New Comics Discussion for 12/10/2008 was up late watching 'The Dark Knight' on DVD

[conorkilpatrick]

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

Here's what Josh (http://www.ifanboy.com/users/Josh/comics), Ron (http://www.ifanboy.com/users/Ron/comics), Conor (http://www.ifanboy.com/users/Conor/comics), and Gordon (http://www.ifanboy.com/users/Gordon/comics) are reading.

This week's Pick of the Week:

http://www.ifanboy.com/comics/dc_comics/nightwing/151/cover-medium.jpg

From here on out, it's SPOILER-O-RAMA.

Don't forget to rate and review the books over at iFanboy.com (http://www.ifanboy.com/comics)!

[labor_days]

If Terry Moore decides to spend the rest of his life drawing Spider-Man Loves Mary Jane covers, that would be fine by me.

[jmstump]

Did anyone else's shop not get Echo? My shop said it didn't come in this week.

[thenextchampion]

*Final Crisis #5 will be replaced by Punisher MAX X-Mas Special*

Green Lantern Corps: Very creepy issue, that last panel gave me the chills. Plus very little Violet Lanterns involved in this issue, that made it better for me.

Detective Comics: We get yet another Nightwing/Two-Face story with a very bizarre return or introduction to some sexy lady. Wasnt impressed with this issue.

Dark Reign: Terrible on both fronts, especially with the art. Maleev needs to go back to art school or practice more. This might be some of the worst panels I have seen in a comic. Those last few pages with Osborn, what the fuck was that?

Punisher MAX X-Mas: Jason Aaron needs to writer Punisher full time. Loved every second of this special. He went very far with the violence and some stuff were really terrible (babies getting killed for instance). But overall this was great, great twist with the Navity Story and Aaron is great at B-C level heroes in the Marvel U.

[gobo]

I definitely didn't feel as strongly about Dark Reign as TNC (no surprise there), the art was indeed awful but the writing wasn't bad. It just wasn't anything special either. Just sort of say there and didn't make me any more (or less) interested in Dark Reign than I was before it.

One thing I liked was how he explained why Emma and Namor were there, made perfect sense.

Final Crisis however kicked my ass in a great way

[labor_days]

Final Crisis was fantastic.

[labor_days]

Also, thank god that horrible dog face was a mask Wonder Woman was wearing. That shit creeped me out big time.

Also, also. Jordan breaking his bonds was way cool. Typical Hal Jordan moment but man was it satisfying.

[labor_days]

And that panel with the Rubik's Cube.

"17".

"PingPingPing"


Oh man. So good. Pick of the week.

[thenextchampion]

I definitely didn't feel as strongly about Dark Reign as TNC (no surprise there), the art was indeed awful but the writing wasn't bad. It just wasn't anything special either. Just sort of say there and didn't make me any more (or less) interested in Dark Reign than I was before it.

One thing I liked was how he explained why Emma and Namor were there, made perfect sense.

Final Crisis however kicked my ass in a great way

Oh yes Emma was such a perfect explaination. Was it the off-hand reference that the mutants would be put in mutant camps, or the dreams Emma had about Kitty that made you get it? Cause I dont know about you but those were really sloppy ways to handle her, especially with those pathetic dreams Bendis wrote.

The art was truely shit. I'm sorry for the language but it was. (this is a rant this isnt directed at you gobo)
I dont know what was worse, the off model characters or the sketchy backgrounds. Was it Loki and Emma's Triple F boobs or the ugly faces of Namor and Hood that got me pissed off? How people are defended that 'art' is making me confused. What was so great about it?

[iSteve]

Did anyone else's shop not get Echo? My shop said it didn't come in this week.

That has happened to me 2 or 3 times (though fortunately not today). There's something going on with Echo and Diamond Distributing.

[jmstump]

Well I have a giant stack for me of new, not sures, and a couple excitings. I plan on throwing some reviews up later, but the biggie that may shock some of those who know me as a Morrison "Hater" I've decided to get all of Final Crisis. I read the first two issues and dropped it at a point that I needed to weed some books out for financial reasons along with my disappointments over disregard for a certain event leading up to it *cough* countdown *cough* by the writer in question.

When I'm finished I plan on using issue seven to review the whole thing. I'm going to do my best not to read it the entire time thinking about how much I dislike his other stuff. JLA has given me some weird sense of hope that I can find something else he's doing currently I may like... we'll see.

