I Hate Team Books

[itsbecca]

So I have a question. In the same vein as I Hate Superman... X-men aside, I hate Team books. I'm not sure exactly why I have this prejudice. Maybe because my introduction to super heroes wasn't in broad book spanning universes, but in compartmentalized cartoons like Batman, Spiderman and X-men. In fact, even crossovers make me antsy.

But I am a fair and just and from the talk around there sounds to be some well written ones out there. So I'd like to take some recommendations of the best ones. Here are some of my other likes and prejudices.
-I loved Identity Crisis - very dramatic and powerful
-I hated the last JSA - to dramatic and powerful
-I don't have much tolerance for silly characters. If your power pales in comparison to those around you then I wonder why you're there. You shouldn't be there. And your costume is dumb. I'm not going to name names...
-Not a Superman fan
-I hate Batman as a giant godly creature that everyone is in awe of. This irks me because it makes him what I don't like in Superman.
-I picked up one issue of something that I can't remember where two people (who I can't remember) were trapped under a building and under water. Or something like that. It was really quite good, so if it's representative of the series I'd probably like that title.. whatever it was...
-I do like 52, but I think this may because the stories have their own space. Countdown is up and down.
-I pretty seldomly enjoy reading about kids.

So... any helpful suggestions?

[conorkilpatrick]

-I picked up one issue of something that I can't remember where two people (who I can't remember) were trapped under a building and under water. Or something like that. It was really quite good, so if it's representative of the series I'd probably like that title.. whatever it was...

Justice League of America #11.

[fred]

-I picked up one issue of something that I can't remember where two people (who I can't remember) were trapped under a building and under water. Or something like that. It was really quite good, so if it's representative of the series I'd probably like that title.. whatever it was...

That was very likely JLA #11. It sadly is not representative of the series.

New Avengers is good. X-Factor is good. I really like JSA. It seems that outside of those, I may be over team books for the moment.

[fred]

Justice League of America #11.

damn you kilpatrick!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

[itsbecca]

That was very likely JLA #11. It sadly is not representative of the series.

New Avengers is good. X-Factor is good. I really like JSA. It seems that outside of those, I may be over team books for the moment.

Well that's a downer. And I see the writer has changed now anyhow, which is really my sort of luck.

As JSA goes, it seems so super serious, but I've only read the one issue. Is the tone of #10 fluid throughout the other issues?

[conorkilpatrick]

Becca, what would your ideal team book look and feel like?

[esophagus]

Well that's a downer. And I see the writer has changed now anyhow, which is really my sort of luck.

As JSA goes, it seems so super serious, but I've only read the one issue. Is the tone of #10 fluid throughout the other issues?As serious as the book is, it isn't ever nearly as serious as it was in #10, and the next issue or two. The presence of KC Supes has really brought that on.

[labor_days]

As JSA goes, it seems so super serious, but I've only read the one issue. Is the tone of #10 fluid throughout the other issues?

Nah, Johns balances the superhero hijinx with the right amount of seriousness. I don't think it's a dour series overall.


edit: Well, hell. Eso got there before me. But yeah, what he said.

[itsbecca]

Becca, what would your ideal team book look and feel like?

Hmmm... I think my biggest worry about a team book is plot (or page space) spreading thin amongst a group of people. So my idea book all characters involved would be rich as far as their actions and motivations. The plot would be engaging and create an compelling need for these people to be grouped together as they are. Otherwise I'm open as far as characters go and can enjoy both drama, comedy or a mixture as long as it's well written with interesting dialogue.

[kwok_talk]

Hmmm... I think my biggest worry about a team book is plot (or page space) spreading thin amongst a group of people. So my idea book all characters involved would be rich as far as their actions and motivations. The plot would be engaging and create an compelling need for these people to be grouped together as they are. Otherwise I'm open as far as characters go and can enjoy both drama, comedy or a mixture as long as it's well written with interesting dialogue.

Runaways? I think they've tried to develop the characters evenly (Chase prob being the least developed so far). It has drama and comedy a plenty and that lovey dovey stuff too.

Edit: Oh wait. You don't like books about kids..

Checkmate? Even though there's 10 million characters, it doesn't feel that much like a traditional "team" book.

Edit: Crap. Well, can you overlook Mr. Terrific's costume?

[mrugly]

Please, please, please read the following:

Dynamo 5 - The trade dropped the other day that collects the first 7 issues. Issue #8 is out as well. I'd recommend this to anyone who wants to get into a team book since they actually take a little time to develop each character. Very, very good read.

Fantastic Four (Begin at #551) - I just picked this up last week and really liked it. It's a new arc, a great jumping on point, and it makes me want to stick around for this run even though I have never really been a fan of the Fantastic Four (beyond the good animated series that aired on fox during the mid 90s).

[e-tagg]

What team books have you read that you DIDN'T like?

I say still give Runaways a try; in terms of team dynamics and interactions, it's one of the best. And I'm one that dislikes badly done teen books. I'll also second X-Factor, but just be aware that it's got a quirky sense of humor.

But the highest recommended book would have to be Astonishing X-Men; it's got everything that's good about team books. I'd suggest jumping on at the beginning or at the first issue of one of the arcs, but definitely not the most current issue.

[dave-accampo]

Hmmm... I think my biggest worry about a team book is plot (or page space) spreading thin amongst a group of people. So my idea book all characters involved would be rich as far as their actions and motivations. The plot would be engaging and create an compelling need for these people to be grouped together as they are. Otherwise I'm open as far as characters go and can enjoy both drama, comedy or a mixture as long as it's well written with interesting dialogue.

You know, I'm still not sure I love this book, but...The Order by Matt Fraction and Barry Kitson does strike me as a book that is really all about examining the actions and motivations of that particular group. Right now, each issue focuses on a different team member, and really digs into what makes them tick. So while you wouldn't get all characters' motivations in ONE issue, but I believe you are getting that over the course of the arc.

Might be worth checking out.

Also: whoever said Runaways. That book seems to cover all the characters over time, and has a compelling reason for them to be together.

[itsbecca]

Well that's 3 for Runaways. I guess I have to swallow my pre-conceived notions and give it a shot. I'll try it out wednesday, if marvel's site ever decides to work so I can judge what's a good issue to pick up.

[conorkilpatrick]

Becca, you are nothing if not open minded. I applaud you.

*clap*clap*clap*

[labor_days]

The Order is a good recommendation.

As Dave said, there is a strong emphasis on developing the characters individually.

Enjoying that one myself.

[esophagus]

What team books have you read that you DIDN'T like?
I'm guessing plenty based off the title of this thread.

Runaways is fun. But if you want to be able to enjoy kids in a book, never read Young Avengers