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Off Topic => Everything Else => Topic started by: MadeManG74 on May 20, 2011, 04:37:44 pm

Title: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: MadeManG74 on May 20, 2011, 04:37:44 pm
Seeing as a number of us here read comic books and/or graphic novels, I figured we could use a thread.
This is for comics and graphic novels of all kinds, from Superman to Preacher to Tin-tin!


First, lets continue the discussion from the Summer Movie Trailer thread - I'm going to go a bit nuts here in terms of how much write probably, not just because of Sharky's comments, but because I think this is a common argument against comics and superheros in general:

Quote from: "Sharky"
Quote from: "MadeManG74"
Quote from: "Sharky"
Tin tin comics were fantastic, like Marvel comics but not at all rubbish.
(troll.jpg)

Honest question, have you actually read any Marvel comics?

A friend of mine has quite a few of them, some spiderman, thor etc... That said, I've never finished a single one... But I've flipped though a few.

Couldn't be further from what I enjoy reading.
Quote from: "Sharky"
Quote from: "MadeManG74"

That's kinda like me playing a bit of Sonic 2006 and then playing a level of Iron Man 2 and saying Sega make shitty video games.

A lot of people do do that! In fact I would say Sega's biggest downfall is they have made shitty games like that in their most popular brands, if people play a Sonic game and find it to be total shit then they are bound to think that Sega are shit in general if that is their flagship title.

First of all, I find it strange that you find it so frustrating that people take this attitude towards Sega, but you find it perfectly fine to have the same response to other companies/franchises like Marvel.

I think the biggest issue here is that comic books are generally NOT self-contained at all. 'Flicking through' a random issue of a random superhero comic is comparable to playing ten minutes of Yakuza 4's Hostess Mini-games and deciding that Sega is a shit-house company because 'All you do is dress up a prostitute in some girly sim game. Sega must make crappy games.'

Quote
I believe Spiderman, Xmen, Thor etc are Marvels flagship comics, I shouldn't have to dig out a 1994 copy of Captain Antman to find something that interests me.

Spider-Man, X-Men and Thor are some of their more popular franchises, but you can't just pick up any given comic and expect to enjoy it. It would be like coming into an episode of your favourite TV show half season and 20 minutes into the episode and expecting to understand and fully enjoy it. At the very least you really should pick up a self-contained arc in trade form or something where you can get a a proper beginning and end to a story.

Quote
In all honesty I find crime fighting super heroes with magical powers to be an absolute bore, be it in comic form, be it the movies. It's always the same plot with a different power.

I can't disagree with this more. Admittedly, I dont read much mainstream Marvel Universe stuff, but from what I know very often it's not the powers that seperate the characters, but their motivation and methods. One of my favourite comparisons is Punisher and Daredevil.

These two characters in particular have a great rivalry and contrast. They both fight crime, and have similar motivations for doing so, but their methods and ideology differs so much.

Daredevil's father was killed by the mob, and Punisher's Family was killed by the mob.

Daredevil saw this as a weakness in the ability of society to follow and understand the law, and became a lawyer to better enforce it and understand it. Punisher saw this as proof that the law isn't effective and for true justice, he would need to work outside the law to punish the guilty.

When he became Daredevil he decided that he needed to bring criminals to justice by the letter of the law, and bring them to be judged in court. Punisher decided that the only way to truly stomp out the evil was to pursue 'natural justice' and work outside the law to kill the criminals.

Daredevil operates out of Hell's Kitchen, NY and Punisher operates out of New York City, NY- meaning they bump heads quite often. Thanks to their differing ideals it makes for some pretty compelling reading with the two of them contrasting so nicely. The fact that they would never kill eachother (Punisher only kills the guilty) also means that there is a great dilemma where the only way Daredevil can stop the rivalry is to kill eachother, which both men would never do (Punisher has said before that if Daredevil sent him to prison he would just kill everone in prison or escape to continue his war- the only way to stop Punisher is to kill him, which of course would make DareDevil no better than Punisher. Daredevil's ideals are so strong the only way he'll stop hassling Punisher if for Punisher to kill him, but Punisher will never take the life of an innocent man, because he would be no better than the criminals he kills).

I would actually reccommend you check out one of these character's books/story arcs, since Daredevil has almost no super-powers and Punisher has none whatsoever. Ennis' 'Welcome Back Frank' is a good place to start with Punisher and Miller's 'Man Without Fear' is probably a good place to begin for DareDevil.
(http://http://dyn1.media.forbiddenplanet.com/products/16709050.jpg.size-300_square-true.jpg)
(http://http://moviereview2you.com/images/star14120.jpg)

Quote
Quote from: "Sharky"
Quote from: "cube_b3"
hahaha hey Sharky what do you think of Superman?
Superman is probably my least favourite of the entire lot of them, they made him so powerful that any interesting plot is pretty much not going to happen unless of course the bad guy has Kryptonite and what a coincidence, they ALWAYS do...

In any story the hero needs to be flawed, they need a problem to over come... Superman has so much going for him that they have to come up with silly plots just to make him weaker to make the plot mildly entertaining.

Lame.

If there was one super hero I do like, it's Batman the new Batman movies, starting with Batman Beguins are probably the best super hero movies out there... (Bar the silly gruff voice the actor puts on...)
It's clear you haven't read the excellent 'All-Star Superman' that Barry posted on the previous page...

In that comic, almost in a response to the argument that Superman is 'too powerful' they actually tripled his power in the first chapter. He becomes even more ridiculously powerful than he was previously, but they still make a fantastic story out of it.

Again, this is because the essence of Superman runs deeper than his powers. It's the great dichotomy of him being the most powerful being to ever walk the Earth, and yet he's just an innocent farm-boy from Kansas. He is unflinching in his beliefs and his desire to protect everyone from threat, no matter what.

And while Superman is incredibly powerful, he has a great rival in Lex Luthor... Like Punisher and Daredevil, this isn't so fascinating because of their powers and their punch-ups but rather their deeper motivations. If it weren't for Superman, Lex Luthor would be the most revered person on the planet. He's incredible intelligence and drive is unmatched and he cannot stand the fact that Superman has overtaken him. Lex had to strive and work for everything he's achieved whereas Superman was granted incredible powers through no effort of his own. He just crash-landed on Earth and instantly became the most powerful thing on it. He was never appointed or elected or even won the powers, he just was granted them. Why should the Earth be 'ruled' by someone who is not even a human? There is a whole lot to explore in Superman, but to cut a long story slightly less long (jeeez I've been rambling a bit haven't i?) it comes down to much more than "Lolz I have Kryptonite!"

Also, if you like Nolan Batman, I really really suggest checking out 'Batman- Year One, which was a strong inspiration for 'Batman Begins' and 'The Long Halloween', which is my personal favourite Batman story and a loose inspiration for The Dark Knight movie.

(http://http://www.dccomics.com/media/product/2/7/2712_400x600.jpg)
(http://http://semantink.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/spot10.jpg)


Anyway, please feel free to use this thread to disuss comics! Rebuttals, agreements, stuff and nonsense is all encouraged!
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: Chaosmaster8753 on May 20, 2011, 04:40:01 pm
Just finished reading Iron Man: Extremis, pretty good.
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: MadeManG74 on May 20, 2011, 09:37:08 pm
^I've heard good things, is it meant to be a good introductory series for Iron Man?
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: Chaosmaster8753 on May 21, 2011, 01:05:14 am
Quote from: "MadeManG74"
^I've heard good things, is it meant to be a good introductory series for Iron Man?

Well, there is a flashback of the first time Tony built the Mark 1 suit after being kidnapped by terrorists.
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: Pao on May 21, 2011, 06:42:43 am
Does this thread also covers Manga?  You know, they are technically comics.  :P
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: Barry the Nomad on May 21, 2011, 08:28:46 am
Great write up of those graphic novels Mademan!

My favorites would have to be:

Tintin

(http://http://www.numericana.com/arms/tintin.gif)

(http://http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QMuDihPPyPA/SwqlYIBgC0I/AAAAAAAALvA/3HofyHz5pmM/s1600/tintin.jpg)

Tintin was one of the earliest series I got into. Awesome artwork, hilarious characters and great adventure stories that rival Indiana Jones and the best Uncle Scrooge stories. With the movie coming out, I really want to get back into the series and hopefully collect all the books. They're only about $8 each online.

Bone

(http://http://www.gamingangels.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/bone_jeff_smith.jpg)

(http://http://forbiddenplanet.co.uk/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/bone1_p39.gif)

I love Bone. Really hard to describe. It's sort of like it if Warner Bros. cartoon characters were dropped into the Lord of the Rings. Great mix of cartoon humor and fantasy. The complete book is a great price too, it's like the size of a bible though.

Dick Tracy: True Hearts and Tommy Guns

(http://http://www.comicnoize.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/dt230569806363.jpg)

(http://http://jasharawan.com/images/blog2/bakertracy2.jpg)

This is a great mini-series that I loved growing up. It's a prequel to the Dick Tracy movie. The artwork is fantastic and it's a pretty great story as well. The book is very cheap, usually $1-$5 used. If you like Dick Tracy, or good ol fashioned noir detective stories and great comic art, check this out.
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: MadeManG74 on May 21, 2011, 06:46:33 pm
Quote from: "Pao"
Does this thread also covers Manga?  You know, they are technically comics.  :P

Go for it! I used to be a big fan of Hellsing actually (but that's the only one I've read.)


Nice mix of comics there Barrington. I've never read any of those, but the Dick Tracy one in particular sounds interesting. Was he ever in a serialised form apart from that, or is it just the strip otherwise?

The last graphic novel i've read was The Marquis: Inferno
(http://http://images.darkhorse.com/covers/300/15/15859.jpg)

Fantastic series set in an alternate rennaissance era Europe, where the Church has complete control over the entire continent and their word is law. The Marquis is a former inquisitor and soldier who begins to lose his faith. As he confesses a mask, pistols and sword appear to him in a dream. While wearing the mask he can see devils from hell who have possessed the living and using the weapons can send them back to hell. He begins hunting the evil presence and becomes known in hell as 'The Marquis'. It gets much darker and more intricate, but that's the basic gist. The art in particular is very good, with the design of the demons in particular being chilling.
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: Barry the Nomad on May 21, 2011, 10:49:09 pm
Quote
Nice mix of comics there Barrington. I've never read any of those, but the Dick Tracy one in particular sounds interesting. Was he ever in a serialised form apart from that, or is it just the strip otherwise?

It was mostly the newspaper stuff. From what I've found, there was a run of 145 issues running throughout the 50's. Probably was a lot like the newspaper stuff, but by a different artist, doubt Chester Gould did both monthly comics and daily strips.

Then there was a run of 99 issues in the '80's. Again, nothing more than what the daily stuff did.

The one I noted above seems to be the only mini-series to divert from the usual style of the series. Check it out! Even if you have to download it. It's a fun read. I believe a guy gets his entire body burnt on a kitchen grill as mob punishment. Pretty dark stuff for something based on a Disney movie.
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: Sharky on May 22, 2011, 09:20:51 am
@Madmans first post.

I'll take your word for it, I've tried more than once to get into comics and graphic novels but I just never get sucked in. Super heroes just don't do it for me.

I've honestly only just started reading ANY fictional books again in the past year, before that I only read historical or books about real people. When it comes to fiction what I can get into is extremely selective, but if I can get into it I really enjoy it. I wanted to read the Watchmen graphic novel a while ago but for the life of me couldn't get into it and found absolutely no connection to the characters.