As for some of the stuff that I got this week I can't wait to read:
Secret Six
Phonogram (Ron got me addicted to SiP so we'll see about this one)
Nightwing
Detective

I'm a little worried about Booster Gold. This book has been a disappointment to me lately. It's not bad, but not the same as it used to be. It's been put on the chopping block this week. We'll see if it makes it.

[labor_days]

Countdown was not an event. Morrison didn't write it or oversee it. DC decided to put that shit together haphazardly. Which they attempted to tie it into Morrison's decade+ work culminating in Final Crisis. Countdown failed on every level.

Don't blame Morrison for Countdown.

[six-gun]

Oh man. So good. Pick of the week.

Truly, I'm shocked. ;)

[labor_days]

I calls 'em like I see 'em.

Nothing lit up my brain like Final Crisis this week. That is what I want from my comics at the end of the day-- the excitement of imagination.

[optimus187prime]

Funny I liked Dark Reign, I thought the art was good except how Namor looked. For some reason I cant get enough of the Hood, but I hope they dont over use him.

[paper]

My pick is a tossup between Action Comics and Phonogram. I can't decide.

[cammyknoxville]

Action Comics #872 - Very crafty way of getting to Kandor, if I do say so myself! Something tells me Earth is a little overcrowded, and Kandor needs it's own planet. I hear Pluto is available, so why not? Interesting issue, and interesting Corps that were just freed.

Final Crisis #5 - Not going to lie, I really had fun with this issue. I pray this is the turning point for me, and I'm suddenly going to immensely enjoy the rest of the series! I especially loved the Green Lantern stuff (which I think is what won me over).

Green Lantern Corps #31 - Speaking of Lanterns of Green, this was a really fun issue. Kryb is seriously terrifying, and those Star Sapphires are just growing in numbers by the day. Glad that Tomasi is still writing this book, because it's making the march towards Blackest Night oh-so enjoyable.

Secret Invasion: Dark Reign #1 - Wow. I was pleasantly surprised by this book! I loved the conversation, and I enjoyed the group of individuals. My only complaint is Namor looks atrocious. Like, "what the fuck was Maleev thinking?!" atrocious. Namor looked like some ugly Greek who fell down the ugly tree, hitting every branch going down. The guy did not look like Namor whatsoever. Other than that, exciting issue!

B.P.R.D. War On Frogs #2 - When does Mignola come back and write? This issue wasn't good at all.

Captain Britain & MI:13 #8 - It's a trap!

Booster Gold #15 - Sure enough, it's finally happened; all this time travel business has got me confused. That, and Booster needs to stop getting Ralph's hopes up.

Punisher: War Zone #1 - Ahhh, nice to see Ennis & Dillon back together. Also, I'm calling twin-sister on this one.

[paper]

B.P.R.D. War On Frogs #2 - When does Mignola come back and write? This issue wasn't good at all.



Mignola doesn't script BPRD. He's more of an executive producer. Not Arcudi's most captivating script, but I think the art was the big distraction here. I gave this one a 3, but it could have been a 4 with Guy Davis art.

[neb]

So far, I've paged through Action Comics, GLC, Detective, and GA/BC.

Action Comics continues New Krypton's awesomeness. I'm just disappointed they didn't use more of the Creature Commandos. I would buy a solo book for them, especially if Johns was writing it. Also, the stakes continue to raise in this story. I'm lovin' it.

GLC was awesome, though I'm a bit disappointed with this baby thing and controlling the GL's. I want more of the Blackest Night setup!

Detective was pretty good. O'Neil still brings it with this issue and the art wasn't half bad. There's nothing overly memorable about it though, and I kind of hate storylines where nincompoop thiefs get the drop on the Bat folks.

GA/BC was good, but its still dropped. I wanted to give the new writer a chance, but it just recapped the series. I liked the way it was written, but there's just nothing making me want to buy it anymore.

[cammyknoxville]

Mignola doesn't script BPRD. He's more of an executive producer. Not Arcudi's most captivating script, but I think the art was the big distraction here. I gave this one a 3, but it could have been a 4 with Guy Davis art.

As long as it has Mignola as co-writer (Garden of Souls, 1946, Hollow Earth, Killing Grounds, etc), I'm happy.

[labor_days]

Dark Reign was awesome. I am excited for the coming Marvel year. Bendis writes a terrific Dr. Doom and Norman Osborn. Terrible Emma Frost though. Obviously so.

The thing is, what could mortals offer Loki? The idea behind the Dark Illuminati is neat. But I feel like the power levels of Doom, Loki and Namor were a bit beyond the influence of Osborn.

