Halloween is a day for costumes, candy and comics (discussion) - 10/31/07!

[conorkilpatrick]

Tell us what you thought of the books of the week!

If you want to see what's on the iFanboys' pull list, check it out here (http://www.ifanboy.com/archive/weblog/october_31st_20.html).

The Pick of the Week is The Trials of Shazam #9

http://www.ifanboy.com/images/pick_103107-thumb.jpg (http://www.ifanboy.com/archive/pickoftheweek/10312007_the_tr.html)

Watch out for SPOILERS because from here on out people are talking about the books of the week.

[jimski]

I bought your Fear Agent, all right?

(Actually, I chose to buy the first trade and start at the start. Can't wait to see what the fuss is about.)

I'm not sorry I bought Messiah Complex! So there's that. It's actually the first x-men book I've read in a long time that feels like an x-men book to me. A team that

a) actually works together, as a team, all in the same place and everything, and

b) is mostly composed of characters I think of as X-Men, as opposed to a team comprised of Starjammers, Darwins, or characters who almost all defect to the bad guys and have Brotherhood membership cards in their wallets.

I would like to thank Ed Brubaker for the charred, smoldering newborn corpses. I'll have that with me for the rest of the day.

[labor_days]

I would like to thank Ed Brubaker for the charred, smoldering newborn corpses. I'll have that with me for the rest of the day.

More frightening than the newborn eating Sinestro alien?

http://img37.picoodle.com/img/img37/6/10/31/f_Image3m_516413e.jpg

http://img30.picoodle.com/img/img30/6/10/31/f_Image2m_62daaf5.jpg

Happy Halloween!

[mikegraham6]

just finished reading Countdown to Final Crisis. it's not perfect by anymeans but it's definitely the best of the series so far. We get some definitive set-up for Final Crisis and there's a real feeling of an imenent threat. I can't wait for Final Crisis. If Countdown can keep up the momentum, then i won't regret buying it every week for once

[iSteve]

just finished reading Countdown to Final Crisis. it's not perfect by anymeans but it's definitely the best of the series so far. We get some definitive set-up for Final Crisis and there's a real feeling of an imenent threat. I can't wait for Final Crisis. If Countdown can keep up the momentum, then i won't regret buying it every week for once

Good to know. Glad to hear Countdown's improved.

[paper]

Messiah Complex is easily the ugliest book ever to enter my home. However good the story turns out to be, the art insures that it won't get any higher than a D+.

[itsbecca]

just finished reading Countdown to Final Crisis. it's not perfect by anymeans but it's definitely the best of the series so far. We get some definitive set-up for Final Crisis and there's a real feeling of an imenent threat. I can't wait for Final Crisis. If Countdown can keep up the momentum, then i won't regret buying it every week for once

Really? I havne't finished it yet, but am incredibly bored so far. Blah, blah, blah crap we already know or has been elluded to. Monologue is very hard come across in an engaging way so an entire book of it is just... eugh. I did find slight amusement at the giant monitor though. I bet that guy feels weird.

Edit: I finished it and I'll say this. Everything declaration of war forward is fine. But the whole speech... it's like, instead of getting to watch a story, you're getting told it by a guy with as much charisma as princess amidala. It seemed like it was trying to be this really epic build up to the war, but it just fell flat to me.

Also, there were some more awesome monitors. Angry female monitor. Pirate monitor. A few robot monitors. One that looked kind of like an ape monitor. Fun stuff!

[labor_days]

Sooo. Can anyone fill me in on what went down in the Robin Annual and how it ties in with Ras Al Ghul?

I didn't know the annual was connected to the resurrection plot.

[humphrey-lee]

I hate fifth weeks, it's always such a mishmash of books. Jack of Fables and Special Forces were good so far, but now I'm too tired to read. The best thing in my stack looks to be Crossing Midnight, and honestly, as much as I like the book that should never be the case...

[conorkilpatrick]

Sooo. Can anyone fill me in on what went down in the Robin Annual and how it ties in with Ras Al Ghul?

I didn't know the annual was connected to the resurrection plot.

Not a whole hell of a lot, to be honest.

[six-gun]

I thought the Batman annual was meh and when I saw Beechen wasn't on the Robin one, I decided not to waste my money

[mikegraham6]

Messiah Complex got me really excited for this crossover. Jimski's right, it really feels like classic X-men. The only thing im wary about is this Predator X thing

[luthor]

I just finished Action Comics 858. That's some good comics. I know next to nothing about the Legion but it doesn't matter. The art was AWESOME(Gary Frank could draw an exciting ice cube) and the script was fantastic. If you've been wanting to read a Superman comic, me thinks this is the perfect jumping on point.

[mikegraham6]

I just finished Action Comics 858. That's some good comics. I know next to nothing about the Legion but it doesn't matter. The art was AWESOME(Gary Frank could draw an exciting ice cube) and the script was fantastic. If you've been wanting to read a Superman comic, me thinks this is the perfect jumping on point.

this is good to hear, i took a chance on this book at the store, im not a superman fan or a legion fan but it had Johns name on it so....
im glad i made the right choice

[labor_days]

The two page spread with the old Pre-ZH Legion almost made my heart stop.

I love that everything from the Lightning Saga to JSA to Countdown feels like part of the same coherent story.

Great panel where Supes' arrogance backfires on him. Good stuff.

[six-gun]

I'm really glad that Action has gotten good, Geoff Johns can write well, we see that in GL and JSA so AC should be good!

[luthor]

Great panel where Supes' arrogance backfires on him. Good stuff.

I think this might be a new favorite Superman moment for me. Frank nailed it too. Supes' what the **** reaction was amazingly well done.

[labor_days]

If you read the Showcase Legion you get where that sort of thing comes from too.

Both Superboy and Supergirl were inclined toward hubris, based on their Kryptonian heritage. The Legion were always designing various trials that were essentially impossible to accomplish for them.

Turning that around and having Superman say, "No worries, Dawnstar. I got this"; only to have what happens next (won't spoil for those that haven't read it yet) was a bit of a nod to the days when an alien boy from the Midwest was finally able to really use his powers.

[kwok_talk]

Messiah Complex is easily the ugliest book ever to enter my home. However good the story turns out to be, the art insures that it won't get any higher than a D+.

Didn't Silvestri do it? Not a fan of his?

[mikegraham6]

Didn't Silvestri do it? Not a fan of his?

that's classic 80s X-men brother!!!:D

[paper]

Didn't Silvestri do it? Not a fan of his?

Are you serious? Does he have fans?

[conorkilpatrick]

Are you serious? Does he have fans?

