Fred's This Week In Comics for 2/28/2007 [Archive]

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fred

03-01-2007, 03:32 AM

This was a weird week. I don't think I've ever panned such a high percentage of my books before. I had 16 books and 6 of them received a D or an F. All of the F books were waaaay worse than the D books. The accuracy suffers from not being able to go below an F. The book of the week was Daredevil #94. The company of the week was Image. The worst book of the week, and by a damn far sight, was Civil War Front Lines #11. This post is going to have to be broken into 2 posts. I'm not padding my posts; it's just that this exceeds the length a post can be.

Marvel

Marvel was the most frustrating publisher of the week with a B average. This alone makes me consider changing to a grade weighting system.

Daredevil #94 - This book was spot-on perfect from start to finish. The cover by John Romita Sr was awesome and it was really cool to see it as a legitimate throwback with even the Marvel comics box and pricing. Ed Brubaker is insanely gifted. The art was really good, but it's been better.
The story itself was amazing. It was told from in the voice of Milla. It traveled throughout the lifetime of her relationship with Matt while being told as she waited up for him to return from his nightly activities as Daredevil. It was a perspective that I personally never think about. What impact on Milla does Matt's role as Daredevil play? It plays a large role. She constantly fears that he will die, never return, get arrested, or be in danger. She also talked of her time away, and why, and also how she has since reconciled Matt's love for her and his love for Karen Page. It was a story about love. Real love, difficult love, the kind that kids don't understand. She can't walk away despite all the pain and the fear because she loves him. I know it sounds corny and it's kind of out of character for me but it blew me away. A+

Civil War Front Line #11 - Wow. How can one book be so awful? I'm not sure. Let me do a wrap-up and then I'll get into the problems.

It opens with Urich and drunk reporter hiding from the CW 7 battle
Next goes to Ben and drunk reporter interviewing Cap
Drunk reporter yells at Cap for a few pages because he doesn't know what MySpace is (isn't he lucky?)
Most of the superhuman community registers in the wake of the CW7 battle
Sentry comes out for Registration
Drunk reporter and Urich start an 'indy' news site because they're hip and cool
Jokes about Rhode Island
Drunk reporter and Urich interview Tony Stark and confront him with the 'awful truth' that he masterminded much of the chaos after Stamford including the assassination of the Atlantean delegate so that he could get the government to pay for 42 which will soon be used for supervillians
He also manipulated the stock market to make enough money to finance superhero pensions
They leave
Tony cries and punches things
I promptly do the same

The problems:

In the last 8 days (if you count today), Marvel has released two books that characterize Captain America in a way that some would say is more offensive than pissing in a deaf girl's ear. In CW #7, he made that horrible speech about 'the will of the people' which ran against his earlier speeches. This was of course the same book where he surrendered like a coward because the people don't want to be free.

In this issue, drunk reporter (no I won't look up her name) begins a ****ing tirade against Captain America while she's interviewing him. It's not even that she has the AUDACITY to talk that way to Captain America, it's what she says. She basically posits that Cap doesn't know anything about America or have any right to fight for what he believes in for these reasons:

1) He doesn't know what MySpace is
2) He's never watched American Idol
3) He's never been to a NASCAR race
4) He's never watched the Simpsons
5) He doesn't while away the hours watching videos on YouTube
6) He doesn't realize that America is now about Paris Hilton, High Cholesterol, and scheming your way to the top

Seriously, this was her argument. And at the end he sits slumped in his chair looking defeated (read French).

I am going to be honest with you guys because I love you all madly. The American people are stupid. No, really they are. Norbit was #1 at the box office. Need I continue? Ok, then I will. Ghost Rider was #1 two weekends in a row. Wrestling exists. Should I keep going? OK, a few more. Paris Hilton gets interviewed about her opinion - and people care. Seriously, I have to stop now because my head is going to explode.

In keeping with this knowledge, opinion polls do not sound policy or right make. I'm not advocating fascism. This is what I mean: sometimes the people are wrong. You could take an opinion poll that showed that most of the American public supported murder and that wouldn't make it right. There are cases where right is right regardless of how popular that opinion is. Cap was in one of these situations and Marvel ****ing blew it. I'm happy overall with where the Marvel U is at the end of Civil War and leading into the Initiative, but I am not happy AT ALL about the way they've treated Cap. Let us have our hero back. F

Black Panther #25 - This is a good book. This was a good issue. The only thing that was kind of weak about it was that it took place before, during, and after CW #7. I'm ready to move on. But other than that, it was strong. This was the Storm and Thor battle that we've been waiting for. And who wins? Hercules. Eh, copout.

Also, a bit of hackery crept in. Sue Storm to Thor: 'You're my husband's abomination and I'm here to abort you.' Now, I love a good abortion quip as much as the next guy, but this felt INCREDIBLY forced. C

Eternals #7 - This effete, ethereal bullshit guest-starring Tony Stark sucked more ass than a cruise ship full of middle managers. I am so glad this series is over. I moderately enjoyed it for the first 3 or 4 issues but it has consistently gotten worse with each issue since. This particular issue was about as fun as having your brain removed with a hook through your nose. It was a struggle just to finish it. It's a shame really because Neil Gaiman could write War and Peace next year and I won't ****ing read it. I'm done dude. I can't take it anymore. F

Wolverine #51 - How long can a fight between Wolverine and Sabertooth go on? If ASB&R's drive to the batcave is any indication, it's got to be less than four issues. I have really mixed feelings on this issue. I was really excited to see Loeb and Bianchi come onto the book. In places, it's pretty good. But then there are the problems:

1) The goddamn furries. These people creep me the **** out. The thought that I should have to pay money to see creatures that remind me of them irritates me.
2) The fight - way too ****ing long
3) The narrative - intensely confusing. Wolverine dreams, dies, blacks out, and flashes back. It never stays with the story.
4) Storm - why? Why can't we just finish this Wolvie/Sabertooth thing once and for all? What is Storm doing there?
5) The art - At times, it's amazing. At other times, it's terrifyingly horrid
I really don't know what to say about this. It's Wolverine, so I'm in by default. The bottom line is that I CANNOT recommend this to anyone else. It has too many problems. D+

X-Factor #16 - It may sound insincere, but thank God for Peter David. This was the sixth book I read. Front Line, Wolverine, and Eternals all went before this one. Needless to say, I was not in a good mood. This changed all that, at least for a moment.

