View Full Version : Ask the comic guy 2
Well since the first "ask the comic guy" thread seems to be pretty dead I thought I would start a new one to keep things going and hopefully to provide a fresh start. Anyway if your a big comic buff like I'am you usually go and get your comics Wednesday so let's hear what you got.
Here's the list of comics I picked up:
*Ultimate Spider-Man #43- This comic was really good. The scenes with Spider-Man interacting with the women of the X-Men was hysterical. This comic also proves that Bendis hasn't run out of good cliffhanger endings.
*Alias #24- My current favorite comic book being published. The beginning of the "Purple" arc is very good so far and actually makes The Purple Man creepy.
*Detective Comics #784- Nice buildup to a promising storyline and seeing the Golden Age Green Lantern is always a treat.
*Formerly Known as the Justice League #1-Excellent read. Funny as hell.
*Superman: Birthright #1- A touching and thought provoking retelling of Superman's origin by the excellent scribe Mark Waid.
Well that's all I got this week. Anyone else get anything this week or just has something to say about comics feel free to post.
shy guy
07-06-2003, 11:37 PM
I enjoyed Detective 784 a lot as well. Alan Scott has always been one of my absolute favorite heroes, so I hope the rest of the arc is this good. However, I did notice that the artist portrayed Alan as wearing a ring, which he doesn't anymore. Odd.
I was somewhat underwhelmed by Birthright #1, but I'll stick with it.
Since my local comic store sucks the proverbial balls, I didn't get FKat Justice League, so I ordered it online and am waiting for it to come. I must have it, the Giffen League is my absolute favorite incarnation of the team. Can't wait.
I also picked up Transformers vs. G.I. Joe #1 (which, suprise suprise, had a J. Scott Campbell cover). It wasn't really that good, but hopefully it'll get better.
Wolverine
07-07-2003, 11:32 AM
Where will they draw the line on eighties cartoon properties becoming comics? It's gotten outta hand.
Of course, I would like to see a Silverhawk's comic. But absolutely no Ghostbusters, Smurfs, or JEM comics for me.
Well maybe not.
Who am I kidding, I'm a consumer whore.
But absolutely no CareBears. Maybe.
photopat
07-07-2003, 12:04 PM
I enjoyed FKat JL too.
I didn't care for the portrayal of Krypton in Birthright though. Is this supposed to be an Elseworlds story?
tracer
07-07-2003, 03:10 PM
Dear Comic Guy 2:
I've heard the phrase "4-color comics" used to describe the old pulp/golden-age comic books. Is it true that they only used 4 colors to color the old comic books, with no mixing or pixellation? I.e. that they had red and yellow, but no orange, for example? And that the reason superhero costumes were all in bright primary colors was because no other colors were available?
photopat, Superman: Birthright is supposed to be in continuity. It is not an Elseworlds.
tracer, I've heard that they only used 4 colors but I'm not sure about that I'm sure someone else that knows more about this can chime in.
Here's some news tibits that I found on comicbookresources.com and the latest issue of Wizard.
-Green Lantern is supposed to get a creative relaunch in 2004. In the same vein as Loeb/Lee's Batman. I for one am excited about this since Green Lantern has been unreadable for about 5 years.
-Andy Diggle (The Losers) looks like he's going to relaunch Swamp Thing for the Veritgo line. I loved the old Swamp Things by Alan Moore and Rick Veitch hopefully he can return the title to its former glory.
-Steven T. Seagle is leaving Superman in about six months. The only thing I can cay is thank god. His run has been directionless so far.
-Mark Millar (Ultimates) will make a big announcement on his next project July 11th. It will be a creative owned title so far code named "The Chosen". More information will be available July 11th.
-Brian Azzarello (100 Bullets) will work on Batman for six issues starting in October in Batman #620. After that Loeb/Lee will come back for another six issue run and than after they leave for good and the new creative team who will stay on for more than six issues looks like it will be David Lapham and Bill Seinkiewicz.
Well that's all the news this week.
tracer
07-07-2003, 04:53 PM
Originally posted by DK2
tracer, I've heard that they only used 4 colors but I'm not sure about that I'm sure someone else that knows more about this can chime in.
Hmph! And you call yourself the comic guy 2!
MineFujiko
07-07-2003, 05:54 PM
Originally posted by Wolverine
Where will they draw the line on eighties cartoon properties becoming comics? It's gotten outta hand.
Of course, I would like to see a Silverhawk's comic. But absolutely no Ghostbusters, Smurfs, or JEM comics for me.
Too late. (http://www.88mphstudios.com/)
I was just reading some of my issues of Fables and I have got to say this is the best comic series currently being published today. I think it's a perfect blend of fairy tales mixed into the modern world with engaging storylines.
So that begs the question. What is your favorite comic series currently being published? And to up the ante a little, how about of all time?
My favorite comic series of all time has to be Animal Man I know I'm probably in the minority but I really enjoyed this series (and I have read Watchmen, Maus, Sandman) Grant Morrison's run was classic and made Buddy Baker a very likeable character and introduced his family who were also very likeable and excellent supporting characters. I also enjoyed Peter Milligan's and Jamie Delano's collective runs immensely. Jerry Prosser's run wasn't bad but he needed more time to expand on his ideas before the series got cancelled. As for Tom Veith's run I agree with the majority that most of it was crap but it did have redeeming values in it. Anyway how about you guys, what's the best comic series currently and of all time?
shy guy
07-07-2003, 09:48 PM
-Green Lantern is supposed to get a creative relaunch in 2004. In the same vein as Loeb/Lee's Batman. I for one am excited about this since Green Lantern has been unreadable for about 5 years. I'm the oppisite of excited.
I thought Lantern under Winick was a great read. He had good interaction with Jade and the rest of his supporting cast, with some interesting villains, and they weren't talking about Hal Jordan all the time. Unfortunately, I thought the recent crossover with Green Arrow was horrible and I dropped both books. However, I'm still against the relaunch simply because it's completely unecessary. A new creative team? Fine. But all the hoopla surrounding a relaunch seems like they're just trying to do Batman again, and it's not going to happen.
I almost forgot about this.
Here is this week's comics for those of you that are picking up your comics this Wednesday:
DC COMICS
21 DOWN #11
ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN #618
BATMAN LEGENDS OF THE DARK KNIGHT #169
BATMAN NINE LIVES SC
BLOOD AND WATER #5 (Of 5)
DOOM PATROL #22
FABLES #15
FALLEN ANGEL #1
GEN 13 #11
GREEN ARROW #28
GREEN ARROW THE SOUNDS OF VIOLENCE HC
HUNTER AGE OF MAGIC #25
IN THE SHADOW OF EDGAR ALLAN POE SC
JSA #50
LOBO UNBOUND #2 (Of 6)
NIGHTWING #83
POWER COMPANY #18
SCOOBY DOO #74
STORMWATCH TEAM ACHILLES #13
SUPERGIRL MANY HAPPY RETURNS TP
SUPERMAN AND BATMAN GENERATIONS III #7 (Of 12)
MARVEL
CAPTAIN AMERICA #15
DOMINO #3 (Of 4)
EMMA FROST #1
FANTASTIC FOUR #500 (#71)
INCREDIBLE HULK #57
IRON MAN #57
KINGPIN #2
MARVEL MUST HAVES INCREDIBLE HULK #34-36
MARVEL MUST HAVES ULTIMATE X-MEN #1-3
PUNISHER #29
SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN #1
THOR #66
TROUBLE #1 (Of 5)
ULTIMATE X-MEN #35
WOLVERINE #3
WOLVERINE LEGENDS VOL 4 XISLE TP
OTHER
AGENTS #3 (Of 6)
ALIEN NINE BOOK 2 GN
ANGELS WING #2
ARCHIE #538
ARCHIE MYSTERIES #29
BATTLE ANGEL ALITA LAST ORDER VOL 1 TP ANGEL REBORN
BETTY & VERONICA #190
BLACKBURNE COVENANT #4 (Of 4)
BLADE OF THE IMMORTAL PETALS ON THE WIND #80
CBLDF SPX 2003 TRAVEL GN
CRIMINAL MACABRE A CAL MCDONALD MYSTERY #3 (Of 5)
DAWN THREE TIERS #1 (Of 6)
DEATHMASK #3
DRAGONBALL Z VOL 1 TP SHONEN J ED
FREEMIND #7
GI JOE TRANSFORMERS CAMPBELL CVR #1 (Of 6)
GLOOM COOKIE VOL 2 TP
I FEEL SICK #2
INVINCIBLE ED #3 LANCE LUNDGRIN UNLEASHES (Of 4)
JOHNNY THE HOMICIDAL MANIAC #1
JOHNNY THE HOMICIDAL MANIAC #4
JUGHEAD #152
JUGHEAD WITH ARCHIE DIGEST #185
LENORE #7
LIBERTY MEADOWS #32
LOVE FIGHTS #2
MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE VOL 1 TP SHARD OF DARKNESS
METALLIX #6
MYSTIC #38
NORM 12 STEPS TO MARRIAGE
ODDBALLZ #8
ONE PIECE VOL 1 TP ROMANCE DAWN
PALS N GALS DOUBLE DIGEST #77
QUEEN & COUNTRY #17
SAVAGE DRAGON VOL 3 THE FALLEN TP
SEMANTIC LACE GN
SONIC THE HEDGEHOG #125
SQUEE #1
SUPER MANGA BLAST #33
TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES ANIMATED #2 (Of 6)
TRANSFORMERS ARMADA #13
UZUMAKI VOL 1 TP
VAGABOND VOL 6 TP
VICTORIAN TP ACT 3 SELF ESTRANGEMENT
WAY OF THE RAT #15
WICKED VOL 1 OMNIBUS TP
X 1999 VOL 3 TP 2ND ED SONATA
X 1999 VOL 4 TP 2ND ED INTERMEZZO
I'll post what I got and a little review for each of them on Wednesday when I pick them up. For right now it just looks like Fantastic Four, Trouble, Queen and County, Legends of the Dark Knight, and Fables. Anyone else have an idea what they're going to get?
A nice David Mack interview at comicon.com (click on the PULSE banner to read it).
He talks about his upcoming five issue storyline in Daredevil, his Kabuki work, and a secret Marvel project he's working on. It's very interesting for a David Mack fan (like myself). I actually wish he would replace Bendis on Daredevil (don't get me wrong I like Bendis) because Bendis' stories on Daredevil lately have been broing and predictable and I think Mack would make the title fresh again.
Mockingbird
07-08-2003, 02:10 PM
Originally posted by tracer
Dear Comic Guy 2:
I've heard the phrase "4-color comics" used to describe the old pulp/golden-age comic books. Is it true that they only used 4 colors to color the old comic books, with no mixing or pixellation? I.e. that they had red and yellow, but no orange, for example? And that the reason superhero costumes were all in bright primary colors was because no other colors were available?
The four colours used in a four colour process are: yellow, cyan, magenta, and black.
There was mixing of the four elements to create other colours, but because of the very cheap paper and ther printing processes being used up to the 1970s, it was not able to be as rich.
In the 1980s there were better papers being used, better printing processes(flexigraphic) and thus they were able to print in more rich colours with a deeper subtlety.
Mockingbird
07-08-2003, 02:30 PM
Originally posted by DK2
-Green Lantern is supposed to get a creative relaunch in 2004. In the same vein as Loeb/Lee's Batman. I for one am excited about this since Green Lantern has been unreadable for about 5 years.
*sigh*
Unreadable to you.
I have been reading faithfully since Kyle's first appearance in Green Lantern v3 #48.
I like him a lot. I've also liked a great deal of the writing.
Are you a former member of HEAT?
And... am I the only one who is disgusted that they killed Donna Troy again?
Mockingbird, I apoligize for the error. I did mean that it was unreadable for me but there's nothing wrong with you if you enjoyed the book.
As for me being a former member of HEAT? I loved it when I heard they were going to turn Hal Jordan evil, kill him off, than replace him with a new Green Lantern. I thought it was finally going to shake up the old status quo of the book. But the entire execution was lacking and it caused all this continuity mess. I would also like to add I like Kyle Rayner as a character and perfer him over Hal Jordan it's just that a writer hasn't gotten to the true potential of the character, IMO.
As for the whole killing off Donna Troy. I agree the death served only one purpose, and that was to make sure their whole horrible mess that was "Graduation Day" was remembered by the fans and to hopefully boost sales. Hopefully they bring her back soon.
Mockingbird
07-08-2003, 04:53 PM
This would be her second ressurection, and I think her fifth major revision.
Her death was pointless, and I wish they'd have let her be at the last version she was at.
It looks like Death: The High Cost Of Living has gotten the greenlight from Warner Brothers and will start filming sometime this year, Neil Gaiman is slated to direct. Thanks to comicbookresources.com for the information.
I for one am excited as hell for this movie. I have read and immensely enjoyed all of Gaiman's Sandman series and consider it to be in the top 5 best comic series ever written. As for Death: The High Cost of Living it is personally my favorite mini-series of all time and holds up well to multiple readings.
Usually I'm a little nervous about comic to film adaptations but wehn I found out Neil Gaiman was directing the film, it put my mind at ease. Hopefully it comes out at least by 2005 becasue this is a film I really want to see (unlike other comic-film projects).
Cliffy
07-09-2003, 09:04 AM
In addition to Mockingbird's answer about the printing, I will note thatt here are plenty of early comics characters with non-primary colors (GL's purple cape, Hawkman's orange mask, Starman's green costume, etc.). When people refer to early comics using "primary" colors, they're typically using the word in a loose (even inaccurate) sense to mean a handful of basic shades which could be printed brightly given the printing technology of the time; this was necessary as the poor paper quality tended to muddy colors. Although improving technology expanded the palette steadily over time, up 'til the 80's digital printing revolution which Mockingbird mentions most comics couldn't do highlighting or shadowing effects (although a handful of the best colorists could).
--Cliffy
Well it's Wednesday again. What'd you guys get?
Here's the list of comics I picked up:
*Trouble #1- I didn't really like this issue. I thought most of the dialouge seemed too fake and the plot didn't seem to go anywhere untill the end. I'm going to give Millar one more issue to win me over.
*Fantastic Four #500- This issue was awesome. This whole Unthinkable storyline really payed off big. Too bad Mark Waid is leaving in a couple months.
*Fables #15- This comic has been great since the first issue and this one was no different.