They are legion.

[kwok_talk]

Are you serious? Does he have fans?

I like it. It's very 90s, but I find it very fitting for the Xmen for some reason being very sleek and kinetic. His art on the Morrison run was prob my fav art from that time period besides Quitely and some of Van Scrivers stuff.

(Hey look, we can disagree! ;))

[cam-]

They are legion.

Count me as one. I still love his X-men run.

[paper]

This news is disheartening. Silvestri's art looks almost Liefeldian. But with less care.

Let that sink in.

What he did to Beast is absolutely criminal.

[tad]

The preview art of Action Comics 858 is what made me seek it out. The story was a mix of revisiting key moments of the Superman myth, re-establishing the Clark Kent, dufus, personality and setting up a future mystery connected to the Superman mythos. Cool stuff.

The only other thing I got was the Invincible #8 trade. Every trade of that series is a delight. Of course, I'll be hitting my other comic shop this week too because they have a wider selection of trades and I desparately need Fear Agent #2!

Jimski! Go back to the store to buy the second one before you finish the first! You have been warned.

[cam-]

This news is disheartening. Silvestri's art looks almost Liefeldian. But with less care.

Let that sink in.

What he did to Beast is absolutely criminal.

Well I haven't seen the issue yet, I'll still probably like it. Almost Liefeldian? Silvestri's characters can close their mouths. Generally.

But, hey, not your thing, that's cool. Not everyone likes Michael Lark either.

[paper]

Generally.

Not everyone likes Michael Lark either.

They don't!?

;)

[dave-accampo]

Messiah Complex got me really excited for this crossover. Jimski's right, it really feels like classic X-men. The only thing im wary about is this Predator X thing

I've been really on the fence about this one. I like Brubaker and Carey, but their X-titles have been hit-or-miss. I don't have any problems dropping and picking up X titles with giant gaps in my run, so I just dip my toes in whenever I feel like it. And honestly, I have to admit there's a part of me that kinda LIKES the idea of an old-fashioned mega-X cross-over...as long as I can read just the thirteen issues and be done with it.

So, I picked up Messiah Complex to decide.

It totally does feel like classic X-men. Did anyone else think Bru was totally channeling 80's Claremont in this ish? That last page made me think it: "This is Predator X. And he's hungry. So hungry."

That just feels Claremont to me. So Claremont. :)

[jgg0610]

Messiah Complex is easily the ugliest book ever to enter my home. However good the story turns out to be, the art insures that it won't get any higher than a D+.


Gotta disagree with you on this one Paper. This was by far one of the best X books of the last several years. The art, while not great wasn't nearly that horrible. I've seen much worse in recent memory. Can anyone say Lenil Yu?

[jimski]

I think I've been conditioned to the art style in Messiah Complex over the years. When I read it, the people in tight clothes looked like people in tight clothes with a plausible number of abs and reasonable arm lengths. I could tell what was supposed to be happening in the panels. The charred baby remains were suitably disquieting. No two people seemed to have the same face.

I guess my standards are defined by the absence of bad things. Who knew?

I will say that I've had about a bellyful of modern comics coloring. I understand the whole Alaska town is on fire, but I remember my youth when dinosaurs walked the earth and comics sometimes had as many as four colors on a single page. And I don't mean four different shades of orange, either.

[conorkilpatrick]

Stay off Jimski's lawn, kids!

;)

[jimski]

Damn kids, with your digital coloring and your hippity-hop e-mo music.

I can't help it. There are a lot of books in my stack that should have the credit "Colored By: Mud, Mostly."

[paper]

Gotta disagree with you on this one Paper.

Not really a first.

Can anyone say Lenil Yu?

"Lenil Yu"

..is a better artist. :D

The problem I have with Silvestri is that everybody looks feral. The default expression is "furious". Faces are too long. The eyes...just....It's just not clean design.

I would have loved this when I was 13. These days...give me some Cassaday.

[cam-]

Well, I just read Messiah Complex.

Uhhhhh, well Paper, I don't 100% agree with you that it was the worst art ever, but it certainly was some of the weakest Silvestri stuff in a long time. I wonder if it was rushed.

Also, I'm with you Jimski, the colouring was so dull. Isn't Nightcrawler supposed to be blue? That's some kind of dashboard on the plane to make everyone red, regardless of actual skin colour.

So yeah, the art wasn't the greatest, but I still enjoyed the story, I'm looking forward to some good old fashioned mutant fighting.

Plus, looks like Tan art for the next part so take heart Silvestri haters.

[kwok_talk]

The problem I have with Silvestri is that everybody looks feral. The default expression is "furious". Faces are too long. The eyes...just....It's just not clean design.


I find our differing perception of "clean design" interesting. Silvestri wouldn't be someone I'd personally say drew unclean art. I think it's more on the supercrisp spectrum.

I would say people like Maleev, Mignola, and Yu would fall under the unclean category for me. (and I love at least 2 of the 3 of them)

[six-gun]

The problem I have with Silvestri is that everybody looks feral. The default expression is "furious". Faces are too long. The eyes...just....It's just not clean design.

that's why he was good on Wolverine

[paper]

I think the coloring definitely lends to what I'm calling "not clean".

No, Yu isn't clean in the slightest. Mignola could go either way.

Let's try this. The cleanest design: Suburban Glamour, Mighty Avengers.

The opposite of that would be Yu and Silvestri. Though I like Yu's work most of the time. The difference is in the way he shows movement. His art is dynamic. Silvestri, to me, is using some really hyper kinetic designs, but for whatever reason they feel static, stagnant. Like watching still frames from a Mountain Dew commercial, and not the full video.

Maybe clean/unclean isn't the right argument. I should have said over-wrought. Look at that last page with the Predator X nonsense. The combo of linework and coloring is just a mess.

[kwok_talk]

I think the coloring definitely lends to what I'm calling "not clean".

No, Yu isn't clean in the slightest. Mignola could go either way.

Let's try this. The cleanest design: Suburban Glamour, Mighty Avengers.

The opposite of that would be Yu and Silvestri. Though I like Yu's work most of the time. The difference is in the way he shows movement. His art is dynamic. Silvestri, to me, is using some really hyper kinetic designs, but for whatever reason they feel static, stagnant. Like watching still frames from a Mountain Dew commercial, and not the full video.

Maybe clean/unclean isn't the right argument. I should have said over-wrought. Look at that last page with the Predator X nonsense. The combo of linework and coloring is just a mess.

I'm on base with you now. I could see him illustrating a comic book sponsored by Surge.

[paper]

Which, yep, was my favorite soda when I was around 13.