This issue takes place as Jamie's tour around the world to absorb his dupes continues. He goes to collect his dupe that became a priest or pastor of some kind. I don't think they really specified. Anyway, this dupe had gotten married and had a son. He had made a life and a family for himself. Ultimately, Jamie let him stay with his family rather than absorbing him. Also, Monet and Syrin kidnapped/adopted a French orphan girl. So that storyline should be great or completely terrible in the coming months. The art was by Raimondi this month and it was good. The cover did not occur in the book nor will it ever. A-

Runaways #24 - BKV closes out his time with the Runaways with one cool-ass fastball special that saves Nico from the Gibborim. This was great as it is every month. I will miss Vaughn and I hope that Joss Whedon can keep it up. He's got some interesting things to follow up on. It appears Alex Wilder is with the Gibborim now and Gert, it seems, will remain dead. So look for Whedon's teen angst melodrama engine to be hitting on all cylinders around Chase. A-

X-Men #196 - Uggh. Is it just me, or is this unremittingly ****ing terrible? I'm fairly close to dropping this. I feel that strongly about it. The 'story' was the culimnation of the Primary Infection arc. Rogue is sick and dying. Cable is still a douche. I don't know what to say.

The art was horrid as Ramos' always is. Stationary stores should have lists like casinos do that ban people from entry. Ramos should not even be allowed near pencils. F

Iron Man #15 - This was the infamous and awaited Iron Man Director of Shield issue. This issue takes place post Civil War and attempts successfully to wrap up Tony's accomplishments in his first few weeks as the Director of SHIELD. It was odd that I liked it as much as I did especially when you consider how annoyed I've been by IM throughout the length of Civil War. The art was ok too. B+

Heroes for Hire #7 - Consider yourself dropped. This book sucks. This is at least the second time that the main story was outshined by a Mini Marvels story in the back. **** ‘em. I'm out. F

Dr. Strange the Oath #5 - This was excellent. I thought that the last issue (#4) was a little flat but this one came back with a bang. Good art, good story, fitting conclusion. Especially loved the surgeon slap fight. Just enough scratching and hair pulling. B+

fred

03-01-2007, 03:33 AM

Image

Image was the company of the week with an A average.

The Walking Dead #36 - I couldn't wait to read this book after way they ended #35. At the end of the last issue, the party led by Rick arrived back at the prison to see it overrun with zombies. There was a big battle and they fought them off and got inside. In the next few days, they cleared it out again. It was at this point that they realized that Martinez had been a spy and that he'd just left to get the people from the other town. The battle is set up. Also, Michonne has clearly lost her mind and there should be some interesting things that come out of that. They are also gearing up for the birth of "Rick's" baby. I use quotes of course because it's not really his. A lot happened in this issue and it didn't feel crammed together. Another great outing from Kirkman. A

Strange Girl #14 - This was great. I loved it. BUY THIS BOOK. I'm not going to summarize it that in depth because I want you to BUY THIS BOOK. The art is beautiful and the story is excellent. I wish that it came out more often. To this I'll only add: BUY THIS BOOK. A

DC

DC had a good week with an A average in DCU books, a B- in Vertigo, and a B+ overall.

The Flash #9 - This was excellent. I don't have much experience with the Flash. I've never read a Flash ongoing or mini. I've only seen him in other books I've read. This was the first issue for Guggenheim who did such a good job recently with Wolverine so I thought I'd give it a shot. It was amazing. I'm signing up for the book now for as long at least as Guggenheim writes it.
The story was good. It was funny. I wasn't terribly lost, which given my lack of history with The Flash, is amazing enough. It had excellent use of internal monologue to explain things as they happened. The narrative was also good enough to make the fight scenes make sense without studying them too much.

The art was good. I liked it. Buy this book, I'm going to. A

Vertigo (DC)

American Virgin #12 - This is a consistently great book. I love the story and the art. This issue was excellent standout in a series full of excellent issues.

The story is really beginning to develop. It's the story of a journey. It's not about an actual physical journey, as if you and several friends took an insanely long walk to drop a ring in a volcano. It's about Adam's journey to discover who he is and what his life will be. As the book opens, he has a successful career going as a virginity advocate or some other such hella-Jesus friendly thing. He's in love with a girl that he thinks is his soul mate. He feels like he's being called by God to do the things he does and shown the woman of his dreams. Then in issue #1, she's killed. Brutally killed. Since this point, the book has been about him trying to rediscover his purpose in life and work out what he thinks God's plan is for him. It's not like that though, it's not preachy. If anything, it's a bit anti-religious in tone. It's a great story though and it's fun to watch Adam try to figure out who he is and what he'll do with his life. I love it. A+

Deadman #7 - This book keeps challenging me to drop it.... but then it gets good, and now we're back to horrifying again. It's got one more issue. We're 7 issues in and I'm really not sure at all where it's going. Also, the penciller sucks. D

PV_2

03-01-2007, 03:51 AM

I am not happy AT ALL about the way they've treated Cap. Let us have our hero back.

Preach it, brother! They better fix this right quick next week when Cap FINALLY comes out again. As for Frontline - wow - I can't believe some of that happened. I have to give thanks again to you and the others that took one for the team and posted the Don't Buy Warning in time for me to leave it on the shelf. There is iFanboy in team.

Iron Man #15 - This was the infamous and awaited Iron Man Director of Shield issue. This issue takes place post Civil War and attempts successfully to wrap up Tony's accomplishments in his first few weeks as the Director of SHIELD. It was odd that I liked it as much as I did especially when you consider how annoyed I've been by IM throughout the length of Civil War. The art was ok too. B+

Iron Man was fun - I thought Tony running SHIELD like a company and bringing pseduo-progressive Corporate Policies like a suggestion box and casual Fridays was a fun idea. It was refreshing that the story was looking beyond the usual Marvel U to International concerns, giving it a Checkmate vibe. B+ is right on.

The Flash #9 - This was excellent...I'm signing up for the book now for as long at least as Guggenheim writes it.