*Ulitmate X-Men #35- Bendis is starting to heat things up with this storyline with Wolverine. I'm also enjoying the conversations between Spider-Man and Wolverine, they're hysterical.
Well that's it for me. Anybody else?
DocCathode
07-09-2003, 11:49 PM
Originally posted by Cliffy
In addition to Mockingbird's answer about the printing, I will note thatt here are plenty of early comics characters with non-primary colors (GL's purple cape, Hawkman's orange mask, Starman's green costume, etc.).
--Cliffy
Huh? I thought Starman's costume was red. Hmmm......
Fenris
07-10-2003, 05:53 AM
Hey Mockingbird, m'friend. It's possible to not like Kyle or the last few years of GL without being a member of HEAT! :) (And FTR, yes. I am disgusted with Donna Troy's death. Especially the pointlessness of it. Kinda like what they did to Hal!---GD&R, very verrrrrrry fast!!!! :D )
Regarding Green Lantern, the first couple of years of Kyle were, IMO, utterly dreadful. It's now known that the editor, not the writer was more to blame, but
A) the constant, non-stop, whining from Kyle as he'd snivel to each succussive hero in an apparently never-ending parade "Am I as gooooooood as Haaaaaaal yet?",
B) his constant losing of the power ring (didn't big, dumb, mindless Validus manage to get the ring from him once) and
C) the constant prick-teasing of "Hal's back....oops! Jes' foolin'!", "Corps are back...oops! Jes' foolin'!" that happened roughly once every twelve issues or so,
combined with the general annoyance of screwing up of Hal Jordan (Why did he go insane anyway? Can't be the "Coast City was destroyed" excuse: that was dealt with about 10 issues before Hal went nuts) made the first five years of Kyle's career (roughly issues 50-100) an exercise in pathetic. (IMO, of course...except the Hal thing. That was just stooooopidly done. :D )
Frankly, I thought that Kyle didn't come into his own until Grant Morrison started writing him in Justice League and took him beyond his Emotionally-Needy Lad personna, and I thought whatshisname...(Winnick? Whoever did the fantastic Ion storyline) transformed Kyle into a really great character.
And I agree with DK2: I hated the recent GL/GA crossover and don't like Raab's stuff at all.
----------------------------------------------------
I dunno about the Unthinkable storyline in FF. It was wonderfully done, but the characters didn't sound or act right. I dunno. Doom was waaaaaaay off, Sue shouldn't be swearing, however mildly (I have no problem with characters swearing. Ben or Johnny? Fine. Reed? Maybe. Wasp or She-Hulk? No problem. But Sue??? No. It's out of character, IMO.) and Reed read completely wrong, IMO. Reed's reaction to < not spoiling > Doom's last trick: Reed should shrug and say "Oh well. My family's safe and Doom is gone. If this is the only lasting consequence, we got off easy."
Like I said, it was a powerful storyline, and it was paced perfectly, leading into a satisfying conclusion, but dammit, I wish it had starred the Fantastic Four.
Plus the new FF logo just blows chunks. Really. The original classic logo works. The teeny little claustrophobic current logo doesn't.
Fenris
Cliffy
07-10-2003, 09:22 AM
You're right, Doc -- I must have been drunk when I posted that. ;)
--Cliffy
paulberserker
07-10-2003, 09:37 AM
whats the deal with Ashley Woods Mythica . his website just has coming soon and some artwork for it.
anybody got the dope for it?
which reminds me i need to pick up popbot 4, which im sure is going to be hideously expensive in the UK...
Love Rhombus
07-10-2003, 09:02 PM
I picked up a couple of things and I was wondering what the general feeling about them is from the comic community:
[b]Batman/Planetary: I loved it a lot and thought it was not only a great crossover but a great..I dunno...homage? Tribute? Something to Batman.
JLA: Welcome To The Working Week: A fantastic book, good writing and great portrayal of the lives of DC's greatest heroes. I absolutely loved it.
Your opinions/thoughts?
Fenris
07-10-2003, 09:04 PM
Loved Batman/Planetary but I only thought the JLA Working Week was....eh. Not bad or anything but nothing stunning either.
New & Improved Scott
07-10-2003, 09:41 PM
I never really read GL until he showed up In Morrison's JLA. I like him there. For you Hal fans, there was a mini series titles "Brave and the Bold" with some "lost" adventures of Barry Allen and Hal. It was a fun read.
Books I'm reading right now, New X-Men, G.I.Joe (both titles, the regular series and Frontline), Powers, The Ultimates, JLA (only in TPB format), Greg Rucka's Wolverine, and a little bit of Ultimate Spider-man (only because a co worker buys them, and lets me read through them).
I also just started collecting Mike Mingola's "Hellboy" in TPB, which I am enjoying, as well as Erik Larsen's "Savage Dragon".
Favorite series all time, The Claremont/Byrne Uncanny X-Men.
There's a rumour of them teaming up again for a run on JLA next year. Feud and all, the fact they've put little of note in 10 years and all, I was excited by this.
I also loved Batman/Planetary and thought it was a fitting tribute to the Dark Knight. The most memorable scene in the book IMO was when the Dark Knight Returns Batman appeared and grabbed Elijiah Snow by the neck, that was awesome. As for JLA: Working Week I didn't have a chance to pick it up but I may next week.
Here's a news tidbit. It looks like Marvel Comics has decided not to use Princess Diana in the upcoming X-Statix comic written by Peter Milligan and drawn by Mike Allerd. Marvel has decided to go with a fictional celebrity instead.
Thanks to newsarama.com for the information.
I was witholding judgment on the whole Princess Diana situation untill the thing was released but now it looks like we'll never know if the storyline would have been in poor taste or not.
Speaking of Peter Milligan, I can't wait untill his Human Target series which will debut in August. His Human Target mini-series was terrific and his X-Statix book is the best X book on the market. I also consider him my favorite Batman writer (even though his run on the book was short) and loved his Shade, the Changing Man.
Don't forget Mark Millar makes his big announcement tommorow. It will either be on his "Chosen" mini-series or something else but knowing Millar it's usually good.
Terrifel
07-10-2003, 10:26 PM
Originally posted by DK2
(...) Superman: Birthright is supposed to be in continuity. It is not an Elseworlds. Man, I sure hope they take that and run with it, even if it means accepting the fact that the "S" shield was somehow the Superman family crest on Krypton (although I guess the "yellow sun" symbol Jor-El used to wear didn't make a whole lot of sense either, really). I have to say that seventeen years of Byrne's super-sterile, no-personality take on Krypton was about seventeen years too many. Dunno how they plan on working the transition, but even if they have Mxyzptlk show up and beat Supes about the head with the Retcon Stick, it'll be worth it in the end. Krypton should be cool, dammit! That's why having it explode was a bad thing! I still haven't entirely forgiven Jeff Loeb for his evil, taunting "Return to Krypton" storyline: "See how awesome it was to have over four decades of interesting Kryptonian characters and settings? Too bad! It was all a dream!" I'm sure he meant well, but...
Ranchoth
07-11-2003, 01:29 AM
A coupla' comics questions...
1. Superheroes and supervillains are often mocked for their fondness for spandex costumes. That leaves me to wonder, are there any "super" characters who don't wear some kind of uniform? In short, are there any "Supers" in "civies"?
1a. Addendum to the above; A cursory web search has revealed that Spandex wasn't even invented until 1958. What, then, did "Golden Age" heroes make their costumes out of? Wool? Cotton? Patent leather?
2. In modern-day comics, are there any character who can bring dead people back to life? Timer-Travelers don't count. And clone-makers are "iffy."
Sock Munkey
07-11-2003, 07:26 AM
Originally posted by Ranchoth
A cursory web search has revealed that Spandex wasn't even invented until 1958. What, then, did "Golden Age" heroes make their costumes out of? Wool? Cotton? Patent leather?
Tights have existed for centuries, and yes, they were made of wool, linen or cotton. Boots and belts were naturally always leather. Interesting factoid: Captain America's cowl is made of chainmail.
Originally posted by DK2
My favorite comic series of all time has to be Animal Man I know I'm probably in the minority but I really enjoyed this series (and I have read Watchmen, Maus, Sandman) Grant Morrison's run was classic and made Buddy Baker a very likeable character and introduced his family who were also very likeable and excellent supporting characters. I also enjoyed Peter Milligan's and Jamie Delano's collective runs immensely. Jerry Prosser's run wasn't bad but he needed more time to expand on his ideas before the series got cancelled. As for Tom Veith's run I agree with the majority that most of it was crap but it did have redeeming values in it. Anyway how about you guys, what's the best comic series currently and of all time?
I agree 100%. Grant Morrison's Animal Man run was sheer genius. Easily my all-time favorite. I will read anything Grant writes. BTW, be sure to check out the recent issues of Hawkman to get your Animal Man fix!
I guess the best series I'm currently reading is Astro City. Good to have it back, even if it is bi-monthly. Warren Ellis's Global Frequency is not bad either.
Cliffy
07-11-2003, 09:57 AM
Y - The Last Man is the best series being put out by the Big Two right now. Global Frequency is also very good, albeit somewhat inconsistent. I also like Alias, although since I read it in trades I'm somewhat behind the current issues.
--Cliffy
Mockingbird
07-11-2003, 11:18 AM
Originally posted by Ranchoth
A coupla' comics questions...
1. Superheroes and supervillains are often mocked for their fondness for spandex costumes. That leaves me to wonder, are there any "super" characters who don't wear some kind of uniform? In short, are there any "Supers" in "civies"?
1a. Addendum to the above; A cursory web search has revealed that Spandex wasn't even invented until 1958. What, then, did "Golden Age" heroes make their costumes out of? Wool? Cotton? Patent leather?
Answers to #1:
Ressurection Man
Starman(Jack Knight)
I'm sure there are more, but that's what comes to mind.
1a answers:
Leather in many cases, and jhodpurs in others such as Green Lantern, Liberty Belle, Spy Smasher, and quite a few others.
Mockingbird
07-11-2003, 11:21 AM
Originally posted by DocCathode
Huh? I thought Starman's costume was red. Hmmm......
The Golden Age Starman's costume was red, green, and yellow.
furryman
07-11-2003, 01:18 PM
Originally posted by Ranchoth
A coupla' comics questions...
1. Superheroes and supervillains are often mocked for their fondness for spandex costumes. That leaves me to wonder, are there any "super" characters who [b]don't wear some kind of uniform? In short, are there any "Supers" in "civies"?
The Question wore a powder blue business suit.
Dr. Occult wore a business suit.
The Golden Age Sandman originally wore a tan business suit.
Jonni Thunder wore a black and white business suit. I'm not really sure she counts as a superhero.
Do "jungle girls" count as superheroes? Almost all of them wore tiger stripe bikinis.
I'm not sure if this counts either, but Kurt Busiek's hommage to Captain Marvel-"The Getleman"- wears a tuxedo.
The_Peyote_Coyote
07-11-2003, 03:39 PM
Ranchoth: The Spirit wore a domino mask with a blue business suit, white shirt and red tie. Mr. Mystic, a lesser-known creation of Will Eisner, wore a turban with a fancy tuxedo, as did DC's Sargon the Sorceror.
Doc Savage and his men dressed for the occasion, usually wearing standard business suits, Ham's suits being the dernier cri in male fashion and Monk's being spectacularly colorful, cheap, and unfashionable.
Kristin Austin of The Southern Knights usually wore street clothes or exercise garb, and her teammate Dragon wore nothing at all. (I guess dragons have retractable genitals).
Toward the end of his career, Dr. Manhattan wore nothing at all, and the Swamp Thing was never clothed.
DocCathode
07-11-2003, 09:03 PM
Originally posted by Sock Munkey
Tights have existed for centuries, and yes, they were made of wool, linen or cotton. Boots and belts were naturally always leather. Interesting factoid: Captain America's cowl is made of chainmail.
In quite a few of the issues I have, the whole suit is chainmail.
Other Materials-
From some time in the Golden age until Crisis, Superman's outfit was made from the Kryptonian blankets he'd been wrapped in.
No Tights-
Iron Man comes to mind.
When John Blaze transformed into a demon biker, his leather suit didn't. When Dan Ketch transformed into the spirit of vengance, hic civies transformed into motorhuckle boots, leather jacket with spiked epaulettes, and pants of indeterminate material.
Silver Surfer-Norrin Radd is covered in a second skin of silver, and nothing else.
Namor-The Submariner prefers a pair of green speedos to tights.
Ranchoth
07-11-2003, 11:22 PM
'nother question...
We all know that Batman has developed schemes to "neutralize" the other members of the JLA, in case they go insane, or some such thing. But...what would everyone else do if Batman lost it? Say, at some point in the future, the pressures of life finally "crack" Bats' psyche, and he decides to "cleanse" Earth of it's superpowered population...Is there really any way to stop him?
DocCathode
07-11-2003, 11:35 PM
Ranchoth Oooh, I like it! The way I see it, the JLA etc try and fail(miserably) to stop Bats. It seems that no one can stop the Dark Knight. Until Jim Gordon drops him with a scope, rifle and a heavy duty tranquilizer dart.
"The monsters took my son. They took Barbara's legs. But, I never thought they could take you Bruce. I never thought th..."(begins to sob uncontrollably)
Max Carnage
07-12-2003, 03:42 PM
Originally posted by Ranchoth
'nother question...
We all know that Batman has developed schemes to "neutralize" the other members of the JLA, in case they go insane, or some such thing. But...what would everyone else do if Batman lost it? Say, at some point in the future, the pressures of life finally "crack" Bats' psyche, and he decides to "cleanse" Earth of it's superpowered population...Is there really any way to stop him?
Shoot him.
DocCathode
07-12-2003, 04:46 PM
Shooting Batman-
Tougher than it sounds.
He has this great talent of suddenly appearing and disappearing. This makes it hard to line up a shot.
His costume is bullet proof. Considering some of the other tech Bats has, it's probably not just Kevalr either. Likely his tights are woven from unobtainium or somesuch.
One of the cape's few useful functions. A big, billowing cape makes it difficult to pick out just where the wearer is inside. Batman-Year One has an excellent example of this.
The authorities are notoriously bad at stopping supervillians. Sure the police and the armed forces have plenty of personnel and plenty of firepower. But, when was the last time they were able to stop Joker, Harley Quinn, Punisher, etc?
Superheroes are good at stopping supervillians. But, the majority of heroes refuse to kill. Black Manta killed Aqua Man's son. Later, AM had Manta helpless on the ocean floor. All he had to do was rip off Manta's air hose and leave him to drown. Aqua man couldn't do it. How could these heroes bring themselves to kill a friend they've known for so long?