Now onto your psychosis. :D You mentioned Mignola as unclean. And Maleev. And I know you don't like Lark too much.

I think you're thing is you don't like "muddy art".

[kahunablair]

Mignola is unclean? I'm confused now...

[paper]

Kowk's afraid of shadows.

[kwok_talk]

Which, yep, was my favorite soda when I was around 13.

Now onto your psychosis. :D You mentioned Mignola as unclean. And Maleev. And I know you don't like Lark too much.

I think you're thing is you don't like "muddy art".

Has someone been creating false Wiki articles on me now? :eek:

Actually I love Maleev (even after finding out it was David Mack who did the DD that I REALLY LOVED) and Lark. Mignola, I don't have too much experience with. I called it unclean, b/c they're very smoky and such. I like it, just as I sometimes like the super kinetic Surge stuff.

[six-gun]

agree about Mignola, somewhat, there are some lines there that add detail but aren't absolutely essential, it's just his style

[kwok_talk]

Kowk's afraid of shadows.

Thanks to Bioshock. :)

[paper]

I remember a conversation where Conor said he overheard someone look at a Lark book (or maybe Sean Phillips) and put it back in disgust. And then you (Kwok) said you kind of understood there they were coming from. It was a while ago though.

[kwok_talk]

I remember a conversation where Conor said he overheard someone look at a Lark book (or maybe Sean Phillips) and put it back in disgust. And then you (Kwok) said you kind of understood there they were coming from. It was a while ago though.

Sean Phillips. YES! Not really a fan.

And my isolation on this board starts in 5...4...3...

[labor_days]

I remember a conversation where Conor said he overheard someone look at a Lark book (or maybe Sean Phillips)...

It was an issue of Criminal.

"They just opened it up, shook their head as though they just saw something distasteful and put it back. Some days you get the enthusiasm beaten out of you." - Conor or Josh, or something to that effect

I cried remembering that. Now my enthusiasm is gone.

[paper]

I kind of lump Lark and Phillips together. Same general flavor to me. Which is good, because the flavor is quite delicious. Tastes like...snozzberries.

[six-gun]

I kind of lump Lark and Phillips together. Same general flavor to me. Which is good, because the flavor is quite delicious. Tastes like...snozzberries.

Well, they're my two favorite artists and I'd say that Lark is much more realistic while Phillips will more often manipulate the reality of a facial feature to better express the emotion

[six-gun]

Sean Phillips. YES! Not really a fan.


What I love about Phillips is that, although he has improved, his older work is still very much awesome

[esophagus]

I kind of lump Lark and Phillips together. Same general flavor to me. Which is good, because the flavor is quite delicious. Tastes like...snozzberries.Phillips has a much more exaggerated polish to his characters, but I agree. Similar and delicious.

[euchre0]

Know what art was good? Gary Frank's in Action Comics. I go through cycles with Superman books, here a year, there a year, etc. I have always been bored by anything associated with the Legion, but Johns handling them in JSA recently changed that...slightly. Hopefully, Frank will stay on long enough for me to be interested in Johns' Sperman stories so when Frank ineveitabley leaves, I'll stay on.

Also, Savage Dragon #133 had cool cover art. Unlike the interior.

[mikegraham6]

OMG!!! i just read JSA on the bus, holy shit was that good, POW so far!

[jimski]

The problem I have with Silvestri is that everybody looks feral.

"Feral!" I think you just said my trigger word, because you reminded me of the one thing that had me taken aback: Beast. I've never been a big fan of the cat look, but in this issue I really went, "Yikes! What the hell is that?"

When you say Mignola is unclean, is that like a caste thing?

[paper]

That's something Lucius Kwok of KwokKast might say. "Mignola. Merely a street rat with an HB pencil. Probably stolen."

[kwok_talk]

When you say Mignola is unclean, is that like a caste thing?

I have to leave my Hellboy trades outside my house. Occassionally, I send a leper to go read it and then report back to me the plot synopsis.

[kahunablair]

That's something Lucius Kwok of KwokKast might say. "Mignola. Merely a street rat with an HB pencil. Probably stolen."

Actually, little known fact, Lucius is a huge Hellboy fan. He actually blackmailed Mignola to get a foreward in his book.

http://img34.picoodle.com/img/img34/6/11/1/f_untitledm_964f40f.jpg

Sadly Kwok, thought that Hellboy was a factual story, and that it was written to honor the legacy of Rasputin.
By the time the second trade was out Kwok had realized his mistake. He actually sent three street urchins to sit outside Mignola's window and jeer him at all hours of the night as payback.

[paper]

I will wire you 4 American dollars if you scan and share that 1000 word foreword. :D

[esophagus]

I'm willing to send 4 Canadian dollars. We're now up to, like, 8.50? =p

[kahunablair]

I will wire you 4 American dollars if you scan and share that 1000 word foreword. :D

Sorry. Lucius had every copy burned. He personally had his carriage go to every shop in town to buy each copy of the book.
That cover is all that's left. The child that was put in charge of actually lighting the flames, stole the book in hopes of using it later at night in the stables to keep warm with. He had burned through the entire book with only the cover left. Just as he went to light it, Kwok's pet Vulture swooped into the stable and took it from the boy's hands.
Sadly the vulture flew to fast for the boy, and darted towards the nearby forest. Oddly enough the vulture was shot and killed by a passing Theatre troupe that thought the bird was a wild turkey.
After discovering the cover within the talons of the dead vulture, the theatre manager realized what a find he had just made.
He in turn contacted PT Barnum who bought the cover for the extravagant fee of 3 Loonies. You see Barnum had gone to boarding school with Lucios and a bitter rivalry has brewed between the two for years. Barnum took the cover with him wherever he went and would show it off to any lady or lord he came upon in hopes of tarnishing Kwok's image.
When Barnum passed away he had the cover donated to the Smithsonian. Sadly how was he to know that Kwok would buy out the Museum the following year for the sole purpose of destroying the cover. Thankfully a young curator snuck out the cover before Kwok arrived, and it is now hidden in a warehouse some where in Northern Rhode Island along with the Ark of the Covenant and a mummified carcass of Bigfoot.

[labor_days]

I can not express to you how much that juanty K with a monocle & top hat makes me happy.

[kahunablair]

I can not express to you how much that juanty K with a monocle & top hat makes me happy.

I really like it myself. When I was looking for the file, I stumbled across the one of the KwokTalk logo slicing the KwokCast logo in half and I actually felt bad for the K and his top hat.

[six-gun]

did anyone read the POW?