Had Osborn appealed to men more grounded and desperate in their struggle, I would have bought it more readily. A Red Skull or a Mister Sinister.

Having men such as Doom and the God of Mischief in the same room as the Green Goblin is a bit much. I just feel they are too abstract and in a way, eternal, to deal with Osborn. Keys to the kingdom or not. They should be playing him.

[labor_days]

Also, Secret Warriors is going to be sooooo good. I can just feel it. Goddamnit everyday that goes by I am not reading Secret Warriors is a day I wish I slit my own wrists. The agony of waiting!

[paper]

Dark Reign was awesome. I am excited for the coming Marvel year. Bendis writes a terrific Dr. Doom and Norman Osborn. Terrible Emma Frost though. Obviously so.

The thing is, what could mortals offer Loki? The idea behind the Dark Illuminati is neat. But I feel like the power levels of Doom, Loki and Namor were a bit beyond the influence of Osborn.

Had Osborn appealed to men more grounded and desperate in their struggle, I would have bought it more readily. A Red Skull or a Mister Sinister.

Having men such as Doom and the God of Mischief in the same room as the Green Goblin is a bit much. I just feel they are too abstract and in a way, eternal, to deal with Osborn. Keys to the kingdom or not. They should be playing him.

I gave it a 2 for all those reasons. It'd be a 2.5 if I could go half star.

[labor_days]

I mean I liked it. A total set up issue. Though there were some nice character bits and a great flow of dialog from panel to panel. I was riveted the whole time Osborn was talking. And that's great for Norman Osborn to do. Imagine that a real life Osborn would be that smarmy and somehow engaging on a level that one couldn't quite put their finger on.

However, it was when Osborn left the room that I said, "Wait a second..."

Still it looks fun. Lets hope DR doesn't end up being as dreary as SI's lead up was.

[cenquist]

Read 4 books so far....

Amazing Spider-Girl 27 - Meh...this story has fallen on hard times...hope it picks up. Review (http://www.ifanboy.com/reviews/cenquist/marvel_comics/amazing_spider-girl/27)if interested.

Young Liars 10 - Amazing cover, issue was freaky and not sure how much I liked it. Needs to set in before I decide I think.

Echo 8 - Love this issue and the art is fantastic...I think I say that every time. POW contention so far.

SI Dark Reign - All the hate on the art? I enjoyed it, yes Namor looked very un-Namor like but thought the rest was fine. Bendis did a good job writing this issue I thought, I am also going to assume that the dream sequence will be explained eventually. Not sure why we needed to know that Kitty kept Emma up at night.

[neb]

Also, Secret Warriors is going to be sooooo good. I can just feel it. Goddamnit everyday that goes by I am not reading Secret Warriors is a day I wish I slit my own wrists. The agony of waiting!

Agreed. That book is going to be crazy fun time awesome goodness. For reals.

[euchre0]

The thing is, what could mortals offer Loki? The idea behind the Dark Illuminati is neat. But I feel like the power levels of Doom, Loki and Namor were a bit beyond the influence of Osborn.
Bingo. I don't read Thor but I don't see how Osborn has the power to do anything with Asgard.

When did Doom lose Latveria? Part of me thinks Doom wouldn't stoop to letting some goon on a glider hold "his" country before him like a carrot on a stick. But the other part of me know he feels entitled to what's "his" and he doesn't care how he gets it. Then again, Doom was clearly at the meeting just to keep tabs on this little power cabal. He's above this stuff.

[cammyknoxville]

Secret Six #4 - Another fun issue, ice cream truck and all. The art on this issue (like the previous three) is just fantastic. One more issue left! :(

Nightwing #151 - Meh. It was nice to see Dick finally break that record he was working on since way way back.

DMZ #37 - Interesting issue, and the start of a good arc. Matty is playing a dangerous game, approaching Wilson like that. I'm hooked for sure.

Ambush Bug: Year None #5 - I'm absolutely loving all the Didio ball-busting! Makes me smile (and weirdly enough, want a DC Nation armband).

[labor_days]

It doesn't even make sense for someone to hold Doom in captivity. Or that should Doom's (magical) restraints were loosened for even a moment, he wouldn't bring everything around down in actual hellfire.

The smartest man in the world and the most powerful sorcerer alive doesn't allow such debasement.

Think of how ridiculous it would be if this were a DC book and Lex Luthor tried to convince Darkseid to cooperate with his plan.

Are you kidding me? Darkseid is the revelation.

[jumpingjupiter]

Agreed. That book is going to be crazy fun time awesome goodness. For reals.

When's it come out?

