea life and they attack him.
(http://i50.tinypic.com/2zgw66w.jpg)
This is the greatest Aquaman panel of all time.
Excuse while I go and be ill for a while then go subject my family and friends to another rant about modern comics. How in the nine worlds is crap that that "brightest day". I have to go now before I say something really offensive.
Quote from: steamteck on June 12, 2010, 03:28:04 PM
How in the nine worlds is crap that that "brightest day".
Brightest Day was never meant to mean a return to classic storytelling or such. It's a story based title. Same thing with the Heroic Age over at Marvel.
Quote from: Podmark on June 12, 2010, 06:17:12 PM
Quote from: steamteck on June 12, 2010, 03:28:04 PM
How in the nine worlds is crap that that "brightest day".
Brightest Day was never meant to mean a return to classic storytelling or such. It's a story based title. Same thing with the Heroic Age over at Marvel.
Maybe they both should have chosen different names then.
Quote from: murs47 on June 12, 2010, 02:18:58 AM
Quote from: Podmark on June 11, 2010, 07:13:38 PM
Heh, isn't this new one similar to one thats going to be in the Young Justice cartoon?
I think so, ya.
Quote from: BentonGrey on June 12, 2010, 02:09:03 AM
Seriously though, where is Aquaman even appearing these days?
In Brightest Day. Every time he steps into the ocean, he re-animates dead sea life and they attack him.
(http://i50.tinypic.com/2zgw66w.jpg)
This is the greatest Aquaman panel of all time.
The fit of giggles this gave me was awesome. My new desktop.
RTT
:spoiler:
Death of certain someone, who can talk to sea life. :o
Spoiler
:P :D :P
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pARpfc-X7HA/TA3R39ST7lI/AAAAAAAADh0/IxnHSKi1i94/s1600/Aquaman.gif)
that's just wrong.....
Indeed. :)
I really think that the Marvel fans are just waaaaay more vocal. Namor should be washed up dead right next to Arthur.
Nope, if any thing, Namor is leading a war against the surface dwellers for destroying the seas.
Quote from: thanoson on June 23, 2010, 07:13:11 AM
Nope, if any thing, Namor is leading a war against the surface dwellers for destroying the seas.
Also Namor already saved a rig in Louisiana in issue #51.
Spoiler
(http://www.coverbrowser.com/image/namor/51-1.jpg)
BTW That was AFTER making out with Sue Storm.
Spoiler
(http://www.coverbrowser.com/image/namor/50-1.jpg)
Sorry Aquaman.
Annnnnyway, Paul Cornell has officially announced that he's a DC exclusive writer now. He also hinted at some of his upcoming storylines. Also, DC is participating in same-day digital comic releases for IPad and such.
Check it:
Paul Cornell: http://blog.newsarama.com/2010/06/22/action-comics-writer-paul-cornell-exclusive-to-dc-comics/
Digital Comics: http://www.newsarama.com/comics/dc-executives-talk-digital-100623.html
I'm sad Marvel let Paul slip through their fingers. Not only did he bring this sort of quirky humor to the majority of his books, specifically the Dark X-men mini where song titles and lyrics were used to describe characters, but he also helped Captain Britain and his crew reach a much better place after Claremont ran them into the ground, interred them, and then attempted to cement the openings in an effort to keep them off field. Enjoy him, DC... for he will be missed!
ah, well, I'm sure DC will make good use of his talents.
Quote from: marhawkman on June 23, 2010, 06:36:35 PM
ah, well, I'm sure DC will make good use of his talents.
When it comes to big 2 reading I'm 90% Marvel but he might get me to pick up a DC book if the hype is good. Dark X-Men was an amazing controlled mess... it never went anywhere (no world saving or space adventures) yet within a very small box he was able to do A TON of crazy stuff.
Yep. :)
Just a couple of DC recommendations: Birds of Prey has restarted recently, by Gail Simone, and a new Zatanna ongoing has started, by Paul Dini. Both are shaping up to be quality reads, only tangentially tie in to recent major DC events (if at all), and are only on their second issues, so easy for new people to jump in. Take a look!
Quote from: Talavar on June 26, 2010, 02:18:37 AM
Just a couple of DC recommendations: Birds of Prey has restarted recently, by Gail Simone...
BoP seems pretty good so far. Haven't checked out Zatanna though.
Also, Jeff Lemire will be writing the upcoming Superboy series. I love his Vertigo book, Sweet Tooth, so I'm pretty stoked about this.
DC announces 6-issue Knight & Squire series (http://www.majorspoilers.com/archives/45932.htm/)
As a fan of obscure DC property, I can safely say I'm stoked about this mini-series.
I don't know anything about these characters but T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents is returning with Nick Spencer at the helm. His books with Image have been nothing short of amazing so this is something I'll be checking out. Anyways, thought I'd post this announcement/interview (http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=27263) for all the old school fans here.
We'll have to see.
Bill, who has all 20 issues and all the Dynamo and Noman comics too.
...and UNDERSEA Agent and Fight the Enemy just for fun.
I have a feeling that DC's return of THUNDER Agents will be handled much like Marvel's Agents of Atlas. If that's the case, I'm in.
Brightest Day Teaser
(http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m295/jloughry1976/bd_poster.jpg)
O_O'' Whoa....
after this weeks issue of brightest day, £5 the new aqualad is black manta's son
I wouldn't bet against it. :)
Quote from: the_ultimate_evil on August 05, 2010, 04:01:15 PM
after this weeks issue of brightest day, £5 the new aqualad is black manta's son
I'd say you're correct, sir! :) His heritage was also accidentally confirmed by a writer from the Young Justice animated series (which new AL is a member of) at Comic-Con, if I recall correctly..
Another unforeseen dramatic twist.
NOT!
Bruce gets a new suit when he comes back.
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/herocomplex/2010/08/grant-morrison-.html
Its kinda meh if u ask me. Nothing we haven`t seen before.
Looks cool though.
Sigh. The logo on the chest and belt buckle is redundant. Also, the classic Batman design does not work minus the blue/black trunks. You think they would have learned that after the last time they tried and failed with it. Idiots.
I love it! They dropped the outer-underwear and it doesn't stray far from the current look. Well played DC.
So... they put seams in the material to show us it's real, but then his veins show through to show us how impossibly thin it is?
Quote from: Courtnall6 on August 10, 2010, 10:27:10 PM
Sigh. The logo on the chest and belt buckle is redundant. Also, the classic Batman design does not work minus the blue/black trunks. You think they would have learned that after the last time they tried and failed with it. Idiots.