Tranquilizer darts-
No tranquilizer dart, stun gun, or tazer is truly instantaneous. Batman would have plenty of time to get a stimulant from his belt before a tranquilizer took effect. IIRC from his fights with Firebug, Bats' suit is flame resistant. It wouldn't be that tough to find a material that would insulate against fire and electricity, making tasers etc useless.
Sorry Max Carnage but shooting him isn't that easy if it was Batman would have been dead in the comics years ago.
As to the question I think the JLA would definetly beat Batman pretty easily. It's all the World's Greatest Heroes versus one man without superpowers (a very smart and well trained one nonetheless).
Hey Max Carnage judging from your username it looks like your a pretty big Carnage fan if so pick up Carnage: Mindbomb by Warren Ellis. IMO it's the greatest Carnage story ever and it really gets into his twisted head, makes for great reading.
Here's this week's comics for people going to the store on Wednesday.
Wednesday, July 16, 2003
MARVEL
The Call #4
Capt. Marvel #12
The Crew #3
Daredevil #49
Human Torch #4
Namor #4
Runaways #4
Amazing Spider-Man #55
Spider-Man & Wolverine #2
Marvel Masterworks Mighty Thor HC Vol 1
Thunderbolts #81
The Truth #7
New Mutants #3
Uncanny X-Men #428
Wolverine #3
X-Men Legends TP Vol 3 Art Adams Book 1
X-Men: Phoenix #2
X-Treme X-Men #28
DC
Aquaman #8
Arrowsmith #1
Batgirl Year One #8
Batman Adventures #4
Batman Gotham Knights #43
Catwoman: Selina's Big Score TP
Death: At Death's Door TP
Elfquest 25th Anniversary Edition
Global Frequency #9
Gotham Central #9
Hawkman #17
Hero #6
Human Defense Corps #3
Justice League: A New Beginning TP
Possessed #1
Promethea HC Vol 4
Reload #3
Sleeper #7
Smallville #3
Superman: Metropolis #6
Teen Titans #1
Y the Last Man #13
THE REST
Agents #3
Amelia Rules #10
Assassin School #1
Basic Perspective for Comics
Bisley's Verotik World SC
Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Las Buffy TP
Buffy the Vampire Slayer Magazine #9
Bullets, Bombs & Babes: The Films of Andy Sidaris HC
Cannon God Exaxxion #15
Confidential Confessions TP Vol 1
Cult Times #94
Darkham Vale #1
Defiance #8
Demon Diary TP Vol 2
Dick Tracy & The Kidnapped Princes TP
Dork Tower #23
Dreamwatch #107
Evenfall #3
GI Joe Frontline #8
Girl Genius #9
Goon TP Vol 1 Nothin' but Misery
Grendel: God & The Devil #6
Gundam: The Origin #6
Heavy Metal August 2003
Heroes Anonymous #1
Hip Flask: Elephantmen #1
Hobby Japan July 2003
Hsu & Chan #3
How to Draw Manga Vol 7
Invincible Ed #3
Kare Kano TP Vol 4
Kiss Comics #11
Kore #3
Krazy & Ignatz Dailies Vol 1
Lady Death #6
Lone Wolf 2100 TP Vol 2
Love Hina TP Vol 12
Magdalena Vol 2 #1
Man of Many Faces TP Vol 2
Manga University Background Collection Vol 3
Masters of the Universe: Icons of Evil - Mer Man #1
Metal Hurlant #7
Micronauts #9
Modeler's Resource #53
My Monkey's Name is Jennifer TP Vol 1
Naughty Bits #38
Negation #20
Nevermen TP Vol 2 Streets of Blood
Norm: 12 Steps to Marriage
One Piece TP Vol 1 Romance Dawn
Paper Museum Vol 2 #1
Priest TP Vol 7
Rat Fink - Art of Big Daddy Roth TP
Rebirth TP Vol 3
Samurai Jam TP
Semantic Lace GN
Sigil #38
The Simpsons #84
Smilin' Jack TP Vol 1
Spawn #126
Star Wars Insider #69
Suicide Blonde #1
Super Manga Blast #33
Switchblade Honey GN
All New Tenchi Muyo TP Vol 2 Doom Time
Unlikely GN
Way of the Rat: Silken Ghost #3
Wertham was Right TP
Wild Act TP Vol 1
X 1999 TP Vol 10 Fugue
Xenozoic Tales TP Vol 2
X-Pose #79
Looks like I'm getting Captain Marvel #12, Daredevil #49,
Sleeper #7, Gotham Central #9, Global Frequency #9, and the new Death TPB.
Anyone else have an idea about what they're going to get?
New & Improved Scott
07-13-2003, 11:48 AM
GI Joe Frontline #8
Wolverine #3
X-Treme X-Men #28
New Mutants #3
and maybe the new Teen Titans book.
raisinbread
07-13-2003, 11:57 AM
Was there ever a Blue Flash? I remember when I was a kid that there was an issue or two of the Flash where he had a blue costume or one of his adversaries had a blue costume just like his.
A Google search came up with lots of hits for Cobalt Blue but that wasn't what I was looking for.
DocCathode
07-13-2003, 12:13 PM
Max Mercury maybe? (http://www.hyperborea.org/flash/max.html)
Considering the sheer number of speedsters swarming about, any other details you can remember would be helpful.
Is it possible that one of the Rogues' schemes involved a blue Flash? A kind of opposite color being made by Rainbow Raider or some apparatus of the Mirror Master? A robot created by Abra Cadabra or Trickster? An accident resulting from the collaboration of Muddy Waters and Pied Piper on The Flash Blues?
New & Improved Scott
07-13-2003, 12:14 PM
Are you maybe thinking of "Max Mercury"? And the golden age Flash (with the saucer helmet) had blue pants.
Marvel's speedster often wears a blue costume...
raisinbread
07-13-2003, 01:03 PM
Heh, I checked that site last night. No, it's not him so I'm probably misremembering or it was a one time schtick by one of his enemies.
The costume was identical to Barry Allen's except where it was red it was blue.
Mockingbird
07-13-2003, 02:29 PM
Originally posted by raisinbread
Was there ever a Blue Flash? I remember when I was a kid that there was an issue or two of the Flash where he had a blue costume or one of his adversaries had a blue costume just like his.
A Google search came up with lots of hits for Cobalt Blue but that wasn't what I was looking for.
John Fox, the Flash from the future has a blue costume.
Mockingbird
07-13-2003, 02:31 PM
I am now wondering if raisinbread is secretly the Purple Man.
New & Improved Scott
07-13-2003, 03:08 PM
Originally posted by Mockingbird
I am now wondering if raisinbread is secretly the Purple Man.
Why, has he been able to persuade you into acting abnormally?
Hugh Jass
07-13-2003, 07:07 PM
This is sort of a side bar comics item. I'm interested in opinions:
Is The Phantom a dead concept? I'm talking about the serial comic in the newspapers about the guy in purple in Africa. For some reason, I really enjoy the concept, but when I try to read it, I get bored very easily. I knew it was quite popular in its day. Is the Phantom a victim of poor stories and could be interesting with the right writer, or has it gone the way of Tom Swift and pulp fiction?
I think the horrible Phantom movie ruined any chance of a comeback for the character but you never know.
I think The Phantom could work though under a good creative team.
Mockingbird
07-13-2003, 08:36 PM
Originally posted by New & Improved Scott
Why, has he been able to persuade you into acting abnormally?
He often puts me to sleep... does that count?
DocCathode
07-13-2003, 08:40 PM
The Phantom just needs a good writer. Good Phantom was churned out into the eighties.
Remember Defenders Of The Earth? "By ancient jungle law, I call upon the power of 10 tigers!" It was cheezy and I loved it. DC also published a Phantom comic into the eighties. It was serious life and death pulp stuff.
And I admit that I loved Phantom 2040 "The whole world is my jungle now!" It was a mix of cyberpunk and high pulp adventure. There was the insane archenemy, her disfigured chief henchman, and her scheming son who might not be as mad as he seems. The phantom had a lovely police woman ally, an elderly professor advisor and the mentor who taught his father but could not save him.
shy guy
07-13-2003, 09:28 PM
I read a Phantom one shot published by... whoever the heck publishes the Phantom these days and it wasn't too bad, so the concept is still out there in some form.
He's wound up kind of like the Shadow or Doc Savage, though. No one really wants to do anything with him.
Looks like Frank Miller is working on another Batman project. The release date has not been confirmed.
Thanks to comicbookresources.com for the information.
I personally can't wait for another Batman from Frank Miller. I know a lot of people hated his "Dark Knight 2" but I loved it. I thought it was just as good a social commentary as the "Dark Knight Returns" was. He is also responsible for writing one of the most powerful superhero stories of all time, which was "Born Again."
I just hope it's not Dark Knight 3 and it's a Batman story set in the present. I liked both Dark Knights like I said above but I think the idea has run its course.
Well it's Wednesday again. What'd you get today?
As for me I picked up:
*Captain Marvel #12- A good conclusion to the excellent "Coven" storyline.
*Gotham Central #9- This is currently the best Batman title on the stands regardless of Batman hardly appearing in the book.
*Global Frequency #9- This was a little lacking this month but that's okay since the other issues in this series have been great.
*Sleeper #7- IMO Ed Brubaker is the best writer in comics today (not of all time of course that honor goes to Alan Moore) and he continues to prove it in this excellent issue.
*Wolverine #3- This was alright, nothing spectacular. I'll continue with the book at least untill this storyline is done and than I'll judge if it's worth sticking with.
*Daredevil #49- Bendis continues to do good work on this title and he has me in eager anticipation for the conclusion to "Hardcore" next month.
Well that's it for me. What did everyone else pick up?
Knowed Out
07-16-2003, 03:27 PM
Dr. Strange has always been a favorite of mine. He's had about 5 series come and go, in addition to his stints in the Defenders. Marvel have any future plans for him?
Plus, is there such a thing as a collected volume of Ditko Dr. Strange stories? His was the standard for all other aspiring Dr. Strange artists.
DocCathode
07-16-2003, 04:31 PM
These days I'm reading-
Harley Quinn-
I don't like the new artist. And I don't like the new writer. The original writer focused on Harley's insanity. Her goals were bizarre. He also developed the character using her background in pyshciatry and fascination with the mind. Does Harley want to kill the PI's hunting her? Nope, she wants to make them realize that their deeply in love.
The new writer has Harley involved in more conventional stories-somebody from her past seeks revenge, Harley accidentally becomes involved in a web of international intrigue and murder. I'm hoping for a return the feel of the first story arcs.
Nightmares and Fairytales-
A magic doll can see and hear. But, it can not speak or move. Over and over it witnesses horror, unable to flee or warn the victims.
A recent issue was a fantastic retelling of Snow White. What if the Queen did succeed in getting Snow's heart? What if Snow wanted it back?
Exiles-
A group made up of members of the X Men of alternate earths jumps around in dimensions to ensure events happen the way they are supposed to. Good writing. Plus, Nocturne. She's the daughter of an alternate NightCrawler. This means-tail, fur, yellow eyes, pointed ears, and a body like a brick danger room.
Doom Patrol-
Slightly above average. But every now and then, the writer does something good
Arsenic Lullaby
Laughter Of The Damned-
AL is the work of a sick mind. LOTD is his work plus contributions from his sick friends.
The darkest, sickest humor I've ever read.
Continuing stories include
The Devil Your Neighbor-Joe lives in the burbs. He has a mask and curse he can't remove. But, the curse gave him voodoo powers. Now, he helps folks get revenge. EG a woman makes Christmas at her house an event-besides baking a feast and insuring each dish is just right, she makes sure the decor is perfect, she uses special plates and utensils, she even selects music to acompany the meal. But every year, her kids and grandkids talk and talk. She can't hear the music and they never bother to shut up and listen to it after she spent so much time picking it out. Joe goes the quick route on them. A panel of him getting his bolt cutters is followed by a panel of the woman smiling as her family sits silently at the table.
This Is The Enemy-The census ensures that the budget is accurate. But, as new citizens are born the census itself becomes innacurate. Edgar is a federal agent whose job is to kill every baby born after the census. And, it has to look like an accident.
The Clot-A man falls off a ladder and has to be rushed to the ER. While treating his injuries, the doctors discover he has a rare skin infection. To save his life, they remove all his skin. But, his insurance runs out before they can find a donor. They stick him in goggles and a plastic suit and hook up blood tanks on his back to replace what leaks out of the suit.
There's a t shirt featuring the clot standing on a corner, holding a sign that says "Will work for skin"
Ranchoth
07-16-2003, 04:33 PM
Silly question time...
Have there been any superheroes, or supervillains who've served in the French Foreign Legion?
Knowed Out, A new Dr. Strange series written by JMS (Amazing Spider Man, creator of Babylon 5) should come out in early 2004. As for collected volumes of Dr. Strange stories their is an Essential Dr. Strange volume reprinting the early issues of his title by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko.
DocCathode, Good call on Nightmares and Fairytales. Have you read Fables from DC/Veritgo comics? If not I highly recommend this series. It's when fairytale characters come into the real world, it's pretty good and is one of my favorite titles.
Ranchoth, LOL. I can't name any from the top of my head but I'm sure their are people here who know.
Ranchoth
07-16-2003, 07:27 PM
...And a less-silly question, to boot: How many "Elseworlds" comics have been published, so far? Is there a list of them available?
Ranchoth, Their have been tons of Elseworlds over the years. The first one that started it all was the critically acclaimed "The Dark Knight Returns"(even if it wasn't the first official Elseworlds). It's funny though when I compiled this list I thought that more Elseworlds existed.
This list should be accurate but if anyone notices that I missed any Elseworlds please let me know.
Batman: The Blue, the Grey and the Bat Maggin/Weiss/Garcia-Lopez
Batman: Brotherhood of the Bat Moench/Misc.