[thenextchampion]

I love it people are iffy on Dark Reign one-shot for very different reasons then others.

I just hated that the art was terrible, never once did it cross my mind that Loki or Doom (or how about both) could kill everyone in the room without beating a sweat. Maybe it would've been better if Osborn is the unsure leader. It would contradict somewhat since Osborn is more of a capiable villain, but this is leading the superhero community! It would've been better if Doom, Loki, and others would go to Osborn to do the dirty deed...instead of the other way around.

If you want to become an artist, dont ever buy a Maleev book, especially this one. Terrible, made me want to burn all the copies the guy had at my LCS.

[dave-accampo]

Dark Reign was awesome. I am excited for the coming Marvel year. Bendis writes a terrific Dr. Doom and Norman Osborn. Terrible Emma Frost though. Obviously so.

The thing is, what could mortals offer Loki? The idea behind the Dark Illuminati is neat. But I feel like the power levels of Doom, Loki and Namor were a bit beyond the influence of Osborn.

Had Osborn appealed to men more grounded and desperate in their struggle, I would have bought it more readily. A Red Skull or a Mister Sinister.

Having men such as Doom and the God of Mischief in the same room as the Green Goblin is a bit much. I just feel they are too abstract and in a way, eternal, to deal with Osborn. Keys to the kingdom or not. They should be playing him.

Overall, I agree with the sentiment, Labor. I didn't have a problem with Loki, though. It made sense to me. This is backroom politics. This is how it really works. Loki's not necessarily buying what Osborn is selling, but she's gonna hear him out. There's no reason for her NOT to. There's no downside. Osborn's essentially leading the most powerful force in the US -- he's good to have on your side.

I don't doubt that Loki would stab him in the back in an instant, but that's kinda the point -- that was the point of Namor and Doom. Right now, it benefits ALL of them to have the ear of Norman Osborn. It doesn't mean they have to drink the "Masters of Evil" Kool-Aid.

Even Emma has a good reason not to immediately reject this. Hell, I imagined that she was thinking something like, " can I use this to help mutants? Should I just spy on these guys and let folks know when they cross a line?" I see her being fairly conflicted, but not ready to choose sides yet.

Like you said -- it's a great set-up. It shows us a more nuanced look at how leaders might really see things. It deals with them on a character level. It's not about a plot to enslave humanity with a hypno-ray or whatever. It's backroom politics between very morally ambiguous leaders of various factions. I enjoyed it.

[labor_days]

Oh yeah totally, Dave. DR events definitely would be the way evil masterminds such as Doom and Loki work. I don't object to Doom and Loki being there in the first place. I just found it hard to swallow Osborn could spew so much rhetoric without either Doom, Namor or Loki saying, "No, no. Let us tell you how its going to work".

I thought it was awesome the way Bendis did show their base distrust. Loki's small chuckle followed by "continue mortal", Namor's hostility and Doom seeing right through his shenanigans. And of course, the whole conversation with Doom & Namor after all had left the room underscored that.

Suppose, what bothered me is how passive Loki and Doom were in that meeting. Their egos wouldn't allow Norman Osborn to think he has leverage over them. Even if it is in the best interest of the DI.

But of course that is story. Villains join forces, turn on each other, heroes win. The classics of comic books.

[neb]

When's it come out?

February.

I think...

[labor_days]

I would buy Agents Of Atlas if the art didn't turn me off.

[oh_caroline]

My pick is a tossup between Action Comics and Phonogram. I can't decide.

I picked Phonogram but these were definitely the two best I read.

Alura is such a Security Mom.

[oh_caroline]

I don't think I'm going to be able to deal with 'Dark Reign' on a lot of levels, so I'm not reading it, but I'm finding the conversation interesting -- I'm curious, is there an actual explanation for why Osborn wants Emma? It's not like 160 mutants living in San Francisco are a huge part of the world power structure. On the surface it seems like a contrived use of the character, but am I missing something?

[labor_days]

Osborn tells Emma the mutants are going to be rounded up by the Gov and they are basically dying out. If Emma is interested in the survival of her species instead of the coming Mutant Holocaust, it would be in her best interest to cooperate.

[optimus187prime]

Punisher: War Zone #1 - Ahhh, nice to see Ennis & Dillon back together. Also, I'm calling twin-sister on this one.

Even with the missing limbs. Not saying it couldnt happen though because whoever it is Ennis is going to have an outrageous story about how they got there. I am so happy with this book. Ostridge shouldnt eat that.

[optimus187prime]

Anybody have guesses on who the shadowy figure in the doorway behind Osborn was ? Dark Patriot maybe?