If there is anything I could get into it's probably other worldly fantasy style books, but even then I find so many of them are just completely awful. They all seem begin with pages upon pages of informative scene setting about worlds I don't have any reason to care about and lands all called 'Dragonathia' and 'Terapathia'.
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: MadeManG74 on May 23, 2011, 03:26:45 am
Funny you mentioned Watchmen in particular, since a lot of people seem to think it's a good introductory comic, but I think that it's the sort of thing that should be read AFTER having read a bunch of others. You really need to have read some other more traditional stuff to truly appreciate how different it was.
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: George on May 23, 2011, 07:05:28 am
A few:
(http://http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fQugv7evfck/TTSh32ELt5I/AAAAAAAACIs/SkWK0ScXw2Q/s1600/hellboy-seed-cover.jpg)
(http://http://www.filmbuffonline.com/FBOLNewsreel/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/PreacherCover.jpg)
(http://http://somekindofstranger.files.wordpress.com/2007/06/392px-sandman_no1_modern_agecomiccover.jpg)
(http://http://images-mediawiki-sites.thefullwiki.org/11/1/9/9/95278631258027383.jpg)
(http://http://www.nuthousepunks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/tales-from-the-crypt-comic.gif)

Will post more later :)
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: CosmicCastaway on May 23, 2011, 08:41:13 pm
You are the man Barry! The TinTin books are marvelous!
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: Barry the Nomad on May 24, 2011, 07:35:49 am
Quote from: "CosmicCastaway"
You are the man Barry! The TinTin books are marvelous!

Thanks, yo! My favorite would have the be Cigars of the Pharaoh. Probably because I was an Egypt nut as a kid. Rastapopoulos and Thomson & Thompson also debut in the book, which is pretty notable. It was also the only book I owned. The library had all the others so I checked 'em all out and read them over a summer.

(http://http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/2/27/TintinCigars.jpg)
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: CosmicCastaway on May 24, 2011, 12:08:47 pm
(http://http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1171558703l/105703.jpg)

(http://http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Z8hKUX1O8ug/TB2nyYx47iI/AAAAAAAAAlU/ke-pcgVCDVQ/s400/KRAVENS-LAST-HUNT.JPG)
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: MadeManG74 on May 25, 2011, 05:09:32 am
For someone who wants something more grounded in reality, has anyone read Maus?

It's one of the most moving, powerful books I've ever read, it's absolutely brilliant.
(http://http://sumthinblue.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/maus1.jpg)

Tells the story of Speigleman's father surviving Nazi concentration camps.
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: Barry the Nomad on May 25, 2011, 07:38:26 am
I've read Maus in grade school, scary stuff!
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: George on May 25, 2011, 12:41:01 pm
Barry = hipster.
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: CosmicCastaway on May 25, 2011, 01:19:32 pm
The first twelve issue story arc of Marvel Knights Spider-Man is great. One of my favorite comic book story lines. Here's the paperbacks:
(http://http://media.comicvine.com/uploads/2/22664/1054579-spm_large.jpg)
Part 1: Down Among The Dead Men
(http://http://comicmastersonline.com/shop/images/Spider-Man%20Marvel%20Knights%20vol.%202-Venomous.jpg)
Part 2: Venomous
(http://http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1172287116l/160856.jpg)
Part 3: The Last Stand
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: MadeManG74 on May 25, 2011, 03:41:11 pm
I like the Marvel Knights banner, had some of my favourite Punisher Stories under that.
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: Barry the Nomad on June 01, 2011, 09:16:00 am
Can't believe I didn't give these a shout out:

RADIOACTIVE MAN

(http://http://www.simpsoncrazy.com/content/comics/radioactive/radioactive-001.jpg)

A beyond amazing Eisner Award winning mini-series of comics (1994). Probably my favorite comedic comic series ever. The premise is great. Basically, you are reading the same comics as seen in episodes of the Simpsons. The first issue, #1, is the same origin story seen in the Simpsons episode "Three Men and a Comic Book", but is much more fleshed out. The artwork is great. Steve Vance and Bill Morrison have this style that looks like high quality Simpsons art combined with shadowy realistic classic comic art. The stories are both funny and exciting. The characters and their back stories spoof a number of classic and modern characters. Radioactive Man's alter ego, Claude Kane III, has the family of Bruce Wayne (complete with a family corporation) the powers of Superman and the atomic origin of Spider-Man. He is terrible with women, constantly failing at striking up a relationship with reporter Gloria Grand and wrestles with the handicap of having a piece of lightening bolt-shaped shrapnel lodged in his skull. Should he remove it, he will go nuclear and explode. So as Claude Kane, he must always wear a hat to cover it. Poor guy.

(http://http://i445.photobucket.com/albums/qq175/mathewcmills/Radioactive%20man/RadioactiveManComics216_Page_07.jpg)

Read the full second issue here: http://cacb.wordpress.com/2009/03/15/ra ... r-no-evil/ (http://cacb.wordpress.com/2009/03/15/radioactive-man-see-no-evil-hear-no-evil/)

Another great concept of the series is that the issue dates and numbers skip forward. Issue 1 is #1 published in the '50's, but issue 2 is #216, taking place in 1972. Thus, each issue parodies comics and current events of those eras. The early issues feature Nixon and Russians, while the 70's feature hippies and beatniks. Often, you'll learn that a character has died or switched sides in a previous unseen issue. The character Bleeding Heart, a WWII vet with a love for America, is never seen in the original mini series. However, his later costume and character change to the Bleeding Heart (a hippie sympathizer and Vietnam opposer) is seen.

As such, having a complete collection of the comics results in having an incomplete collection which allows readers to fill in the narrative holes via notes from the editor (a fictional character) and paying attention to what characters say. It's a lot of fun, as you get the feel of a 1,000+ issue series but told in 17 issues.

The series lampoons Spawn, Watchmen, Crisis on Infinite Earths (Radioactive Man's being Infinite Secrets of Legendary Crossover Knight Wars), gritty 80's comics, super hero movie adaptations and more.

If you're a fan of super hero comics and/or classic Simpsons humor, I give them a strong recommendation.
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: MadeManG74 on June 02, 2011, 04:49:52 am
Maaaan I think I had the first issue of Radioactive Man! I remember thinking it was really good too, I distinctly remember one bit where he's in his version of the fortress of solitude and in the background is a 'To Do List' with
1) Do Laundry
2) Buy Corn for Saturday
3) Destroy international communist conspiracy

or something to that extent.

In any event, I just finished reading the new line of Punisher Max comics where they've introduced Kingpin and Bullseye into the MAX universe. I F***in' loved it! It's such a brilliant take on Punisher, started by Garth Ennis with the original MAX run, and Aaron was really continued the series brilliantly IMO. The difference between 616 Punisher and this one is subtle but makes such a difference. This Punisher uses his family as an excuse rather than it being his cause. You get the feeling he's just a madman and mass murderer and he comes very very close to crossing the line a few times. Both Punisher and Bullseye do some very disturbing things but it's offset by some genuinely funny moments like this:
(http://http://i52.tinypic.com/vdepdt.jpg)
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: max_cady on June 02, 2011, 10:55:11 am
DC Universe getting major reboot in September (http://http://www.newsarama.com/comics/DC-Universe-Reboot-Announcement-110531.html)

Same-day digital comics? I'm in!
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: SOUP on June 02, 2011, 06:39:18 pm
I was really into comics a few years ago, but the buying got a bit out of control, so I pretty much quit reading them cold turkey.

A couple months ago, I decided to get the last couple issues of Buffy The Vampire Slayer: Season Eight, and finally get around to reading the series. After that though, I really wanted to get back into comics in general. I decided to cut things back a lot though. I used to get a bunch of DC series, and addition to pretty much anything X-Men related. Now the main goal is to stick to the main X-Men series, and just get the odd issue from another one if there's a cross-over.
I've spent the last couple months getting about 3 years worth of back issues to get myself up to date. I've got all the Uncanny X-Men issues I was missing, most of the issues of Cable, Astonishing X-Men and  X-Men: Legacy. I'm missing a decent amount of X-Factor, and I still have to track down the X-Force issues that relate to Messiah War and Second Coming.  I plan on picking up the new X-Men series (X-Men vol. 3), but it's not a huge priority. I've got enough built up that I've been able to start reading through them.

With the news of this DC reboot, I might get back into Green Lantern and Batman, but that's still up in the air. It all depends on who's writing them I think.
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: max_cady on June 03, 2011, 12:56:38 pm
With comic book, I've had an on-again, off-again relantionship... Personally, Grant Morrison did the impossible, he got completely off Batman on comics for the fist time in years.

The status quo of the Batman universe has become so muddled that it's not funny anymore.

So now we have Bruce Wayne as Batman, with his Batman Inc group going on an international fight against crime. We have Dick Grayson posing as Batman with Damian Wayne as Robin (he has made the impossible, I hope he doesn't exist post-reboot, I hate the little brat), Tim Drake as Red Robin.

We have comics with Bruce as Batman and Dick Grayson as Batman. Give me a f***ing break. I don't want to have to juggle between Batman, Detective Comics, Streets of Gotham, Batman: The Dark Knight, Batman & Robin and such, to listen to the stories that I want.

The Green Lantern movie is doing a lot to get me interested in the comic book.
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: CosmicCastaway on June 03, 2011, 03:25:26 pm
(http://http://img.geocaching.com/cache/f50d4981-2127-4cfa-a867-b9b40cb4d0d8.jpg)

One of the coolest cosmic stories in Marvel's vast library and a perfect reason why Thanos is one of the most feared villains in the Marvel Universe.
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: SOUP on June 04, 2011, 01:23:05 pm
@max_cady: I got out of comics right around the time that Bruce Wayne "died", so I haven't really read much of the stuff that followed that. The huge deluge of series seemed pretty overwhelming though. I don't mind the idea of Dick moving up to Batman status though. I really enjoyed the Nightwing comics, so it was nice to see him take a starring role in the main series. The Red Robin thing ties into Kingdom Come too, but I don't know much about it.
I'd been enjoying Grant Morrison's run up to that point personally.
With this reboot though, I don't think any of it will be an issue anymore.

@CosmicCastaway:
I don't know much about Thanos, but apparently he's going to tie into the new Avengers movie, so that'll probably be my introduction.
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: MadeManG74 on June 04, 2011, 04:28:01 pm
Thanos is going to be in Avengers? Ohhh, infinity gauntlet ey? All i know about it is from the old Saturn Marvel Super Heroes game which was loosely based on the Infinity Gauntlet arc.

Anyway, I've been reading the old Ghost Rider comics at the moment. Got Essential Ghost Rider 1 which is about 250 pages of his original run. It's pretty good, but it's also about as cheesy as you would expect from a 1970's comic series. It's still a cool insight though and I can see they slowly tie him into the greater Marvel universe.

There's obviously been some change in his powers though, at the moment he's just invincible (because "the devil"/Mephisto will save his life each time he dies) and can shoot flames. He doesn't have him chains or special phantom bike yet.
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: CosmicCastaway on June 04, 2011, 09:56:49 pm
Quote from: "MadeManG74"
Thanos is going to be in Avengers? Ohhh, infinity gauntlet ey? All i know about it is from the old Saturn Marvel Super Heroes game which was loosely based on the Infinity Gauntlet arc.

Anyway, I've been reading the old Ghost Rider comics at the moment. Got Essential Ghost Rider 1 which is about 250 pages of his original run. It's pretty good, but it's also about as cheesy as you would expect from a 1970's comic series. It's still a cool insight though and I can see they slowly tie him into the greater Marvel universe.

There's obviously been some change in his powers though, at the moment he's just invincible (because "the devil"/Mephisto will save his life each time he dies) and can shoot flames. He doesn't have him chains or special phantom bike yet.