Batman: Castle of the Bat Harris/B. Hampton
Batman: Dark Allegiances Chaykin/Chaykin
Batman: The Devil's Workshop Chaykin &
Moore/Chiarello
Batman: Gotham by Gaslight Augustyn/Mignola/Russell (first official Elseworlds)
Batman: Holy Terror Brennart/Breyfogle
Batman: In Darkest Night Barr/Bingham
Batman: Man Bat Jamie Delano/Bolton
Batman: Master of the Future Augustyn/Barreto
Batman: Scar of the Bat Collins/Barreto
The Golden Age Robinson/Paul Smith
JLA: League of Justice Hannigan/Hannigan/Giordano
Kamandi: At Earths End T. Veitch/Reyes/Barreiro
Robin 3000 Preiss/Russell
Superman: At Earth's End T. Veich/Gomez
Superman: Kal Gibbons/Garcia-Lopez
Superman: Speeding Bullets DeMatteis/Barretto
Superman: Red Sun Millar/DJohnson
JLA: The Nail Alan Davis/Mark Farmer
Graphic Novels
Batman/Dracula: Bloodstorm Moench/K. Jones/J. Beatty
Batman: Dark Joker the Wild Moench/Jones/J. Beatty)
Batman/Dracula: Red Rain Moench/K. Jones/ M. Jones III
Little Nemo
07-16-2003, 11:46 PM
Superheroes and supervillains are often mocked for their fondness for spandex costumes. That leaves me to wonder, are there any "super" characters who don't wear some kind of uniform? In short, are there any "Supers" in "civies"?
One who I think wasn't mentioned was Wonderman. He was a member of the Avengers back in the eighties and basically wore a safari jacket and slacks. It stood out because his teammates were all wearing typical superhero outfits.
My two questions:
I've heard there was a DC superhero story set in an alternate history where the nazis won WWII. Does anyone know the name of this book?
I read the Top 10 series about a police precinct in a world were everyone has superpowers. Has the writer ever explained the background of this world?
Mockingbird
07-17-2003, 01:51 AM
Originally posted by shy guy
I read a Phantom one shot published by... whoever the heck publishes the Phantom these days and it wasn't too bad, so the concept is still out there in some form.
He's wound up kind of like the Shadow or Doc Savage, though. No one really wants to do anything with him.
I find it interesting that the Shadow and Doc Savage keep resurfacing.
While they aren't successful for long, they have had more lives than a cat.
Am I the only one who loved the 1994 movie of the Shadow?
Bulla Felix
07-17-2003, 02:21 AM
I gots a coupla questions:
Why did Valiant Comics tank? Was it the Deathmate crossover? Was it Bloodshot?
Should they have severed ties with Jim Shooter when they did?
Did anyone else love BWS's Archer and Armstrong, Bob Hall's Shadowman and Don Perlin's Solar as much as I did?
Man, I miss those old Valiant books.
Originally posted by DK2
Ranchoth, Their have been tons of Elseworlds over the years. The first one that started it all was the critically acclaimed "The Dark Knight Returns"(even if it wasn't the first official Elseworlds). It's funny though when I compiled this list I thought that more Elseworlds existed.
Not a bad start, but there are more listed here (http://www.eskimo.com/~tegan/aqua/else/). Looks like he keeps it fairly up to date.
Little Nemo, I'm pretty sure you're talking about the "River Run" storyline in Swamp Thing a couple years back. It's when Swamp Thing kept traveling to alternate realities and he entered a reality where the Nazis won World War II. It was issues #151-#159 and I highly recommend it. Just remember that it only dealt with the World War II thing in one issue (which issue number I don't recall at the moment) but the whole storyline is still good though. I think you may also be talking about JSA: The Liberty File Elseworlds mini-series but I'm not sure if the Nazis won in that series.
As for your other question I don't read Top 10 but I'm sure there are people here who do that can answer your question. Same thing for Bulla's questions I never read Valiant but again I'm sure someone else can chime in with an answer.
Mockingbird, I didn't like The Shadow movie at all, it just wasn't for me. But I heavily recommend Andy Helfer's run on the Shadow in the 1980s if you haven't already read it.
Interrobang!?
07-18-2003, 12:18 AM
Question: does X-Force/X-Statix (the stuff done by Milligan and Allred) occur within mainstream Marvel continuity or not? The book itself (which I'm reading in collections) refers to characters and events from the regular Marvel Universe, but the events in X-Statix don't sound like they crop up in the rest of the lineup.
Examples: the extensive fan club/media frenzy surrounding X-Statix, and stuff like feeder teams for potential team members.
Askia
07-18-2003, 12:30 AM
Originally posted by Little Nemo
I read the Top 10 series about a police precinct in a world were everyone has superpowers. Has the writer ever explained the background of this world? Some of the background of Neopolis can be gleaned from the text pages at the end of issue no. #1. Basically Neopolis exists as a city designed by Nazi-super scientists after WWII that is principally populated by various superhuman beings. These, we may be sure, are the same comic book Nazis that were building giant Hitler robots, cellular replicants, death ray guns and other uber-weapons in various comics over the years.
Later in the series we discover that Neopolis is one of a series of parallel worlds, and its precinct, Top Ten, is just one of many different police parallels -- and a smaller one at that. When King Peacock visits the Roman parallel, one of the officers accompanying him makes the comment that "When we ran out of room for our separate sagas, we moved here." Inferred from the dialogue, it seems that other parallel worlds have at least one 'super-city', too.
Recently --in either TOM STRONG or PROMETHEA -- the city of Neopolis is revealed to be in Florida (!)
The police procedural aspect of the plotting is based on American police ensemble dramas -- principally HILL STREET BLUES, which Alan Moore was definitely a fan in the 80s, and others like HOMICIDE: LIFE ON THE STREETS and LAW & ORDER.
Mockingbird, I echo DK2's endorsement of Andrew Helfer's SHADOW run. I have every issue and I pull them out to read every once in a while.
As for the Phantom, it really depends on who's doing the writing. I will note that many of that character's aspects were borrowed by Priest's very early issues of Black Panther before Everett Ross started taking up too much screen-time and the series turned quasi-political.
Interrobang!?, X-Statix is indeed in mainstream Marvel continuity I'am 100% positive on this. On the account of the Wolverine appearances and the upcoming appearance from Spider-Man (in the next storyline after this one). On a sidenote I consider X-Statix to be one of the best comics being published currently.
Ranchoth
07-18-2003, 01:41 AM
Coupla Gotham City questions, this time...
1. In a few comics (Like Kingdom Come), I've noticed a large, Statue of Liberty-lookalike statue built on an island near Gotham. What is this statue, exactly? Are there any pictures of it online?
2. Über-geek time; does anyone know Gotham's supposed Latitude and Longitude?
Mockingbird
07-18-2003, 01:43 AM
Early on, Gotham was NYC as far as I know.
Originally posted by Ranchoth
Coupla Gotham City questions, this time...
1. In a few comics (Like Kingdom Come), I've noticed a large, Statue of Liberty-lookalike statue built on an island near Gotham. What is this statue, exactly? Are there any pictures of it online?
2. Über-geek time; does anyone know Gotham's supposed Latitude and Longitude?
1. I think that is the Statue of Freedom in Gotham's harbor. You can probably find it somewhere online, but it may take some looking.
2. Well, not the exact location, but it is supposed to be in Delaware, so that should narrow down the possibilities. :D
Lok
Fenris
07-18-2003, 06:18 AM
Originally posted by DK2
Little Nemo, I'm pretty sure you're talking about the "River Run" storyline in Swamp Thing a couple years back. It's when Swamp Thing kept traveling to alternate realities and he entered a reality where the Nazis won World War II. It was issues #151-#159 and I highly recommend it. Just remember that it only dealt with the World War II thing in one issue (which issue number I don't recall at the moment) but the whole storyline is still good though. I think you may also be talking about JSA: The Liberty File Elseworlds mini-series but I'm not sure if the Nazis won in that series.
Just as an aside, the whole River Run storyline (which, IMO, was the only Swampy run worth reading after Veitch left) was an homage to the pre-Crisis universe.
The "Nazis won" issue was the wink-wink-nudge-nudge homage to "Earth X" (the Pre-Crisis world where the Nazis won and the Freedom Fighters hung out).
IIRC (and it's been years ) there was one with a retired hero and his daughter that was Earth-2, one where the formula of "dead guy+fire+swamp" did NOT equal "Swamp Creature" but instead equaled "Soggy, burned corpse" which was "Earth Prime". The one where magic worked was (for reasons far to involved to go into) "Earth S" (where the Shazam! characters hung out) and so on.
Great series and I think it's about time to reread em.
Fenris
Mockingbird
07-18-2003, 06:25 AM
And some people wonder why Fenris is my boy toy.
:D
Mockingbird
07-18-2003, 06:26 AM
Um... that was a joke.
Knowed Out
07-18-2003, 11:57 AM
Boy, that sure killed the conversation...
gonzoron
07-18-2003, 03:22 PM
Got a question:
In the most recent Gotham Knights, Bats and friends flush out the cave to decontaminate it of a disease that nerly killed Alfred. At the end, there's a frame showing a weird bat-like creature, and a caption something like: "And all the residents of the batcave were safe, even the ones that usually go unnoticed." (going from memory here, so forgive me). What the hell is it? Is this BatMite? I've heard of him, but don't know anything about him. If not, what is he?
The_Peyote_Coyote
07-18-2003, 03:50 PM
gonzoron: If I recall correctly, BatMite was a being from another dimension, somewhat on the order of Mr. Mzytptlk or however the hell you spell it, who idolizes Batman and sometime makes his life miserable. He was never a resident of the Batcave to my knowledge.
Mockingbird: Why shouldn't companies bring out Doc Savage comics? There are many of us who love those old pulps.
Interrobang!?
07-18-2003, 05:02 PM
Interrobang!?, X-Statix is indeed in mainstream Marvel continuity I'am 100% positive on this. On the account of the Wolverine appearances and the upcoming appearance from Spider-Man (in the next storyline after this one). Do characters from X-Statix ever show up in other books? Has the Orphan appeard in Fantastic Four? U-Go Girl in Spider-Man? Has Dead Girl applied for Avengers membership?
(I know about the Doop/Wolverine book, but I'm curious how often X-Statix characters appear in Marvel books outside their own title.)
I don't doubt your answer, but X-Statix seems to be doing something so unique that it's hard to see how the rest of the Marvel U would use its characters, even though X-Statix uses other Marvel characters really well in its own book.
Pushkin
07-18-2003, 05:30 PM
Originally posted by DK2
Anyway if your a big comic buff like I'am you usually go and get your comics Wednesday so let's hear what you got.
Comic Book Guy, why do comics come out on a wednesday? Some kind of tradition?
I got 2000AD Prog 1349, end of current Lobster Random story :)
Little Nemo
07-18-2003, 07:54 PM
Well, not the exact location, but it is supposed to be in Delaware, so that should narrow down the possibilities.
No, Metropolis is in Delaware. Gotham is in New Jersey, which I guess makes it possible that the statue could be the Statue of Liberty.
DrFidelius
07-18-2003, 08:35 PM
The statue in question holds a sword, and is the famous Statue of Justice.
I believe it first "appeared" in Kafka's novel Amerika.
Fenris
07-18-2003, 08:45 PM
Originally posted by Pushkin
Comic Book Guy, why do comics come out on a wednesday? Some kind of tradition?
They just do at the moment.
When Marvel tried to go through a different distributor, they came out on (IIRC) Fridays.
When I started collecting comics, they came out on Monday afternoons (I used to wait at the newsstand for them). When I started working in a comic store, they came out Fridays. Somewhere along the line they were Saturday mornings, then Tuesdays.
They've only been Wednesdays for about the last...5? 7? years or so.
(Note, I'm trying to remember which days comics came out on 30 years ago...I may just possibly have gotten the days wrong. But they've certainly changed multiple times over the decades.
New & Improved Scott
07-19-2003, 11:23 AM
X-Statix crossovers into other books have not happened in any major way. Seems like none of the other creators want to touch these guys.
Originally posted by Little Nemo
No, Metropolis is in Delaware. Gotham is in New Jersey, which I guess makes it possible that the statue could be the Statue of Liberty.
I always get those two turned around. But as DrFidelius pointed out, it is definitely not the Statue of Liberty. Just another of those amazing coincedences between Gotham and New York. ;)
Lok
Here's the list for this Wednesday's comics:
Wednesday, July 23, 2003
MARVEL
Black Panther #62
Fantastic Four #500 Director's Cut Edition
Hulk #58
Hulk: Nightmerica #2
Hulk TP Vol 4: Abominable
Inhumans #3
Startling Stories - Thing: Night Falls on Yancy Street #3
Venom #3
Mystique #4
X-Men Unlimited #50
X-Statix #11
DC
American Century #26
Batgirl #42
Batman: Dark Knight Archives HC Vol 4
Birds of Prey #57
Eye of the Storm Annual
Fables TP Vol 2: Animal Farm
Jimmy Olsen Adventures by Jack Kirby TP
JLA Scary Monsters #5
Lucifer #40
Outsiders #2
Robin #116
Robotech the Macross Saga TP Vol 3
Superman #195
Terra Obscura #2
Tokyo Storm Warning #2
Wildcats Version 3.0 #12
Wonder Woman #194
THE REST
Artesia Afire #2
Assassin School #1
Bird TP Vol 2: The Mask
Blankets GN
Boneyard #11
Buffy the Vampire Slayer #59: Slayer Interrupted Part 4
BPRD Dark Waters
Cain GN
Castle in the Sky TP Vol 2
Comic Expo 2003
Cinescape Sep 2003
Comic Book Market Place #103
Comics Journal #254
Crossovers #7
Crux #28
Art of Tim Vigil: Dark Utopia #7
Dogwitch #6
Extinctioners: Tales of the Endangered #1
Finder TP Vol 5: Dream Sequence
Futabakun Change TP Vol 8
Futurama #14
GI Joe #19
GI Joe Frontline #9
GI Joe Transformers #2
Gold Digger #44
Gold Digger TP Vol 11
Growing Up Enchanted #4
Hell #1
How Loathsome #3
Invincible #5
Kolchak: Devil in the Details GN
Legacy #2
Lenore #13
Love & Rockets Vol 2 #8
Luba #7
Luftwaffe 1946 #11
Manhattan Beach 1957 GN
Mega Dragon & Tiger #5
Newtype Vol 2 #8 Aug 2003
Paradigm #10
Pete the PO'd Postal Worker #12
Previews Vol 13 #8 Aug 2003
Puffed #1
PVP #3
Route 666 #14
Saiko & Lavender TP Vol 1
Samurai Jack: Code of the Samurai TP
Scion #38
Sheba Vol 3 #3
Silent Mobius TP Vol 11 Hell
Skumm #3
Solus #5
Spectrum #33
Star Wars Empire #10: Yavin Base Part 1
Strange Killings: Strong Medicine #1
Terminator 3: Before the Rise #2
Three Strikes #3
Twisted Toyfare Theatre TP Vol 3
Usagi Yojimbo #68
Vagabond TP Vol 6
Vampi: Vicious #1
Vampire Princess Miyu TP Vol 4
Warrior Nun Areala #19
Weasel TP Vol 1: Ripple Predilection for Tina
Write Now #5
Well it looks like a small week for me. I'm going to get Lucifer #40, Eye of the Storm Annual, Usagi Yojimbo #68, and X-Statix #11. How about you guys?
cletus
07-23-2003, 01:13 AM
So, what do you guys (and the average comic fans) think about anime?