Couldn`t agree more. Most people dont like trunks, but without them the colors are monotonous.
My favourite bat costume is his current blue and grey with trunks sans the oval. This is more or less his post Knightfall/No Man`s Land costume. The only difference is the redundant bat on the buckle. Its a boring costume IMO.
But Bat's has to know who's belt he's picking up. Without it, he could accidently pick up Nightwings' by mistake. :P
I find it kinda looks a bit like the Arkham Asylum costume. Not sure about it. It's not horrible, but I thought Bruce's previous costume was pretty much perfect.
On the other hand the yellow bat is unacceptable.
Quote from: Podmark on August 11, 2010, 04:59:10 PM
I find it kinda looks a bit like the Arkham Asylum costume. Not sure about it. It's not horrible, but I thought Bruce's previous costume was pretty much perfect.
On the other hand the yellow bat is unacceptable.
I thought the same thing to about similarities to the Arkham Asylum costume...but they were smart enough to keep the trunks...which makes that armoured version work. If DC really wants to get rid of the trunks they have to either
completely redesign the costume or make him one solid colour like in the movies. Removing a key piece from the classic design was the wrong move...but like the new Wonder Woman outfit...Bats will be back in his proper attire sooner or later.
As for bringing back the yellow oval....I grew up with both the yellow oval and the switch to the black bat...they both work for me.
I really hope to god that the "trunks" NEVER come back! I think it's high time to shake up all the costumes/uniforms...no more trunks and swimsuits. I'm all for change so long as it works and done well. I think what would make that new design work better is darkening the gray in the suit IMO and I'm also not a fan of David Finch. Now I'm about to really blaspheme and say I hope that Superman is next.
The same thing goes for Superman. You can't just remove the trunks from his classic look...it looks wrong...like he left the phonebooth too soon. DC would have to redesign his look completely. Hopefully they keep Jim Lee away from any new look Superman. His prior attempt was awful...
Spoiler
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v35/Courtnall6/JimLeeSupermanConcept.jpg)
I'm not sure what the opposite of Wow is, but it applies to that Superman picture.
That's just gawdawful! What's with the short sleeves and the single wrist bracer. Looks like he just threw a bunch a stuff on him...it's not iconic and a really poor design. I really got disenchanted with Jim Lee a long time ago and now I see why.
That's a pretty poor Superman design. Perhaps Cas should start another contest similar to his Wonder Woman one. ;)
I really don't see what the big deal is. It's the same costume with some darts and seams minus the underwear pervert motif. I think the bat symbol would work better without the yellow behind it but either way, it's a nice modern twist to the classic costume.
For those complaining about Bruce's new costume, when is the last time you purchased a Batman title? No offense to the older readers but this whole "blasphemy" argument seems to come up every time a company does something that's not circa 73 through 89. Just saying...
Edit:
C6 isn't that costume design from an early to mid-90s insert in Wizard when everyone loved Jim Lee's "hip" designs. Its a little unfair to judge an artist or even a redesign over 10 years later and expect to stand up to "modern" designs. Case in point: Spikey Metal Robo Batman = Fail (http://media.comicvine.com/uploads/0/8190/235670-139696-azrael_super.jpg)
One more thing isn't that just that Ultimate DC Batman (http://media.photobucket.com/image/ultimate%20dc%20batman/SecretagentHerbert/DCUltimate_Batman.jpg) costume is some slight tweaks?
Quote from: Courtnall6 on August 11, 2010, 08:20:35 PM
As for bringing back the yellow oval....I grew up with both the yellow oval and the switch to the black bat...they both work for me.
Yeah I grew up with the yellow bat too and I was fine with it. I hated the black bat when I first saw it, which I believe was the Gotham Knights era of TAS, but after a short while I grew to love it. Now the yellow bat just doesn't work for me at all. I think my mind connects it to Adam West Batman.
For the record, I prefer Batman without the yellow oval, despite growing up with it. However, I prefer Batman with the trunks and a yellow utility belt that isn't bulky. He's had some utility belt designs that have either been a different color, too bulky, or both. Never should have gotten too far off from the old yellow belt with capsules look.
Batman is my favorite DC hero and I hate it when his costume is messed with too much.
Quote from: AfghanAnt on August 12, 2010, 03:32:30 AM
For those complaining about Bruce's new costume, when is the last time you purchased a Batman title? No offense to the older readers but this whole "blasphemy" argument seems to come up every time a company does something that's not circa 73 through 89. Just saying...
I`ve been reading Batman for a long time, even the recent storylines. He had a lot of costumes over the years which is fine and all, and I don`t mind the change if its for the better, and IMO its not the case here.
Quote from: AfghanAnt on August 12, 2010, 03:32:30 AM
I really don't see what the big deal is. It's the same costume with some darts and seams minus the underwear pervert motif. I think the bat symbol would work better without the yellow behind it but either way, it's a nice modern twist to the classic costume.
For those complaining about Bruce's new costume, when is the last time you purchased a Batman title? No offense to the older readers but this whole "blasphemy" argument seems to come up every time a company does something that's not circa 73 through 89. Just saying...
Edit:
C6 isn't that costume design from an early to mid-90s insert in Wizard when everyone loved Jim Lee's "hip" designs. Its a little unfair to judge an artist or even a redesign over 10 years later and expect to stand up to "modern" designs. Case in point: Spikey Metal Robo Batman = Fail (http://media.comicvine.com/uploads/0/8190/235670-139696-azrael_super.jpg)
One more thing isn't that just that Ultimate DC Batman (http://media.photobucket.com/image/ultimate%20dc%20batman/SecretagentHerbert/DCUltimate_Batman.jpg) costume is some slight tweaks?
I agree with you whole heartedly on the Baman thing. But I would have hated that Superman design even back when Jim Lee was the "mack"! It just looks dumb.
I liked that Superman idea... Sort of. I can't visualize them keeping it for long. The concept is fine, but it'd be better for a different character.
Quote from: AfghanAnt on August 12, 2010, 03:32:30 AM
Its a little unfair to judge an artist or even a redesign over 10 years later and expect to stand up to "modern" designs.
I thinnk that's a good argument for not changing from classic, iconic designs - the changes will just look dumb in hindsight.
Pouches, trunks, swimsuits, etc. are all products of their era's design trends...aka poor design. Take away the trunks and he still looks like Batman. Take away any other element and he doesn't. Case in point, the trunks were thrown in by the artist because it followed that era's trend of superhero design. Almost every golden age hero had trunks, I don't see how they can be so iconic when they were so common. If anything, they're an iconic representation of golden age super hero design.