Yeah, I've read Essential Ghost Rider Vol. 1 as well. (I wish they were in color, but I do suppose they are cheaper and lengthier than the Marvel Masterworks collections.) There are some interesting issues in the first run of Ghost Rider. The 1970s had a lot of "horror" themed titles like Ghost Rider, Werewolf by Night and Dracula and they usually met up with one another at some point.
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: MadeManG74 on June 04, 2011, 10:24:00 pm
Yeah it is pretty good value for money. It cost me like $25 or so and it's got a huge amount of comics collected in it.
Reminds me of Rogue Trooper Volume 1, which was about 500 pages as well. Another great series if anyone is interested.

Does anyone know any other good Ghost Rider series to look into? I was thinking of checking out his Marvel Knights runs since that's only about 16 issues or something, but I haven't found them collected anywhere.
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: CosmicCastaway on June 04, 2011, 10:39:30 pm
The newest series is supposed to be quite good. I haven't read it myself but I've been interested in checking it out. Here's Vol. 1 on the new series:

(http://http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51r5hKj3VCL._SL500_.jpg)
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: MadeManG74 on June 04, 2011, 11:18:10 pm
Waaait a minute? Aaron? As in Jason Aaron? Holy shit, I just finished reading his run on Punisher Max (I posted about it right here) and loved it.

Fukken' Sold! Thanks Cosmic! *goes to ebay*
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: max_cady on June 05, 2011, 08:34:58 am
@Soup

That's why I'm looking foward to the reboot. No more Damian Wayne, please!
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: SOUP on June 11, 2011, 02:22:26 pm
@MadeManG: Sorry. Can't help much on the Ghost Rider front. I think the only Ghost Rider issues I have are from a crossover with the X-Men in the early 90's.

@max_cady:
I've been doing a lot of checking into the whole DC thing. Looks like they're emphasising the fact that it's a "relaunch" instead of a "reboot".
Basically they're keeping a decent amount of current DC continuity (the rainbow corps in Green Lantern), and Damian Wayne is still Robin. Dick Grayson's Nightwing again too.

Here's the full list of titles with Writers/Artists:

Justice League #1: Geoff Johns, Jim Lee
Aquaman #1: Geoff Johns, Ivan Reis
Wonder Woman #1: Brian Azzarello, Cliff Chiang
The Flash #1: Francis Manapaul, Brian Buccellato (both on script and art)
The Fury Of Firestorm #1: Ethan Van Sciver, Gail Simone (writers), Yildiray Cinar (art)
The Savage Hawkman #1: Tony Daniels, Philip Tan
Green Arrow #1: JT Krul, Tony Daniels
Justice League International #1: Dan Jurgens, Aaron Lopresti
Mister Terrific #1: Eric Wallace, Roger Robinson
Captain Atom #1: JT KRul, Freddie Williams II
Green Lantern #1: Geoff Johns, Doug Mahnke and Christian Alamy
Green Lantern Corps #1: Peter J. Tomasi, Fernando Pasarin and Scott Hanna
Green Lantern: The New Guardians #1: Tony Bedard,  Tyler Kirkham
Red Lanterns #1: Peter Milligan, Ed Benes and Rob Hunter
Batman #1: Scott Snyder, Greg Capullo,
Detective Comics #1: Tony Daniels (writer and artist)
Batman and Robin #1: Peter J. Tomasi, Patrick Gleason
Batman: The Dark Knight #1: David Finch, Jay Fabok (art assists)
Batwoman #1: J.H. Williams III, Haden Blackman, Amy Reeder
Batgirl #1: Gail Simone, Ardian Syaf and Vicente Cifuentes (artists)
Catwoman #1: Judd Winick, Guillem March
Birds Of Prey #1: Duane Swierczynski, Jesus Saiz
Nighwing #1: Kyle Higgins, Eddy Barrows
Batman Inc. #1: Grant Morrison, Chris Burnham
Red Hood and the Outlaws #1: Scott Lobdell, Kenneth Rocafort
Batwing #1: Judd Winick, Ben Oliver
Swamp Thing #1: Scott Snyder, Yannick Paquette
Animal Man #1: Jeff Lemire, Travel Foreman and Dan Green (artists)
Justice League Dark #1: Peter Milligan, Mikel Janin
Demon Knights #1: Paul Cornell, Diogenes Neves and Oclair Albert (artists)
Frankenstein, Agent of SHADE #1: Jeff Lemire, Alberto Ponticelli
Resurrection Man #1: Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning (writers), Fernando Dagnino
Vampires #1: Josh Fialkov, Andrea Sorrentino
Voodoo #1: Ron Marz, Sami Basri
Teen Titans #1: Scott Lobdell, Brett Booth and Norm Rapmund (artists)
Legion Lost #1: Fabian Nicieza, Pete Woods
Legion of Super Heroes #1: Paul Levitz, Francis Portela.
Static Shock #1: John Rozum, Scott McDaniel (writers) w/McDaniel also on art
Hawk and Dove #1: Sterling Gates, Rob Liefeld.
Stormwatch #1: Paul Cornell, Miguel Sepulveda
Blackhawks #1: Mike Costa, Ken Lashley
Sgt. Rock and the Men Of War #1: Ivan Brandon, Tom Derenick.
All-Star Western #1: Justin Gray and Jimmy Palmiotti (writers), Moritat
Deathstroke #1: Kyle Higgins, Joe Bennett and Art Thibert (artists)
Grifter #1: Nathan Edmondson, with art by CAFU and BIT
OMAC #1: Dan DiDio and co-written and illustrated by Keith Giffen and Scott Koblish
Blue Beetle #1: Tony Bedard, Ig Guara
Suicide Squad #1: Adam Glass, Marco Rudy
Action Comics #1: Grant Morrison, Rags Morales
Superman #1: George Perez, Jesus Merino
Supergirl #1: Michael Green, Mike Johnson (writers), Mahmud Asrar
Superboy #1: Scott Lobdell with art by R.B. Silva and Rob Lean.

There's a few that I might actually start picking up. I really liked Peter Milligan's run on X-Men, so I'm interested in the books he's writing. There are still a stupid amount of Batman books though.

In other news, it looks like Marvel's ending Uncanny X-Men after issue 544. Something to do with this summer's X-Men event I'm sure. I imagine they'll launch a new series or something, but I don't really get why they're doing this.
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: Sega Uranus on June 12, 2011, 04:25:21 pm
Anyone know how the Mass Effect comics are? I am thinking about giving them a read.

Also FFUUFUFUF I need to finish 100 Bullets.
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: MadeManG74 on June 12, 2011, 05:49:29 pm
^Yes you do. What did you end up getting to in the series? I know you got to Hang up on the Hang low at least (Loop and his dad), but can't remember if you got any further. Did you ever read Counterfifth Detective?
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: Aki-at on June 22, 2011, 10:53:44 am
(http://http://www.dmpbooks.com/covers/full/9781593073145.jpg)

One of my favourite comic book series, Trigun is awesome for people who like westerns and also Nightow is a fantastic artist, love his stuff (He also did GunGrave for those looking for a SEGA link)

I'm also a big fan of Marvel (Spiderman, Wolverine, Punisher, Hulk etc) I stopped reading Marvel's mainline series sometime ago, the amount of retcons and dragging their characters through the mud (Gwen Stacey had kids with the Green Goblin! Professor X is actually a manipulative bastard! etc) and I do not follow the comic books as much as I use too. That being said I still love some of their stuff like...

(http://http://www.padsandpanels.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/wolverine.jpg)

Old Man Logan.
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: SOUP on June 22, 2011, 02:06:25 pm
I've been reading through the first volume of the X-Men omnibuses.
This one covers the first 31 issues from the 60's run.
First off, while it's cool to see a bunch of iconic characters make their first appearances, it's pretty hilariously dated. The art's very nice (if lacking much colour), but it's the writing that really shows it's age.

Characters will constantly explain their motivation for pretty much every action they take, but I'm getting more used to it. There are a few things that seem pretty out of place though. For example, Magneto has more telepathic abilities than Jean does. He's been projecting astral versions of himself, and the book says his mental powers are second only to Professor X. Meanwhile, all Jean does is move things around with her mind. The characters seem to be evolving a bit over time, which is nice.
Iceman started out looking like a snowman, but he's recently switched to his more recognizable look.

The Professor's a bit of a jerk at this point too.

I've heard the last 9 issues of the 60's run are really good, so I'm looking forward to getting up to them.
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: max_cady on June 22, 2011, 04:01:07 pm
I'm looking into a new Graphic novel, I'm kinda sick of re-reading the ones I already have.

Thinking of gettin' a new Batman GN and a maybe a GL novel.
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: MadeManG74 on June 23, 2011, 06:04:53 am
I went to Supanova convention last weekend and met Dave Johnson, cover artist for 100 Bullets and Punisher Max. I got him to sign some comics for me, and even got a Punisher sketch from him (now framed):
(http://http://i51.tinypic.com/1z4el37.jpg)



Anyway, i've been reading Jason Aaron's Ghost Rider run recently, really really good so far. I'm enjoying it much more than Ennis' 'Road to Damnation' mini-series for the character. They just introduced Blackout, who seems like a really cool villian.

The thing is, Ghost Rider seems to have a much more complicated history than Punisher does, so keeping up with all the goings on can be a bit tough. Although that's probbaly mostly just me being really curious about every detail, since the stories are nicely self-contained.
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: SOUP on June 23, 2011, 06:25:04 am
Quote from: "max_cady"
I'm looking into a new Graphic novel, I'm kinda sick of re-reading the ones I already have.

Thinking of gettin' a new Batman GN and a maybe a GL novel.

Y: The Last Man if you don't have it. As far as Batman stuff, I'm not sure if they've been collected, but Paul Dini(producer of Batman: The Animated Series)'s run on Detective Comics was pretty good.
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: max_cady on June 23, 2011, 07:14:23 pm
Yeah, I have Batman: Private Bookcase. An excellent collection of small yet, very interesting stories.

Paul Dini captured the real feel of the Batman in Detective Comics, as a detective, unlike the more down and dirty superhero action set pieces from the Batman comics book.

It's like Maigret, if he wore a cape and cowl.
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: SOUP on June 24, 2011, 10:35:52 am
That's great that they've got those stories collected. It was a pretty refreshing change of pace for today's world of 4-6 issue story arcs, where everything's geared towards getting collected in trades.

I read X-Men #12 last night. It's probably the first issue in the series that I'd categorize as really good. The whole issue's basicaly Professor X giving the X-Men the origin story of himself and Cain Marko while this unseen monster systematically destroys all the defenses they've set up around the mansion. There's some legitimate tension as this thing gets closer and closer, until the big reveal at the end. I'm really looking forward to getting to the Roy Thomas stuff.
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: Chaosmaster8753 on June 24, 2011, 04:44:38 pm
Quote from: "SOUP"
I read X-Men #12 last night. It's probably the first issue in the series that I'd categorize as really good. The whole issue's basicaly Professor X giving the X-Men the origin story of himself and Cain Marko while this unseen monster systematically destroys all the defenses they've set up around the mansion. There's some legitimate tension as this thing gets closer and closer, until the big reveal at the end. I'm really looking forward to getting to the Roy Thomas stuff.

You read any of Chris Claremont's work on X-Men?
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: SOUP on June 25, 2011, 10:24:38 am
@Chaosmaster8753:
I've got Uncanny X-Men Omnibus volume 1, that goes covers Giant Size #1, and 94-131. I haven't read all of them though. I've got a decent amount of issues from the Jim Lee era, but haven't read much of them because I'm trying to get them all in order to read in sequnce.

I've read the more recent stuff he did though. X-Treme X-Men #1-46, flowing into his run on Uncanny X-Men (444-473). I really enjoyed all of it too. Especially when Rachel Summers was featuring in it.
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: MadeManG74 on June 25, 2011, 05:32:38 pm
Quote from: "SOUP"
I've been reading through the first volume of the X-Men omnibuses.
This one covers the first 31 issues from the 60's run.
First off, while it's cool to see a bunch of iconic characters make their first appearances, it's pretty hilariously dated. The art's very nice (if lacking much colour), but it's the writing that really shows it's age.