[oh_caroline]

Osborn tells Emma the mutants are going to be rounded up by the Gov and they are basically dying out. If Emma is interested in the survival of her species instead of the coming Mutant Holocaust, it would be in her best interest to cooperate.

That's why she's cooperating. I was wondering if there was a reason given that he would care about her cooperation.

[paper]

He does say that "having a telepath in the group will keep things honest."

So much of the issue felt like excuses. Every decision came with a disclaimer. Some were more natural than others.

[labor_days]

That's why she's cooperating. I was wondering if there was a reason given that he would care about her cooperation.
To keep the mutant and evil mutant populations in check. She is the White Queen (I thought it interesting that they refer to her as White Queen specifically), is a telepath and has connections to both the evil & heroic mutants.

Seemed obvious to me. Though maybe there are other mutants suited for such a job. Perhaps Osborn contacted the first mutant who fit the criteria on his buddy list?

Hmm. Come to thing of it, "W" would be near the bottom of Osborn's BL. "Q" is no better off realistically. And that would imply Osborn sorts by first name. Which is really stretching credulity, Mr. Bendis.

[cammyknoxville]

Anybody have guesses on who the shadowy figure in the doorway behind Osborn was ? Dark Patriot maybe?

My guess? The Void.

[labor_days]

I thought perhaps it was what/who ever was in Scarlett Witch's closet that one time in New Avengers #26.

Few things have weighted on soul such as the question of what was in that closet.

Edit: Fuck you, Mr. Bendis.

[euchre0]

Anybody have guesses on who the shadowy figure in the doorway behind Osborn was ? Dark Patriot maybe?

Darkseid.

[oh_caroline]

To keep the mutant and evil mutant populations in check. She is the White Queen (I thought it interesting that they refer to her as White Queen specifically), is a telepath and has connections to both the evil & heroic mutants.

Seemed obvious to me. Though maybe there are other mutants suited for such a job. Perhaps Osborn contacted the first mutant who fit the criteria on his buddy list?



It just seems like the risk of notifying a leader of the X-Men about his evil cabal might outweigh the benefits. Granted, Osborn's not going to give his real reasons. I guess the subtext of my question relates to what Paper is saying, that he thought everything sounded like an excuse. My hunch is that this is put together based on who Bendis or editorial wants to be part of the comic. Which, to be clear, I would be *totally fine with* if this were a team I wanted to read about. Ridiculous teamups with flimsy premises are a mainstay of comics. I was just sticking my head in the door to check on my xmen and now I'm done until it's addressed in "Uncanny."

[ryan79]

Anybody have guesses on who the shadowy figure in the doorway behind Osborn was ? Dark Patriot maybe?

Tom Cruise?

I gave Dark Reign three stars because I thought it was great writing paired with atrocious art. Like someone else said, I would have rather seen a more down to earth bad guy than porn star Loki. Red Skull would have been perfect. I loved the scene at the beginning where Doom and, I believe, Emma sit for a panel in what I think was incredibly awkward silence. Also, The Hood has become one of the favorite characters. I'm not sure what the appeal is, but I love him.

Secret Six was my pick of the week for two reasons. 1) Junior scares the shit out of me and 2) Bane and Scandal's relationship.

Bane: You may have one ice cream of your choice, Scandal Savage.
Scandal: What? But I...
Bane: ONE!

God, I love this book.

Amazing Spider-Man was kind of meh. I have no interest in The Blank and his Gene Shalit-like puns. However, the promise of Molten Man in the next issue has me giddy.

[gobo]

Is Secret Six an ongoing now? I saw someone post earlier saying it's almost done.

I'm going to be bummed if it's a mini since I'm loving it so much

[paper]

I don't really get why people are so appalled by Loki's chest. She's a god. She's from a culture that honors fertility and heartiness. There are women who have large breasts. While over-the-top renderings of women have been a problem in comics since forever, I don't think this is an example of that. You don't actually have to knock every instance of curve to maintain your membership in the equality society. Calm down, folks.

[labor_days]

Secret Six is an ongoing.

Also, Paper OTFM. People never know where to focus their derision.

[timmywood-]

I have only read dark reign and final crisis. I will dive into my other books later.

Final Crisis was a lot of fun but I am confused on who the character was on the last page.

[labor_days]

That was the Monitor who was cast down to mortal form for his individuality and failure to safeguard Earth-52.

[muady]

Earth-51, Labor.

Psh, and you think you're so smart. :D:p

[labor_days]

Dunk'd.