Max Carnage
07-23-2003, 01:25 PM
Hey, been a while, but I'm back on the boards...like I was missed or something...
Going back to my comment on shooting Batman, yes yes, I know if Batman was prepared he could defeat the entire heavenly host. I was more referring to the fact that all of Batman's designs to defeat the JLA worked on using their powers and weaknesses against them. When it comes down to it, Batman is human and a well placed bullet would stop him.
Hell, Harley Quinn could have done it in Mad Love. Batman was chained up over a tank of pirhana. He was pretty much screwed and Harley could have made short work of Bats if she'd not been trying to show Joker how it was done.
This week all I picked up were the three GI Joe titles. I'm really enjoying Joe vs Transformers.
Wednesday's picks:
*X-Statix #11- Pretty good issue but Milligan can do better than this. I just hope he's not getting burned out like he was at the end of Shade, The Changing Man.
*Eye of the Storm Annual- Okay stories, nothing to write home about.
*Lucifer #40- Best Vertigo title on the stands today.
*Usagi Yojimbo #68- This book is always entertaining and clever and it proves it again in this outstanding issue.
I would have picked up Hulk but Bruce Jones IMO has run out of steam on this title in a big way. I also think someone else should write Hulk because as of late Jones' stories have been terrible.
What did you guys think of this week's comics?
Ranchoth
07-24-2003, 04:51 PM
Two, this time...
1. In a few "Superman" materials, I've heard references to a weapon called the BG-60 "Toastmaster," an assault rifle designed by John Henry Irons (aka "Steel"). What does this weapon look like, exactly? Are there any pictures of it available?
2. How many times has a Green Lantern been shown in animation?
1. Honestly I don't read Superman that much so I have no idea what the answer is but I'm sure their are Superman fans on here who know the answer.
2. Now this one I'm pretty sure I know. Green Lantern was first shown in animation on the Superfriends cartoon the GL shown was Hal Jordan. After that Green Lantern took a long break from animation untill the new Justice League cartoon on Cartoon Network the GL shown is John Stewart. Green Lantern will make his third appearance in animation in the Dock Dodgers cartoon, the Green Lantern that will be on the show will be the Hal Jordan Green Lantern. My source for the Duck Dodgers cartoon is from comicon.com.
Ranchoth
07-24-2003, 06:32 PM
'nother one...
Can anyone tell me what comic this scan (http://www.home.pon.net/phoebeg/mayday_comic1.jpg) comes from? I found it online awhile back, and it's apparently May "Spider-girl" Parker, but I'll be danged if I know what issue it came from.
DocCathode
07-25-2003, 12:36 AM
Originally posted by DK2
1. Honestly I don't read Superman that much so I have no idea what the answer is but I'm sure their are Superman fans on here who know the answer.
2. Now this one I'm pretty sure I know. Green Lantern was first shown in animation on the Superfriends cartoon the GL shown was Hal Jordan. After that Green Lantern took a long break from animation untill the new Justice League cartoon on Cartoon Network the GL shown is John Stewart. Green Lantern will make his third appearance in animation in the Dock Dodgers cartoon, the Green Lantern that will be on the show will be the Hal Jordan Green Lantern. My source for the Duck Dodgers cartoon is from comicon.com.
Ya left out the episode of Superman adventures featuring the origin of Kyle Rayner.
Toastmaster-
Actually, John developed the BG 60. A woman going by the name of the White Rabbit upgraded to the BG 80. IIRC they look something like the gun Ripley uses in Aliens. Each shot is roughly the size of a fist. A hit leaves a human being with a big hole, as well as instantly charbroiling them. Hence the name.
Mockingbird
07-25-2003, 02:08 AM
Originally posted by DK2
1. Honestly I don't read Superman that much so I have no idea what the answer is but I'm sure their are Superman fans on here who know the answer.
2. Now this one I'm pretty sure I know. Green Lantern was first shown in animation on the Superfriends cartoon the GL shown was Hal Jordan. After that Green Lantern took a long break from animation untill the new Justice League cartoon on Cartoon Network the GL shown is John Stewart. Green Lantern will make his third appearance in animation in the Dock Dodgers cartoon, the Green Lantern that will be on the show will be the Hal Jordan Green Lantern. My source for the Duck Dodgers cartoon is from comicon.com.
Green Lantern was first shown in 1967 in the Justice League of America cartoon as well as his own solo cartoont that was a part of the Superman/Aquaman Hour by Filmation
Mockingbird
07-25-2003, 02:53 AM
Info on the series: http://us.imdb.com/Title?0231046
This week's comics and a possible spoiler behind the identity of Hush (people currently reading Batman know what I'm talking about).
Wednesday, July 30, 2003
MARVEL
Fantastic Four #501
Punisher: Born #2
Silver Surfer #1
Spectacular Spider-Man #2
Thor: Vikings #1
Ultimates #11
Ultimate X-Men TP Vol 6: Return of the King
Weapon X #11
DC
Batgirl: Death Wish TP
Batman #617
Catwoman #21
Beware the Creeper #4
Empire #1
Flash #200
Global Frequency #10
Green Lantern #167
Hellblazer #186
JLA #83
Legion #22
Losers #2
Red #1
Swampthing TP Vol 6: Reunion
Sweatshop #4
Tomorrow Stories TP Vol 1
Trinity #2
THE REST
American Geisha: Art of Olivia HC
Black Images in the Comics SC
Boys Over Flowers TP Vol 1
Brain Powered TP Vol 2
Brigadoon TP Vol 1
Brit #1
Cardcaptor Sakura: Master of the Clow TP Vol 6
Chobits TP Vol 7
Clamp School Detectives TP Vol 3
Comics Journal Library TP Vol 2: Frank Miller
Crimson Embrace TP Vol 6
CSI: Thicker than Blood
Demonslayer: Lords of Night #1/2
Demonslayer: Lords of Night #1
Dr. Who Magazine #332
Dragonball Z TP Vol 12
Dragon Hunter TP Vol 2
Dragon Knights TP Vol 9
Exel Saga TP Vol 1
Exotic Art by Lassen
Extraordinary Worlds of Alan Moore TP
Femme Fatales Vol 12 #4
Forbidden Dance TP Vol 1
GI Joe Frontline #10
Gold Digger End of Summer Swimsuit Special 2003
Graphic Classics TP Vol 6: Ambrose Bierce
G-Gundam TP Vol 2
Heirs of Eternity #3
How to Draw Manga Vol 8
How to Draw Manga More About Pretty Gals
How to Draw Manga Supersized TP Vol 3
Jing King of Bandits TP Vol 2
Joe Chiodo TP
Judge Dredd Necropolis GN Vol 2
Jungle Tails Vol 4
Juxtapoz Sep/Oct 2003
King of Hell TP Vol 2
Kissing Chaos: 1000 Words
Lost World TP
Love Hina TP Vol 13
Lupin III TP Vol 6
Marmalade Boy TP Vol 8
Mars TP Vol 13
Marshal Law: Fear Asylum TP
Masters of the Universe Vol 2 #5
Protoculture Addicts #77
Queen & Country: Declassified TP Vol 1
Samurai Deeper Kyo TP Vol 2
Savage Dragon #109
Shaolin Sisters TP Vol 4
Soul of the Samurai #2
Starburst #300
Star Wars Republic #56: Battle of Jabiim Part 2
Summer of Love SC
Tarot #21
Tokyo Mew Mew TP Vol 3
Tomb Raider: Epiphany
Transformers Generation One Vol 2 #4
Transformers: More than Meets the Eye Official Guide #4
Transformers War Within TP
TV Zone #165
Vampire Game TP Vol 2
Vampirella & Witchblade #1
Video Girl Ai TP Vol 6: Cutting Room
Voltron #3
Witchblade: Blood Relations TP
Wizard #0
X-Day TP Vol 1
Looks like I'm getting Born #2, Batman #617, Catwoman #21, Flash #200, Global Frequency #10, Hellblazer #86, and Losers #2. Anyone else have an idea about what they're going to pick up?
Well here's the souce to the possible identity of Hush. It could be a hoax but it looks pretty real to me. If it's real I will be very disappointed at Jeph Loeb for pulling such a cheap stunt.
Source: http://www.swpalace.net/jtp.jpg
New & Improved Scott
07-27-2003, 08:24 AM
I'll be dragging home Ultimates 11 and GI Joe Frontline 10. I've like both series so far.
Ranchoth
07-27-2003, 05:55 PM
A "Hulk" question, this time...
We all know how Bruce Banner was "mutated" by the explosion of a "Gamma Bomb" test. But...what exactly was a Gamma Bomb? Obviously, it was designed as a weapon. But what advantage, aside from turning people into Hulks, was it supposed to have over "standard" Atomic or Hydrogen bombs? And how did a Gamma Bomb work, exactly? What fueled it's detonation? Fissile materials? Antimatter? Pureed Smurfs?
Ranchoth, I think it was stated in the Hulk's first appearance that the government wanted a more powerful and destructive bomb than the Atomic bomb was. Again I could be wrong on this but I'm pretty sure that was the reason. As to your second question I don't think they ever explained what fueled it's detonation.
Sock Munkey
07-28-2003, 12:40 AM
I got the impression that the gamma bomb was some sort of variation on a neutron bomb.
Mockingbird
07-28-2003, 03:25 AM
Originally posted by Sock Munkey
I got the impression that the gamma bomb was some sort of variation on a neutron bomb.
I figured it harnessed gamma rays.
Wolverine
07-28-2003, 11:36 AM
I'm mainly a Marvel fan and know only the basics to the DC universe. I recently purchased a DC Heroclix box and got a unique Brother Blood.
Who the heck is Brother Blood?
Mockingbird
07-28-2003, 01:00 PM
Originally posted by Wolverine
I'm mainly a Marvel fan and know only the basics to the DC universe. I recently purchased a DC Heroclix box and got a unique Brother Blood.
Who the heck is Brother Blood?
He's a charasmatic cult leader who draws power from his followers. He's fought the New Teen Titans.
Ranchoth
07-29-2003, 01:52 AM
A recent bout of insomnia has spurred me to ask this question...where exactly does Batman/Bruce Wayne sleep?
I mean, if he's Batman all night, and Bruce all day (And sometimes Batman during the day, too), when does he find time to catch the healthy 6-8 hours of "z's"?
Ranchoth, Well Batman usually ends his patrol of his city around 5 in the morning (I don't know what time he starts but my guess would be around 10 pm or 11 pm unless the bat-signal calls for him earlier). It is also explained in the comic that even though he owns and is the president/CEO of Wayne Corp., Lucius Fox (dear friend of Wayne's and vice president of the company) takes control of the day to day operations. So that gives Batman enough time to catch some sleep and just show up for work late.
Mockingbird
07-29-2003, 02:31 AM
Originally posted by DK2
Ranchoth, Well Batman usually ends his patrol of his city around 5 in the morning (I don't know what time he starts but my guess would be around 10 pm or 11 pm unless the bat-signal calls for him earlier). It is also explained in the comic that even though he owns and is the president/CEO of Wayne Corp., Lucius Fox (dear friend of Wayne's and vice president of the company) takes control of the day to day operations. So that gives Batman enough time to catch some sleep and just show up for work late.
In the issue where he got a Christmas present(597 or so), it is said that he sleeps one hour a day, which makes him far more efficient than that lazy Martha Stewart.
I got my comics late this week but here's what I thought of what I picked up:
*Batman #617-It was okay but I still think the ending is a red herring. Besides Batman gets a face full of fear gas so that could explain him seeing a hallucination at the end. And I still think it's likely that the mystery man is Mr. Whisper.
*The Losers #2- This was pretty good, nice setup.
*Global Frequency #10- This was a great issue too bad it's almost over.
*Catwoman #21- Great issue as always and nice interaction with Captain Cold.
*Born #2- This is my pick as best book of the week.
*Ultimates #11- This series just keeps getting better and better.
New & Improved Scott
08-02-2003, 01:18 PM
During the "Knightfall" Story arc, Batman goes nearly a week without any sleep, battered and bruised. He has worked his metabolism to such a point where his body doesn't need much sleep.
The DC HeroClix sets have many obscure characters, but no more so than the Marvel sets did. Some of the villains, like Whirlwind, The Controller, and Destiny are pretty obscure.
Mockingbird
08-02-2003, 01:40 PM
Who on here has an affection for and interest in the Golden Age heroes and comics? I don't mean in the context of the revivals that came either because DC bought the characters of a company(Quality, Charleton, Fawcett), but the original characters in their original books.
Quality Comics characters:
Doll Man
The Phantom Lady
Plastic Man
Blackhawk
Uncle Sam
Miss America
Firebrand
The Human Bomb
Charleton(mostly a silver age company):
Blue Beetle - acquired from Holyoke who acquired it from Fox
Blue Beetle II(Ted Kord)
The Question
Nightshade
Sarge Steel
Peacekeeper
Peter Cannon a.k.a. Thunderbolt
Judo Master
Captain Atom
Fawcett:
Captain Marvel
Captain Marvel Jr.
Mary Marvel
Bulletman & Bulletgirl
Ibis the Invincible
Spy Smasher
Minute Man
The earliest book I've owned is either Wonder Woman v1 #10 or All-Star Comics #12(Wonder Woman became the secretary of the Justice Society).
There is a different feeling for me in reading those vintage books.
It isn't the difference in violence... or that propaganda and racism was more rampant and acceptable then(ex: Chop Chop in Blackhawk).
They seem more like a fantasy escape and less focused on just showing a larger than life hero who is laden with problems but carries on anyway.
Anyone else have an interest in this?
Askia
08-02-2003, 01:42 PM
Agree with what Mockingbird and New & Improved Scott said re: Batman's sleep needs, and also to add that in the Sam Hamm issues (Batman 498, 499 & 500) -- I can't remember which -- there was a caption box that said in effect that he has used eastern meditation techniques to train his body to get 8 hours' rest in one.