Quote from: murs47 on August 12, 2010, 03:46:29 PM
Pouches, trunks, swimsuits, etc. are all products of their era's design trends...aka poor design. Take away the trunks and he still looks like Batman. Take away any other element and he doesn't. Case in point, the trunks were thrown in by the artist because it followed that era's trend of superhero design. Almost every golden age hero had trunks, I don't see how they can be so iconic when they were so common. If anything, they're an iconic representation of golden age super hero design.
I disagree. Something I noticed from playing with different designs in Champions is that most DC characters have really simple costumes. There are only a few elements, really. The characters that I created were all ridiculously over designed in comparison, but I just couldn't make anything that looked nearly as good as they did with such an economy of color or accent.
Without the trunks to break up that gray body suit, it looks TOO simplistic to me. It is just more visually boring. It's kind of like removing the black from Green Lantern's costume. As it is, they only have a few colors on them, and when you start taking elements away, they very quickly become visually monotonous. The era of their original creation is obviously behind their original look, but the reason that the designs have endured for so long is usually because they simply "work."
That isn't to say I hate it, just that I find it less intresting. The yellow oval is fine by me, but so is the black bat.
He has a belt. That certainly helps. In the better costume versions the belt is a more prominent feature.
Quote from: BentonGrey on August 12, 2010, 04:55:28 PM
It is just more visually boring. It's kind of like removing the black from Green Lantern's costume.
Oh Benton, I heart your soul. Taking out the black from Green Lantern's costume is not even close to taking the trunks off Batman. Colors and accessories are two different things. That's like saying taking the red out of Superman is the equivalent of removing Bat's trunks.
Well Murs, it is indeed similar. What is the function of the trunks these days? It isn't because we expect someone who is acrobatic and wearing tights to wear them like it was when the characters were originally created. The function these days is to break up Batman's design a bit. I don't care whether they are depicted as trunks or not, with the fuction that implies, but what matters is their color, just as the black in Green Lantern's costume is a design element, and just as the red in Superman's trunks is as well. Trunks or no trunks, it doesn't really matter, what matters, in my mind, is color.
i don't mind the missing trucks, it's not something i think about when i think of bats design. to me the main features are the logo and cowl.
but again what do i know for years growing up to me this was the iconic batman image
Spoiler
(http://www.jhalpe.com/img/Items/2000/1529.jpg)
(http://thenoisingmachine.files.wordpress.com/2009/04/bisley-batman.jpg)
Quote from: murs47 on August 12, 2010, 03:46:29 PM
Pouches, trunks, swimsuits, etc. are all products of their era's design trends...aka poor design. Take away the trunks and he still looks like Batman. Take away any other element and he doesn't. Case in point, the trunks were thrown in by the artist because it followed that era's trend of superhero design. Almost every golden age hero had trunks, I don't see how they can be so iconic when they were so common. If anything, they're an iconic representation of golden age super hero design.
I'm not arguing specifically about the trunks. I'm taking AA's assertion to its logical conclusion.
If it's not going to hold up in 10 years, why redesign it?
Quote from: yell0w_lantern on August 12, 2010, 07:25:58 PM
If it's not going to hold up in 10 years, why redesign it?
You're absolutely right. But, will it not hold up because it's a poor design or because of a certain group of fans who dislike change? On top of that, DC and Marvel are businesses so they'll shake things up a bit to re-invigorate their brand. That can also be a reason for character costume changes.
Quote from: yell0w_lantern on August 12, 2010, 07:25:58 PM
If it's not going to hold up in 10 years, why redesign it?
Lots of reasons.
Such as story specific reasons where the character might be going through a mood change (such as current events in Daredevil), or the character entering a new era (like the upcoming Batman Inc.).
Business reasons could be to increase interest around the property especially when you're about to start a new era. It could also be to create corporate synergy trying to tie the comic into another media such as movies, TV shows, or video games (me and C6 both noted similarities to the Batman Arkham Asylum costume).
You could also be taking advantage of a new artistic talent (Dave Finch) you've acquired. This happened during Johns' run of Avengers years ago with Olivier Copiel. You may also be trying to link with current real life trends/events.
So there's lots of reasons to change costumes for short term periods. In general I have no problem with costume changes, I just want them to look good, not necessarily better but good.
AA:
It's not whether we read the comics or not; if we read them for a time, many of us still have an emotional investment in them. They remind us of our childhood, or some special event, or it's just we remember the feeling of getting this month's issue and seeing what the heck is happening behind that outrageous cover. Sometimes we were rewarded, other times we were shortchanged, but the good feelings outweighed the bad.
I haven't read any recent Batman comics in years, but I read some reprints just last week.
Oh, it's still recognizably Batman; the cape, the bat, and the cowl are the most consistent parts of any Batman design. I don't much like it, but that's a personal opinion that the art is 'way too busy and the seams and veins are overdone.
Quote from: daglob on August 13, 2010, 03:48:11 AM
I don't much like it, but that's a personal opinion that the art is 'way too busy and the seams and veins are overdone.
That's Dave Finch all over. ;) I think I'm not such a fan of this "new" design because of the Finch pencils...I'd like to see it done by another artist.
http://dcu.blog.dccomics.com/files/2010/08/batmaninc001000.jpg
Yanick Paquette`s cover for Batman INC.1 featuring the new costume.
Doesn`t look that bad in action, still prefer his current look though.
Quote from: bat1987 on August 13, 2010, 01:40:33 PM
http://dcu.blog.dccomics.com/files/2010/08/batmaninc001000.jpg
Yanick Paquette`s cover for Batman INC.1 featuring the new costume.
Doesn`t look that bad in action, still prefer his current look though.
It looks even more like a very modern version of his classic costume (which is even less reason to care). I could see it sticking around because honestly its hard to take someone serious who wears his underwear on the outside.
Found this cover by Jock. The costume looks great here.
Spoiler
(http://robot6.comicbookresources.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/batmanthereturn1.jpg)
I don't like the symbol on the belt (what if bad guys use THAT one as a gun target? They might shoot him in the bat-penis!)
But what you guys call trunks, I call underwear-on-the-outside. In fact when I was a little kid, I used to put my underoos on over my pajamas so I could pretend to be superman (they were also superman underoos). As cool as I thought underwear-on-the-outside was THEN, I think it's kinda silly now.
Quote from: bat1987 on August 13, 2010, 01:40:33 PM
http://dcu.blog.dccomics.com/files/2010/08/batmaninc001000.jpg
Yanick Paquette`s cover for Batman INC.1 featuring the new costume.