Characters will constantly explain their motivation for pretty much every action they take, but I'm getting more used to it. There are a few things that seem pretty out of place though. For example, Magneto has more telepathic abilities than Jean does. He's been projecting astral versions of himself, and the book says his mental powers are second only to Professor X. Meanwhile, all Jean does is move things around with her mind. The characters seem to be evolving a bit over time, which is nice.
Iceman started out looking like a snowman, but he's recently switched to his more recognizable look.

The Professor's a bit of a jerk at this point too.

I've heard the last 9 issues of the 60's run are really good, so I'm looking forward to getting up to them.

Almost forgot to comment, but I also thought it was interesting how characters grossly change over time in Marvel or just from their original run at least. I read Ghost Riders original series a while back, and it's pretty wild how he changed from being supposedly much weaker than Spider-Man and others to his modern-day incarnation where he's potentially the most powerful being on the planet (can mop the floor with Hulk if he wanted to).

Not to mention the power creep he's had almost puts superman to Shame. He started out as his head transforming into a glowing skull every night and being able to shoot fire from his hand and that was it. Now he is invincible, can create nuke-level explosions of hellfire, create flames that burn only the wicked, summon chains that can bind anyone, use the Penance Stare, ride his motorbike up 90 degree inclines...
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: SOUP on June 26, 2011, 07:03:26 pm
The power creep aspect's a pretty slippery slope. You end up running into situations where it's impossible to find good obstacles for them to overcome. It's kind of like the Justice League. When you've got a whole team of these super powerful characters, it seems like a bit of overkill.

I do like it when the characters actually grow over time, and they stick with the changes, instead of ret-conning them out of existence.
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: MadeManG74 on June 27, 2011, 04:39:22 am
^I agree, it's cool in Jason Aaron's run that I'm reading now they reference a lot of changes in Ghost Rider's past (losing his powers, his brother gaining them, Hellfire Shotguns etc).

On the power thing, they've managed to keep Ghost Rider interesting with his enemies mostly being Demonic/Heavenly so that they are comparable to him, or failing that they'll use Johnny Blaze's guilt/flaws to shake things up.
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: SOUP on June 28, 2011, 05:28:53 pm
Sounds pretty cool. I'll have to check out some Jason Aaron stuff sometime.
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: Chaosmaster8753 on July 01, 2011, 11:16:55 pm
Here's a few particular comic arcs I've read recently:

(http://http://www.dccomics.com/media/product/1/0/10383_400x600.jpg)

I've always been a pretty big sucker for crossovers, and this was no exception. I just found it enjoyable seeing the two teams interacting and even homages to past Marvel/DC crossovers. Not to mention, you get to see Superman holding both Mjolnir and Cap's shield.

(http://http://www.dccomics.com/media/product/4/1/4154_400x600.jpg)

Decided to get into the Geoff Johns Lantern stories, and this was pretty damn good. Plus, not even Batman ****s with Hal Jordan.

(http://https://i.annihil.us/u/prod/marvel/i/mg/c/20/4bc5cdc42d429/detail.jpg)

This isn't too much about Spidey, but it's a really good series. Definitely one of Spidey's best opponents. Even though it's a 6 part miniseries, the 5th part is a great enough ending.
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: CosmicCastaway on July 02, 2011, 02:01:35 pm
I listed Kraven's Last Hunt in an earlier post as well. It's a great story.

Under the Hood is another one of my favorite Batman storylines. The animated film version of it is also very well done!
(http://http://media.comicvine.com/uploads/0/40/1065033-1060155_under_the_hood_paperback_1_super_super.jpg)

(http://http://images.wikia.com/marvel_dc/images/1/1c/Batman_Under_the_Hood_Vol_2_TP.jpg)

Also pretty much any of the stories Gail Simone wrote for Wonder Woman are quite fantastic.

(http://http://d1466nnw0ex81e.cloudfront.net/iss/600w/357/19553572/19553576_1.jpg)
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: SOUP on July 03, 2011, 09:41:43 am
I've heard so much good stuff about Gail Simone, but not being a big follower of the DCU outside of Batman, Green Lantern, and occasionally Superman, I really don't have much of an idea of where to start with her stuff.
I've heard good things about Secret Six though.
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: CosmicCastaway on July 03, 2011, 04:28:18 pm
Quote from: "SOUP"
I've heard so much good stuff about Gail Simone, but not being a big follower of the DCU outside of Batman, Green Lantern, and occasionally Superman, I really don't have much of an idea of where to start with her stuff.
I've heard good things about Secret Six though.

The Wonder Woman books are pretty easy to jump in to. You'll only be missing out on some details here and there. Wonder Woman is great though, she is one of my favorite superheroes.
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: SOUP on July 04, 2011, 08:06:29 am
Wherabouts did Gail Simone start writing the series?
Was it pretty recently?
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: CosmicCastaway on July 06, 2011, 11:28:35 am
I believe she started writing for Wonder Woman after the Amazons Attack event. The story arc is called The Circle.
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51hLFTbwZ4L._SS500_.jpg)
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: max_cady on July 09, 2011, 06:57:14 pm
(http://i52.tinypic.com/izopra.jpg)

I was reading a Gotham City Sirens GN today, the first one called Union.

I'm sure there's a lot of good Paul Dini writing here, but for the most part, you'll too distracted gazing at very oversexualized renditions of Harley, Selina and Poison Ivy.

Spoilers...
Quote

It's a collection of small stories, the debut issue [spoiler]where Selina, Ivy and Harley Quinn all reunite after Ivy saves Selina from a new, but rather uninspired villain, the Bonecrusher. They raid Edward Nigma's place(who's in a trance due to Ivy's flowers), the Bonecrusher comes after 'em and they fight him off, Eddie snaps back into reality and beats the living mans*** out out of him. The girls decide to move into a secret warehouse and start a... sorority? hq...? Something like that... Before they come clean, Ivy intoxicates Selina, straps her down (it's not as dirty as it sounds) and demands her to reveal Batman's true identity.

We cut to story 2, where Selina cheats her way out by saying that a lot of people where Batman(Bruce, Jason Todd, Harvey Dent) and that's really a group of individuals that done the cape either by being active vigilantes or just dressing up for charity (O... K...), they beleive her... And now, Harley goes looking for love in skimpy outfits and she runs into the fake Bruce Wayne, who is really Thomas Elliot posing as him, she saves him from a group of thugs and he decides to take her out on a night (trying to kill her and make it look like an accident), Selina and Ivy go look for her.

And we cut to story 3, where Edward Nigma fakes his death and makes fun of the girls, only for them to leave(and that's the last we see of these girls on this story). Eddie gives a press release over a crime he's investigating, Dick Grayson as Batman comes out and nabs him, they chat, Eddie finds the potential victim, saves her with the aid of Batman and that's it. It had nothing to do with the plot.

Finally, we see that Mr. J isn't too happy to see Harley hanging around with the fake Bruce and decides to take matters into his own hands. More of Harley trying to get risqué with Elliot, as he tries to push her out of a skyscrapper. Mr. J comes in and fighting ensues, Ivy and Selina jump in and save Harley.

Back in their HQ, the Joker barges in and it is revealed that this Joker is really a stubby clown, a former protegé of the insane clown who wants to gut Harley over her taking over stealing his thunder.
The girls defeat him. End of story.

The last story is a Christmas Special, where Ivy is skinny dipping in South America, Selina is having dinner with Dick and Damian is pissed off. Aaand Harley Quinn goes to visit her family, inclunding her jailed Dad(a famous con-artist), who is actually kinda creepy towards her.

No, there is no good writing to be found here, just look at the Gotham babes, that's the only thing worth browsing...
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: SOUP on July 14, 2011, 09:58:10 am
I read a ton of comics over the past weekend.
I managed to finish off the Necrosha crossover, and in doing so caught caught up all the way to the Second Coming crossover in X-Force, New Mutants, X-Men Legacy and Uncanny X-Men. I finished the rest of the Cable series too, then read through all 14 parts of Second Coming.
I'm now officially only one year behind in X-Men comics (.....pretty much).

I'm thinking that I'll read Uncanny X-Force next. I've heard a ton of good things about it, and it's got a pretty good cast (Wolverine, Deadpool, Fantomex, Psylocke, and Archangel).
Next up, I'll get all caught up on Uncanny X-Men, then New Mutants and X-Men: Legacy.
After that, I'll start up X-Factor from the beginning of Peter David's run in 2005. I've already read the first 30 something issues, but they're really good, and it's been a long time since I've read them.

The hope is that I'll be caught up on all of it before the end of August, so I can keep up with X-Men: Schism.
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: max_cady on July 22, 2011, 06:58:23 pm
Well, after Gotham City Sirens left a bad taste in my mouth, I decided to venture into a few Graphic novels, I ordered a couple of GNs from BookDepository.co.uk:

-Secret Six: Unhinged - A ragtag group of C-villains with Bane as the major headhoncho? Sign me up.
-Green Lantern Corps: To be a Green Lantern - I hated the GL movie, but nevertheless it had me finally interested in the GL universe.
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: MadeManG74 on July 22, 2011, 07:59:55 pm
Just read Vol. 1 of Ennis' Hitman:

(http://i43.tower.com/images/mm109272682/hitman-vol-1-rage-in-arkham-garth-ennis-paperback-cover-art.jpg)

Tommy Monaghan is a contract killer who gets attacked by an alien/demon thing and myseriously gains X-Ray vision and Telepathy. Rather than becoming a Superhero/Villian, he just continues being a killer, but starts specialising in super-human contracts. Things get really interesting when he gets a Million Dollar hit on The Joker in Arkham Asylum and he starts to bump heads with Batman.
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: Chaosmaster8753 on July 23, 2011, 12:37:57 am
Recently finished reading Green Lantern: Secret Origin and The Death of Gwen Stacy as some examples.
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: SOUP on July 23, 2011, 04:28:23 pm
I got all caught up on Uncanny X-Men and Uncanny X-Force.
It's nice to be caught up, but the realization that I'm going to have to start waiting a month between each issue is starting to sink in :(.

With all this news about Schism, I'm wondering if they'll cancel any of the other titles in the X-Men line. I mean, Uncanny X-Men's just going back to #1, but it seems like Generation Hope, and New Mutants might be on the chopping block once the main title splits in two.  I really have no idea why they're still making Astonishing at this point.
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: Chaosmaster8753 on August 01, 2011, 01:21:46 pm
Recently finished All Star Superman vol. 2, good read. Speaking of the DC reboot, I think I might want to check out most of Geoff Johns' stories, I'm really liking his work on Green Lantern.
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: max_cady on August 03, 2011, 05:48:56 am
The three graphic novels I ordered just arrived.

I started reading the GL Corps GN, pretty good stuff..
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: SOUP on August 31, 2011, 12:16:50 pm
The new DCU launced today. I haven't picked anything up, but I subscribed to a few of the new series. I probably won't start receiving them for about 2 months, but they'll start with the #1 issues. It's a bit of an annoyance to be 2 months behind all the time, but it's way cheaper than buying them from comic shops, and I don't have to worry about missing out on any issues (my local shop's pretty unreliable). They also give you one title for free if you order more than 4 subscriptions.

It took a while to decide what to go with, but I narrowed it down to these in the end:

Batman: I used to get this one, but stopped around the time that they "killed off" Bruce Wayne. The whole Batman line got a bit convoluted at that point, so I just stopped reading DC alltogether.  I've heard a lot of good things about Scott Snyder, so that's why I opted for this one.

Nightwing: I've always been a fan Dick Grayson. I don't really know much about the writer, so I'm hoping this one turns out well.

Batgirl: I'm not a huge Batgirl fan, but I've heard nothing but good things about Gail Simone, so I figured this would be a good point to jump on.