DK2: If Frank Miller's Year One storyline still has any pull, Batman consistently works between the hours of 10pm to 4am.
Ranchoth
08-03-2003, 01:19 AM
Marvel cartoon question time...
Has []bThe Punisher[/b] ever been shown in an animated form?
Mockingbird
08-03-2003, 02:35 AM
Originally posted by Ranchoth
Marvel cartoon question time...
Has []bThe Punisher ever been shown in an animated form? [/B]
I'm not sure, but there was a live action movie.
Nichol_storm
08-03-2003, 03:00 AM
Originally posted by Ranchoth
Marvel cartoon question time...
Has []bThe Punisher ever been shown in an animated form? [/B]
I seem to remember him in the 90s Spider-Man cartoon.
New & Improved Scott
08-03-2003, 12:06 PM
Originally posted by Ranchoth
Marvel cartoon question time...
Has []bThe Punisher ever been shown in an animated form? [/B]
Yes he has, and Nichol_storm was correct in stating it was in the 90's Spider-man cartoon. He's actually in the opening theme song, but if I recall correctly, he was only in one story.
New & Improved Scott
08-03-2003, 12:09 PM
Originally posted by Askia
Agree with what Mockingbird and New & Improved Scott said re: Batman's sleep needs, and also to add that in the Sam Hamm issues (Batman 498, 499 & 500) -- I can't remember which -- there was a caption box that said in effect that he has used eastern meditation techniques to train his body to get 8 hours' rest in one.
DK2: If Frank Miller's Year One storyline still has any pull, Batman consistently works between the hours of 10pm to 4am.
That's not a new thing either. Even though I'm not a huge Bats fan, I believe there is some mention of his meditation/sleep buried somewhere in the "No Man's Land" story arc.
Mockingbird, I have a lot of affection for The Question. I think he has a lot of untapped potential and would work great as a Vertigo series written by Greg Rucka (in a Sandman Mystery Theater type of vein and not like the weird Vertigo superhero stuff). My favorite run of the character though has got to be the Denny O'Neil Question series in the 1980s but the Steve Ditko one comes close.
New & Improved Scott, I think Punisher appeared a couple times in the 90s Spider-Man show. Once when he was going after Morbius and another time when he was going after Spider-Man when he turned into the "Man-Spider" creature.
Mockingbird
08-04-2003, 02:22 AM
Originally posted by DK2
Mockingbird, I have a lot of affection for The Question. I think he has a lot of untapped potential and would work great as a Vertigo series written by Greg Rucka (in a Sandman Mystery Theater type of vein and not like the weird Vertigo superhero stuff). My favorite run of the character though has got to be the Denny O'Neil Question series in the 1980s but the Steve Ditko one comes close.
New & Improved Scott, I think Punisher appeared a couple times in the 90s Spider-Man show. Once when he was going after Morbius and another time when he was going after Spider-Man when he turned into the "Man-Spider" creature.
Did you like/believe in his liaison with the Huntress?
Max Carnage
08-04-2003, 12:13 PM
Originally posted by Ranchoth
Marvel cartoon question time...
Has []bThe Punisher ever been shown in an animated form? [/B]
And of course he had the biggest collection of handheld, automatic, and semi-automatic LASER guns of any street level vigilante.
Mockingbird, I like The Question better as a loner instead of him teaming up with someone. I will admit though that it was a good story but I hope it doesn't turn into a regular partnership with Huntress.
New & Improved Scott
08-04-2003, 05:51 PM
Originally posted by DK2
Mockingbird, I have a lot of affection for The Question. I think he has a lot of untapped potential and would work great as a Vertigo series written by Greg Rucka (in a Sandman Mystery Theater type of vein and not like the weird Vertigo superhero stuff). My favorite run of the character though has got to be the Denny O'Neil Question series in the 1980s but the Steve Ditko one comes close.
New & Improved Scott, I think Punisher appeared a couple times in the 90s Spider-Man show. Once when he was going after Morbius and another time when he was going after Spider-Man when he turned into the "Man-Spider" creature.
Nope, the one where a hunter was chasing down Morbius, it was actually Blade with help from Whistler, not Punnisher.
Here are the comics that should be in later today:
DARK HORSE
ASTRO BOY VOL 17 TP $9.95
CANNON GOD EXAXXION STAGE 2 TP (MR) $14.95
INVINCIBLE ED #1 THE BEATING OF ED (Of 4) (O/A) $2.99
INVINCIBLE ED #2 IM TOO SEXY (Of 4) (O/A) $2.99
JOSS WHEDONS FRAY #8 (OF 8) (RES) $2.99
MATRIX MORPHEUS MINI BUST $50.00
MATRIX NEO MINI BUST $50.00
MATRIX TRINITY MINI BUST $50.00
ROCKET LOGO BLACK L/S T/S LG $17.99
ROCKET LOGO BLACK L/S T/S MED $17.99
ROCKET LOGO BLACK L/S T/S XL $17.99
ROCKET LOGO BLACK L/S T/S XXL $19.99
STAR WARS A LONG TIME AGO VOL 7 TP FAR FAR AWAY $29.95
SUNNY BUICK SUGAR SKULLS JOURNAL $9.99
TONY MILLIONAIRE SOCK MONKEY #2 (Of 2) $2.99
DC COMICS
ACTION COMICS #806 $2.25
ARKHAM ASYLUM LIVING HELL #4 (Of 6) $2.50
AUTHORITY VOL 2 #0 (MR) $2.95
AUTHORITY VOL 2 #4 (MR) $2.95
BAD GIRLS #1 (Of 6) $2.50
BATGIRL STATUE $175.00
BATMAN ALIENS II TP $14.95
BATMAN DEATH AND THE MAIDENS #1 (Of 9) $2.95
BATMAN NEVERMORE #5 (Of 5) $2.50
BATMAN THE CULT TP NEW PTG $19.95
DETECTIVE COMICS #785 $2.75
DOCTOR FATE #1 (Of 5) $2.50
EXTINCTION EVENT #2 (Of 5) $2.50
FORMERLY KNOWN AS THE JUSTICE LEAGUE #2 (Of 6) $2.50
HARLEY QUINN #35 $2.50
HAWKMAN #18 $2.50
HUMAN TARGET FINAL CUT SC (MR) $19.95
JSA ALL STARS #4 (Of 8) $2.50
JUSTICE LEAGUE ADVENTURES #22 $2.25
LOONEY TUNES #105 $2.25
MAD COLOR SPECIAL #8 $3.99
MAD MAGAZINE #433 $3.50
ROBOTECH LOVE AND WAR #3 (Of 6) $2.95
SCOOBY DOO DOLLAR COMIC $1.00
SUPERMAN BATMAN #1 $2.95
SUPERMAN BIRTHRIGHT #2 (Of 12) $2.95
THUNDERCATS DOGS OF WAR #2 (Of 5) $2.95
TITANS YOUNG JUSTICE GRADUATION DAY COMPENDIUM $6.95
VERTIGO POP BANGKOK #4 (Of 4) (MR) $2.95
WILL EISNERS SPIRIT ARCHIVES VOL 11 HC $49.95
IMAGE
AGENTS #4 (Of 6) $2.95
CASEFILES SAM & TWITCH #2 (MR) $2.50
COUNTDOWN TO WEDNESDAY INSIDE LOOK AT THE COMIC BIZ DVD $19.99
FACTION PARADOX #1 $2.95
FEATHER #1 (Of 6) $2.95
HEDGE KNIGHT KALUTA CVR #1 (Of 6) $2.95
HEDGE KNIGHT MILLER CVR #1 (Of 6) $2.95
SPAWN #127 $2.50
MARVEL
ALIAS #25 (MR) $2.99
ELEKTRA #26 $2.99
ETERNAL #3 (MR) $2.99
MARVEL MASTERWORKS DR STRANGE VOL 1 MARVEL MASTERWORKS DR STRANGE VOL 1 HC $54.99
MARVEL MUST HAVES ULTIMATE X-MEN 34-35 (PU#579) $2.99
NEW X-MEN #144 $2.25
SENTINEL #5 (Note Price) $2.50
SPIDER-GIRL #63 $2.99
SQUADRON SUPREME TP $29.99
SUPREME POWER #1 (MR) $2.99
SUPREME POWER SPECIAL ED #1 (MR) $4.99
THOR #67 $2.99
ULTIMATE MARVEL TEAM UP VOL 3 TP $12.99
ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN #44 $2.25
UNCANNY X-MEN #429 $2.25
X-MEN PHOENIX #3 (Of 3) $2.99
X-TREME X-MEN #29 $2.99
WIZARD
DF JUST A PILGRIM BLUE FOIL CVR #3 (O/A) $5.00
DF MAGDELENA VAMPIRELLA #1 BLUE FOIL CVR $14.99
INQUEST GAMER NEW MAGE KNIGHT CVR #101 $4.99
INQUEST GAMER YU-GI-OH TOYS CVR #101 $4.99
COMICS
AKIKO VOL 6 TP $14.95
ALAN MOORES A SMALL KILLING HC (MR) $24.95
AP HOW TO DRAW MANGA #25 $4.95
ARCHIE MYSTERIES #30 $2.19
ARTESIA AFIRE #3 (Of 6) (MR) $3.95
ARTESIA VOL 2 ARTESIA AFIELD TP (MR) $24.95
BASARA VOL 1 TP (MR) $9.95
BEST OF THE WEST READERS RODEO $49.95
BETTY & VERONICA #191 $2.19
BRAIN POWERED VOL 2 GN (Of 3) $9.99
BRIGADOON VOL 1 GN (Of 3) $9.99
CARDCAPTOR SAKURA MASTER OF THE CLOW VOL 6 GN (Of 6) $9.99
CELESTIAL ZONE VOL 2 #1 $9.95
CEREBUS #292 $2.25
CHOBITS VOL 7 GN (Of 8) $9.99
CLAMP SCHOOL DETECTIVES VOL 3 GN (Of 3) $9.99
CROUCHING TIGER HIDDEN DRAGON VOL 1-4 GN SET $49.00
DARK DAYS #2 30 DAYS OF NIGHT SEQUEL (OF 6) (MR) $3.99
DF BATMAN PLANETARY SGN $29.99
DF HULK MOVIE ADAPTATION SGN $29.99
DF KINGPIN SGN #1 $19.99
DFE MAGDELENA VAMPIRELLA GOLD FOIL ALT CVR $14.99
DIARY OF MOLLY FREDRICKSON VOL 1 GN PEANUT
BUTTER (A)
DRAGON HUNTER VOL 2 GN (Of 3) $9.99
DRAGON KNIGHTS VOL 9 GN (Of 17) $9.99
FADE TRADE VOL 1 FADE FROM BLUE $12.95
FORBIDDEN DANCE VOL 1 GN (Of 3) $9.99
FREAK BROTHERS #8 NEW PTG (O/A) (MR) (Note Price) $3.95
FURRLOUGH #126 $2.99
GENUS #60 (A) $3.50
G-GUNDAM VOL 2 GN (Of 3) $9.99
IN A METAL WEB GN VOL 2 (A) $10.95
JING KING OF BANDITS VOL 2 GN (Of 7) $9.99
JOHNNY HAZARD VOL 1 COLOR SUNDAYS $15.00
JUGHEAD #153 $2.19
JUNCTION 17 #1 $3.50
KING OF HELL VOL 2 GN (Of 3) $9.99
KOMIKWERKS VOL 1 TP $9.95
KRAZY & IGNATZ DAILIES VOL 2 PACIFIC LAUGHTER OF THE DAMNED #3 (MR) $2.75
LIKE A RIVER SC (MR) $9.95
LOLITA VOL 4 (O/A) (A) $9.95
LOVE HINA VOL 13 GN (Of 14) $9.99
LUPIN III VOL 6 GN (Of 14) $9.99
MAGIC KNIGHT RAYEARTH VOL 1 GN NEW PTG (Of 3)
MANGAPHILE #20 $4.99
MARMALADE BOY VOL 8 GN (Of 8) $9.99
MARS VOL 13 GN (Of 15) $9.99
NECROWAR #2 $2.95
NEOTOPIA VOL 2 #1 $2.99
OH MY GOTH VERSION 2.0 TP NEW PTG (MR) $23.00
ONE BLOODY YEAR FALL (MR) $5.30
ORIGIN OF FREEMIND S&N BOUND VOLUME TP $16.95
PHANTOM DAILIES 2 PACK #1 $10.00
POISON ELVES #74 $2.95
RAIJIN COMICS #33 (MR) $4.95
ROSCOES IN THE NIGHT SC $17.95
SAMURAI DEEPER KYO VOL 2 GN (Of 18) $9.99
SHAOLIN SISTERS VOL 4 GN (Of 5) $9.99
SHONEN JUMP VOL 1 #9 SEP 2003 $4.95
SHOUJO #2 $5.95
SKULL MAN VOL 7 GN (Of 7) $9.99
SLAYERS SPECIAL BOOK 3 LESSER OF TWO EVILS GN $15.95
SMILIN JACK VOL 2 ESCAPE FROM DEATH $9.50
SONIC THE HEDGEHOG #126 $2.19
STRANGERS IN PARADISE BOOK 3 PART 5 HC $49.95
STRANGERS IN PARADISE VOL III #59 $2.95
TERRY MOORES PARADISE TOO #14 $2.95
THE KINDAICHI CASE FILES VOL 2 GN (Of 6) $9.99
TOKYO MEW MEW VOL 3 GN (Of 4) $9.99
UBERBABE #4 SAME AS IT EVER WAS (Of 4) $6.00
VAMPEROTICA DARK FANTASY #1 (MR) $2.95
VAMPEROTICA DARK FANTASY #1 ADULT ED $6.95
VAMPEROTICA DARK FANTASY #1 NUDE ED $3.95
VAMPIRE GAME VOL 2 GN (Of 3) $9.99
VAMPIRELLA #11 LTD CVR ED (O/A) $9.95
VAMPIRELLA #15-18 LTD CVR SET $39.95
WARHAMMER MONTHLY #71 $3.50
X-DAY VOL 1 GN (Of 2)
Looks like a pretty good comic day. I'm getting Alias #25, Ultimate Spider-Man #44, Superman: Birthright #2, Batman: Death and the Maidens #1, Detective Comics #785, Formerly Known as the Justice League #2, Superman/Batman #1, and finally Cerebus #292. This is the biggest comic week I ever had and it's probably because of all of these good mini-series out lately. I'll post what I thought of them either later today or Thursday afternoon.