Doesn`t look that bad in action, still prefer his current look though.
It does look better. I might do without the briefs (silly, at best, although I read a reference in a pulp Black Hood story that the briefs are actually an athletic supporter), but I find that I don't like the seams. I mean, it's true, I don't see whow he could have gotten by all these years without them, but...
Quote from: AfghanAnt on August 13, 2010, 01:43:29 PMI could see it sticking around because honestly its hard to take someone serious who wears his underwear on the outside.
I think you`re right. In all honesty the costume is not as drastic change as Wonder Woman`s, so I can see it sticking around for a good while.
Quoteits hard to take someone serious who wears his underwear on the outside.
As opposed to a man in a giant bat suit. Give me a break. I'm severely bored of this thread now.
Enjoy.
,AA... speaking as someone who has more or less been religiously reading the batman books since Dick took up the mantle, I think this design is rediculousness in design format. The lack of trunks makes the design boring, but I could almost get behind it for the simple reason that underwear on the outside is useless to batman. But if the reason for the lack of underoos and the arkham like armor is practicality, why the circle? I can understand it for dick, who is a bit more showy, but why would bruce intentionally add something that says "hey look, I'm right here." Same thing with the belt, except that with the belt you can't pull the "it's a target for the bullets" card because all you~e doing there is encouraging nut shots.
There is a right way and a wrong way to modernize an outfit. This isn't it.
the circle i always believed was bright to be a target, i remember reading in one comic that he used to draw the aim of guns or projectiles away from his head as the chest was more armoured.
Quote from: Courtnall6 on August 14, 2010, 01:46:34 AM
Quoteits hard to take someone serious who wears his underwear on the outside.
As opposed to a man in a giant bat suit. Give me a break. I'm severely bored of this thread now.
Enjoy.
A man in a bat suit is infinitely more terrifying than a man with his underwear on the outside.
We will not miss you...
Quote from: AfghanAnt on August 14, 2010, 09:59:38 PM
Quote from: Courtnall6 on August 14, 2010, 01:46:34 AM
Quoteits hard to take someone serious who wears his underwear on the outside.
As opposed to a man in a giant bat suit. Give me a break. I'm severely bored of this thread now.
Enjoy.
A man in a bat suit is infinitely more terrifying than a man with his underwear on the outside.
We will not miss you...
:rolleyes:
Play nicely gentlemen. Anyway, I still say it is all about the color, and several good fan films have shown that the classic suit can be darn intimidating, underoos and all.
Quote from: daglob on August 13, 2010, 10:47:53 PMQuote from: bat1987 on August 13, 2010, 01:40:33 PMhttp://dcu.blog.dccomics.com/files/2010/08/batmaninc001000.jpg
Yanick Paquette`s cover for Batman INC.1 featuring the new costume.
Doesn`t look that bad in action, still prefer his current look though.
It does look better. I might do without the briefs (silly, at best, although I read a reference in a pulp Black Hood story that the briefs are actually an athletic supporter), but I find that I don't like the seams. I mean, it's true, I don't see whow he could have gotten by all these years without them, but...
Robin once told Superboy that it was an "armored codpeice". hehe... which makes sense.
Quote from: marhawkman on August 16, 2010, 02:01:57 PM
Quote from: daglob on August 13, 2010, 10:47:53 PMQuote from: bat1987 on August 13, 2010, 01:40:33 PMhttp://dcu.blog.dccomics.com/files/2010/08/batmaninc001000.jpg
Yanick Paquette`s cover for Batman INC.1 featuring the new costume.
Doesn`t look that bad in action, still prefer his current look though.
It does look better. I might do without the briefs (silly, at best, although I read a reference in a pulp Black Hood story that the briefs are actually an athletic supporter), but I find that I don't like the seams. I mean, it's true, I don't see whow he could have gotten by all these years without them, but...
Robin once told Superboy that it was an "armored codpeice". hehe... which makes sense.
Ha, if I did what those guys do, I'd be sure to protect the family jewels!
Kubert`s take on the new suit
http://i.newsarama.com/images/bm_inc_cv1_var_02.jpg
Have to say I like it better with blue instead of black.
*giggles*
if i had my way, no trucks but show a line where they normally are, it looks like it but they remain grey. lose the embossed logo and just have the simple oval and symbol, lose the symbol on the belt buckle
the piping will all depend on how "3d" it is
and the fact it would never be that bright a blue
That's a pretty good one. the cape seems a bit bright but not too bright.
Quote from: bat1987 on August 16, 2010, 08:19:34 PM
Kubert`s take on the new suit
http://i.newsarama.com/images/bm_inc_cv1_var_02.jpg
Have to say I like it better with blue instead of black.
Hey, that's Andy; I thought you meant Joe.
Blue is too bright. In reality (which has nothing to do with comics) Batman's suit has always been black and gray.
Looks to me like a "serious" version of the wacky '60s costume.
If your tights are tight enough that every nook and cranny of every muscle - and occasionally a few veins - is clearly discernible through the material, then there's a very good reason to wear trunks on the outside of those tights. No one is supposed to see the bat-pole.
A friend of mine said it best: he looks like a freaking Power Ranger. With all the extra, and not needed, crap on the gloves and boots and the frisbee/dinner plate on his chest... He looks like an action figure as opposed to creature of the night. This gets two fanboys down.
It was revealed the other day that Dick Grayson will continue to be Batman when Bruce returns. Both characters will be Batman appearing in different books.
Usually I'm all for having two characters with the same hero name (see Green Arrow or Captain America), but two Batmans seems kinda weird. On the other hand what do you do with Dick? Demoting him back to Nightwing seems wrong. So while it's weird to me I'd probably have made the same decision.
Quote from: Podmark on September 01, 2010, 12:14:40 AM
It was revealed the other day that Dick Grayson will continue to be Batman when Bruce returns. Both characters will be Batman appearing in different books.
Usually I'm all for having two characters with the same hero name (see Green Arrow or Captain America), but two Batmans seems kinda weird. On the other hand what do you do with Dick? Demoting him back to Nightwing seems wrong. So while it's weird to me I'd probably have made the same decision.
I think Grayson will eventually demote himself back to Nightwing. Unless he is given a good reason to keep the mantle.
Quote from: Mr. Hamrick on September 01, 2010, 12:28:44 AM
I think Grayson will eventually demote himself back to Nightwing. Unless he is given a good reason to keep the mantle.
Yeah I agree, eventually Grayson won't be Batman any longer.