[six-gun]

In my opinion, Loki is just in this for shits and giggles, Doom just because he's been buddy buddy with Namor.

I don't think anyone in that room is really on Norman's script, except maybe Emma.

[six-gun]

I don't really get why people are so appalled by Loki's chest. She's a god. She's from a culture that honors fertility and heartiness. There are women who have large breasts. While over-the-top renderings of women have been a problem in comics since forever, I don't think this is an example of that. You don't actually have to knock every instance of curve to maintain your membership in the equality society. Calm down, folks.

Quoted for truth.

Also, Loki's mission is very similar to what Nolan made Joker's out to be in The Dark Knight: Chaos.

He/she obviously sees some benefit in inhabiting this female form, even if it's just to irritate Thor.

[gobo]

I'm fine with her being female, even fine with her showing cleavage it off since that's totally in character. My problem was with the size constantly changing throughout the issue and one panel off the top of my head where they just looked absolutely ludicrous.

[oh_caroline]

I don't really get why people are so appalled by Loki's chest. She's a god. She's from a culture that honors fertility and heartiness. There are women who have large breasts. While over-the-top renderings of women have been a problem in comics since forever, I don't think this is an example of that. You don't actually have to knock every instance of curve to maintain your membership in the equality society. Calm down, folks.

The best quote I ever saw on a (bad) rendering of cheesecake in comics was, "It's not that she has large breasts. It's that the artist seems to have no concept of how they're attached to her body." I, for one, don't have a problem with well-rendered cleavage that makes sense with the story. As the guys said on the last show, Jessica Jones in a halter top is dumb because she wouldn't wear it (especially not *a month after she gave birth*. Jesus!)
Loki or Emma bursting out of their clothes isn't a big deal to me because they *would do that*.

[neb]

Read through some comics today before I had to get dinner ready. Overall, I read some good stuff. Nightwing was the strongest of the bunch though, and I can definitely agree with Conor's pick this week. I'm not sure if its mine (I still have 4 issues to go), but it was good.


I have a bone to pick with Echo though. I love Terry Moore's art. I'm enjoying the story. But could it be possible to have a little less empty panels in a $4 comic. I mean, it's an 18 page comic and I feel like he spends so much time on the quiet moments. It's kind of beginning to bother me. While the empty panels are great art moments, I just don't think he has the space to do it if he's using an 18 page format. I want more story in there. More meat on the bone. I don't know. Am I crazy?

[paper]

Ew...it's 18 pages? Terry Moore is gross.

[neb]

Ew...it's 18 pages? Terry Moore is gross.

I took dumb pills today.

First, I don't get this joke.

Then, I read Phonogram and despite its beautiful pictures, it's words were lost on me.

[paper]

It's not a joke. Echo is only 18 pages? And it's 4 bucks?

I can see Phonogram being a little confusing towards the end, but I think it'll get a little more clear as the story progresses. I looooooooooooooved Phonogram this week.

[neb]

It's not a joke. Echo is only 18 pages? And it's 4 bucks?


Oh ok. I thought the word "gross" being in there was some reference to something...ah, hell, it's all good.

In regards to Phonogram, I mean, I really loved McClevie's art, but all the music references and the obtuse sense of magic in the book really confused me. And then I tried reading the back up stuff and it's just so loaded with music stuff I'm just...I just felt a little overwhelmed by the whole thing because while I enjoy music, I'm usually about 14 years behind what's popular or indie or interesting or whatever.

[paper]

I just kind of inferred the music stuff. I'm only familiar with a few of those artists. The magic is really just like jedi mind tricks, if that helps. Phonomancers are just really charismatic.

[neb]

The magic is really just like jedi mind tricks, if that helps. Phonomancers are just really charismatic.

Ah, ok. That makes a little bit of sense. It why she fails with the cute guy. Most likely, I'll continue to buy it for McClevie's art. If it starts to vibe with me more on a story level, it will be the icing on the cake.

I just finished Final Crisis. It was pretty awesome, even though the time warp distortion stuff was a little bit confusing. Most likely, this is my POW.

[oh_caroline]

Neb, I loved the original "Phonogram" and you cannot POSSIBLY know less about the music referenced in it than I do. (I mean, you've heard of the Clash, right? And Oasis? Because that was all I had to go on.) And I never really got most of the magic stuff either. But it was awesome.

One of these days, somebody's going to write a musical comic just for me. It will involve Wolverine hanging out with E Street Band in Jersey in 1974. Bruce wouldn't even have to be in it. I'd be happy with Clarence Clemmons and Max Weinberg.