It might be boring to keep agreeing, but when you're right you're right: This was a great jumping on book, sets up the character for upcoming stories while also providing a real nice done-in-one young-superhero story. I would like to take this opportunity to encourage anyone who's also finding Guggenheim to be the real deal to also check out Blade, where he's been kicking ass as well (plus Chaykin!)

Jimski

03-01-2007, 03:52 AM

She basically posits that Cap doesn't know anything about America or have any right to fight for what he believes in for these reasons:

1) He doesn't know what MySpace is
2) He's never watched American Idol
3) He's never been to a NASCAR race
4) He's never watched the Simpsons
5) He doesn't while away the hours watching videos on YouTube
6) He doesn't realize that America is now about Paris Hilton, High Cholesterol, and scheming your way to the top

That is so interesting to me. I was just reading Mark Millar's Civil War postmortem, and in the interview he said, "Cap realizing people liked Tony's ideas and surrendering was a huge surprise. How can you call yourself Captain America when you're out of step with public opinion?" Now, I find that line of thinking sort of completely baffling, but very interesting as a take on what it means to be the hero that "represents America." It sounds like Paul Jenkins took that ball and ran with it in his inimitably Jenkinsian style.

Black Panther never fails to pleasantly surprise me. The page that's just Ororo and Sue Storm watching the Hercules/Thor fight was a riot. Hudlin remembers when comics were fun.

paper

03-01-2007, 03:53 AM

I read a good chunk of this week's books in trade, so my stack was decidedly light.

I liked Flash, but I'm looking forward to new art. I think my enjoyment of the book would have gone up considerably with some better pencils. I'll stick around.

My POW is probably Daredevil as well. It's definitely a little experimental, but I think it worked out much better than Batman and the Purple Prose of Cairo. The cover is awesome.

Seriously, it took everything in me to leave Runaways on the shelf. Gotta wait til hardcover.

K-Dizzle

03-01-2007, 03:57 AM

horatio616

03-01-2007, 03:59 AM

I am going to be honest with you guys because I love you all madly. The American people are stupid. No, really they are. Norbit was #1 at the box office. Need I continue? Ok, then I will. Ghost Rider was #1 two weekends in a row. Wrestling exists. Should I keep going? OK, a few more. Paris Hilton gets interviewed about her opinion - and people care. Seriously, I have to stop now because my head is going to explode.

In keeping with this knowledge, opinion polls do not sound policy or right make. I'm not advocating fascism. This is what I mean: sometimes the people are wrong. You could take an opinion poll that showed that most of the American public supported murder and that wouldn't make it right. There are cases where right is right regardless of how popular that opinion is. Cap was in one of these situations and Marvel ****ing blew it. I'm happy overall with where the Marvel U is at the end of Civil War and leading into the Initiative, but I am not happy AT ALL about the way they've treated Cap. Let us have our hero back. F

Fred Fred Fred! Relax man. People shouldn't be berated for their personal tastes. Don't be a Taste Nazi! People like what they like. Watch what they want. Read what they want. That's what makes this a beautiful groovy country, man!

American life is stressful. When recreation time comes, especially when it comes to tv and the movies, Americans like breezy stuff. We don't get siestas or 32 hour work weeks and universal health care so give us a break when we want things dumbed down. I watched Ghost Rider. It was stupid as hell, and that's okay. (I watched Pan's Labyrinth two weeks before so I earned a pass.)

As for this Cap-abuse, it doesn't jibe. They had him trash Manhattan, which he never would have done, so that they could reap all this abuse on him and make new stories out of it. It's a gigantic, sorry-ass plot hammer so that they can build him back up during next year's crossover, or maybe this year's, or this quarter's, or whatever. It's like a Horatio Alger story except with chain mail undies and an adamantium shield.

Like you never watched Paris porn! :P

PV_2

03-01-2007, 04:00 AM

My POW is probably Daredevil as well. The cover is awesome.

Yeah, Daredevil was hands down the best cover I saw this week.

fred

03-01-2007, 04:01 AM

Preach it, brother! They better fix this right quick next week when Cap FINALLY comes out again. As for Frontline - wow - I can't believe some of that happened. I have to give thanks again to you and the others that took one for the team and posted the Don't Buy Warning in time for me to leave it on the shelf. There is iFanboy in team.

Iron Man was fun - I thought Tony running SHIELD like a company and bringing pseduo-progressive Corporate Policies like a suggestion box and casual Fridays was a fun idea. It was refreshing that the story was looking beyond the usual Marvel U to International concerns, giving it a Checkmate vibe. B+ is right on.

It might be boring to keep agreeing, but when you're right you're right: This was a great jumping on book, sets up the character for upcoming stories while also providing a real nice done-in-one young-superhero story. I would like to take this opportunity to encourage anyone who's also finding Guggenheim to be the real deal to also check out Blade, where he's been kicking ass as well (plus Chaykin!)

they've really ****ed Cap in this whole CW thing. It's kind of ironic too because Millar said at Newsarama just yesterday I think that Cap and IM were chosen because they were iconic and their books haven't been selling all that well. This was designed to PUSH their books. Now, it's over and Tony's a dick and Cap has been totally mischaracterized.

I've read some of the Blade relaunch and I haven't loved it. Maybe at a later time with some distance....

fred

03-01-2007, 04:05 AM

That is so interesting to me. I was just reading Mark Millar's Civil War postmortem, and in the interview he said, "Cap realizing people liked Tony's ideas and surrendering was a huge surprise. How can you call yourself Captain America when you're out of step with public opinion?" Now, I find that line of thinking sort of completely baffling, but very interesting as a take on what it means to be the hero that "represents America." It sounds like Paul Jenkins took that ball and ran with it in his inimitably Jenkinsian style.

Black Panther never fails to pleasantly surprise me. The page that's just Ororo and Sue Storm watching the Hercules/Thor fight was a riot. Hudlin remembers when comics were fun.

It was awesome in BP when they both recoil and say 'OOOOOH'

I love Jenkins as a person, but the dude can't ****ing write. This nonsense about the list of qualifications to represent the people was retarded. Am I out of step because I hate My Space, think the Simpsons died 10 years ago, would rather **** a dog than watch NASCAR, and don't hold the same cynical views about what America is about? And American Idol, don't get me started

fred

03-01-2007, 04:05 AM

I have always thought of Captain Americas patriotism coming from the ‘dissent is patriotic’ school of thought as opposed to the ‘I subscribe to TV guide and TIVO the View’ lifestyle.