Seems odd but I could see it working. I haven't been reading it, but how's The Return of Bruce Wayne so far?
Not a fan of 2 Batmen running around. With Bruce back, there is no reason for Dick to remain in the costume. I would like to see him back as Nightwing again.
The weird thing is that Dick will star in 3 books as Batman (Batman, Batman and Robin, Detecive) and Bruce gets 2 (Batman INC, and Dark Knight), although I still preffer this to the way they handled Steve and Bucky. Oh and Dick will remain in his Batman costume, while Bruce is getting the new one.
Batman should be unique, and Dick worked so hard to be his own man, only to become Bruce`s subordinate in a Batman army. I think its best for both of them that this doesn`t last long.
Quote from: murs47 on September 01, 2010, 04:03:05 AM
I haven't been reading it, but how's The Return of Bruce Wayne so far?
I like it, although its important to read Final Crisis to fully understand it IMO.
The new costume design for Bruce sucks.
And they've already got a logical out for Dick eventually going back to being Nightwing. He became Batman because there had to be a Batman to keep crime in Gotham in check, not because he wanted to be Batman.
I definitely picked a good time to stop reading comics....
I hear ya. Post infinite crisis Bat family is by far my fave, and they wore the coolest suits (pretty much how they look in DCU online).
it's not TOO hard to follow. It only really requires one or two.
Quote from: Podmark on September 01, 2010, 12:14:40 AMOn the other hand what do you do with Dick? Demoting him back to Nightwing seems wrong.
Why would that be a demotion? Dick's always wanted to be his own man, to come out from Batman's shadow- that's why he created the Nightwing identity in the first place. As gfar as I can see, he'd view being Batman's replacement as the demotion. Being able to resume his own, self-created identity would be more like getting his old (and better) job back.
Quote from: Alaric on September 01, 2010, 03:35:25 PM
Quote from: Podmark on September 01, 2010, 12:14:40 AMOn the other hand what do you do with Dick? Demoting him back to Nightwing seems wrong.
Why would that be a demotion? Dick's always wanted to be his own man, to come out from Batman's shadow- that's why he created the Nightwing identity in the first place. As gfar as I can see, he'd view being Batman's replacement as the demotion. Being able to resume his own, self-created identity would be more like getting his old (and better) job back.
100% agreed. I am actually surprised that so many Dick Grayson fans want to see Dick as Batman. Its not a step up for his character development...
Quote from: Alaric on September 01, 2010, 03:35:25 PM
Why would that be a demotion? Dick's always wanted to be his own man, to come out from Batman's shadow- that's why he created the Nightwing identity in the first place. As gfar as I can see, he'd view being Batman's replacement as the demotion. Being able to resume his own, self-created identity would be more like getting his old (and better) job back.
Structurally I definitely see it as a demotion. Dick moved on from one idenitity to another, that of Batman which carries more pressure, expectations and recognition. To send him back to Nightwing returns him to his previous point, with likely little or no new progression that will be used. Story wise I think it does make sense for Dick to just hand back the costume as soon as Bruce is back and return to the Nightwing identity (which is what DC said was the original plan but positive response to the Grayson Batman had them keep both in the role). I imagine that Dick would either have been relieved to be back in his old look, or disappointed when realizes what he's given up.
I don't like the way the whole Bruce is dead was handled but, having read some of Batman And Robin, having Dick and Damien in the roles has been fun. I'd guess when Morrison ends his Batman run we'll get Bruce back as the sole Batman and Dick either back as Nightwing, in a new identity or worse case dead.
Quote from: Podmark on September 01, 2010, 07:34:30 PM
Quote from: Alaric on September 01, 2010, 03:35:25 PM
Why would that be a demotion? Dick's always wanted to be his own man, to come out from Batman's shadow- that's why he created the Nightwing identity in the first place. As gfar as I can see, he'd view being Batman's replacement as the demotion. Being able to resume his own, self-created identity would be more like getting his old (and better) job back.
Structurally I definitely see it as a demotion. Dick moved on from one idenitity to another, that of Batman which carries more pressure, expectations and recognition. To send him back to Nightwing returns him to his previous point, with likely little or no new progression that will be used. Story wise I think it does make sense for Dick to just hand back the costume as soon as Bruce is back and return to the Nightwing identity (which is what DC said was the original plan but positive response to the Grayson Batman had them keep both in the role). I imagine that Dick would either have been relieved to be back in his old look, or disappointed when realizes what he's given up.
I don't like the way the whole Bruce is dead was handled but, having read some of Batman And Robin, having Dick and Damien in the roles has been fun. I'd guess when Morrison ends his Batman run we'll get Bruce back as the sole Batman and Dick either back as Nightwing, in a new identity or worse case dead.
Well thats deffinitely one way to look at it, but as Nigthwing he was one and only, and here we have him as `the other Batman`. He is more in Bruce`s shadow now than before.
I highly doubt they would kill him at the end of Morrison`s run because they were planning to do it during the Infinite crisis, and fan reaction to that was highly negative.
This Dick Grayson fan wants him to be Robin. ^_^
Two Batmen? Weird. I imagine this won't last very long.
I like the way Red Robin looks, and wish Dick would take that identity.
Quote from: daglob on September 01, 2010, 08:48:56 PM
I like the way Red Robin looks, and wish Dick would take that identity.
Ditto. I have a storyline in the DCUG partially plotted that has him taking that role in a less teenage-angsty way than the Nightwing bit. Ever since I saw Red Robin in Kingdom Come, I've always loved that look. 'Course, there is also a part of me that loves that horrible Neal Adams design from the 70's. :rolleyes:
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/a/a7/Robin_Earth_2.jpg/250px-Robin_Earth_2.jpg
My friend, I always thought that costume screamed "canary" more than "robin"...or carnival...you get what I'm saying.
I can understand why Bruce would want to branch out perhaps and create a "Bat-Army" to accomplish his goals and starting with Dick being the first of many makes sense. However...the costume...totally nuts. Dick=updating a classic. Bruce=...I'm at a loss. Dressing like a bat is one thing but he is dressing like a bat float at a Thanksgiving parade. Anybody get the scary or dark vibe from Bruce? Dick is the lighter one and yet he has the darker toned costume. No comprende.
So is anyone else digging JMS's Superman run or am I the only one? Morrison's Batman and Robin is still incredible; don't believe me, then check out the latest issue. Frazier Irving is just knocking out of the park on art and it is truly worth your while. Green Lantern is amazing as well and BND is starting to pick up steam. The biggest surprise to me is Action Comics. Luthor is a BAD man, and truly awesome to read as a stand alone character in his own right. It thought that nothing could outdo the Azzarello mini but this is coming close. So, until Aquaman ends up as a dried up skeleton, I'm Doing it DC. (See what I did there? Like Make Mine Marvel, but with D's. Alliteration is fun!)