[labor_days]

McCraig and Sibal's coloring and inking on Action Comics is every bit as stellar as Frank's pencils. Those opening scenes with the purple & pink lighting and great shading and perspectives...so. damn. good.

JSA was my POW but perhaps I was too hasty.

[six-gun]

I think I may have to pick up the trade of Trials, I love me some mythology

[luthor]

JSA was my POW but perhaps I was too hasty.

I've re-read Action a number of times. It's just so damn good. I don't remember the last time something out did my expectations(in comics).

[gungadin]

Just read JSA. So good. I love this book. Especially in comparison to the JL of A from whenever it was out last (I'm playing catch up). So good, although one scene at the end confused me and I don't know what the "GO" meant... But it was still just SUCH a good book. Starman is awesome...

Next up: Action Comics and the Crime Bible.

[esophagus]

Just read JSA. So good. I love this book. Especially in comparison to the JL of A from whenever it was out last (I'm playing catch up). So good, although one scene at the end confused me and I don't know what the "GO" meant... But it was still just SUCH a good book. Starman is awesome...

Next up: Action Comics and the Crime Bible.No one knows what G O is. It's kind of a mystery for us all to get worked up about. The general concensus around teh internetz seems to be that it has something to do with Gog.

[labor_days]

Yeah, I loved JSA in equal measure as Action Comics this week. In fact, I liked most of my books. T'was a good week for comics overall.

[itsbecca]

Is anyone reading Umbrella Academy? I actually read both issues this week and I have to say it is very charming and very hilarious.

That was just one on the shipping list of several that I skipped over... Somehow I didn't spot Mouseguard, Wasteland, Fear Agent or Jack of Fables. Add in Umbrella Academy on a whim and then I picked up JSA and Crime Bible because everyone was going nuts over them. I thought I was getting 4 titles and it turned into 11. I must be getting senile in my old age.

[labor_days]

Anything in the indie section such as Wasteland (So cool. Makes 3 of us reading it. Right on.) or Fallen Angel, I can skip right past. Unless I am looking for it by title. Stupid indie section. /shakes fist

Umbrella Academy Discussin' (http://www.revision3.com/forum/showthread.php?t=9865&highlight=umbrella+academy)

[diabhol]

did anyone read the POW?

Absolutely. If I was only going to read one DC title right now, that would be the one.

[humphrey-lee]

Is anyone reading Umbrella Academy? I actually read both issues this week and I have to say it is very charming and very hilarious.

That was just one on the shipping list of several that I skipped over... Somehow I didn't spot Mouseguard, Wasteland, Fear Agent or Jack of Fables. Add in Umbrella Academy on a whim and then I picked up JSA and Crime Bible because everyone was going nuts over them. I thought I was getting 4 titles and it turned into 11. I must be getting senile in my old age.

Wow. Yeah, you missed just about every good book to come out this week then didn't you?

As for Umbrella Academy, see my Sig. Love it to death I does.

[drwally]

Is anyone reading Umbrella Academy? I actually read both issues this week and I have to say it is very charming and very hilarious.

I have Umbrella Academy on my stack of books "to read" and it is one I am looking forward to. It got rave reviews on the CBQ podcast, which is what got my interest peaked. I don't really go for a lot of the books they go for, but the description in detail got me interested. Haven't read it yet - saving it for a rainy day. That's my system - I don't read (like Conor) based on company, but based on "mood." I usually follow a popcorn and candy story with something a bit more "meaty" or darker in tone. Example - I binge on Brubaker, then binge on Bendis's lighter, fun (and funnier) stuff (like USM). I also tend to pick up a bunch of stuff week to week, but actually wait awhile to read it (waiting for the end of the current USM arc before I read it, just one issue away). Daredevil and Captain America are about the only things I read as soon as I get it.

I'll be ready for Umbrella Academy after I binge on something extremely mainstream, make sense? More of a bipolar style of reading than OCD....

[gungadin]

Just read Action. Wasn't too big a fan of the art, although it had a really nice feel about it (if that makes sense at all). Johns writing that was amazing and that last page twist made me just gasp and go "Oh my God, that was brilliant." It was totally amazing.

That's the mark of a good comic. When I can get to the last panel/page and just be amazed by what I see...

But I don't know the Legion at all, and I feel I might need to get to know them a little better. I only know that Supes hung out with them when he was a Smallville teen... Other than that... it's very limited. I hope I get to know them better through this.

That's definitely an A-

[mikegraham6]

i read crime bible yesterday and i did like it but it left me feeling unfulfilled. it didn't feel like a complete issue, and that leaves me with a sneaking suspicion that it will read better as a trade

[gungadin]

i read crime bible yesterday and i did like it but it left me feeling unfulfilled. it didn't feel like a complete issue, and that leaves me with a sneaking suspicion that it will read better as a trade

It is a miniseries... ;)

[mikegraham6]

It is a miniseries... ;)

that doesn't mean anything, each issue should still stand on it's own. the ending just felt so abrupt, like it was going to continue on the next page. I actually thought that maybe my issue was missing a page

[paper]

i read crime bible yesterday and i did like it but it left me feeling unfulfilled. it didn't feel like a complete issue, and that leaves me with a sneaking suspicion that it will read better as a trade

I agree. thought it started strong, but then the story and art sort of went fast forward.

[six-gun]

Anything in the indie section such as Wasteland (So cool. Makes 3 of us reading it. Right on.)

I really want to read that, I'm asking for it for Christmas

[iSteve]

Justice Society Of America #10

Title: Thy Kingdom Come - What a Wonderful World
Writers: Geoff Johns and Alex Ross
Artist: Dale Englesham
Comments: Let me begin by saying what a freakin’ awesome cover JSA had. And the art in the rest of the book was very close to flawless. I especially dug the double page spread with Superman in a bath robe drinking hot tea. This issue rang all my iFanboy bells and pushed all my buttons. Waves of comic nostalgia washed over me – back to Kingdom Come, back to the days when there was a Superman on the JSA, back to pre-Crisis Earth-Two. So this Superman is not a resurrected Kal-l from Earth-Two, but rather Superman from the relatively new Earth-22. I’ll buy it. He appears beaten down. Notice how much his head hangs low. He wants to know if this is heaven – in other words, he is worn down by his own previous history and at the point of giving up. He’s lost his faith in humanity itself and in himself. Until, in a burst of frustration, he leaves the JSA and unintentionally saves a girl attempting to commit suicide. Maybe he has a reason to go on after all. After reading this, I hope that this older Superman is a permanent addition to the JSA.