That's exactly my point too

fred

03-01-2007, 04:08 AM

Fred Fred Fred! Relax man. People shouldn't be berated for their personal tastes. Don't be a Taste Nazi! People like what they like. Watch what they want. Read what they want. That's what makes this a beautiful groovy country, man!

American life is stressful. When recreation time comes, especially when it comes to tv and the movies, Americans like breezy stuff. We don't get siestas or 32 hour work weeks and universal health care so give us a break when we want things dumbed down. I watched Ghost Rider. It was stupid as hell, and that's okay. (I watched Pan's Labyrinth two weeks before so I earned a pass.)

As for this Cap-abuse, it doesn't jibe. They had him trash Manhattan, which he never would have done, so that they could reap all this abuse on him and make new stories out of it. It's a gigantic, sorry-ass plot hammer so that they can build him back up during next year's crossover, or maybe this year's, or this quarter's, or whatever. It's like a Horatio Alger story except with chain mail undies and an adamantium shield.

Like you never watched Paris porn! :P

OK, so I'm a taste Nazi. Remember when we all had standards?

I saw Ghost Rider too, but it was from the 'let me watch this train wreck' perspective.

And I never said I hadn't watched Paris porn, but that doesn't mean I care about her opinions or think that she's culturally important

Jimski

03-01-2007, 04:09 AM

acomicbookgirl

03-01-2007, 04:09 AM

Um.. I've been wondering what exactly was the objective of Civil War? I'm reading it and i'm still scratching my head.. :confused: If it wasn't the last issue of Frontline and I don't like things incomplete like that, I would so tell my CBG to take out Frontline #11...

fred

03-01-2007, 04:10 AM

Um.. I've been wondering what exactly was the objective of Civil War? I'm reading it and i'm still scratching my head.. :confused:

the objective was to create a universe where the heroes weren't so trusting of one another and friendly. They wanted to bring it back to the Marvel of the '60s and '70s. They've done that in a way, but they didn't have to assram Captain America to get there

acomicbookgirl

03-01-2007, 04:14 AM

the objective was to create a universe where the heroes weren't so trusting of one another and friendly. They wanted to bring it back to the Marvel of the '60s and '70s. They've done that in a way, but they didn't have to assram Captain America to get there

I see.. I guess I was expecting something more.. CW has just got me scratching my head.. Part of me wants The Initiative and other part doesn't... :confused:

Jo-RelRollins

03-01-2007, 04:28 AM

Hey Fred did you read 52? I'd love to know your opinion on it especially the ending, which i still have my mouth gaping open over.

fred

03-01-2007, 04:42 AM

Hey Fred did you read 52? I'd love to know your opinion on it especially the ending, which i still have my mouth gaping open over.

No I don't read it. I did initially but I wasn't into it. This week was good?

paper

03-01-2007, 04:46 AM

Hey Fred did you read 52? I'd love to know your opinion on it especially the ending, which i still have my mouth gaping open over.

The guys at my shop were reading it as I collected my books. They were going loco over it.

Jimski

03-01-2007, 04:49 AM

I mean... from the minute he popped into Avengers, Captain America has been a "man out of time." He's always been the guy going, "Vietnam? What the? You kids today, and your 8-tracks." He was, you see, frozen in a block of ice. To say he has no business calling himself Captain America because he's not hip with the zeitgeist is like saying, "I think what I bring to the table as a writer is that I don't understand the character in the slightest but am forceful in my opinions. What are these? The keys to your Universe? You're the best boyfriend ever!"

Yikes. The more I think about it, yikes.

I will say this about the "Americans are dumb" assertion: I was initially going to dispute the whole idea, but then Fox's "Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?" came on and I learned a lot, namely that "Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?" makes me want to kill myself.

Jo-RelRollins

03-01-2007, 04:49 AM

I wasn't really into it in the begininng this week. But the end chapter involved Osiris talking to the Marvel Family. He asks them for help and gets into a scuffle with Black Adam. Now I have to note that he took that talking crocodile with him. Anyways the scuffle gets kinda violent and he knocks his sister down. He soon states he'll go home with them. So this is the shocking and best twist in all of comic-dom..............

Osiris shuts his powers off and tells his friend(the talking crocodile) that he can no longer hears the gods. Then out of nowhere, the crocodile starts to brutally maul and eat Osiris. (While Osiris tries to say Black Adam without finishing before he dies), and in the last panel the crocodile says he "is no longer hungry".

I tell you the ending shocked me like i wouldn't believe. I think i'll jump back on the 52 bandwagon.

K-Dizzle

03-01-2007, 04:56 AM

Labor_Days

03-01-2007, 04:58 AM

K-Dizzle

03-01-2007, 05:00 AM

Just reading Fred's synopsis of Frontline is depressing.

Someday, I'll tell my grandchildren the tale of Fred reading Frontline 11 so we wouldn't have to.

Fred is taking bullets for us man. I say Sticky, but the baby haters and Christ punchers disagree:(

PV_2

03-01-2007, 11:08 AM

I wasn't really into it in the begininng this week. But the end chapter involved Osiris talking to the Marvel Family. He asks them for help and gets into a scuffle with Black Adam. Now I have to note that he took that talking crocodile with him. Anyways the scuffle gets kinda violent and he knocks his sister down. He soon states he'll go home with them. So this is the shocking and best twist in all of comic-dom..

I tell you the ending shocked me like i wouldn't believe. I think i'll jump back on the 52 bandwagon.

It was a really good issue again - even the art was strong again. While I had begun suspecting the motives and real persona of the friendly talking croc, I certainly think it would go bad in quite the bloody way it did.

Plus Buddy not wanting to come back into the "continuum" was a great moment.

fred

03-01-2007, 12:04 PM

I will say this about the "Americans are dumb" assertion: I was initially going to dispute the whole idea, but then Fox's "Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?" came on and I learned a lot, namely that "Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?" makes me want to kill myself.

that's a perfect example of my point. It's funny, I never expected that to garner so much response.

fred

03-01-2007, 12:05 PM

fred

03-01-2007, 12:08 PM

Just reading Fred's synopsis of Frontline is depressing.

Someday, I'll tell my grandchildren the tale of Fred reading Frontline 11 so we wouldn't have to.