It's definately cool. :)
Wow...is it me or does DC really stand for DELAYED COMICS?
Bob Harras named new EiC of DC Comics. (http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=28543)
o-o' why?
Quote from: marhawkman on September 28, 2010, 05:50:57 PM
o-o' why?
I asked myself the same thing. DC, in my eyes, looks to be turning a corner and heading in the right direction. Wait and see, I guess.
Is Brightest Day over yet?
Quote from: yell0w_lantern on September 28, 2010, 08:16:09 PM
Is Brightest Day over yet?
Negative. But, it's getting better.
So, DC is dropping their prices but at what cost?
Quote from: http://dcu.blog.dccomics.com/2010/10/07/for-immediate-release-dc-comics-drops-prices-on-399-titles-moves-to-299-price-point-for-ongoing-comic-book-series/New York, October 7, 2010– Beginning January 2011, DC Comics will implement a line-wide pricing adjustment, lowering the prices of all standard length 32-page ongoing comic book titles currently priced at $3.99 to $2.99, it was announced today by DC Comics Co-Publishers Jim Lee and Dan DiDio.
"Today's announcement re-affirms DC Comics' commitment to both our core fans and to comic book store retailers," said Jim Lee, DC Comics Co-Publisher. "For the long term health of the industry, we are willing to take a financial risk so that readers who love our medium do not abandon the art form."
"As Co-Publishers, we listened to our fans and to our partners in the retail community who told us that a $3.99 price point for 32 pages was too expensive. Fans were becoming increasingly reluctant to sample new titles and long term fans were beginning to abandon titles and characters that they'd collected for years." said Dan DiDio, DC Comics Co-Publisher. "We needed a progressive pricing strategy that supports our existing business model and, more importantly, allows this creative industry to thrive for years to come. With the exceptions of oversized comic books, like annuals and specials, we are committed to a $2.99 price point."
When taking into account mini-series, annuals and specials, more than 80% of DC's comic books will be priced at $2.99.
Essentially, they'll be cutting pages and adding more ads to maintain the $2.99 price point. On the Marvel front, David Gabriel has stated that Marvel will be dropping their prices as well because of digital printing.
I understood that DC was making price cuts across the board on their titles, but that Marvel was only cutting prices on new titles and the existing ones were staying the same. (Heard from the comic shop owner) Is this not the case?
Quote from: Spe-Dog on October 21, 2010, 09:41:54 PM
I understood that DC was making price cuts across the board on their titles, but that Marvel was only cutting prices on new titles and the existing ones were staying the same. (Heard from the comic shop owner) Is this not the case?
Yeah, that's the case.
http://robot6.comicbookresources.com/2010/10/so-what-happened-to-marvels-new-title-price-cuts-anyway/
Quote from: murs47 on September 28, 2010, 08:35:23 PM
Quote from: yell0w_lantern on September 28, 2010, 08:16:09 PM
Is Brightest Day over yet?
Negative. But, it's getting better.
i think for the most part it's been fine, at least where Aquaman and J'onn are concerned. It's coming up on the halfway point (i think there are 26 issues in total) and i'm loving what Johns is doing with the pair, particularly Orin.
Reminds me of the Peter David days... And yet somehow more awesome.
It really is getting better, though the Hawks seems to have gotten dismissed...they coming back next issue? Their story doesn't seem to be the strongest but it was starting to go somewhere before they vanished from the book.
By the way, did anyone pick up the Superman: Earth One graphic novel. IGN gave it a bad review and I haven't found any others yet. Anybody have anything good to say about it?
Quote from: murs47 on September 27, 2010, 08:51:47 PM
Bob Harras named new EiC of DC Comics. (http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=28543)
I find this a bit scary...He was not liked (by many of the artists/writers) as EIC at Marvel (even for the short term he held the position).
Dana
To be fair, Dana, most fans don't like him because they pile all the Spider-clone stuff on him even though he didn't start that storyline and kinda just assumed responsibility for it. Because of this, his actual successes while EiC at Marvel are overshadowed. Age of Apocalypse + Captain America were huge successes while he was in charge (and this was during Marvel's bankruptcy issues). As for the workers at Marvel disliking him, I only know of Claremont having an issue with him. Who else did?
Anyway, it's been a few years, and he's in a completely new situation, so I hope no one uses his unfortunate past to determine what'll happen to DC now. It's not like the majority of the company's books aren't in a blah place to begin with.
Quote from: Previsionary on October 24, 2010, 10:44:45 PM
To be fair, Dana, most fans don't like him because they pile all the Spider-clone stuff on him even though he didn't start that storyline and kinda just assumed responsibility for it. Because of this, his actual successes while EiC at Marvel are overshadowed. Age of Apocalypse + Captain America were huge successes while he was in charge (and this was during Marvel's bankruptcy issues). As for the workers at Marvel disliking him, I only know of Claremont having an issue with him. Who else did?
Anyway, it's been a few years, and he's in a completely new situation, so I hope no one uses his unfortunate past to determine what'll happen to DC now. It's not like the majority of the company's books aren't in a blah place to begin with.
Al Milgrom must have hated him (going so far as actually putting it into print in a comic after Bob left, which led to Al getting fired from Marvel)...In the comic, Al wrote..."Harras, ha ha, he's gone! Good riddance to bad rubbish, he was a nasty S.O.B." Mark Waid is another non-fan of Harras, I believe.
I have no doubt he had a good effect on Marvel as an editor and even as EiC (during his time as an X-Editor: he also recruited Jim Lee, Marc Silvestri and Whilce Portacio to the X-Books, helping to boost sales of those titles)...I'm not judging on his work as bad, just pondering the issue that many comic pros do not like him (I have no idea why they feel the way they feel, though).
Dana
EDIT: I just found out that Paty Cockrum does
not like Mr Harras either (Dave too, apparently)...Ouch!
Does anybody here read the Doom Patrol? I'm really enjoying what Keith Giffen has done so far with them...I guess he has a few more surprises (twists and turns) coming up too.
Dana
Doom Patrol might be my favorite book right now... so far, Giffen has been able to successfully tie up each previous run of DP into one singular continuity, all while tossing in extremely obscure bits of DC continuity. Also, he's included my all-time favorite character (Ambush Bug) as a supporting character. So it's got that going for it.