New & Improved Scott, You're correct about that episode with Morbius. I guess I got Blade mixed up with The Punisher somehow.
Ranchoth
08-06-2003, 02:34 AM
A silly crossover question, this time.
I was browsing through the "Superman meets the Fantastic Four" paperback collection in the bookstore today, an early scene features the young Franklin Richards practicing his clunky exposition by mentioning to himself how Superman is "just a cartoon" in the Marvel comics universe, but that "mom says that there's another universe where he's real." And, y'know, guess who shows up five minutes later via a handy dimentional rift.
Now, I'm assuming for the moment that Mrs. Richards wasn't just humoring her son when she told him about the existence of the DC Universe, and that she actually believed it (which seems likely, as when Superman shows up, the FF doesn't treat him like a madman dressed like a cartoon character). But I'm also willing to believe that the crossover is supposed to take place in a "pocket" universe of it's own...
...Anyway, my question is: In the "mainstream" DC and Marvel continuities, are any of the characters supposed to be able to "know" that the "other" comics' universe exists?
Obviously, artistic, legal, and economic issues would keep the staff from one company from using and mentioning characters owned by the competition on a regular basis. And realistically, how and why would the writers fit in such a reference into a storyline? ("Hey Logan, remember that time a black hole opened up in Utah, and the 'Darkseid' guy flew out?" "Yeah." ::pause:: "That sure sucked, didn't it?")
But still, I go back to the original question (Bolded, for clarity amid this grotesquely verbose post). Are all of the DC/Marvel crossovers supposed to take place in sub-universes by themselves, or are they supposed to take place in the "mainstream" continuity, but all the characters either magically forget that the events of the crossover ever happened?
Well, in any case, I'm done typing for the week, I think.
Ranchoth, Well Marvel and DC exist in two seperate universes but the two universes can interact with each other in special cosmic circumstances. Some of these crossovers are even in continuity in both universes. For example in Marvel v.s. DC the main character Access who brought the two universes together (temporaily for the crossover) shows up in an issue of Green Lantern a couple years later.
This is what I bought this week:
*Ultimate Spider-Man #44- Pretty slow this month but it had a nice ending.
*Cerebus #292- This series is starting to pick up again. I can't wait to see how Dave Sim ends the series in #300. Even though I'll still be sad to see the series go.
*Alias #25- Pretty disturbing issue. Bendis does a great job conveying Jessica's pain about what The Purple Man did to her.
*Formerly Known as the Justice League #2- Funny as hell. This should be an ongoing series.
*Superman Birthright #2- Mark Waid should be on the Superman monthly title because this mini-series is excellent.
*Detective Comics #785- Brubacker writes a pretty good detective story.
*Batman: Death and the Maidens #1- A promising start to the last Ras Al Ghul story.
*Supreme Power #1- An excellent start and my pick for book of the week.
Anyone else pick up anything this week?
New & Improved Scott
08-10-2003, 07:27 AM
Originally posted by DK2
New & Improved Scott, You're correct about that episode with Morbius. I guess I got Blade mixed up with The Punisher somehow.
That episode has one of the best scenes ever, when Blade throws a gas grenade at Spidey, who coughs, braces himself against a wall, then turns and looks at Blade, saying "Garlic?" looking all confused.
Ranchoth
08-10-2003, 03:40 PM
A coupla' more questions, this week. A little less...oblique, this time.
1. How many—mainstream—superheroes are willing to kill? The Punisher is one, obviously. And I'm guessing Spawn, too. But it seems like almost all the other superheroes have an ethic like Batman...who, if I recall, won't even kill the "Aliens." (As in, the Ridley Scott, chestburster aliens. I'm still trying to figure out that one)
2. I've noticed that there are quite a few DC comics—like The Dark Knight Returns and Kingdom Come—that feature the future exploits of older, even geriatric, versions of it's heros or villains. My question is, did/does Marvel ever do similar stories? Latveria Come, maybe? The Spider-Man Strikes Again, perhaps? ;)
DocCathode
08-10-2003, 04:29 PM
Marvel Geriatrics-
Marvel has had What If for a while. These are standard format books that generally do one-issue arc. These arcs are more based on continuity than Elseworlds. While an Elseworld might answer the question "What if Batman had lived in the early 1900's, and was destined to save Gotham from otherworldly monsters served by Ras Al Ghul in a story written as a tribute to HP Lovecraft?", what if sticks closer to canon with questions like "What if Spider Man had saved Uncle Ben?".
After Kingdom Come, Marvel had Ross do Earth X. An Elseworlds style tale taking place roughly 30 years in the future. There have been plenty of change. Most notably, every human now has super powers.
Heroes Willing To Kill-
Morbius the living vampire
Marvel revived him in the 90's and gave him his own book. Deciding that angst and brooding were stupid, Morbius realized that he could just drink the blood of the many humans who deserved to die. Then, a new artist made Morbius look like an undead Keebler elf. And a new writer turned him from savage predator to-tragic angstridden brooder.
Ranchotch, Well besides Earth X which DocCathode already mentioned their's really not any I can think of except "The Last Avengers Story" by Peter David which I highly recommend if you can find it.
As to your second question, here's a short list containing heroes that kill (besides Morbius who was already mentioned).
-The Question
-Azreal (deceased)
-The Authority
-Venom (when he operated as a hero for a short time in the 90s)
That's all I can think of so far but I'll try to update the list later when I have more time.
New & Improved Scott
08-17-2003, 08:08 AM
There have been instances in Marvel Comics where the stories of books take them to the future, and show a hint of what may come. A few example of this I can think of are the X-Men's "Days of the Future Past" story, and Hulk's "Future: Imperfect".
There are enough time travellers in the Marvel Continuity that a book like "Kingdom Come" couldn't happen in that universe. Between Cable and Bishop and Rachel Summers alone, there origins contradict each other enough.
gawen
08-17-2003, 08:32 AM
for hero who kill you can add:
Colossus (remember Vertigo in Mutant Massacre), ok it's very rare but this time was so cool
MAgik in Exiles
i'm sur we can find much more
New & Improved Scott
08-17-2003, 08:49 AM
Colossus also killed Kevin McTaggart, or Proteus, by bunching through him.
Other heroes that kill, off the top of my head:
The Spectre
The Savage Dragon
Huntress
Love Rhombus
08-17-2003, 11:10 AM
Originally posted by New & Improved Scott
Colossus also killed Kevin McTaggart, or Proteus, by bunching through him.
I'm sorry, I know it was a typo but it just struck me as funny somehow.
"What happened?"
"He-he bunched him to death!"
Also, you can add Stormwatch to that list.
Does it make a hero more or less "heroic" if they kill their enemies? Not indiscriminate bloodshed, but in order to stop them from hurting others?
Like if the Batman killed the Joker? Ok, I've run that particular obsession into the ground. I'll drop it now.
Though he really should kill him.
New & Improved Scott
08-17-2003, 11:25 AM
Whoops! That is funny.
Ya know, I make "B"-"P" typos all the time.
DocCathode
08-17-2003, 02:42 PM
Thanos is getting his own series. As a long time fan of Ol' Purplepuss, I'm very excited about this.
He's been all powerful a few times. It didn't work out. He tried living a simple life on the farm. It didn't work out.
I'm hoping that the series will address Thanos' relationship with his brother Eros. Sure Eros, under the name Starfox, is an Avenger. But, Thanos has achived godhood several times. Having a sibling who's been the most powerful being in existence on several occasions has got to make you feel inadequate.
And there's Nebula. This blue space pirate chick claims to be Thanos' granddaughter. I've never been able to find out whether she claims to be the child of Thanos' son or daughter, or who she claims Thanos had a child with.
Love Rhombus
08-17-2003, 05:45 PM
I always found Thanos to be much more interesting than his DC counterpart Darkseid. Darkseid was always just evil for the sake of it, whereas Thanos just had a crush on the wrong "lady." I really liked that cover where it was just him with the Infinity Gauntlet saying (more or less) to everyone else "Come and get it!"
gonzoron
08-18-2003, 11:23 AM
Originally posted by DK2
-Azreal (deceased)
Really? When did this happen? I always hated that character. Maybe I'll throw a little party.
gonzoron, He died fairly recently in Azreal #100 (the last issue of his series).
DocCathode, I'm also excited for the return of Thanos. He's the most interesting cosmic being in the Marvel Universe besides the current insane incarnation of Captain Marvel.
My picks for Wednesday:
*1602 #1- This mini-series by Neil Gaiman starts off fairly well and it's interesting to see a good portion of the Marvel heroes and villains reimagined in the 1600s.
*Fables #16- My pick for best book of the week.
*Gotham Central #10- A good ending to an excellent storyline. Greg Rucka has a pretty good handle on Two-Face's character. I also wanted to give Rucka props for handling Renee's coming of the closet in a realistic manner.
*Ultimate X-Men #36- It was okay but I don't feel this storyline is going anywhere but hopefully Bendis proves me wrong next month.
*Fantastic Four #502- I can't believe Mark Waid is getting kicked off the book. This issue was outstanding.
Note: I dropped the Hulk because Bruce Jones' writing no longer appealed to me.
Anyone else pick up anything?
Suzene
08-18-2003, 11:04 PM
Fables #16 was my only pick for the week...Willingham writes a damned good story.
OK, here's a truly trivial trivia question for my fellow rabid fans: what ever happened to Marinna? Little greenish-yellow alien-looking girl with an affinity for water, used to be a member of Alpha Flight, eventually married Narmor? I was wondering how many times she's been killed, retconned, and written out of existance since the wedding.
Suzene
gawen
08-19-2003, 02:23 AM
wasn't she killed by the black knight once when she transformed into a big sea/alien/serpent?
and then we had a storyline about the curse of his blade
Cliffy
08-19-2003, 09:45 AM
The last I've seen of Marinna was in The Avengers c. 1989-90. As gawen notes, her evil DNA started acting up again as it had a number of times in the past but this time no one could cure her. She escaped into the ocean and then showed up a little later as a huge, mindless sea serpent which the Black Knight was forced to kill.
--Cliffy
Ranchoth
09-06-2003, 03:09 PM
Rise from your grave, oh great old one of threads...
I was just wondering, how many of Ras Al Ghul's Lazarus Pits are there, and how well do they work? And by "how well," I mean if you pop a dead person in there, will they come back to life? Or, at least, if a paraplegic with a severed spinal cord took a dip in one, would they permanently regain their ability to walk?
Originally posted by Ranchoth
I was just wondering, how many of Ras Al Ghul's Lazarus Pits are there, and how well do they work? And by "how well," I mean if you pop a dead person in there, will they come back to life? Or, at least, if a paraplegic with a severed spinal cord took a dip in one, would they permanently regain their ability to walk?
How many? As many as the writer needs. :p They are spread through out the world, where Ras has set them up through out his long life.
How well? Exactly what you said. The dead return to life, any injuries are fixed, no apparent time limit.
The downside of course it that the user becomes insane for a while right after using it.
DocCathode
09-06-2003, 03:58 PM
AFAIK and OTTOMH-
It isn't clear how many Pits there are. In the Elseworlds Brotherhood Of The Bat, it is stated that they can only be made at the intersections of certain ley lines. IIRC there are only a few dozen such sites.
In the mainstream continuity arc Laughter Of The Demon, Batman says that the materials needed to prepare the pit for even a single use take centuries to make.
The limits of the Pits are unclear. In Kingdom Come-The Kingdom they resurrect an individual who was dismembered, and whose body parts were scattered across a continent, years ago. Though, the Pit is somehow modified first.
So, it seems-
There are less than a hundred possible Lazarus Pit sites. These sites require a special mix of rare substances to become functional.
The Pit can heal any injury, restore youth, and ressurect individuals who are dying or very recently dead.
The strain of ressurection drives the victim temporarily insane.
(The following is drawn mostly from the Batman and Superman animated series of the 90's, as well as Batman Beyond, and the above mentioned Elseworlds. It may not be true in cannon continuity.)
It seems that the Lazarus Pit is slightly less effective each time an individual uses it. The first use may last a century. The next immersion slightly less. Eventually, Ghul would be elderly and ill just weeks or days after a Pit bath.
BTW-
I've never understood the spelling. The Jewish holiday Rosh Hashannah has very similar etymology. Rosh/rush is Hebrew for head. Technically, it is written ros/rus as in Hebrew and Aramaic (and I assume in Arabic as well) there are characters whose pronunciation changes depending on the presence or position of a dot.
The letter shin has a dot on top of its right prong. Move the dot to the left prong and it changes from shin to sin, and is pronounced as an s rather than an sh.
But heck, vowels In Hebrew, Aramaic (and again I assume in Arabic) are generally written as marks underneath the letters. Which would give you Rs instead of Ras. The Demon made that concession when translitterating his name. Would it be so much to put on h on the end so folks stopped calling him Rohss?
The_Peyote_Coyote
09-06-2003, 07:57 PM
Ranchoth: I seem to remember reading in the letters column that Captain Marvel (the green & white '60's version of Mar-Vell) once or twice killed enemies, but I never read many of his books.
The "no killing" stchick was a prominent feature of the first, and IMO the best, super-hero: Doc Savage. After the first three adventures, Doc usually tried to take criminals alive. However, there were some notable exceptions. In "The Munitions Master," Doc deliberately kills hundreds of men because that is the only way to prevent two evil dictators from taking over the world. There were also a few other adventures, notably "The Spotted Men" and "The Vanisher," where Doc killed individuals because that was the only way to save innocent lives. Also, in "Violent Night" he showed a willingness to shoot Adolph Hitler.
Doc's aide Monk, who has to be at least as strong as Capt. America and Batman, was frequently reprimanded by Doc as he sometimes killed or tried to kill crooks. "The Red Skull," "Poison Island," "The Majii," and "The Midas Man" contain examples of Monk's boodthirstiness. Also, in "The Lost Giant" Monk & Ham kill by bomb and machine gun most members of a spy ring. They weren't reprimanded as there was a very good reason for their actions.
Richard Benson, The Avenger, also tried to avoid killing, but there were a few times, if I recall the books correctly, when he made exceptions.
teemingONE
09-06-2003, 08:18 PM
I need someone to identify and spoil this issue for me. The details are a little fuzzy so please bear(?) with me.