Walking Dead is my POW. A lot happened but it was very well written. The big reveal re: Martinez wasn't that surprising though. I suspected as much last couple of issues. The direction Kirkman is taking Michonne in looks promising. Other than glowering at everyone and oral sex; there wasn't much to her character.

Runaways #24 could have been my POW; hell, maybe even my POM (pick of the month). Until Tony Stark showed up. When I flipped the page and saw Iron Man standing there I literally recoiled from my desk. I just can't take anything Civil War/Registration related at this point. I couldn't muster up the courage to finish reading my books this week. I hate you, Tony Stark. F-

TWD is so awesome every month. Runaways was nearly my pick too. The Tony Stark thing ****ed it up along with the worry that I was only doing it for sentimental reasons anyway(BKV's last issue). Also, the had a Back In Black tag on the book and Spider-Man is not and has never been in Runaways. In the end DD 94 was excellent and didn't have the baggage of Runaways.

fred

03-01-2007, 12:09 PM

Fred is taking bullets for us man. I say Sticky, but the baby haters and Christ punchers disagree:(

Hey to be fair there were only 2 baby haters and donkey ..er.. Christ punchers

and yes I read these bad books for you

k33k3r

03-01-2007, 12:14 PM

The objective of Civil War was to bring back Howard the Duck. Mission accomplished.

HAHAHAHA!!! That's awesome. Well done.

paper

03-01-2007, 01:28 PM

Also, the had a Back In Black tag on the book and Spider-Man is not and has never been in Runaways.

*adjusts glasses*

Technically, he was in the New York arc.

But slapping a Back in Black tag on the book was kind of odd. I noticed it in the shop. I looked at my other Marvel books and none of them had it.

fred

03-01-2007, 01:43 PM

*adjusts glasses*

Technically, he was in the New York arc.

But slapping a Back in Black tag on the book was kind of odd. I noticed it in the shop. I looked at my other Marvel books and none of them had it.
totally forgot that. still stand by it not making any sense though

horatio616

03-01-2007, 01:54 PM

I'd read Powers in trade only but I love the letters page too much to do that. I was disappointed that no letters were answered in this issue. I almost enjoy it better than the comic itself. This issue was a little over-explain-y. Lots of blabbety-blab and 'plosions.

fred

03-01-2007, 02:04 PM

I usually read the letters columns in Kirkman's books. They're always amusing

fred

03-01-2007, 02:45 PM

Passing it on without editorial comment:

AP Entertainment Editor Institutes Ban on Paris Hilton Coverage

By E&P Staff

Published: February 28, 2007 11:20 AM ET

NEW YORK The Associated Press decided to give up a major vice last week: its addiction to stories about Paris Hilton. In the past year, Hilton has appeared on the wire an average of twice a week.

The wire service's entertainment editor Jesse Washington sent a memo to staffers on Feb. 13 that said, barring any major events, the AP would not run any mention of Paris Hilton on the wire, according to the memo, which was obtained by the New York Observer.

In the Observer article Washington was quoted as saying, "There was a surprising amount of hand-wringing. A lot of people in the newsroom were saying this was tampering with the news." Washington added that one editor's response was: "This is a great idea -- can we add North Korea?"

The AP was largely successful in the experiment, but Washington said that, unfortunately, her name did pop up in a couple of stories.

k33k3r

03-01-2007, 02:57 PM

So are they experimenting with controlled censorship? I'm confused.

iSteve

03-01-2007, 03:16 PM

52 Week 43 – Enjoyed the meeting of the Black Marvel and Capt. Marvel families. Did not see the croc attack coming at the end. Shazam sandwich. Yum-yum. But what do you expect when you keep a large talking reptile who’s always hungry?

Action Comics #846 – Great issue. Both the writing and the art were solid. Especially enjoyed the scene of the numerous pods flying through the sky.

Batman Confidential #3 – Like the face-off between Bruce Wayne and Luthor – nice mix-match of hero and villain. I also enjoyed that the story line focuses more on Bruce Wayne as entrepreneur and CEO. Don’t see enough of this side of Batman’s alter-ego.

Exterminators #14 – Man’s battle against nature continues. Mass extermination of a pantry filled with cockroaches… Gerbil receives CPR and explodes… Baby brother’s fingers gnawed by rats… Can you ask for more? Good times.

Flash The Fastest Man Alive #9 – I had dropped this title, but decided to pick this issue up when I heard Guggenheim was writing. I know a lot of people on the board were very enthusiastic about this issue, but I was only mildly impressed. It’s a definite improvement and holds potential for the future of the series. The art was only so-and-so. I’m not yet convinced to add this back on my pull list, but it’s one I’ll definitely check out next time. Bart’s still got a ways to go before he really becomes “The Flash” for real.

Walking Dead #35 – I thought this was a good follow-up to the amazing last issue. The spy sets up the story for future conflict. One of the best titles being written today.

Daredevil #94 – Loved the retro look and feel of this issue – especially the cover. Romita’s art was excellent. This is Brubaker’s attempt at writing romance and he does a good job of it.

Doctor Strange Oath #5 – This is my pick of the week. It’s been a great mini-series, bringing a fresh perspective to Doctor Strange. Makes me long for an ongoing – either solo or as a team-up. We need more Strange in the Marvel U.

Iron Man #15 – I did not want to like this issue, mainly because of my lingering nausea from Civil War. But I must grudgingly admit that I did dig it. Loved the micro-managing Tony driving the traditional military up the wall.

Labor_Days

03-01-2007, 03:31 PM

So I finished reading Runaways #24 after Ron made it his POW. All in all it was a good issue. Civil War left such a bad taste in my mouth I just couldn't deal with the possibility of the Runaways going down that dark hole. Perhaps I should have had more faith. I want to believe Whedon is going to have O.L. bite off Iron Man's face next issue. Label me a romantic if you must.

Daredevil was terrific this week. Loved the art, inside & out. Brubaker's writing was top notch. Just can't say much about it other than it was excellent. Could easily be my POW.

Still have more comics to get through.

Spider-Man is not and has never been in Runaways.
Hmm. When the Runaways went to NYC after Cloak was accused of attacking Dagger, Spider-Man met up with Gert & Chase. Spidey said something to the effect of, "Hi. I'm Batman.". He then took Gert & Chase to a Chinese buffett, if memory serves. Don't remember the exact issues though (AFB).