[mikegraham6]

Justice Society Of America #10

Title: Thy Kingdom Come - What a Wonderful World
Writers: Geoff Johns and Alex Ross
Artist: Dale Englesham
Comments: Let me begin by saying what a freakin’ awesome cover JSA had. And the art in the rest of the book was very close to flawless. I especially dug the double page spread with Superman in a bath robe drinking hot tea. This issue rang all my iFanboy bells and pushed all my buttons. Waves of comic nostalgia washed over me – back to Kingdom Come, back to the days when there was a Superman on the JSA, back to pre-Crisis Earth-Two. So this Superman is not a resurrected Kal-l from Earth-Two, but rather Superman from the relatively new Earth-22. I’ll buy it. He appears beaten down. Notice how much his head hangs low. He wants to know if this is heaven – in other words, he is worn down by his own previous history and at the point of giving up. He’s lost his faith in humanity itself and in himself. Until, in a burst of frustration, he leaves the JSA and unintentionally saves a girl attempting to commit suicide. Maybe he has a reason to go on after all. After reading this, I hope that this older Superman is a permanent addition to the JSA.
nice review Steve, but i think that Supes rescue of the girl was intentional. He heard her all the way from JSA headquaters, that`s the reason why he busted out.

Question: I know that pre-crisis Earth-2 Supes is more powerful thatn the regular DC U one, but is the Kingdom Come version more powerful as well? Is it an earth thing or an age thing?

[iSteve]

Countdown To Final Crisis 26

Title: Week 26 – Halfway to Hell
Writers: Paul Dini with Justin Gray and Jimmy Palmiotti
Artist: Scott Kolins
Comments: I was just about to give up on Countdown. Not necessarily drop it from my pull list, but stop caring and give up on whether it could get any better or not. This issue reaffirms that there is plenty of life left in this series. This issue was all about the Monitors and all the dilemmas they face in trying to protect the very multiverse itself. The writers began in this issue to tie together the various storylines that have seem unrelated at times. Also, glad to know that Donna Troy is not dead again. Jason Todd is still a jerk, but not a turn-coat @#$hole.

[iSteve]

nice review Steve, but i think that Supes rescue of the girl was intentional. He heard her all the way from JSA headquaters, that`s the reason why he busted out.

Question: I know that pre-crisis Earth-2 Supes is more powerful thatn the regular DC U one, but is the Kingdom Come version more powerful as well? Is it an earth thing or an age thing?

I have no idea.

[jimski]

While not essential reading, I thought the Daredevil annual was money well spent, too. Didn't hear much about that one.

[mikegraham6]

While not essential reading, I thought the Daredevil annual was money well spent, too. Didn't hear much about that one.
it wasn't bad, but i didn't think it was up to par either (im used to perfection in my DD book). Had it been regular price (and cut down to a regular page count) i think i would have enjoyed it more.

[thefreakytiki]

http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/1386/8127400x600um3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

DC INFINITE HALLOWEEN SPECIAL

Written and illustrated by various; Cover by Gene Ha


Don't miss this collection of 13 stories of tricks and treats by some of comics' top creators, including writers Steve Niles, Mark Waid, Steve Seagal, Dan DiDio, Dan Abnett, Andy Lanning, Peter Johnson (TV's Supernatural), David Arquette (Scream), Cliff Dorfman (Entourage) and many more with art by Ian Churchill, Dean Ormston, Dustin Nguyen , Bernard Chang and others! The inmates of Arkham horrify each other with terrifying tales involving Superman and zombies, Batman and vampires, Robin and werewolves, Aquaman and witches, Flash and the dead, and more! Plus, the return of Resurrection Man!

---------------

As long as I have been reading comics I have heard the mantra "Anthologies don't work". DC's Infinite Halloween Special sticks it's skeletal middle finger to that theory and bellows a forceful BOO!

When I first saw this book I figured I wasn't going to touch it with a 10 foot pole. The listing says it was 32 pages and priced at $5.99, ouch. I'm happy to say that was a GIANT misprint (it is still wrong on their webpage). When I was at my LCS the book caught my eye (again) and when I grabbed it it definately had more girth than 32 pages. I counted up the pages and there is 70 pages of story (and 14 pages of ads).

The premise of the book is simple, the inmates are sitting in Arkham Asylum (preparing for a breakout) spinning horror stories involving many of the DCU heroes. Mind you these tales are skewed to make characters like Zatanna, Aquaman, and Batman as the "evil ghouls". You begin to wonder are these stories disillusioned tales by psychopaths trying to impress their peers or are they truthful stories that are retold by convicts who cry wolf too many times? Personally I believe it's a little of both. We now know that the way the DCU has been reconstructed no story is a throw away any more. In my opinion, I wouldn't be surprised if the stories involving Robin, Flash, Aquaman and Resurrection Man play into the bigger scheme of things into the DCU. They don't have that "throw away" feel to them. This book feels to me like a DC one shot version of the old Dark Horse Presents. I know that Marvel has it's new monthly anthology (Marvel Comics Presents) but I really think that this execution may be better. DC Infinite Halloween Special has great little stories and some may actually be seeds that grow into something more.


A spoiler free list of stories...

- Zatanna "avenges" a young boy who receives tainted candy on Halloween. Does she go too far?
- The Flash has a run in with a ghost from his past. A ghost that he helped CREATE. Mark Waid weaves his Flash magic again.
- Robin meets up with pack of lycanthrops named the WATCHDOGS. This is co-written by David Arquette. I have no idea if it is MR. Courtney Cox or someone with the same name.
- Kelly Jones returns to his Batman form by illustrating a new RED RAIN tale. This time it is viewed through the Mad-Hatter's eyes.
- The Riddler matches wits with Batzarro... I mean really, do I need to say anything else to make you see how much fun this one is?
- Blue Devil (yes the goofy ex stuntman that the Tiki has a soft spot for) has a tale that is written by DC's EIC Dan Didio that is very reminiscent of a famous dog owning Blockhead. Very cute tale about the Devil's youth.
- Of all of the horrors in the DCU, what do you think scares a psychopath like Lobo? Phobia, Mistress of Fear knows!
- Resurrection Man returns and makes Killer Croc's night a bad nightmare. I would not be surprised if this character (written by his creators Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning) is being primed for a new series.
- Other tales include Smallville, Aquaman and se Nymphs, Frankenstein and Superman with Zombies (you know they had to have zombies in here somewhere :) )

I really liked the way this book was laid out. Each inmates story covers anywhere from 2-7 pages which is perfect. Every story is self contained and makes you salivate for more when it's finished. The artwork is phenominal! It has a hit list of great talent... Ryan Sook, Kelley Jones, John Paul Leon, Trevor Hairsine, Ian Churchill and Tony Daniel to name a few. These folks are perfectly complimented by... Paul Dini, Tony Bedard, Mark Waid, Steve Niles, Steve Seagle and Dan Didio.