In the issue, the X-Men all turn on Wolverine. I think they were being controlled by someone. I only remember the fight between Wolverine and Nightcrawler. Wolverine beats Nightcrawler by holding on to him while he was teleporting. The other thing I remember about it was someone was looking at a poster of Nightcrawler from his circus days. I also remember Jean in some man's apartment. I think she was either wrapped in a towl or half-naked.
Sorry for the indescriptive details. Can anyone out there help me?
Max Carnage
09-11-2003, 08:00 AM
Supreme Power
Anyone reading it? Personally I think it's great. JMS seems to be borrowing from the Mark Millar school of writing, but without near as many heads being blown off. But I don't see how they can incorporate it with the current Squadron Supreme. Considering Kyle Richmond/Nighthawk is now a completely different race (albeit with a wonderfully tragic origin paralleling Batman's) Is Supreme Power suposed to be Marvel mainstream continuity?
Munch
09-11-2003, 10:06 AM
I have a couple questions. Recently I've taken to spending my lunch hours at Borders reading TPBs. I've burned through all the Ultimate series (X-Men 1-6, Spidey 1-6, Ultimates 1), and now I have nothing to read. There are both volumes of Universe X, as well as two versions of Crisis on Infinite Earths (a 60s version and a more recent version). Are any of these worth reading? Any other suggestions?
Also, I have no idea what Universe X is, but I have some familiarity with Crisis from reading Fenris' posts. But why two versions? I thought the whole purpose of Crisis was to reboot various series and combine storylines and somesuch. Doesn't a second version just confuse that?
Max Carnage
09-11-2003, 11:40 AM
I believe the one TPB, Crisis on Multiple Earths is more or less a story that takes place in many of the parllel DC Earths, but isn't really related to the Crisis on Infinite Earths mini series, other than some of the characters.
If you can find the TPB of Marvel's Sentry, I really recommend it. The story of a forgotten hero from Marvel's Silver Age.
I'm also looking to pick up Alias, about a former superhero who decided she hated the biz and became a private investigator instead. Beware, adult content abounds.
Top 10 by Alan Moore about a superpowered police force in a city of superpowered citizens. That one is most fun for picking out easter eggs in the art (the story being awesome is just a bonus)
You can't go wrong with anything written by Brian Michael Bendis (Ult Spider-Man, Powers, Daredevil...)
Don't read Universe X before reading Earth X and its offshoots. Then go into Universe X. And coming soon, Paradise X. Basic premise is: in the future of the Marvel U everyone has developed powers, but not everyone is a mutant. It's pretty dark, but entertaining.
Oh, let me also recommend Inhumans. I was never an Inhumans fan and didn't know much about them, but the 12 issue TPB was very good.
I'll recommend more as I think of them.
DocCathode
09-11-2003, 11:50 AM
Crisis- I'd say it's worth the read. I won't say who(that would be spoiling.) but a number of characters die. These are mostly minor heroes and villians (IIRC the Bug Eyed Bandit died in Crisis). But two major DC characters die as well. More, there still dead today.
2 Versions-IIRC a few years ago DC released an anniversary edition. This doesn't alter or expand the story. But, it includes interviews, behind the scenes stuff, and IIRC issues of other titles that included Crisis crossovers.
Universe X- Skip it. Jae Lee's art is wrong for the book. Established continuity is trampled on. While the mystery behind some of the premise is purposely unexplained (Non spoiler-Something caused all the humans on earth to become mutants. Reed Richards blames an experiment he was conducting. The Iron Maiden blames herself for accidentally disrupting the experiment and causing it to fail. There are other theories. The characters and the readers eventually learn the cause.). But, other parts of the premise make no sense and still aren't explained by the end of Universe X (Russia now grows the worlds grain. Britain's navy distributes the grain. WTF? The USA produces much of the world's grain{Which Ross must know since it is mentioned in the first issue of Kingdom Come}, and has a much larger navy than Britain. If the US has a reason for not using these to help other countries, I never read it. If something destroyed America's bread basket and fleet, I never read that either.).
BTW- Just in case you were unaware, Universe X is the 2nd part of a trilogy. First is the disappointing Earth X. By the end of Universe X I'd lost any interest. The trilogy concludes with Paradise X.
Muldoon's Squishiness
09-11-2003, 12:24 PM
Crisis on Multiple Earths is a collection of stories from the mid 1960's in which the JSA (Justice Society of America) first met the JLA (Justice League of America). The whole thing got kicked off with the classic Flash from Two World's story. I'd say it's worth reading, but not neccessarily buying.
Muldoon's Squishiness
09-11-2003, 12:29 PM
Originally posted by DocCathode
2 Versions-IIRC a few years ago DC released an anniversary edition. This doesn't alter or expand the story. But, it includes interviews, behind the scenes stuff, and IIRC issues of other titles that included Crisis crossovers.
I have the hardcover anniversary edition and it came with a couple of posters, some pre-production art and a really cool cover by George Perez/Alex Ross. There were around 12 issues in the actual Crisis on Infinite Earths maxi-series, but there were at least 70 "crossover issues" from the other DC titles, and there isn't a list included with my book.
It's out in TP now, and worth picking up if for nothing else then George Perez's art.
Munch
09-11-2003, 12:45 PM
I think Muldoon got it in one - I misread "Crisis on Multiple Earths" and thought it to be an additional version.
As for the spoilers, Doc, those were mentioned in the Prologue (which I read today). The author mentions that he left a plot device to bring back Barry Allen, any idea what that is? He said it wouldn't be apparent, but if you asked him in person, he'd tell you. I'd imagine someone's done that by now...
ResIpsaLoquitor
09-11-2003, 01:10 PM
Universe X- Skip it. Jae Lee's art is wrong for the book. Established continuity is trampled on. While the mystery behind some of the premise is purposely unexplained (Non spoiler-Something caused all the humans on earth to become mutants. Reed Richards blames an experiment he was conducting. The Iron Maiden blames herself for accidentally disrupting the experiment and causing it to fail. There are other theories. The characters and the readers eventually learn the cause.). But, other parts of the premise make no sense and still aren't explained by the end of Universe X (Russia now grows the worlds grain. Britain's navy distributes the grain. WTF? The USA produces much of the world's grain{Which Ross must know since it is mentioned in the first issue of Kingdom Come}, and has a much larger navy than Britain. If the US has a reason for not using these to help other countries, I never read it. If something destroyed America's bread basket and fleet, I never read that either.).
Doc, did we read the same Universe X? Jae Lee wasn't involved--IIRC, Doug Braitwithe (sp?) did the art on the two sequels.
If I'm also recalling, the US suffered a devastating economic collapse in the Earth X-iverse, stemming largely from 1) Reed's failed energy experiments, and 2) Norman Osborn's presidency. For some reason, Russia was in a better position to pick up the pieces. I also recall that the world's meat supply had been eliminated (there was an off-color joke about Howard the Duck getting cannibalized), and Namor wasn't letting people farm the oceans. Again, enter Russia.
I do agree that Universe X was the weaker part of the story--although I loved Earth X as a stand-alone 14-part story.
DocCathode
09-11-2003, 01:39 PM
Originally posted by ResIpsaLoquitor
If I'm also recalling, the US suffered a devastating economic collapse in the Earth X-iverse, stemming largely from 1) Reed's failed energy experiments, and 2) Norman Osborn's presidency. For some reason, Russia was in a better position to pick up the pieces. I also recall that the world's meat supply had been eliminated (there was an off-color joke about Howard the Duck getting cannibalized), and Namor wasn't letting people farm the oceans. Again, enter Russia.
Re The Art-My mistake.
Those points were also problems for me. Exactly what caused the collapse of American society? It seems that America is a land of post apocalyptic chaos-except that all the utilities are still up and running-as are the broadcasting companies. If Daredevil's latest stunt can be shown on pay per view, how is it that the farmers of the Midwest can't grow crops?
What exactly happened to the US fleet? Unless those ships were sold to another country, why aren't they distributing grain? In the wake of an economic collapse, why isn't the US trading shipping services for food?
AFAIK America's crop lands are vital to the world. I don't understand how Russia would be able to grow enough food.
I was never quite sure how the meat industry was destroyed. It's said that the mutations made humans more aggressive. Am I correct in assuming that Ross meant the this caused humans to become more carnivorus, leading to livestock being slaughtered faster than they could reproduce?
ResIpsaLoquitor
09-11-2003, 03:22 PM
That, and overpopulation, methinks. Although I don't think Ross was the full visionary on that point--Ross primarily did the character designs. The majority of the story (particularly the backstory with the Celestials and Galactus) came from Jim Kruger.
DocCathode
09-11-2003, 05:57 PM
Originally posted by ResIpsaLoquitor
That, and overpopulation, methinks. .
I considered that, but rejected it because
When Betty runs away from the childlike Bruce, we learn that humans stopped having kids after the mutation.
ResIpsaLoquitor
09-11-2003, 08:13 PM
Ah, but I figured it was
PRE-Mutation overpopulation. I base this on the fact that the mutations started roughly 10 years before E:X. Shortly after the mutations began is when the big UN Conference happened to discuss the world food shortages. You'll recall that's where the FF, Doom and Namor decided to recreate the ending of "Hamlet."
(I mean that figuratively, of course.)
And a note to the confused (and not to nitpick with the learned Doc): it wasn't Betty who saw Bruce and the Hulk. E:X relied on modern Marvel continuity and continued to hold that Betty died at the hands of the Abombination. Bruce called out "Betty?" because the female mutant had a harpy-like appearance, reminding him of Betty's prior mutation.
Ranchoth
09-12-2003, 01:16 AM
A trio of questions, if I may...
First, would anyone here happen to know what the wingspan of the X-Jet/Blackbird is, as depicted in the recent "X2" movie?
Deuce...Are there any"Goth" superheroes, especially "mainstream" ones?
And...did any comic character have a haircut worse than Guy Gardner's?
DocCathode
09-12-2003, 03:04 PM
Betty Is Dead?
When did this happen? Why?
Ranchoth
#1-Idunno.
#2- A few of Marvel's Midnight Sons titles fit Goth culture.
NightStalkers- A team of detectives made up of King, Drake, and Blade. You've probably seen the Wesley Snipes film based on Blade. King is a man trapped between humanity and vampirity(vampirism? vampireness? nosfertuity?). King has the powers of a Marvel Universe vampire (OTTOMH-Mist form, control over some animals, superhuman strength, heightened senses) but none of the vulnerabilities. King does not need blood, but he still hungers for it. King dressed in Victorian clothes, complete with cloak. He also had plenty of angst. Drake is actually a distant relative of Dracula. He carries a big techno-occult gun and also dresses in antiquated clothes.
Morbius- In the 70s, Morbius was just another brilliant scientist who'd accidentally turned himself into a monster. He was dying of a rare blood disease. His serum cured him but had extreme side effects. He became a living vampire. Then he was cured of that. Then, he relapsed to living vampireness. In this series, Morbius has found a treatment. It makes him human for several hours. But he must drink blood for the serum to work. Deciding that he's had enough tragic angst and self pity, Morbius declares "Very well. If I must drink blood let it be the blood of the guilty, the blood of those who deserve to die." Morbius buys himself an extreme leather outfit and takes a bite out of crime. The series began with an excellent creative team. Later, Morbius was changed from a dark avenger to another whiny reluctant blood drinker(Think Nick Knight of Forever Knight crossed with Doctor Smith of Lost In Space "I'm doomed to drink blood! Oh, the pain! The pain of it all!"). With a change of artists, Morbius appearance changed from a gaunt figure with bestial characteristics to an undead Keebler elf.
From Marvel 2099-
MetalScream- A technomage in leather jacket. Metalscream is more GothicPunk(As in White Wolf) than Goth.
Lachryma-A Goth vampire heroine. Embraced by an undead nun, Lachryma is brought into the Sisterhood Of Tears. Their sacred mission is to protect humanity from evil supernatural forces.
Haircuts-
OMAC- A crewcut, with a mohawk in the center.
ResIpsaLoquitor
09-12-2003, 03:27 PM
Betty Is Dead?
When did this happen? Why?
Shortly after the "Heroes Return" storyline. The Peter David version was simply that Betty died of massive exposure to gamma radiation. Source unknown, although it was postulated that years of exposure to Bruce might have done it. Basically, Bruce just woke up one morning and found Betty's body falling apart. They managed to cure her, but killed her in the process (go figure).
PAD's final issue was depressingly freaky. Banner seemed to resign himself to having an accursed life and just sorta took off. The issue closed with hints that the Hulk was well on his way to becoming his evil future self, the Maestro. (That's a whole 'nother can of worms.)
Then Joe Casey took over. Personally, part of me wished they'd ended the Hulk's story right there (although you get a faboo Hulk epilogue in "Hulk: The End" by PAD). Casey slightly retconned PAD's ending by revealing 1) that Betty was never cremated, but sitting in suspended animation somewhere (comebacks are inevitable), and 2) the Abombination, a 1000-lb., ass-ugly gamma monster, had somehow managed to sneak into the Banners' military installation and expose Betty to his own blood, killing her.
Banner's gotten revenge on the Abombination. Twice now. And 'bomby can now say, "Hey, but I killed your wife" every time they clash.
For the short of it, I recommend reading either those final Hulk issues of PAD's (#466ish, I think) or the "Beauty and the Behemoth" paperback, and Hulk: The End.
Ranchoth
09-21-2003, 12:27 AM
A coupla quick questions...
First...was the term "dolt" supposed to be like a really bad insult, in older comics?
And second...are there any superheros with full beards? What about supervillains?
cmkeller
09-21-2003, 01:26 AM
Ranchoth:
First...was the term "dolt" supposed to be like a really bad insult, in older comics?
"Dolt" means "idiot"...it's a genuine word, not a made-up comic book one.
And second...are there any superheros with full beards?
In DC, there's Chief from the Doom Patrol and Star Boy during the Levitz era of the Legion of Super-Heroes. And Aquaman, for a while. In Marvel, Thor had one for a while, as did two of the Warriors Three.
What about supervillains?
In Marvel: Doctor Faustus and Nicholas Scratch come to mind.
Ranchoth
09-22-2003, 01:18 AM
Originally posted by cmkeller
"Dolt" means "idiot"...it's a genuine word, not a made-up comic book one.
I know that...it's just that the context of it's usage seems a little "odd" at times. It's like the characters are using "dolt" in place of "the 12 letter 'M' word."
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