(oops. already answered up-thread. missed it. x-post!)

fred

03-01-2007, 03:49 PM

OK, ok, I forgot an issue of Runaways. There have been like 3 dozen guys cut me some slack:rolleyes:

kwok_talk

03-01-2007, 04:00 PM

Spidey said something to the effect of, "Hi. I'm Batman.". He then took Gert & Chase to a Chinese buffett, if memory serves. Don't remember the exact issues though (AFB).

(oops. already answered up-thread. missed it. x-post!)

Actually they went to have sushi.

jerome

03-01-2007, 04:28 PM

[Action Comics #846[/B] – Great issue. Both the writing and the art were solid. Especially enjoyed the scene of the numerous pods flying through the sky.
[B]

This book was like a pleasant surprise to me. I heard somewhere that all of the Donner/Kubert/Johns issues were being delayed until May so i was expecting some mediocre fill in, so I was completely taken aback when i saw their names on the cover. This was great, loved that art and the entire General Zod attack, which surprisingly was not a rehash of the movie version. Too bad we're not gonna see the next issue for a whlie.

iSteve

03-01-2007, 05:11 PM

Too bad we're not gonna see the next issue for a whlie.

Kinda bummed about that myself. But, on the other hand, something to look forward to.

Labor_Days

03-01-2007, 05:17 PM

52 was interesting this week. Osiris/Black Adam story was great. Loved the mythological overtones (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osiris) in the story. Ending was really cool. Another solid 52 this week. Yeah, you can sign me up for this Countdown stuff while we're at it.

Jack Of Fables wasn't very good this week. Thinking of dropping it. This series really hasn't clicked for me as Fables did. It all feels by the numbers. Jack schemes, scheme blows up in his face after several issues. I don't feel Jack Of Fables is giving me anything to really sink my teeth into.

Issue #2 of Okko: Cycle of Water was pretty good. It picks up roughly after the events on #1- basically some kid's sister got kidnapped by pirates. A Demon samurai fights them but the pirates have a robot! The demon gets trashed by said robot. Another human samurai shows up, kid hires them to get his sister back. Okko #2 moves that plot along a bit. The group travel about a richly detailed world (maps included!), fight weird creatures. Stuff happens. Action is good, art is lovely and the pacing is tight.

Actually they went to have sushi.Colour me embarrassed.

jerome

03-01-2007, 05:17 PM

Little Chris Kent: Who's Batman?
Lois: Someone you're not meeting until you're sixteen.
Little Chris Kent: Who's Wonder Woman?
Lois: Someone you're not meeting until you're eighteen.

iSteve

03-01-2007, 05:57 PM

One other title that I was actually surprised that I enjoyed as much as I did was JSA: Classified #23. It featured Dr. Midnight on his own, looking into a series of murders that seem to be of a vampiric origin. The writing was great. The art satisfactory. Evidently JSA: Classified is going to highlight different members of the JSA who do not have their own titles.

iSteve

03-01-2007, 06:05 PM

Something to be said for Daredevil, if you have been on the fence about buying this title, now is a great time to jump in. The last issue wrapped up several of the past story lines. The current issue is a stand alone. So this issue or the next are greats ones to start with.

fred

03-01-2007, 06:15 PM

on DD
94 had a summary quality to it as well, at least from Milla's pov

iSteve

03-01-2007, 06:16 PM

on DD
94 had a summary quality to it as well, at least from Milla's pov

Definitely...

Labor_Days

03-01-2007, 07:19 PM

Interesting read re: Michonne & Walking Dead over @ Prep Time Posse: LINK (http://preptimeposse.blogspot.com/2007/03/have-we-addressed-walking-dead-argument.html)

fred

03-01-2007, 07:25 PM

Labor_Days

03-01-2007, 08:10 PM

I saw all of that in the letters column. It's pretty crazy. Kirkman had the perfect response though. He said something like the only way that he could guarantee that nothing bad would happen to minority characters was to not have any. And you don't want that do you?
I definitely agree with invisiblist of PTP and Kirkman.

The Governor would have had done the same to Lori. The Governor clearly got off on the power he held over others. His actions were true to nature of his character. A "real villain" as invisiblist put it. If I am correct, Michonne's payback was given more pages than her rape. So I would hardly say Michonne's rape was exploitive.

The interesting question is whether Kirkman was being insensitive by writing Michonne into those scenes as opposed to say, Carol. And rather or not a writer should be concerned with bigoted readers perceptions of their work. Something to chew on as we flip through this week's funny books.

For the record, I was offended by that "readers enjoyed Michonne's rape" suggestion. Those scenes were tough to read but they were handled in a way that best served the story & characters involved, in my opinion.

fred

03-01-2007, 08:29 PM

2 more things:

1) The Governor was an evil ****. It doesn't matter if he rapes a white woman, a black woman, or the Easter Bunny - he's still a rapist. That he was evil was the point, it wasn't who he raped.

2) If this is a plot point you(Kirkman) want to use to show how depraved the Governor is and set up the next arc, then Michonne is the one to do it to. If you consider her character and her mental state, doing this to her sets her up to completely break with reality and also brutally **** some people up.

fred

03-01-2007, 11:20 PM

My POW is probably Daredevil as well. It's definitely a little experimental, but I think it worked out much better than Batman and the Purple Prose of Cairo. The cover is awesome.

I've been thinking about this one a lot since I read it. There are two additional points to make:

1) Anyone (or almost anyway) but Brubaker writes a whole issue from Milla's perspective and I go off CW Front Line #11 style on them. He's so ****ing good

2) This point (above) isn't all that out of what the DD book has been since the relaunch. There are many issues, or so it seems, where Matt appears as Matt for the whole issue, or Matt appears as DD for the whole issue. Having Matt appear as both but only through Milla's eyes feels more organic than it has any business doing.

JGG0610

03-01-2007, 11:50 PM

Just finished reading my books for the week and wow what a really good week. X-Factor was great as usual this week. The storyline of Jamie with the dupe who became a minister was excellent.

Action Comics was amazing. The interior art by whichever of the Kubert brothers was simply drop dead gorgeous. Probably some of the best interior art I've seen in a while.