[paper]

This is my understanding of the magic. Jedi mind tricks. Charms the hell out of people. You can tell she's using it when her eyes go black. I think when she tried using her magic on the DJ, who was also a Phonomancer(?), she got zapped and no longer has her powers.

[jmstump]

I enjoyed the second story in phonogram the most. It was the one that I understood the best, well along with the fact that no one can fight to Huey Lewis and the News.

Although if I've learned anything from Patrick Bateman, you can kill someone who's business card is better then you to them.

[racemccloud]

Just finished my books. Nothing stellar.

Dark Reign - Interesting. Enjoyable. Not amazing, though. I do like the "Evil Illuminati" idea, and of course I'm a sucker who wants to know what Norman Osborn had behind Door #1. The only art problem I had... wow, could Namor have looked less like Namor? In fact, he looked flat-out ug-ly.

Detective Comics - Does Nightwing fight anyone but Two-Face? When does this whole "Batman R.I.P." thing (including this fallout issue) get good?

The Wizard of Oz - Beautiful art, and a timeless story. They're adapting a novel and it felt rushed, sure, but I'll get the next one. This is just a warm-up for the movie, though.

Green Lantern Corps - Meh.

Green Arrow/Black Canary - Meh.

Amazing Spider-Man - Meh.

I enjoyed "Dark Reign" and "Wizard of Oz" the most, but nothing wowed me this week. Meh.

[thenextchampion]

Just finished my books. Nothing stellar.

Dark Reign - Interesting. Enjoyable. Not amazing, though. I do like the "Evil Illuminati" idea, and of course I'm a sucker who wants to know what Norman Osborn had behind Door #1. The only art problem I had... wow, could Namor have looked less like Namor? In fact, he looked flat-out ug-ly.

Detective Comics - Does Nightwing fight anyone but Two-Face? When does this whole "Batman R.I.P." thing (including this fallout issue) get good?

The Wizard of Oz - Beautiful art, and a timeless story. They're adapting a novel and it felt rushed, sure, but I'll get the next one. This is just a warm-up for the movie, though.

Green Lantern Corps - Meh.

Green Arrow/Black Canary - Meh.

Amazing Spider-Man - Meh.

I enjoyed "Dark Reign" and "Wizard of Oz" the most, but nothing wowed me this week. Meh.

Lets face it Race, The Wizard of Oz adaptation is all for you....no one else :)

But GLC is 'meh'? why is it 'meh'!? POTW material for me.

[dave-accampo]

Phonogram looks to be my POW. Great art, nuanced, human stories. I mean, yeah, the 2nd story is a bit like a sledgehammer, but s'allright. Cuz I love the format and concept and the first story.

Final Crisis was fairly entertaining, but it still has the same problems it's been having. Fantastic moments, but it still cuts around too quickly. There's something else here... and I'm just turning this around in my head, but... it feels a little like Morrison's got no interest in character here. It's about the scope and the ideas, but the character moments are sort of stereotypical and cardboard. You've got a character like Guy Gardner in there, but... he only serves the most basic purpose -- he's "shouts angrily guy." I don't get the sense that Morrison really cares about Hourman or whoever has a speaking role, ya know?

It's not that every character has to have a big meaty moment, but when you look at guys like Brubaker or Johns or Bendis -- they very carefully choose who they put into there stories. Even when Johns is juggling a big cast in JSA, you still get the sense that he knows why each character is there, what's at stake for them, and why they act the way they do. I don't get that same sense here. Just a random thought as I think back over the issue.

Action Comics was alright, but it just felt like Johns was trying to scratch some kind of itch with those Creature Commandos. I did like the direction of New Krypton overall.

Final Crisis: Revelations was a bit boring. Nothing really new happened here. I'm usually one who cries about decompression, but I have to admit that there's not enough nuance here for me to feel that this story has earned 5 issues.

I meant to stop buying JLA, but my shop still pulled it for me, so I bought it. I loved the Milestone characters, but... this isn't really a good set-up to introduce them. Just not having fun with this book anymore. I like McDuffie, but... I think the series has been a little too damaged for me to enjoy. Also: I reallllllly don't care for Ed Benes.

[paper]

Lets face it Race, The Wizard of Oz adaptation is all for you....no one else :)



It's for me and several other people I know as well. There are a lot of us Oz fans out there.

[kierongillen]

along with the fact that no one can fight to Huey Lewis and the News.

You understand.

KG

[gobo]

Skottie's art made the Oz book for me, the writing was solid enough but Mr. Young's art was unbelievable.