I know that this book has alot going AGAINST it (price, anthology and it has the obligatory DC word Infinite) but in times when alot of BIG 2 one shots are more money wasting "tricks", this one ended up being a true Halloween "treat". Happy Halloween everyone!!!!



the Tiki http://www.pixeljoint.com/files/icons/tiki_torches.gif

[conorkilpatrick]

Wow, great review!

[mikegraham6]

that book sounds like a real surprise, i usually try to avoid things like that, but if there's a copy in my LCS next wednesday i think i might have to check it out

[dave-accampo]

There's a Resurrection Man story in there? Wow, that almost makes it worthwhile right there. That was a great, underrated series.

[labor_days]

Question: I know that pre-crisis Earth-2 Supes is more powerful thatn the regular DC U one, but is the Kingdom Come version more powerful as well? Is it an earth thing or an age thing?

No, no, no. KC Superman is from Earth-22. He is very similar to the Earth-2 Superman of Infinite Crisis. However, KC Superman can't launch himself into space unaided.

The Earth-2 Kryptonians, such as Power Girl, are not on the power level of the New Earth Kryptonians (current Supeman, Supergirl and Zod) or especially the Earth-1 Kryptonians.

The Earth-1 Kryptonians were the kind that moved planets bare handed. The Earth-2 Kryptonians are the ones with highly enhanced physiology that fuels their abilities in place of the yellow sun. This is the kind of Kryptonian that Power Girl and the old Kal-L are.

[conorkilpatrick]

- Robin meets up with pack of lycanthrops named the WATCHDOGS. This is co-written by David Arquette. I have no idea if it is MR. Courtney Cox or someone with the same name.

Well, the main detective looked exactly like David Arquette. I assume it was him.

[thefreakytiki]

Well, the main detective looked exactly like David Arquette. I assume it was him.


HA! I didn't even notice that til you posted. I just went back and checked. Funny stuff.


the Tiki http://www.pixeljoint.com/files/icons/tiki_torches.gif

[davegraham]

Countdown Question - This week there were a couple of panels that took place on one of the multiple Earths where a black costumed character was roughing up Lex Luthor. I assume the black costumed character is the Superman with the silver "S" shield that was seen in the latest Crisis image (the one that looks like The Last Supper"). My question is have we seen this Earth before and if so what is its story?

[mikegraham6]

No, no, no. KC Superman is from Earth-22. He is very similar to the Earth-2 Superman of Infinite Crisis. However, KC Superman can't launch himself into space unaided.

The Earth-2 Kryptonians, such as Power Girl, are not on the power level of the New Earth Kryptonians (current Supeman, Supergirl and Zod) or especially the Earth-1 Kryptonians.

The Earth-1 Kryptonians were the kind that moved planets bare handed. The Earth-2 Kryptonians are the ones with highly enhanced physiology that fuels their abilities in place of the yellow sun. This is the kind of Kryptonian that Power Girl and the old Kal-L are.

this is why pre-crisis DC confuses me, i can never keep track of the different earths and the different versions of the characters, but i have faith that they will be a lot more organized with the 52

[mikegraham6]

Countdown Question - This week there were a couple of panels that took place on one of the multiple Earths where a black costumed character was roughing up Lex Luthor. I assume the black costumed character is the Superman with the silver "S" shield that was seen in the latest Crisis image (the one that looks like The Last Supper"). My question is have we seen this Earth before and if so what is its story?

it reminds me of the Justice Lords JLA from the justice league cartoon

[mikegraham6]

Im really stoked for this week's podcast, there were a lot of books that got me excited to hear iFanboy's thoughts.
off the top of my head:
Messiah Complex
Countdown
JSA
Crime Bible
Batman

here's hoping they touch on them

By the way guys, that "rapid fire" section was a great addition, i hope you keep it up (but maybe add an extra 10 seconds;))

[kwok_talk]

Im really stoked for this week's podcast, there were a lot of books that got me excited to hear iFanboy's thoughts.
off the top of my head:
Messiah Complex
Countdown
JSA
Crime Bible
Batman

here's hoping they touch on them


Me too, should be good discussions all around.

[dave-accampo]

Im really stoked for this week's podcast, there were a lot of books that got me excited to hear iFanboy's thoughts.
off the top of my head:
Messiah Complex
Countdown
JSA
Crime Bible
Batman



Not many people have mentioned the Crime Bible mini. I actually really liked it. But then, I'm a fan of Rucka, AND I was a huge fan of the Denny O'Neill Question series that Rucka's so obviously been inspired by.

I'm curious if anyone else enjoyed this one.

My only complaint: As much as I liked 52, I wish they could have left the whole "52 Aftermath" crap off the cover...just uglied it up, IMHO.

[conorkilpatrick]

My only complaint: As much as I liked 52, I wish they could have left the whole "52 Aftermath" crap off the cover...just uglied it up, IMHO.

Sales, man, sales!

[dave-accampo]

Sales, man, sales!
Yeah...It's just a shame, ya know? I get it, but...it's the freakin' Crime Bible! It should be dark and mysterious like the cover art.

The whole brightly colored "52 Aftermath" logo put me off. Buuuut... if it helped get the book greenlit, it's a small price to pay, I guess.

[labor_days]

Johns talking about JSA (http://forum.newsarama.com/showthread.php?t=135060).

[davegraham]

it reminds me of the Justice Lords JLA from the justice league cartoon

Hey you're right. Almost the same scene as the openning one for that episode. Except I got the impression that the Luthor in Countdown wasn't as evil as he traditionally is.

[iSteve]

Batman #670

Title: Lazarus Rising
Writer: Grant Morrison
Artist: Tony Daniels
Comments: This story is a prelude to the resurrection of Ra’s al Ghul. There are plenty of action sequences to more than adequately make-up for the plethora of unknown characters and villains that fills this book. Suffice to say that Ra’s al Ghul is making his comeback and the Bat more than has his hands full. At the same time, Ra’s (in full mummy attire) reveals his return to his daughter, Talia. Tearful reunion ensues. At least until it becomes apparent that Ra’s al Ghul is mainly interested in her (and Batman’s) son, Damien. His interest is not paternal as grandfather, but as a proprietor seeking what’s his – he intends to inhabit Damien’s body as his own. I generally can’t stand the character of Damien, but I do admire the way he stood up to Ra’s and refused his demand: “You want my body? … How do you expect me to react to that? Do I look completely stupid to you?” I loved Ra’s orders to his assassins about Damien: “We can regrow what you cut away… Main him if you have to!” Such expression of family love. Makes my own family of origin seem so healthy and sane. Fun read. Generally liked the art.