Green Lantern wrapped up its ongoing Wanted storyline this week and it had a satisfying conclusion. Ivan Reis continues to be an amazing artist. I hope he continues on this for a while. He would be great on a group book as well. Some of the large battle scenes from the last two issues have been really great.

The second issue of Wolverine from Loeb was better than the first but still not great.

Lastly, the best book this week was definitely Daredevil. I had seen an early rating online of this that gave it a 4 out of 10 and was a little worried, but I needn't have. It was great and the cover by Romita Sr was fantastic.

On the POW, I've only recently started reading Runaways, but it sounds really good and I thoroughly enjoyed the first trade. Maybe I can pick up the next one next week.

fred

03-02-2007, 12:23 AM

The second issue of Wolverine from Loeb was better than the first but still not great.

On the POW, I've only recently started reading Runaways, but it sounds really good and I thoroughly enjoyed the first trade. Maybe I can pick up the next one next week.

The Wolverine thing, am I being a dick about the furries?(Lupines) How does that matter?

Runaways is a book I always recommend. It's so good.

K-Dizzle

03-02-2007, 01:01 AM

I definitely agree with invisiblist of PTP and Kirkman.

The Governor would have had done the same to Lori. The Governor clearly got off on the power he held over others. His actions were true to nature of his character. A "real villain" as invisiblist put it. If I am correct, Michonne's payback was given more pages than her rape. So I would hardly say Michonne's rape was exploitive.

The interesting question is whether Kirkman was being insensitive by writing Michonne into those scenes as opposed to say, Carol. And rather or not a writer should be concerned with bigoted readers perceptions of their work. Something to chew on as we flip through this week's funny books.

For the record, I was offended by that "readers enjoyed Michonne's rape" suggestion. Those scenes were tough to read but they were handled in a way that best served the story & characters involved, in my opinion.

The letters about the rape of Meeshawn were god damned disturbing. Kirkman is A LOT of things, but a bigot, its pretty safe to say he is not.

fred

03-02-2007, 01:15 AM

The letters about the rape of Meeshawn were god damned disturbing. Kirkman is A LOT of things, but a bigot, its pretty safe to say he is not.

what about a rape masturbator? or as it was alleged, a chocolate fantasizer? what does that mean anyway?

K-Dizzle

03-02-2007, 01:20 AM

what about a rape masturbator? or as it was alleged, a chocolate fantasizer? what does that mean anyway? I dont know what the hell that means, but I was suprised Someone reading a comic book would see a terrible rape seen as something white people would ‘whack off ‘ to.

Do you think Michonne is going to be traumatized enough to have split personalities?

fred

03-02-2007, 01:32 AM

I dont know what the hell that means, but I was suprised Someone reading a comic book would see a terrible rape seen as something white people would ‘whack off ‘ to.

Do you think Michonne is going to be traumatized enough to have split personalities?

strange enough, that was the only issue of twd I couldn't wack off to

huh? what?

I think they(if I remember this right) foreshadowed some mental problems before the brutal rape so I'd say yes

K-Dizzle

03-02-2007, 01:36 AM

strange enough, that was the only issue of twd I couldn't wack off to

huh? what?

I think they(if I remember this right) foreshadowed some mental problems before the brutal rape so I'd say yes
For some reason I thought that too, but couldnt remember when or where I got the impression. Ive been meaning to re-read the last ten issues. Now i have something to do this weekend.

fred

03-02-2007, 01:45 AM

If I remember right there were duality things around her from when she first emerged

K-Dizzle

03-02-2007, 01:49 AM

If I remember right there were duality things around her from when she first emerged
Im going to read em agin so I will find it. Maybe Kirkman left a few subtle hints and we both picked up on a different one.

fred

03-02-2007, 01:50 AM

I think she even had two swords

almost broke this into 2 posts

I've been posting in general discussion too

cuz I'ma slut

K-Dizzle

03-02-2007, 01:55 AM

I think she even had two swords

almost broke this into 2 posts

I've been posting in general discussion too

cuz I'ma slut

Well you can see the two swords thing as a subtle attempt to portray a future split of personality, or you can see it as white domination over females of minority races. The choice is yours.

fred

03-02-2007, 01:56 AM

I pick the first one, cause I'm not crazy

at least not that way

K-Dizzle

03-02-2007, 01:59 AM

I pick the first one, cause I'm not crazy

at least not that way agree to disagree.........did you ever get the eric powell sodomy baby book? I cant find it.

fred

03-02-2007, 02:07 AM

My pullbox has been disturbingly sodomy-free lately

unless you count Origins

K-Dizzle

03-02-2007, 02:13 AM

My pullbox has been disturbingly sodomy-free lately

unless you count Origins Ouch! I now it has been Officially solicited, but my LCS owner said he ordered it, and didn’t receive it, and wasn’t billed for it either.

fred

03-02-2007, 02:15 AM

Ouch! I now it has been Officially solicited, but my LCS owner said he ordered it, and didn’t receive it, and wasn’t billed for it either.

can you get sodomy cartoons in Utah? Thought it was all Osmands and salt

K-Dizzle

03-02-2007, 02:21 AM

can you get sodomy cartoons in Utah? Thought it was all Osmands and salt Utah has very strict liquer and pornography laws. Aside from that its just like every where else. We have bars and liquer stores, thay are just heavily regulated by the Satte government. Pornography is illegal to sell in Utah but is not illegal to own, as long as you do not share it.
Art cannot be regulated, no matter how much they try to stop it it always wins.

fred

03-02-2007, 02:23 AM

there are no porn shops in all of Utah?

HOLY SHIT. How do get them out of the union? Do you guys want to secede or anything?

K-Dizzle

03-02-2007, 02:25 AM

people actually drive to Nevada and Wymoing to purchase pornography. I crap you negative.

fred

03-02-2007, 02:27 AM

I would believe it

I live in a much less populous area than Salt Lake City and I only have to leave the suburbs

fred

03-02-2007, 02:27 AM

which I've been rocking by the way

(8)

K-Dizzle

03-02-2007, 02:33 AM

The internet has made porn shops Unecessary anyway. it’s a nice clean place to bring up the kids.

fred

03-02-2007, 02:35 AM

that's cool

paper

03-02-2007, 02:37 AM

that's cool

Let us know if your ascent to number one poster is anything like when one highlander defeats another one. Electricity and holwing winds, all that.