Justice League Dark: I really liked Peter Milligan's run on X-Men a few years back, and the cast seems pretty interesting.

Green Lantern: Another title that I used to read pretty regularly. I stopped reading before all the Darkest Night stuff went down. I like Geoff Johns' work, so I'm pretty sure this one's going to be a safe bet. 

Action Comics: This one's solely on the strength of the other Grant Morrison stuff I've read (including All-Star Superman).

A few other series look interesting (Justice League, Wonder Woman, Flash, Blue Beetle), but I'll wait for the reviews to roll in on those.
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: SOUP on September 02, 2011, 09:41:55 am
I've been reading through X-Factor from the beginning (2005 relaunch), before I work my way through the past 3 years that I missed out on.
I'm remembering why (outside of Joss Whedon's run on Astonishing), it's my favourite X-title out there. The art's a little inconsistent (pretty much a revolving door of artists for the first bunch of issues), but the writing is top-notch, and the cast is full of really interesting characters. It all reminds me more of Buffy The Vampire Slayer than any other super-hero title. There's a much bigger emphasis on character interaction than drama. The entirety of issue 13 is just the team getting individual psych evaluations from Doc Samson.
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: Chaosmaster8753 on September 09, 2011, 08:21:21 pm
Most recent mini-series I finished:

(http://www.majorspoilers.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04a/1AprilBlahblahblah/Fl2.jpg)
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: max_cady on September 15, 2011, 04:11:54 am
I finished up reading the first graphic novel of Secret Six and it's a mostly "what the heck am I reading?" page turner.
One minute, Catman is having a fistfight with Batman over him eating a burrito, then Bane being overprotective towards Savage, there's Ragdoll having a creepy sister, a huge amount of B-list villains trying to kill the entire team over a weird card.
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: SOUP on September 15, 2011, 08:08:56 am
@max_cady: I've heard nothing but good things about Secret Six. I'll have to check it out sometime from the sounds of it.

I've still been reading through Peter David's run on X-Factor. I'm up to the recent Second Coming crossover bit. Outside of the Secret Invasion crossover with She-Hulk, this books been solid gold. Issues 39 and 40 were pretty mindblowing.
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: max_cady on September 22, 2011, 03:15:49 pm
Two titles of DC's new 52 reboot have bothered me a lot.

(http://i55.tinypic.com/imnznb.jpg)

Red Hood and the Outlaws... Starfire is now the equivalent of a superficial whore who'll sleep with anyone for no reason whatsoever...

And Catwoman... First off, why? And second... who drew that? The laws of human anatomy have been literally raped in that one single panel.
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: SOUP on September 22, 2011, 03:18:17 pm
Have you read any of the other new 52 titles?
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: max_cady on September 22, 2011, 03:22:11 pm
Haven't read either the new Batman and the new Detective Comics.

I have read the new Justice League comic which is actually a pretty cool reboot.

Read the new Suicide Squad, still have no idea what's going on...

I wanted to read the new Action Comics, but... I can't get past the image of Superman just casually wearing jeans to fight crime.
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: SOUP on September 22, 2011, 04:24:33 pm
I'm still waiting on my subscriptions to start showing up. I added Justice League to my pull list at the local comic shop.
I'll give some impressions whenever they do show up (probably not until partway through next month).

As far as Superman's look in Action Comics goes, I think I like it more than what I've seen of George Perez's work on Superman.  Jim Lee's take on the new costume doesn't look too bad though.

Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: George on September 22, 2011, 11:09:03 pm
I haven't read comic books, just because of how hard the publishers make it for people to get issues. Right now I'm enjoying some Manga. I have decided to read most of the popular titles.

So yes, that means I have read Naruto from 1-554. I was never a fan, everyone said that the US dub was a bad reputation of the franchise. So I decided to read it on my off time (aka before going to bed). Well, now that I have technically read up to the newest chapter, I can give you my thoughts on the franchise right now.

I think they have good concepts, I like how they keep old characters and they don't just become 'obsolete' (See Dragon Ball Z and Bleach. Most of the main characters from the early chapters mean shit later). They live in a world with rules, though they have fucked this up a few times. Spoiler: The Pain arc, seriously... wtf was that ending? Naruto changed a villain with reason? The dude fucking destroyed the whole village, took bodies of people and used it as puppet? All he needed was someone to give another opinion? Seems bullshit and cheesy. Not to mention Resurrection all the people? Stupid excuse to not kill off main characters.

Right now its in the 3rd Ninja War arc and its moving way too slow to be doing it slowly.

Other than that, I'm also reading 'Fairy Tail', I'm in character 57. Its basically a One Piece rip off... no seriously, look at the art:
(http://i.imgur.com/NDy1K.jpg) (http://i.imgur.com/wvgFW.jpg)

Art is very similar and the comedy reminds me of each other. Instead of being a pirate crew, in Fairy Tail they are mages.
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: max_cady on September 23, 2011, 06:20:34 am
I'm a bit worn out on Manga right now.

I stopped caring about the Naruto manga, because it never seems to end. I started following the animated series for a while, but I kinda gave up on it. It is too friggin' slow to develop, the manga is even worse, it feels like minimal plot exposition then two characters duke it out for three or four chapters and the battles get so damn repetitive.

It's like watching two professional and highly experienced chess players sizing each other out. It gets boring reall fast.

The same with Kenichi. Loved the cartoon, I was following the novel, OK. But I am getting sick of this: Two characters duke it out, almost always we get to a flashback with the villain retelling his friggi'n life story... Jeez.
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: SOUP on September 23, 2011, 09:26:37 am
I like manga, but it's a pretty big investment of time and money to get into any particular series.
The only one I've really put much time into is Ranma 1/2 (All 36 volumes of it).
That said, I really enjoyed the whole thing.

Back to comics though, I've started reading Generation Hope. I mainly picked it up because I enjoyed the whole character arc of Hope Summers, and I've heard a lot of good things about the writer. It's pretty solid so far. Even though the cast is pretty much all original characters, they've done a good job of making them all interesting from the get go.
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: George on September 23, 2011, 05:00:59 pm
Yeah, it is a big investment. Though I wouldn't have read all those Naruto chapters if it wasn't free. The Android app 'Mango' is really good.
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: Chaosmaster8753 on September 23, 2011, 11:32:06 pm
Spoiler: The Pain arc, seriously... wtf was that ending? Naruto changed a villain with reason? The dude fucking destroyed the whole village, took bodies of people and used it as puppet? All he needed was someone to give another opinion? Seems bullshit and cheesy. Not to mention Resurrection all the people? Stupid excuse to not kill off main characters.

lol, one of my friends has said that the Pain arc was when he lost interest in Naruto's story one time. Anyway, just recently finished this:

(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51xoSo5Ii6L._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: SOUP on September 24, 2011, 08:12:10 am
Yeah, it is a big investment. Though I wouldn't have read all those Naruto chapters if it wasn't free. The Android app 'Mango' is really good.
Sadly, I don't have a smartphone, and my computer's dead :(.
I can still access this forum from work though :D.
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: Chaosmaster8753 on September 24, 2011, 07:49:46 pm
Just finished this, am a little uncertain what to think of it:

(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51XW8E8pN3L._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: SOUP on September 27, 2011, 09:45:27 am
Just finished this, am a little uncertain what to think of it:

(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51XW8E8pN3L._SL500_AA300_.jpg)

Have you read much else of Brubaker's run?
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: SOUP on September 30, 2011, 02:22:35 pm
When I picked up the latest issue of Astonishing X-Men, I noticed the new issue of The Flash on the shelf. It's the first issue of the New 52 that I've seen sitting on the rack, so I made sure to pick it up.
My only experience with the Flash in comic book form has been bits with Wally West in the old JLA comic, so I didn't really know much at all about Barry Allen going into this one.  The first issue's mostly just a setup for the upcoming arc, but they have a decent amount of hints towards what may be planned for Barry's personal life.  I really had no idea he was a forensic scientist.
The art looks quite nice too :). 
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: Barry the Nomad on September 30, 2011, 02:33:57 pm
Picked up Mega Man volume 1:

(http://i.imgur.com/b8rLk.jpg)

Really great looking paperback. Includes the first four issues plus bonuses, mainly got it because I love Patrick "SPAZ" Spaziante's art. I even wrote to Archie back in the 90's telling them SPAZ was awesome. Can't wait to read this, despite not being a big Mega Man fan (not that I dislike it, I just never had to chance to get into it).
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: CosmicCastaway on September 30, 2011, 07:44:14 pm
Just finished this, am a little uncertain what to think of it:

(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51XW8E8pN3L._SL500_AA300_.jpg)

You should read both volumes and Winter Soldier as well as Red Menace. It's a great story.
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: SOUP on October 04, 2011, 08:25:20 am
I read the new Justice League issue.
It's pretty much exactly what I was expecting. It's pretty much Green Lantern running into Batman, while they both start to investigate some strange goings-on. There's a first meeting with Superman in there as well.
Basically, the opening arc is going to be an origin for Cyborg, with the heroes coming together to face Darkseid. We'll se how it plays out.

For some amazing stuff though, I'd recommend reading through Scott Snyder's recent run on Detective Comics. I'm pretty sure it's recently been collected, or it will be soon. A perfect example of a longer arc done right.
(sidenote: There was a panel in there that actually made me gag.)

Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: Chaosmaster8753 on October 04, 2011, 04:17:13 pm
Have you read much else of Brubaker's run?

That was the first one I've read. Though I'm reading another Brubaker story, The Last Iron Fist Story.

Anyway, I very recently finished:

(http://www.nexternal.com/dreamland/images/1tttot.jpg)

(http://youraccount.ekmpowershop23.com/ekmps/shops/avaloncomics2/images/black-widow-homecoming-complete-6-issue-set-1787-p.jpg)
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: nuckles87 on October 04, 2011, 06:32:51 pm
I've read Superman, Static Shock, and Blue Beetle. The former because I was curious and the latter because I'm fans of the characters.

Have to say, not impressed. I generally hate reboots, and these comics only had me wishing they where still set in the old universe, Blue Beetle in particular. It feels like we're just starting over for no reason, disregarding everything from their old series. I really liked the last Blue Beetle series.

Of these, the only one I'm really gonna keep following long term is Blue Beetle, because it at least still felt like the old series, even though so much has now been negated.
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: SOUP on October 05, 2011, 07:57:25 am
I've read Superman, Static Shock, and Blue Beetle. The former because I was curious and the latter because I'm fans of the characters.

Have to say, not impressed. I generally hate reboots, and these comics only had me wishing they where still set in the old universe, Blue Beetle in particular. It feels like we're just starting over for no reason, disregarding everything from their old series. I really liked the last Blue Beetle series.

Of these, the only one I'm really gonna keep following long term is Blue Beetle, because it at least still felt like the old series, even though so much has now been negated.
If you're going for a Superman book, you should check out Action Comics instead. I haven't really heard very many good things about George Perez's title.

@Chaosmaster8753: Let me know what you think of it. I thought Brubaker's run on Uncanny X-Men was ok, but I've heard a lot of great things about his runs on other titles.
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: SOUP on October 18, 2011, 10:10:02 am
Two more New 52 issues popped up in my mailbox over the weekend.

The first issue of Wonder Woman was a really interesting read. It's the first Wonder Woman comic that I've ever read, but I found it to be pretty enjoyable. They don't really get into much about Wonder Woman herself.  The whole thing's a bit on the darker side, and seems like it will be pretty firmly rooted in the greek mythology aspect of the character.

Blue Beetle was enjoyable, but was pretty much all set-up. I think this one will probably read much better as a trade.
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: max_cady on October 22, 2011, 08:16:08 am
Hey, guys, do you have any advice on good recent Superman graphic novels?