[mastap]

And I return! This week has been pretty good, Countdown has started to focus, and the Batbooks have been good. Best of My week? Gotta be a toss up between New X-men and Robin annual

[six-gun]

Daredevil Annual #1 was fantastic, it's a fairly grounded story about a reformed supervillan teaming up with Matt. The whole story has a bit of a morality play feel to it and Ande Park's (he actually did the writing, Brubaker handled the plot) script was a great ft with what Brubaker's been doing since his run began.

A

[mastap]

Daredevil Annual #1 was fantastic, it's a very grounded story about a reformed supervillan teaming up with Matt. The whole story has a bit of a morality play feel to it and Ande Park's (he actually did the writing, Brubaker handled the plot) script was a great ft with what Brubaker's been doing since his run began.

A

It was the first time i enjoyed Daredevil since "Devil in cell block D"

[six-gun]

I couldn't really give Countdown #26 a score, but I will say that I enjoyed it, the DCU is getting as politically complex as Rome post-Caesar. I like

[six-gun]

It was the first time i enjoyed Daredevil since "Devil in cell block D"

I loved it, my POW so far

[labor_days]

Think I made a msitake on passing up the Robin and Daredevil Annuals and the DC Halloween Special.

[mastap]

the annuals, yes. the special? not really, only 3 or 4 bits out of the 13 were entertaning

[six-gun]

The Robin annual was good? I may have to pick it up

[mastap]

The Robin annual was good? I may have to pick it up

The main Story was really good, and really fits with the recent theme of "Tim's becoming more like Bruce"

The second story was about Damian, and while fun, had no point

[six-gun]

Okay, that does sound cool

[labor_days]

the annuals, yes. the special? not really, only 3 or 4 bits out of the 13 were entertaning

I flipped through 'em at the store. Didn't look like anything important was happening so I put them back.

The annuals' price + my already $70 tab was too much. I'll probably pick 'em up as some point.

[six-gun]

I flipped through 'em at the store. Didn't look like anything important was happening so I put them back.

The annuals' price + my already $70 tab was too much. I'll probably pick 'em up as some point.

Daredevil was a fantastic crime story but prob not needed to keep up with the main plot

[dave-accampo]

Daredevil was a fantastic crime story but prob not needed to keep up with the main plot

Yeah, I just read the DD annual, and I have to agree. It was nice in that it was a single, complete story, and i didn't have any other books like that this week. I enjoyed it quite a bit. Nice character piece.

[pkbear]

I'm sure I'm behind the wave on this one, got delayed in reading my books. Just finished reading Dynamo 5 (which was stapled in the middle of the left-hand page startiong halfway back. odd) and when I close the book, i glanced down at the back cover to read "...a strong candidate for the best new book of 2007 - Ron Richards (www.ifanboy.com)"
Congrats Ron !!

[six-gun]

Crime Bible was bad, I was looking forward to this book so much but it just didn't gel. The ending was absolutely nonsensical (wait, so the wife was a follower of Cain? Then why was the husband coming after her with the scissors?)

The Montoya characterization was perfect of course and I'm still excited for the rest of the mini, but this is the worst single I've ever read from Rucka and he's my second favorite writer.

C+

[itsbecca]

Crime Bible was bad, I was looking forward to this book so much but it just didn't gel. The ending was absolutely nonsensical (wait, so the wife was a follower of Cain? Then why was the husband coming after her with the scissors?)


I liked it okay, but I had the same dilema. First you think OOoo Twist, then wait... but.. that doesn't make sense. Does anyone understand?

[six-gun]

I liked it okay, but I had the same dilema. First you think OOoo Twist, then wait... but.. that doesn't make sense. Does anyone understand?

Me saying that it was the worst Greg Rucka book still places above most comics on the market ;)

I tried to Wiki it, but there's no article

[labor_days]

I liked Crime Bible. Bit of a twist in the way the mystery unfolds. Not so much told from an investigation angle. Interesting.

I am intrigued for where it's going.

[itsbecca]

I liked Crime Bible. Bit of a twist in the way the mystery unfolds. Not so much told from an investigation angle. Interesting.

I am intrigued for where it's going.

Labor. You can't just comment like that without helping us out. Did you understand the twist?

[labor_days]

They were both followers of Cain. The husband was deceiving people by introducing the Crime Bible to audiences as merely academic study. The wife was deceiving her husband as she planned to murder her son in the name of Cain.

The religion played them against each other.

[itsbecca]

They were both followers of Cain. The husband was deceiving people by introducing the Crime Bible to audiences as merely academic study. The wife was deceiving her husband as she planned to murder her son in the name of Cain.

The religion played them against each other.

I see. So it was a half twist... or a reveal. What we thought was true was still true there was just more to it. So they both wanted to kill each other (and presumably the kid)?

[paper]

You could call it a "reversal"

It's a neat idea, but I don't know that shoe-horning it into one issue was the best idea. Felt rushed.

[labor_days]

Indeed. That was the religion's goal. When the kid runs away in the park the dude tells the kid to listen to his mother. It was the willingness of the parents to murder their own child that they wanted.

Montoya only saw half the truth. "You see much no-face, but not the whole picture.".

She didn't expect such depravity from both the parents. Montoya should have known better based on her previous experience with the religion of crime. Deceit.

[itsbecca]

Indeed. That was the religion's goal. When the kid runs away in the park the dude tells the kid to listen to his mother. It was the willingness of the parents to murder their own child that they wanted.

Montoya only saw half the truth. "You see much no-face, but not the whole picture.".

She didn't expect such depravity from both the parents. Montoya should have known better based on her previous experience with the religion of crime. Deceit.

I still have so many questions, but I feel like this is kind of explaining the joke. It loses it's touch. But I do enjoy the tone of the book so I'll be picking up the rest. At least at this point.

[labor_days]

Was Denny O'Neil the best crime pulp comic book writer ever?

With Crime Bible and Batman harkening back to the classic O'Neil era of both the The Question and Batman, I couldn't help but wonder if the old koot was the best there ever was.

[six-gun]

I honestly missed all of that, I did read it at 2:00

[kwok_talk]

Wow! This was such a great week for comics! In the end, I gave the book of the week to Messiah Complex and while not a crap book by any means, Batman #670 got the lowest grade of the books I read.