Also Phonogram was like an epiphany in book form. Un-fucking-believable.

[valoharth]

Oh ok. I thought the word "gross" being in there was some reference to something...ah, hell, it's all good.

In regards to Phonogram, I mean, I really loved McClevie's art, but all the music references and the obtuse sense of magic in the book really confused me. And then I tried reading the back up stuff and it's just so loaded with music stuff I'm just...I just felt a little overwhelmed by the whole thing because while I enjoy music, I'm usually about 14 years behind what's popular or indie or interesting or whatever.

Yea, I really didn't get the first Phonogram series at first. I spent a lot of time trying to figure out who the band were and felt like I was missing out on something. After re-reading it a couple of times it just sort of clicked, It's what I really liked about Rue Britannia. Well that and McKelvie's gorgeous art.

[cam-]

Skottie's art made the Oz book for me, the writing was solid enough but Mr. Young's art was unbelievable.



Indeed can't wait for the trade on this one, the art is amazing.

[euchre0]

Detective Comics - Does Nightwing fight anyone but Two-Face? When does this whole "Batman R.I.P." thing (including this fallout issue) get good?
My store didn't get this issue, but I really like that Two-Face has been made to be Nightwing's archenemy almost as much as Batman's. I loved the Robin: Year One series from about a decade ago, where Two-Face nearly beat Nightwing to death with a baseball bat and I love that the current writers, especially Tomasi, are highlighting how Dick takes that more personally than the other numerous people who have tried to kill him. Certainly, the dynamic can be, and probably will be, over used, but right now I really enjoy it.

[oh_caroline]

I already made 'Phonogram' my pick of the week and forgot I hadn't read the back matter or the backup stories yet. The back matter gave me some perspective on the story -- the other issues are going to take place in the same club so we'll see more of these characters; that helped me see how some of the parts fit. Also, "She Who Bleeds for Your Entertainment" was cutting and hilarious -- partly because I have long believed "Last Kiss" is the worst song in the history of songs. (I do like the Eddie Vedder cover of it, but I'm like 90 percent sure it's supposed to be ironic).

And the stating the bleeding obvious category, I just want to say how gorgeous this book is. I loved the black & white look of the original "Phonogram" but the colors add another dimension.

[neb]

The Jerome Opena Wolverine book was pretty darn good this week. The story was a little light, but the art was pretty freaking awesome.

[cenquist]

The Jerome Opena Wolverine book was pretty darn good this week. The story was a little light, but the art was pretty freaking awesome.

I flipped through this in the store and almost picked it up based on the art I saw.

[racemccloud]

My store didn't get this issue, but I really like that Two-Face has been made to be Nightwing's archenemy almost as much as Batman's. I loved the Robin: Year One series from about a decade ago, where Two-Face nearly beat Nightwing to death with a baseball bat and I love that the current writers, especially Tomasi, are highlighting how Dick takes that more personally than the other numerous people who have tried to kill him. Certainly, the dynamic can be, and probably will be, over used, but right now I really enjoy it.

I don't mind a Nightwing/Two-Face arch-rivalry at all, but I feel like they've used it a lot lately. It's like when a movie comes out that features a villain and they decide to throw that villain in a bunch of books hoping that it will increase sales... oh, wait. I think I just answered my own question.

[racemccloud]

I think I need to pick up "Phonogram" this week.

[kierongillen]

partly because I have long believed "Last Kiss" is the worst song in the history of songs.

I hadn't actually heard Last Kiss before PG2 - I don't believe it was a UK hit. Fraction suggested it as an early example of the trend we were talking about. He was totally right. And you're right - it's a terrible bloody record. Were I a Goddess I'd be pissed off too.

Thanks on the colour notes - we conceptualised series 1 to be in Black and White, because we wanted it to feel Ziney... but you can't really do a club without colour. Wilson does beautiful stuff on the pages.

KG

[oh_caroline]

I hadn't actually heard Last Kiss before PG2 - I don't believe it was a UK hit. Fraction suggested it as an early example of the trend we were talking about. He was totally right. And you're right - it's a terrible bloody record. Were I a Goddess I'd be pissed off too.


KG

The American "oldies" stations that were around when I was a kid in the late 80s/early 90s liked it a lot. I was subjected to a lot of these stations on car rides with my father. I really think hearing that song when I was 12 or so represented a weird kind of feminist awakening -- not that I thought of it that way at the time, but I remember thinking, "His girlfriend DIED, why does he sound so CHEERFUL???"