You see, I'm trying to get a couple of good ones, but every list I go through, they always have something along the timeframe of "The Death of Superman". Are there any good modern, and by modern, post 2005 Superman GN that are worth checking out?

Anyway, I'm invested in Jonah Hex right now, even though the movie adaptation was terrible, the comic book is actually quite good.
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: SOUP on October 22, 2011, 09:26:02 am
@max_cady:
I'd recommend checking out All Star Superman by Grant Morrison.
There's also the work that Geoff Johns and Richard Donner did on Action Comics a few years ago. Those issues are collected in Superman: Last Son, and Superman: Escape From Bizarro World.
Escape From Bizarro World has artwork by Eric Powell (creator of The Goon).
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: MadeManG74 on October 24, 2011, 01:58:09 pm
I've recently been reading through the entire MAX run of Punisher. Just finished all of Garth Ennis' run (which I'd read before) and just finished 'Girls in White Dresses' and am reading 'Six Hours to Kill'. GIWD started off really really good, with this great modern western feel to it, but then went off the rails at the end and it feels like introducing Jigsaw in this one was a complete waste of an interesting character they could have adapted. SHTK is pretty good so far though.

Come to think of it, I wonder if Jason Aaron's next story arc is in TPB form yet? I only have up to 'Bullseye' so far.

Also, from when Ennis finished, Dave Johnson started doing the cover art, and I LOVE his work.
(http://www.comicbox.com/wp-content/gallery/gallery-marvel-in-march-2009-part-3-ultimate-others/punmax068_cov.jpg)
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: Chaosmaster8753 on October 25, 2011, 12:42:19 pm
Just to let SOUP know, I did finish reading this:

(http://unitedmonkee.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/immortal_iron_fist_-_vol-_1_-_the_last_iron_fist_story.jpg?w=600)

I'm also continuing reading Geoff Johns' run on Green Lantern after finishing this:

(http://www.dccomics.com/media/product/6/0/6070_400x600.jpg)
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: SOUP on October 26, 2011, 10:47:29 pm
@Chaosmaster:

What did you think of the Iron Fist book? I really know nothing of the character.

I've got those issues of Green Lantern kicking around. It's a good run for sure. I've got the individual issues up to around the Secret Origin stuff, but then I got out of comics for a few years. I'm jumping back in with this relaunch though.

I finally finished reading The X-Men Omnibus volume 1.
It's the first 31 issues of the original series from the 1960s.  Next up is the second omnibus covering the remainder of the original issues (up to 66), before the title was cancelled. My goal is to read the entire Uncanny X-Men series from issue 1, to today.

I've got about a few gaps to fill in yet. I think around 1980 to 1988 on Uncanny (#132-234), and 1995 to 2001 (49-113) in adjectiveless X-Men.
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: max_cady on November 09, 2011, 04:00:10 pm
I recentely finished reading Jonah Hex: Only the Good die Young.

Somehow I was very dissapointed. I had read another novel from 2007, Guns of Vengeance, which was way better than this.

Like before, it's another collection of stories, standard-issue stuff for westerns. But, I have some gripes, they really went overboard with Jonah Hex's mumbling accent, to the point where they literally write in his accent in the dialogue bubbles. Granted that having half of your face brutally mangled will not help you speak clearly, but I thought it was just too much. The artwork on two of the stories were horrendous. And there is one bizarre story involving Thomas Edison and Tesla that doesn't go anywhere, literally. Not to give too much away, but Hex takes a job and the story ends without actually coming to an actual conclusion.
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: SOUP on November 10, 2011, 11:32:28 am
@max_cady: It's definitely a fine line to walk when portraying an accent in a comic. A couple characters that pop into mind right away for me would be Gambit and Rogue. Some writers go a bit overboard, and some just seem to forget the accents alltogether.
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: SOUP on November 12, 2011, 09:35:58 am
I've read a few more issues of the New 52 DC titles.

I kind of stopped reading Green Lantern around the time of the Secret Origin stuff. It was getting a bit much with all the cross-overs and one-shots, so I just stopped picking it up altogether. I figured I'd try jumping back in with this new relaunch. So far, I'm really digging Sinestro as the headlining character.  The dynamic between him and Hal is the big highlight so far. Not a ton of things happening in the issues so far, but it seems to be a steady ramp up to something big.

Batman's another title I stopped reading around the same time. When Bruce Wayne "died" and they launched a few new books, and dumped out a bunch of one-shots, I just tuned out.  I still think they have too many Batman books out now, but after reading Scott Snyder's run on Detective Comics leading up to this new title, I couldn't really pass it up.  He doesn't disappoint with these new issues either.  He's one of the few comic book writers today that can write compelling single issues that hold up on their own, but still build towards something larger.  With most other books, it's almost better to hold off on reading them until you've got 4 or 5 issues set to read.
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: max_cady on November 18, 2011, 06:52:18 pm
I haven't jumped on a video game comic book in a while. Though I'm glad to say that Udon comic's Street Fighter series is pretty damn good.

I bought the SF Legends: Sakura Vol.1 GN and loved it. It's a true expanded universe of characters and their own mythology. The stories are pretty straighfoward. Sakura IMing Ryu over tips on how to become a better fighter, Dan attempting to get a rematch with her. Karin also wanting to fight Sakura once again and most of her daily life with friends, including some notable characters from the Rival Schools series, one of Capcom's... well more obscure fighting games. At one point, Sakura decides to go to a wrestling match to see Rainbow Mika square off with Zangief. Only for the giant russian to have a fit and actually challenge her for real, ergo breaking kayfabe, to which apparentely Sakura is completely ignorant of.

The fight is awesome and there's even an awkward lol moment when Zangief aciddentaly slaps Mika in an embarrasing place and she goes beserk. Dan also gets involved and suffers through a piledrive.

Loved it, loved it, loved it. I haven't gone back to SF in a while, but this comic was excellent!
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: SOUP on November 19, 2011, 07:49:41 am
After reading the latest issues of the Green Lantern relaunch, I remembered just how much I enjoyed this book in the past. I stopped reading it around issue 31 (before all the Blackest Night stuff went down), mostly due to budgetary concerns and whatnot.
I think I'll see if I can snag the issues that I'm missing.  I started reading from the beginning of Geoff Johns' run (Green Lantern: Rebirth) last night. We'll see if I can track down the 30 or so issues that I'm missing in the meantime.
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: Chaosmaster8753 on November 28, 2011, 02:18:46 pm
Two stories I recently finished:

(http://images.wikia.com/marvel_dc/images/6/66/New_Teen_Titans_Judas_Contract_TP.jpg)

(http://www.comicsreview.co.uk/nowreadthis/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/doctor-strange-doctor-doom-triumph-and-tragedy-softcover.jpg)
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: SOUP on November 29, 2011, 02:34:57 pm
I've managed to track down most of the issues of Green Lantern that I missed out on (except for a couple of Blackest Night issues, and some War of the Green Lanterns cross-over stuff). It'll be a while before they show up, but in the meantime I made a decent amount reading issues this weekend. I'm up to issue 13 (around the point where the 3rd TPB would pick up). I forgot how great this series is.  I can't wait for Sinestro to show up again.
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: SOUP on December 03, 2011, 02:57:40 pm
I'm all caught up on X-Factor. The next issue's the last one before some roster changes on the book. It comes out on Wednesday, so I should have it about 2 weeks after that. With the recent cancellations at Marvel, I really hope they don't touch this one. A writer working on a single title for this long is pretty rare nowadays (nevermind the fact that it's been consistently great for that amount of time), I'd like to see the run keep on going.

Speaking of long runs though, I've made it up to the Sinestro Corps War crossover in Geoff Jons' Green Lantern run.  The missing issues that I ordered should be showing up in the next few weeks, so I'll finally be able to read Blackest Night.

Whenever I get caught up on Green Lantern, I think I'll start back up with Grant Morrison's Batman run. I'll probably just get the hardcovers for all the stuff that I'm missing (Batman: The Return of Bruce Wayne, Batman & Robin volume 3, and Batman, Inc volume 1).
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: nuckles87 on December 03, 2011, 05:00:40 pm
I'm rather surprised I haven't started posting here yet.

I'm saddened by the lack of Image Comics love in the last few pages I've read. I've recently started reading Image's stuff this summer, starting with a massive compilation of Invincible comics.

Invincible is probably the best super  hero comic I've ever read. The drama can get fucking intense, and the plotline throws loads of curve balls you don't see coming. Perhaps most importantly, the status quo is ALWAYS in flux. The series very rarely ever follows a "monster of the month" formula and instead is constantly developing the plot.

Since this I've started reading Astonishing Wolf-Man, Savage Dragon, Witch Doctor, Chew, really just any Image comic that looks creative or is written by Robert Kirkman.

On the DC52 front, I've been following Action Comics, Justice League International, and Blue Beetle. I loved the last Blue Beetle and Booster Gold series, and so far these titles at least haven't offended me yet. Though it is a little depressing knowing the old series won't be continued anymore, especially Blue Beetle. After three issues the new series hasn't quite lived up to its predecessor, but the last series took a little while to really get going so I won't render judgment yet. I'm enjoying JLI a lot more, probably my favorite DC52 series at the moment, though I haven't read the core JL book yet. Action Comics has been....okay. Its beginning to get more interesting now, I'm beginning to like Superman a bit more.

Also been reading Atomic Robo. I'll let one of the FCBD issues speak for me:

http://www.nuklearpower.com/2009/07/24/free-comic-book-day-2009/
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: Chaosmaster8753 on December 03, 2011, 07:56:12 pm
On my reading of Geoff Johns' Green Lantern run, I just finished #20 and am about to start the Sinestro Corps War once my library hold gets in. What are everyone's thoughts on the DC52 current run on Green Lantern with Sinestro being re-recruited into the Green Lantern Corps?
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: SOUP on December 03, 2011, 10:10:55 pm
@nuckles87:  I'll definitely be jumping into Image comics once Saga launches next year.  I've never read anything else from the studio though :-/.
I'm right there with you on Action Comics.  I have faith in Grant Morrison building an impressive ongoing tale though.

@Chaosmaster8753:  The new Green Lantern issues are what convinced me to pick up all the issues between Sinestro Corps War and now.   The idea of Sinestro as a GL again seemed a bit odd to me, but after reading the new issues, it doesn't really seem all that weird anymore.  The dynamic between Sinestro and Hal in the new issues is really interesting. I'm mostly intrigued to see read everything that lead up to this point, and where things are going to go from here.

In the meantime, I'm going to read some more Sinestro Corps War :D.
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: Chaosmaster8753 on December 07, 2011, 04:24:42 pm
Recently finished this:

(http://d1466nnw0ex81e.cloudfront.net/iss/600w/170/13701701/13701921_1.jpg)

(http://cdn.ifanboy.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/daredevil-man-without-fear.jpg)
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: SOUP on December 08, 2011, 11:07:30 am
@Chaosmaster8753:
How was the JLA book?
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: Chaosmaster8753 on December 09, 2011, 02:59:20 am
@Chaosmaster8753:
How was the JLA book?

I'd say it's more of a Titans story, but it's not a bad read if you're a fan of them.
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: SOUP on December 09, 2011, 12:03:15 pm
I donk I've ever read a Titans story. JLA was one of the first comics I ever read though. Back during the Morrison/Porter/Dell run.
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: max_cady on December 18, 2011, 04:08:38 pm
(http://i44.tinypic.com/9lhd15.jpg)
Body Bags vol1.: Father's Day - Image Comics

Lookin' foward to this one. I ordered it online yesterday, but I doubt it will make it here before X-mas.