Doom Patrol is the only DC book I read.
Quote from: The Hitman on October 26, 2010, 08:06:45 PM
Doom Patrol might be my favorite book right now... so far, Giffen has been able to successfully tie up each previous run of DP into one singular continuity, all while tossing in extremely obscure bits of DC continuity. Also, he's included my all-time favorite character (Ambush Bug) as a supporting character. So it's got that going for it.
I was hesitant about Ambush being a guest star/supporting character, but he has met the Doom Patrol twice before this series, so it certainly makes sense...I'm enjoying him for the comedic relief and being a great way to transport the team.
I'm also impressed that Keith had meshed all of the Patrol's past histories into a whole (including John Byrne's rebooted version of the team, which wasn't looked upon very favorably by many fans).
Spoiler
It was also nice to see Black Lantern versions of some of the deceased Patrol members return.
I'm also excited about what may be to come...I would like to see sales improve, though.
Spoiler
Alternate universe versions of the Doom Patrol are appearing soon in the series and It's been rumored that the Chief isn't really himself (and hasn't been himself in a long time)...Keith has even hinted at it on the DC boards.
Dana
In the latest Batman And Robin:
Spoiler
Bruce Wayne admitted to funding Batman.
An interesting development, I imagine many people won't like it. Not really sure how I feel about it.
Quote from: cmdrkoenig67 on October 25, 2010, 01:35:34 AM
Does anybody here read the Doom Patrol? I'm really enjoying what Keith Giffen has done so far with them...I guess he has a few more surprises (twists and turns) coming up too.
Dana
I'm sorry, Dana. The Doom Patrol was my favorite book growing up. I read the first few issues of the most recent DP and just couldn't stand it.
So I saved my money and got the second volume of Showcase Presents The Doom Patrol...
I have to admit, the latest Doom Patrol was very hard to get into...But I'm liking it more now.
Dana
Quote from: Podmark on November 03, 2010, 05:16:56 PM
In the latest Batman And Robin:
Spoiler
Bruce Wayne admitted to funding Batman.
So when can we expect Bruce to grow a goatee and become an alcoholic?
goatee? 2 years max. Alcoholic? Needs to get tortured by Darkseid again.
Quote from: Courtnall6 on November 05, 2010, 01:57:25 PM
Quote from: Podmark on November 03, 2010, 05:16:56 PM
In the latest Batman And Robin:
Spoiler
Bruce Wayne admitted to funding Batman.
So when can we expect Bruce to grow a goatee and become an alcoholic?
Grow a goatee and become an alcoholic? Ooo, is he gonna have heart issues, make a powersuit to keep himself alive and become Iron-Bat?
I don't know why, but I really like this preview.
Batgirl #15 preview (http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=preview&id=6907&disp=table)
Wow, JMS on Wonder Woman and Superman didn't last long: http://www.newsarama.com/comics/jms-earth-one-sequel-101110.html (http://www.newsarama.com/comics/jms-earth-one-sequel-101110.html)
Anyone read the Superman: Earth One graphic novel they mention in the article?
Quote from: NeoDarke on November 07, 2010, 01:12:29 AM
Quote from: Courtnall6 on November 05, 2010, 01:57:25 PM
Quote from: Podmark on November 03, 2010, 05:16:56 PM
In the latest Batman And Robin:
Spoiler
Bruce Wayne admitted to funding Batman.
So when can we expect Bruce to grow a goatee and become an alcoholic?
Grow a goatee and become an alcoholic? Ooo, is he gonna have heart issues, make a powersuit to keep himself alive and become Iron-Bat?
Alternate Ending to Batman & Robin #16
(http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b52/AgentClarkNova/1288919033953.jpg)
Quote from: Glitch Girl on November 08, 2010, 03:46:58 AM
I don't know why, but I really like this preview.
Batgirl #15 preview (http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=preview&id=6907&disp=table)
I really dig the preview, but kinda hate the way Wendy (and Marvin, for that matter) have been treated the past couple of years. They were a neat "Super Friends" throwaway gag in Teen Titans, but now? Kind of a waste to me.
wow,the DC thread was way down the page :unsure:
Anyway is it just me or is Geoff Johns' latest arc on the Green Lantern books really a let down?Compared to the last few story arcs it just seems like the bad guys are kinda lame,might just be my taste but an alien dude with a flaming sword and the mysterious midget in the tattered robes just don't come across to me as much of a threat.And yes I know they've both been shown to be very powerful(little guy maybe some kind of rogue Guardian maybe?)but still,Green Lantern seems to have lost some flavor lately :(
On the other hand though Green Lantern Corps is a solid read :thumbup:
Green Lantern Corps #54
Spoiler
Our guy Kyle Rayner gets his butt whooped by Sinestro,very well written story with some solid art
I'm loving Brightest day but the Martian Manhunter story,I'm just not into.My favorite of the reborn heroes is definately the new take on Firestorm,he's a mix of the original and the new guy at a lot higher power level.......
Spoiler
his power has now been revealed to be a miniature verion of the "big bang"
then ya add in Deathstorm(Black Lantern Firestorm) and Firestorm is at a whole new level of coolness.Can't wait to see where it goes next but I do hope at the end some of these heroes get their own titles again.
Quote from: Midnite on November 11, 2010, 04:18:02 AM
Quote from: NeoDarke on November 07, 2010, 01:12:29 AM
Quote from: Courtnall6 on November 05, 2010, 01:57:25 PM
Quote from: Podmark on November 03, 2010, 05:16:56 PM
In the latest Batman And Robin:
Spoiler
Bruce Wayne admitted to funding Batman.
So when can we expect Bruce to grow a goatee and become an alcoholic?
Grow a goatee and become an alcoholic? Ooo, is he gonna have heart issues, make a powersuit to keep himself alive and become Iron-Bat?
Alternate Ending to Batman & Robin #16
(http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b52/AgentClarkNova/1288919033953.jpg)
Dear God how I wish this was how the issue actually ended.
I did actually check out the Superman Earth One book and it was okay, but when held against Man of Steel or Secret Origin, not as good. Not to be snarky, but I did prefer it to Birthright. However...
***SPOILERS***
I don't like tying the destruction of Krypton to a particular race or one villain, particularly one with kind of a lame name and not really much of an interesting history or backstory with Krypton. Braniac perhaps could be the exception, but this version of Superman doesn't seem to actually decide to be Superman; he is forced into the role when Metropolis is attacked. Some men have greatness thrust upon them, but I always think of Clark as someone who would make a concrete decision to do the right thing beforehand and not just wait until the choice was kind of made for him as it seems to be here. What does everyone else think? Anyone else read this?