Full length reviews posted here. (http://kwoktalk.libsyn.com/)

[labor_days]

Holy crap. All A's, even for Countdown? I'm a little shocked.

Good reviews, Kwok.

Ok, I'll bite. What is the gist of Messiah Complex?

Seems to be a lot of chatter about it but I don't follow any X-book save two, Astonishing & New.

[kwok_talk]

Holy crap. All A's, even for Countdown? I'm a little shocked.

Good reviews, Kwok.

Ok, I'll bite. What is the gist of Messiah Complex?

Seems to be a lot of chatter about it but I don't follow any X-book save two, Astonishing & New.

Yeah, I usually grade somewhat on a curve, but I really felt like doing that would have been a disservice to how much I enjoyed the other books. Countdown was probably the least likely of an A grade, but I've given higher B grades to it earlier for lesser issues and I thought this was one of the better issues.

As for Messiah Complex, the gist is that post House of M, Marvel's mutant population is small and slowly the existing ones are dying off and such. All of a sudden a mutant is born and tons of groups (X-Men, Marauders, Purifiers, Predator X, and Acolytes) are rushing to try and get the child for their own agendas. I don't expect it to be great literature or anything, but more in a fun epic war vein a la Sinestro Corps War

[labor_days]

Hmm, does Messiah Complex have anything to do with Endangered Speices? Because I kinda hated that...

[kwok_talk]

Hmm, does Messiah Complex have anything to do with Endangered Speices? Because I kinda hated that...

Yes and no. I guess it's related b/c Beast was trying to find a cure for M-day. in the end, there was none, so the baby is the next best thing.

I hated the series too. So far, this is completely different. Something actually happens in the end. :rolleyes:

[labor_days]

Whew. Because if Messiah Complex is dependent on my reading any of that Beast/Dark Beast stuff I'd just as soon stab out my eyes.

I'll give it a shot.

[paper]

Just be forewarned. The art is so good it could stun an elk.

[kwok_talk]

Whew. Because if Messiah Complex is dependent on my reading any of that Beast/Dark Beast stuff I'd just as soon stab out my eyes.

I'll give it a shot.

If you're on the fence, I would maybe give it a few issues to see how it ACTUALLY turns out. And I don't think Silvestri's doing the art for the other issues. Thankfully, so Paper won't have seizures every time he opens an X-book ;)

[paper]

I just read the issue now. I'm trying to separate writing from art. On the fence about continuing with it.

"The child is still smoldering..."

Brubaker is above such dialogue. I like to think.

[labor_days]

I say stuff about comic books out this week here (http://lecinemafantastique.blogspot.com/2007/11/funny-books-for-week-of-103107.html).

After 3 readings, I decided Action Comics was the most fun I had this week in reading a comic. Perhaps it was just the Legion fanboy in me but I went with my gut. But I gotta say, JSA was top class as always.

[six-gun]

Holy crap. All A's, even for Countdown? I'm a little shocked.


I would have graded all of my books this week in the A- to A+ range except for Crime Bible and Countdown

I also read basically all of the good books from last week (Fear Agent, Green Arrow: Year One, Crawlspace: XXXombies and Daredevil because of a DCBS mix-up, so this was like the greatest comics weekend ever

[labor_days]

Didn't really like Crawlspace: XXXombies too much. The art was aesthetically unpleasant for me. I couldn't get past it.

[six-gun]

I just read the issue now. I'm trying to separate writing from art. On the fence about continuing with it.

"The child is still smoldering..."

Brubaker is above such dialogue. I like to think.

That is pretty bad, but what's the context?

[six-gun]

Didn't really like Crawlspace: XXXombies too much. The art was aesthetically unpleasant for me. I couldn't get past it.

I like the art and it made me laugh, I'd give it a B+

[labor_days]

Six, I can't find any of your reviews in the blog. Where are they?

[paper]

The neighborhood's been torched and a woman is carrying the scorched body of her child. Then Scott offers the aforementioned observation.

There's also a lot of orange to reinforce the fact that everything is burning.

[six-gun]

Six, I can't find any of your reviews in the blog. Where are they?

I haven't posted them there, just offering my grades on books as they come up.

This weekend I had a physics project to do so I didn't have too much time to write reviews, I'm going to try and start doing what you've been doing on Cinema Fantastique (which I'm really enjoying by the way) next weekend.

[six-gun]

There's also a lot of orange to reinforce the fact that everything is burning.

well that's the colorist's fault ;)

[paper]

Someone had to try and distract from the horrific pencils.

[six-gun]

Someone had to try and distract from the horrific pencils.

maybe the inker should have hidden waldo in the panels

[mikegraham6]

I just read the issue now. I'm trying to separate writing from art. On the fence about continuing with it.

"The child is still smoldering..."

Brubaker is above such dialogue. I like to think.

i've got to agree with Jimski, i really think brubaker was channelling Chris Claremont with this book (and Claremont isn't above cheesy dialogue).
I feel like if your not a fan of the claremont era x-men (pre-90s, not post-90s) your not going to enjoy this as much (i could be wrong though)

[diabhol]

I feel like if your not a fan of the claremont era x-men (pre-90s, not post-90s) your not going to enjoy this as much (i could be wrong though)

I expect you're correct.

Still, if one wasn't a fan of pre-90's Chris Claremont, I can't imagine why one would bother reading X-comics at all.

[conorkilpatrick]

I expect you're correct.

Still, if one wasn't a fan of pre-90's Chris Claremont, I can't imagine why one would bother reading X-comics at all.

How is that? That would disqualify a good portion of the comic reading audience.

I wasn't a big fan of the pre-90s Claremont books but I read a lot of the 90s X-books.

[labor_days]

I liked the Morrison X-Men a lot more than Claremont.

Claremont was just so all over the place.

[gungadin]

Still, if one wasn't a fan of pre-90's Chris Claremont, I can't imagine why one would bother reading X-comics at all.

I never read a Claremont comic (except the "Day After House of M" one shot thing) and I still like the X-Men. I blame Joss. His X-Men run is just... Astonishing...

[six-gun]

How is that? That would disqualify a good portion of the comic reading audience.

I wasn't a big fan of the pre-90s Claremont books but I read a lot of the 90s X-books.

I really hope Messiah Complex is collected into one trade. I recently dropped Uncanny because it was going into a crossover and I didn't want to miss anything because I wasn't reading any other X-books and because I didn't think it was up to snuff with Brubaker's other work.

However it goes against my fandom to not be reading a Brubaker book and Conor made the one-shot sound quite excellent. (I'm also really interested to see how well Brubaker does writing Wolverine)