When I saw a couple of preview pages I thought it was actually a modern GN, but this is a 1996 comic book mini-series. The premise sounds a lot like Kick-Ass.
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: SOUP on December 21, 2011, 06:56:43 am
Final Crisis: Rage of the Red Lanterns showed up in the mail, so I can finally continue on reading through the rest of Geoff Johns' Green Lantern run :D.
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: SOUP on January 03, 2012, 11:45:46 am
I've finished reading through Blackest Night. I'm a bit curious as to what the deal is with some of the Brightest Day stuff. The original plan was just to stick with the main Green Lantern stuff, so I don't really know that Brightest Day or Emerald Warriors are going to be that nessecary to enjoy the whole story or not.
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: max_cady on January 13, 2012, 05:41:57 am
Finally, damn it!

I got my Image Comic's Body Bags graphic novel yesterday and read it in one sitting.

(http://i42.tinypic.com/1bs6o.jpg)

I wrongly assumed that this was a Kick Ass type of story. While it does feature the same over-the-top violence and gore, as well as some level of self-parody, the plot is completely different.

It's a story of a runaway teen(the most well endowned 15-year old teenage girl in the world)  that wants to get along with his father, who is working as a bodybagger, which seems to a cross between a hitman for hire and a vigilante.

The comic book's world takes place in a mix between the present and a semi-futuristic world, where bionic limbs are commonplace.
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: SOUP on January 13, 2012, 09:29:37 am
Sounds pretty interesting.

I finished up Geoff Johns' run on Green Lantern, and I'm going back to the beginning of Grant Morrison's Batman run. I've got the whole thing (minus two issues of Batman Inc.). With these two runs being pretty much the only things that didn't get changed up with the New 52 relaunch, I figure I might as well get up to date now.
I'm also hoping Final Crisis makes a bit more sense now that I have a few of the supplemental issues.
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: Chaosmaster8753 on January 13, 2012, 11:53:44 am
I recently finished reading Flashpoint, and one thing I gotta say is [spoiler]Reverse-Flash's brief appearance is kinda funny seeing how not only does he give a somewhat hard to understand explanation about the whole thing and him now being a living paradox (then again, time paradoxes never make sense,) then he gets killed really quickly by Thomas Wayne Batman.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: SOUP on January 13, 2012, 12:18:38 pm
@Chaosmaster8753:
Is Flashpoint worth reading at all, or is it more of a means to the end of rebooting the DCU than anything esle?
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: max_cady on January 13, 2012, 06:49:35 pm
Based off the reviews I've read and so forth, the second option you listed is the closest one.

But the result just ends up with [spoiler] The Flash fixes everything as well as change time and space by simply running![/spoiler]
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: Chaosmaster8753 on January 13, 2012, 08:10:33 pm
@Chaosmaster8753:
Is Flashpoint worth reading at all, or is it more of a means to the end of rebooting the DCU than anything esle?

Well, [spoiler]I wouldn't say it's the best kind of story to use to end the original DCU, and it's pretty short and doesn't really have much tension at the final battle, but I kinda like some elements of it mostly because I can be an occasional sucker for alternate reality type stories. I guess since it mostly focuses on Barry and not the rest of the DCU, that might one major reason why it's not the best way to end the original DCU. Admittedly, I'm still a bit of a noob at comics despite reading quite a few stories these past few months, so I wouldn't say I'm the best person to talk to about comic opinions.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: SOUP on January 14, 2012, 02:47:30 pm
Thanks for the impressions either way. I probably won't get around to reading it any time soon with all the New DCU stuff going on. Just nice to know that I'm not missing out on anything super groundbreaking.
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: George on February 04, 2012, 08:51:31 pm
(http://i.imgur.com/viZTKl.jpg) (http://i.imgur.com/viZTK.jpg)
I downloaded all 52 #1 issues of the DC reboot. I read a few so far and probably the biggest surprise was Batgirl and Batwing. Batwing #1 is a fantastic issue, really surprised. Can't wait to see what happens next and get more information on Earth Strike.

Also why like 4 comics for Green Lantern shit and only one flash? Come on.
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: Chaosmaster8753 on February 04, 2012, 09:40:49 pm
Aquaman #1's the only New 52 issue I bought. What are some more good ones?
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: MadeManG74 on February 05, 2012, 01:32:52 am
I've been reading through Garth Ennis' 'Hitman' series.
(http://images.wikia.com/marvel_dc/images/8/83/Hitman_Vol_1_9.jpg)

Really digging it so far. It's basically a contract killer in Gotham City gains powers of telepathy and X-Ray vision and then...continues being a hitman. Only now he charges extra and will take on Super-Human contracts. It's got all the hall-marks of Garth Ennis with some great characters, lots of action and great sense of humour. I've bought all the Trades so far, but they only have 5 trades and apparantly theres a number of issues that were never collated. I might have to download those or track down individual issues (which I imagine would be really expensive and difficult).

I don't think it's Ennis' best stuff (Preacher is still number 1 for me, followed by his Punisher stuff), but it's very good. Much better than The Boys at least, which I really didn't enjoy very much.
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: George on February 05, 2012, 03:54:30 am
Aquaman #1's the only New 52 issue I bought. What are some more good ones?
I liked the concept of Justice League one. I read the Detective Comic one and it was OK. Batgirl is another I read and was surprise I liked. Its like her trying to be like Batman, but having big flaws that come to get her in the issue. Like being scared of guns, not good if you are fighting criminals.
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: SOUP on February 08, 2012, 11:41:22 am
Aquaman #1's the only New 52 issue I bought. What are some more good ones?
- Batman is probably the best title of the bunch
- Green Lantern is just as solid as it was pre-relaunch. The whole Sinestro and Hal dynamic really adds a lot.
- I'm right there with George on Batgirl. Really solid stuff.
- Nightwing's been pretty good. I'd mostly reccommend it for fans of the character. I don't know if it'll do a whole lot for people who aren't invested in Dick Grayson at all.
- Justice League has just kept getting better. Jim Lee's art in it is really great.
- Justice League Dark is pretty good too. Some very interesting characters in some really messed up situations.
- The Flash has been pretty impressive. It's introduced some really interesting concepts, and the art is gorgeous.
- Wonder Woman has this kind of Buffy meets God of War vibe going for it.
- I've only read the last two issues of Detective Comics, but it really hasn't been doing it for me. If you want a Batman book, stick with Scott Snyder's  Batman.
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: George on February 08, 2012, 12:24:04 pm
Yeah, Detective Comics wasn't all there. I also suggest checking out Action Comics reboot, they did a fantastic job. Made it feel like watching a Superman movie. At least to me.

My brother really likes Nightwing. If you like 'anti-heroes' I suggest Deathstroke. I wish the Grifter was better, I was a big fan of WildC.A.T.S. growing up over at Image. Along with The Maxx, Young Blood and Bloodwulf.

Also the following 6 titles of the new 52 will be canceled after issue 8: Men of War, Mister Terrific, O.M.A.C, Hawk and Dove, Black Hawks and Static Shock.

Why I think they got low sales?

Men of War - This isn't a super hero comic. This is soldiers that live in times of super heroes. You always wonder why people hate Super Man, this is their side. Too bad its not very good and doesn't make me want to read the next issue.

Mister Terrific - Terrible name first of all. Also a black main character. This hero is based on science and imo lacked personality. I didn't give a shit about him in the first issue.

O.M.A.C. - A dude gets taken over by some evil computer, when it takes over he turns into O.M.A.C. a super powerful fin looking dude that takes orders like a zombie. Sorta the DC comics version of The Hulk without the great writing lol.

Hawk and Dove - The concept for this might have worked a long time ago. Basically Hawk = aggressive and Dove = peace maker. They are suppose to even themselves out. The first Dove, Hawk's brother died. In the first issue Hawk has to deal with his death and basically hates the new Dove. The new Dove, which is a woman, is keeping secrets about her brother and her. Ideas are there, don't think users got past the cheesy name/gimmick.

Static Shock - Hum... this was a TV show? Defiantly a wasted spot for something good. The first issue has some group of people planning to take down Static Shock cuz he is a cool kid with a tude.

I have not read Black Hawk yet. I'm still reading through the first 52 issues. As for the ones that MadeMan suggest I agree with Green Lantern, Justic League and the negative thing about Detective Comics. The others is not that I disagree, its that I have not read them yet. I'm doing them in release order. I'm actually on Red Lanterns then I read Resurrection Man and Suicide Squad etc. Worse issue I have read? Legion Lost.
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: MadeManG74 on February 08, 2012, 03:34:29 pm
Does Deathstroke have a monthly? He seems like a character I'd be interested in.
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: SOUP on February 08, 2012, 03:51:03 pm
The Deathstroke title is monthly title.
Rob Liefeld is taking over art and writing for the series as of issue 9. I'm pretty sure it's an arc with Lobo.

Also, yeah. Action Comics is quite good.
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: George on February 08, 2012, 03:56:07 pm
I think you will like it MadeMan, his first issue is badass.

Rob Liefeld, wtf? I read he is drawing (he sucks) and writing Deathstroke now and writing Grifter and Savage Hawkman. Fucking hell..

Hawk and Dove got canceled and DC gives him 3 series? Dude is outdated. His art for Hawk and Dove wasn't bad, but the way the story was written was meh.
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: Barry the Nomad on February 08, 2012, 04:05:48 pm

Rob Liefeld, wtf? I read he is drawing (he sucks) and writing Deathstroke now and writing Grifter and Savage Hawkman. Fucking hell..


Yeah, his art is pretty awful: http://www.anawfulart.com/captain-america-by-rob-liefeld/
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: George on February 08, 2012, 05:56:11 pm
Rob Liefeld can be good or bad. He has some are that's great, but he is not constant with it. I think having 3 series on DC is going to make him get fucking sloppy as hell.

I have some respect for the dude, he is basically the 90's. I know he turned in some sloppy ass shit, but also had some pretty good issues and it seems the dude finally figured out how to draw feet.

Here is a good panel, he has gotten better. He is always going to do musclemen, that is what super hero comics are... just as long as they don't look deformed.

(http://i.imgur.com/j6RUy.jpg)
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: MadeManG74 on February 08, 2012, 11:22:54 pm
I'll have to check out Deathstroke then, any chance the TPB is out yet? Also, I had no idea leifield was still working, but everything I've ever heard about him has been negative.
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: George on February 09, 2012, 12:00:22 am
August 14th, 16.99: http://www.amazon.com/Deathstroke-Vol-Legacy-Kyle-Higgins/dp/140123481X/ref=sr_1_9?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1328767168&sr=1-9

This will get you the first 6, aka not with Leifield.
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: Chaosmaster8753 on March 21, 2012, 01:01:16 am
A few books I recently finished:

(http://www.armzrace.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Shazam_Monster_Society.jpg)

(http://images.wikia.com/marvel_dc/images/f/f6/Kingdom_Come_TP.jpg)

(http://img2.imagesbn.com/images/103950000/103950297.jpg)
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: SOUP on March 21, 2012, 08:36:45 am
@Chaosmaster8753: I love Ranma 1/2 :D.
It took me a while, but I managed to get all 36 volumes. Really great stuff.
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: MadeManG74 on March 22, 2012, 04:52:15 am
Oh man, Kingdom Come is fantastic!

I've heard that one page (YOU KNOW THE ONE) as being described as 'the most pants-shittingly awesome page in comic books'. And I'm inclined to agree.

By a single bolt of lightning.... Armageddon has arrived.
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: Chaosmaster8753 on March 27, 2012, 10:29:46 pm
A few stories I recently finished:

(http://unitedmonkee.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/sinestro-corps-war-2.jpg)

(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41JD4EWSXGL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: SOUP on March 28, 2012, 09:58:02 am
A few stories I recently finished:

(http://unitedmonkee.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/sinestro-corps-war-2.jpg)

(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41JD4EWSXGL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
How were the Green Lantern/Green Arrow stories?
I've heard a lot of good things, but haven't been able to track them down.
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: Chaosmaster8753 on March 28, 2012, 04:10:50 pm
How were the Green Lantern/Green Arrow stories?
I've heard a lot of good things, but haven't been able to track them down.