I'd been holding off on Superman: Earth One to see what reviews and others have said, and based on both of those, I think I'm going to pass.
For me, the ultimate Krypton story will always be "The Last Days of Krypton" by Kevin J. Anderson. It is the only version of the story I have ever read that takes pretty much all of the Krypton lore revealed over Superman's history and ties it up into one plausible continuity.
- General Zod and Co.? The Phantom Zone? Check.
- Kandor in a bottle? With Brainiac on the side? Check.
- Argo City surviving the destruction of Krypton? Check.
- Multiple versions of how Krypton was destroyed? Cunningly woven into the narrative.
- Why a race with advanced technology could only put together one infant-sized spacecraft? Check.
- Making Jor-El and Lara a tragic and noble love story in its' own right, rather than a footnote in Superman's history? Check.
They can churn out whatever they want, but it won't compare to that version.
I personally thought Superman: Earth One book was excellent. I'd place it with Superman: Red Son, All-Star Superman , and Lex Luthor: Man of Steel as my favorite Superman stories.
Jason Aaron on Pricing and DC's page cuts. (http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=29782)
Sweet Christmas! Did anyone else read that steaming pile that was the last issue of Superman? I know it is a filler, but really? That was filled with...well, you know what filler is and this was pretty much compost from the word go. I did read the last Detective Annual that took place post-Batman Incorporated announcement and I have to ask: how is he going to keep up the creature of the night/fear thing when they come off sounding like cops? Bruce himself sounds so much like Batman in this issue, I wonder how long before he's going to just come out like Stark anyway? People aren't that stupid. It should be obvious after a couple of issues.
Batman going public as Bruce simply can't work the same way as I-M/Stark.
First of all, they would eventually want to retcon it... and we all know how lame retconning can be. (BND)
Second of all, it would not help his image of fear in the minds of the criminals.
"Oh, no! It's Bruce!"
Third, Batman's enemies are WAY more psychotic than most of Iron Man's. They would use the information to hurt him in the most sadistic ways possible. Imagine if the Joker knew who Batman really was.
<yawns> Is Brightest Day over yet? <goes back to sleep>
Quote from: yell0w_lantern on December 22, 2010, 03:41:36 PM<yawns> Is Brightest Day over yet? <goes back to sleep>
NEVER! :)
I like it. It's very interesting.
DC announced today that it's entire regular DC and Vertigo line will be priced at $2.99. (http://robot6.comicbookresources.com/2011/01/2-99-across-the-line-new-letter-columns-milligan-on-red-lanterns-top-dc-announcement-onslaught/) However they will be 20 pages story (down from the normal 22) and 2 pages used for the return of line wide letters pages.
Quote from: Podmark on January 03, 2011, 11:01:33 PM
DC announced today that it's entire regular DC and Vertigo line will be priced at $2.99. (http://robot6.comicbookresources.com/2011/01/2-99-across-the-line-new-letter-columns-milligan-on-red-lanterns-top-dc-announcement-onslaught/) However they will be 20 pages story (down from the normal 22) and 2 pages used for the return of line wide letters pages.
Why don't they use those 2 pages they cut for advertisements and bring the the price even further down? Say $2.50. Maybe one day.
Regardless, this is excellent news.
I think Marvel was at 20 pages once upon a time (are they still?). Hey, remember when every Marvel comic had either a double page spread, or the art for two pages was made by turning the art board sideways?
Those were the days... and comics cost 20 cents or so...
Quote from: daglob on January 04, 2011, 06:31:18 AM
I think Marvel was at 20 pages once upon a time (are they still?)
Marvel is still at 22 pages standard. We'll see how long they keep that.
http://artgerm.deviantart.com/art/Wonder-Woman-Return-189437368?q=boost%3Apopular%20favby%3AKyojiArttz&qo=20
Still wish they had a "sigh" emoticon.
Very nice. I love Stanley Lau's art.
Quote from: Podmark on January 28, 2011, 04:37:30 AM
Very nice. I love Stanley Lau's art.
Ya, he's DC's version of Marko Djurdukfhjfvhjfvghfghfic.
Quote from: murs47 on January 28, 2011, 04:53:35 AM
Quote from: Podmark on January 28, 2011, 04:37:30 AM
Very nice. I love Stanley Lau's art.
Ya, he's DC's version of Marko Djurdukfhjfvhjfvghfghfic.
Awesome, he's quite good, but I really like Bill Sienkkvczs
Flashpoint titles announced - it's alternate history time!
QuoteWhatever Happened to Gotham City?
FLASHPOINT: BATMAN KNIGHT OF VENGEANCE #1-#3
FLASHPOINT: DEADMAN AND THE FLYING GRAYSONS #1-#3
Whatever Happened to the World's Greatest Super Villains?
FLASHPOINT: CITIZEN COLD #1-#3
FLASHPOINT: DEATHSTROKE & THE CURSE OF THE RAVAGER #1-#3
FLASHPOINT: THE OUTSIDER #1-#3
Whatever Happened to the Aliens?
FLASHPOINT: ABIN SUR THE GREEN LANTERN #1-#3
FLASHPOINT: PROJECT: SUPERMAN #1-#3
Whatever Happened to Science & Magic?
FLASHPOINT: FRANKENSTEIN & THE CREATURES OF THE UNKNOWN #1-#3
FLASHPOINT: SECRET SEVEN #1-#3
Whatever Happened to Europe?
FLASHPOINT: EMPEROR AQUAMAN #1-#3
FLASHPOINT: WONDER WOMAN AND THE FURIES #1-#3
FLASHPOINT: LOIS LANE AND THE RESISTANCE #1-#3
Everything You Know Will Change in a Flash
FLASHPOINT: KID FLASH LOST #1-#3
FLASHPOINT: THE WORLD OF FLASHPOINT #1-#3
Only reason I'm sharing this is that I love a good Elseworlds/What-if scenario, and some of these titles sound intriguing. I was a fan of Tangent, Amalgam, and many of the Elseworlds titles, and I hope they do really play up the "what if" aspect.
Birds of Prey, written by Gail Simone, is just fantastic. I think it's with these characters that Simone is at her best, which is indeed high praise from me; she is a fantastic writer.
Adventure Comics is also a pleasant surprise, with great Phil Jimenez art and the reintroduction of the Legion Academy.. the return of Comet Queen, too! For fans of the classic Legion of Super-Heroes, this is the book you should be reading. It was also interesting to see a reinterpretation of an old Legion character, Glorith.