They were pretty neat. I can't wait till I get to the issue where Ollie finds out Roy's on drugs.
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: SOUP on March 31, 2012, 09:51:11 am
Oh wow. That's supposed to be a classic.

I'v just been reading through Final Crisis lately before I start up Batman & Robin.
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: Chaosmaster8753 on April 09, 2012, 12:42:51 pm
One of the more recent manga volumes I finished:

(http://www.comicbookbin.com/artman2/uploads/6/onepiece54.jpg)

I'm real eager to see the return of [spoiler]Crocodile[/spoiler].
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: Chaosmaster8753 on April 10, 2012, 03:12:48 pm
Just finished reading this:

(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/d/dd/Supermanredson.jpg/250px-Supermanredson.jpg)
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: Barry the Nomad on April 10, 2012, 03:34:03 pm
Just finished reading this:

(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/d/dd/Supermanredson.jpg/250px-Supermanredson.jpg)

I skimmed through that when I worked for a bookstore. It looks like a fun title! I like the costume, is it an alternate in any video games?
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: MadeManG74 on April 15, 2012, 11:42:38 am
While im travelling ive been re-reading Transmetropolitanon my phone in down times (waiting for trains, on buses, in restaurants etc.) Its good, but I dont like it as much as I wanted to. It often feels a bit heavy handed and overly grimdark sometimes. Theres also a lot of issues that just feel like filler, sure they give good fleshing out to the world, but they also seem very seperated from the story.
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: George on May 01, 2012, 09:49:51 pm
Funny enough I was reading Crisis on Infinite Earths the other day. I never read it. I got like half way so far... I think the graphic novel is 300 sum pages.

Its sloooowowww and the issue with the concept is you have to follow DC heroes you might not give a shit about.
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: SOUP on May 04, 2012, 11:13:54 am
I'll usually buy comics monthly, but wait until the story arc's done before I actually read them. With all the X-Men arcs ending around the same time, leading into Avengers vs. X-men, I've had a good chunk of X-Men stuff to read recently.
It seems like all the best books landed on Wolverine's side of the Schism, with X-Factor and Wolverine and the X-Men leading the bunch.
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: Chaosmaster8753 on May 14, 2012, 05:41:35 pm
Recently finished some good Green Lantern stories:

(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51Fi%2BzHnGUL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)

One thing that really sucked though was that the copy I borrowed from the library had two pages ripped out during the confrontation with the Red Lanterns on Ysmault. I think one particular moment I missed was the Sinestro Corps' arrival.

(http://media.dcentertainment.com/sites/default/files/book-covers/2366_400x600.jpg)

This holds up pretty well seeing how issues that this series covers still have a bit of relevance today.

(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/3/39/ScottPilgrim.jpg)

And I've also read the first four Scott Pilgrim issues. The film is pretty accurate even with some story elements it cut out.
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: George on May 14, 2012, 08:55:01 pm
Best look for Green Arrow, the hat.. nah.

http://images.wikia.com/marvel_dc/images/b/bf/Green_Arrow_0012.jpg
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: Chaosmaster8753 on May 14, 2012, 11:11:30 pm
Best look for Green Arrow, the hat.. nah.

http://images.wikia.com/marvel_dc/images/b/bf/Green_Arrow_0012.jpg

He does look pretty bad-ass in that pic.
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: Chaosmaster8753 on May 18, 2012, 12:57:41 am
Finished this in one sitting:

(http://www.undertheradarmag.com/uploads/review_images/gl_agent_orange.jpg)
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: SOUP on May 18, 2012, 10:25:39 am
Just finished the first trade of Grant Morrison's Batman & Robin run.
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: Chaosmaster8753 on May 21, 2012, 05:35:43 pm
Here are some stories I recently finished reading:

(http://cdn.highwire.com/3179961.jpg)

(http://www.activeanime.com/new/images/Manga/DGRAYMANGN13.jpg)

(http://images.wikia.com/marveldatabase/images/e/e9/Ultimate_Spider-Man_Volume_1_Power_and_Responsibility.jpg)
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: George on May 21, 2012, 11:44:05 pm
http://i.imgur.com/mwANV.jpg my last order.
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: max_cady on May 22, 2012, 05:51:46 pm
(http://i49.tinypic.com/1zl3m8o.jpg)

I read this a while ago. The last great Paul Dini story arc after his departure from Detective Comics.
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: MadeManG74 on May 23, 2012, 05:02:23 pm
(http://www.majorspoilers.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/darkness-compend-cov-web.jpg)

Trashy, trashy, trashy.

This comic has it's moments (mostly where Garth Ennis is writing, but even then it's weaker than his other stuff), but overall its a bit naff I think. I LOVE the characters and lore and story from the games, and unbelievably the comic was considerably less interesting.

Having said that, it's not terrible, in fact, the trashiness is probably part of it's charm, like a guilty pleasure sort of thing. Overall though, it's just not what I was hoping for after playing the games. I'm thinking i'll park this series for a moment, and move to some classic Punisher Warzone which I found a trade of in the comic book shop the other day and looks really good.
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: Chaosmaster8753 on May 24, 2012, 12:30:08 pm
(http://images.wikia.com/comics/images/d/de/Gin_Tama_1.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk213/Heartagram_Eric/Ebay%20Items/100_7415.jpg)

(http://images.darkhorse.com/covers/300/11/11908.jpg)

Recently finished these.
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: MadeManG74 on May 25, 2012, 04:14:48 am
Street Fighter? How was that one? Also, it looks like CVS2 artwork.
I started reading Punisher War Journal classic the other day. It's really good. It always surprises me just how serious old Punisher comics can be. In an age where i usually expect extreme cheesiness, the Punisher comics seem much more mature and well told than a lot of modern stuff I read. There's very little super-heroics going on with the Punisher, and it seems like he relies on cunning just as much as recent titles. There's not quite the level of extreme violence, but he's still operating in very real-world circumstances most of the time it seems.
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: Chaosmaster8753 on May 29, 2012, 05:27:32 pm
(http://images.wikia.com/scottpilgrim/images/8/85/FinestHour.jpg)

So, finally finished reading Scott Pilgrim, good stuff.

(http://www.comicsetc.com.au/images/rosariovampireseasontwovol5gn.jpg)
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: Chaosmaster8753 on June 01, 2012, 12:56:46 pm
A few more I finished reading:

(http://www.dccomics.com/sites/default/files/JUSTL1ORIGIN.jpg)

(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/1/1d/YuGiOhR1_500.jpg/230px-YuGiOhR1_500.jpg)

(http://borgdotcom.files.wordpress.com/2011/10/aquaman-1-cover1.jpg)
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: George on June 01, 2012, 01:20:08 pm
Green Lantern from Earth 2 was announced today. He is a gay character. I don't mind gay characters, but DC comics is using that as promotion for the character. Feels like they add 'gay' characters to be more diverse...

Come on.
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: Barry the Nomad on June 01, 2012, 01:53:32 pm
Yeah, saw that. Pretty cheap. Like, why not CREATE a character with that as their character rather than dusting off an old character and tacking it on. Makes it seem real cheap. Also, it relegates being gay to being like Iron Man with a drinking problem. Character boring? Add a change in sexual orientation!
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: George on June 01, 2012, 09:17:27 pm
He isn't the only gay character, the New 52 also has Batwoman, who is a lesbian. But at least that wasn't flaunted.

In the end I didn't care much for her story.
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: SOUP on June 02, 2012, 11:55:15 am
Yeah, saw that. Pretty cheap. Like, why not CREATE a character with that as their character rather than dusting off an old character and tacking it on. Makes it seem real cheap. Also, it relegates being gay to being like Iron Man with a drinking problem. Character boring? Add a change in sexual orientation!
They created a new gay character for Teen Titans. I guess they figured they'd get more coverage with an established name like Green Lantern.
To be fair, this is an alternate universe GL, so I don't see it as being much different than Ultimate Colossus being gay.
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: MadeManG74 on June 02, 2012, 06:24:38 pm
They created a new gay character for Teen Titans. I guess they figured they'd get more coverage with an established name like Green Lantern.
To be fair, this is an alternate universe GL, so I don't see it as being much different than Ultimate Colossus being gay.
Ohhh, so THAT's why Fluffy used to harp on about Collossus so much.
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: SOUP on June 02, 2012, 06:39:29 pm
Could be. I know Brian K. Vaughan did a run on that title, so I'd imagine it was well written (at least while he was on it).
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: Barry the Nomad on June 02, 2012, 10:15:15 pm
Haha! I read Colossus as Galactus and thought how freakin' crazy that would be. Who would date Galactus? How would he, erm... find a man willing to take his massive dong?
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: SOUP on June 02, 2012, 10:59:13 pm
Haha! I read Colossus as Galactus and thought how freakin' crazy that would be. Who would date Galactus? How would he, erm... find a man willing to take his massive dong?
Maybe that's why he's always in such a surly mood. A lonely devourer of worlds is a grumpy devourer of worlds.
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: Barry the Nomad on July 02, 2012, 10:46:51 am
I don't post in here much, but I did pick up a few comic books. Found the complete mini-series of Dollman. What is Dollman? A fantastic B-movie about a tiny cop from outer space who takes on a bunch of drug dealers and aliens on Earth. Here's the trailer:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5y0WzayKjk8[/youtube]

They teamed with this publisher I've never heard of to produce a four issue mini-series of Dollman's further adventures. Here's the first issue:

(http://starbaseatlanta.com/ebaypics/dollman1.jpg)

Once I read them all I'll share my thoughts, but I'm certain they'll be awesome.
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: George on July 12, 2012, 06:28:38 pm
Green Arrow show trailers look good. Wow... surprised! Especially since I'm a bit disappointed with the new 52 reboot.


(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ViFb0paKdgg&feature=related)

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4vcYMJb3mHg&feature=related[/youtube]
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: CosmicCastaway on August 18, 2012, 04:17:00 pm
I read Secret Invasion for the first time a little while ago. It was super intense and it was a huge pay off for the build-up in the New Avengers/ Mighty Avengers books. Most of the time when I'm reading a trade paperback I can limit myself to one or two issues, but I could not put down Secret Invasion and I read the whole thing! Great book!
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51tXW3-IJML._SL500_SS500_.jpg)
Next up for me is the Dark Reign story arc, it's going to be fantastic!
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: Berto on March 17, 2017, 02:17:31 am
Read Udon's Street Fighter Unlimited recently, the story is good for a video game comic.
With Oro's guidance, Ryu finally beat Akuma, and Alex somehow also could beat Gill too since turned out Alex is spoiler allert.

The comic's then showing a glimpse on what's would be explored on Street Fighter vs Darkstalkers comic :
Gill teamed up with Jedah.

(http://fs5.directupload.net/images/170317/gxvkjvhv.jpg)
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: Shun-Di on March 17, 2017, 03:12:42 am
So according to K.A. Applegate's Twitter, the young adult book series Animorphs is getting a graphic novel adaptation that is going to condense several books in it's issues.  :) More updates when I get them.
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: Berto on November 12, 2020, 10:34:09 pm
Re-read House of X and Dawn of X again recently to catch up for latest event, X of Swords.
I like the twist about Moira (not gonna spoil it)
and how bad guys (Apocalypse, Exodus, Gorgon, Sinister) suddenly became good guys.
House of X's the best X-Men event I've ever read. Kudo to Hickman.

(https://i.ibb.co/k25PfZv/House-of-X-Apocalypse.jpg)
Title: Re: Comics and Graphic Novel General Discussion!
Post by: pooran542 on April 21, 2021, 01:27:23 pm
Solo Leveling Comic/Manga is one of my favorite comic book series to date! Highly recommend for both the story and the art.