K-Dizzle

03-02-2007, 02:38 AM

Let us know if your ascent to number one poster is anything like when one highlander defeats another one. Electricity and holwing winds, all that. damn thats funny. good night.

fred

03-02-2007, 02:38 AM

i'll know in 4 posts

fred

03-02-2007, 02:39 AM

damn thats funny. good night.

yes it is
good night

Labor_Days

03-02-2007, 02:39 AM

Michonne was shown talking to herself in her "cell". Lori walked in on her and asked her who she was talking to. Michonne said it was nothing. Michonne was also talking to herself when they left the town the Governor ran.

Perhaps Michonne coming on to Tyreese was an aspect of her split personality. It seemed pretty random at the time but who knows if the groundwork was being laid even then.

I could be full shit about all that though. I sometimes make up my own stories after reading comics...

(ben folds reference was unnecessary.)

fred

03-02-2007, 02:41 AM

ben folds is always necessary

#1

paper

03-02-2007, 02:44 AM

ben folds is always necessary

#1

And to think, I was about to shut off my laptop for the night and read a book. Something told me to log on.

This counts as reading, right?

Congrats, Fred!

fred

03-02-2007, 02:44 AM

thanks. I'm now flled with a sadness
the mountain has been climbed

Labor_Days

03-02-2007, 02:47 AM

I caved and picked up Doctor Strange: The Oath #1-5 today. Really fun reads. Thanks to whoever recommended them last week. Forgive me if I am forgetting your name.

ben folds is always necessary"I won't go off topic, I won't go off topic, I won't go off topic..."

paper

03-02-2007, 02:47 AM

Well, you have to defend the mountain now. The mantle will be challenged.

By...mountain...goats.

Personally, I'd be losing some sleep.

paper

03-02-2007, 02:50 AM

I caved and picked up Doctor Strange: The Oath #1-5 today. Really fun reads. Thanks to whoever recommended them last week. Forgive me if I am forgetting your name.

I can't find 2. Dozens of copies of 1,3,4,5. No 2. Really ticking me off. Meh, I'll scoop up the trade anyway.

Same problem with Eternals. Is the consensus that it totally fizzled out after a few issues? I was gonna grab the trade.

fred

03-02-2007, 02:53 AM

I caved and picked up Doctor Strange: The Oath #1-5 today. Really fun reads. Thanks to whoever recommended them last week. Forgive me if I am forgetting your name.

"I won't go off topic, I won't go off topic, I won't go off topic..."

do we do topics here? I seem to recall a conversation about jobs that slid into cock rings

heh heh
slid into

fred

03-02-2007, 02:53 AM

I can't find 2. Dozens of copies of 1,3,4,5. No 2. Really ticking me off. Meh, I'll scoop up the trade anyway.

Same problem with Eternals. Is the consensus that it totally fizzled out after a few issues? I was gonna grab the trade.

skip Eternals, it's a piece of dump

fred

03-02-2007, 02:54 AM

Well, you have to defend the mountain now. The mantle will be challenged.

By...mountain...goats.

Personally, I'd be losing some sleep.
those goats are crafty ****ers

my hands hurt

Jimski

03-02-2007, 03:50 AM

The last time I traveled anywhere, I traveled on business to Provo, Utah. My feelings at the time about the state could be best summed up as follows:

http://jimski.nopaper.net/wp-content/uploads/2006/04/utah.jpg

While it was lovely, I found it interesting that the movie theaters there were showing films that were not playing anywhere else in America and perhaps the world. I wondered, "Do Mormons have their own movies??" And hey, whaddya know, they basically did. It was a learning experience.

fred

03-02-2007, 03:52 AM

I have never been to Utah. I don't think it would be for me.

and now for another complete understatement....

Jimski

03-02-2007, 03:52 AM

Oh, and Fred: the Eternals was basically okay by me. So, you know, take that.

fred

03-02-2007, 03:56 AM

whatever dude

acomicbookgirl

03-02-2007, 04:13 AM

I have never been to Utah. I don't think it would be for me.

and now for another complete understatement....

I heard that they don't sell alcohol there... Whether its true or not is another question.. I mean, when the Utah Jazz play at home, what do they drink during the game? :confused:

Mikegraham6

03-02-2007, 08:50 AM

I just read FLASH and i think its a little over rated on this board.

Don't get me wrong, it wasn't bad, but i think everyone was so dissapointed with the first few issues, that this new one was like a breath of fresh air.
It was an average issue that could have definitely been above average. we all know that the art wasn't its strong point so i wont mention it hear but the story could have been so much more interesting.
the idea that robin called him asking him to come back to the titans was intriguing and wasn't drawn out nearly long enough.
remember that this character was 16 a few months back. just imagine the dilema they could put him in by having him chose between an adult life and the teenagers who are his friends. instead they turned it into a generic superhero vs supervillain battle that seemed totally random.
anyway, i still did enjoy it and i'll buy the next issue, if only to see if they go in the direction i mentioned above.

Overrated....

fred

03-02-2007, 11:54 AM

I liked it and I'd never read the Flash before - at least not by himself

fred

03-02-2007, 11:59 AM

I heard that they don't sell alcohol there... Whether its true or not is another question.. I mean, when the Utah Jazz play at home, what do they drink during the game? :confused:

I believe they do sell it but that it's somewhat restricted

DrWally

03-02-2007, 02:03 PM

Nice to see Peter David's X-Factor getting some love... a little at least... I love the book. I just read "Madrox: Multiple Choice" (trade), flew through "X-Factor: The Longest Night (#1-6)" (trade), and this is after picking up #14 & 15 last week.. Lucky, lucky me, my friend Boris who drives a truck for Hydra happened to have some copies of #7-13. I just love this little corner tucked away from all the "world shattering events" of CW--just nice little, funny stories with real humans (well, mutants...). That Madrox is not just some guy that makes many copies of himself (gimmick) but it becomes a way to explore things (storytelling) is great; also liking the other characters. Those that want to rule the world and all that just don't hold a candle to Rictor's situation. Nice little book, nice little stories, tucked away from all the big noise -- good stuff.

On CAP and CW: What is funny is that nobody has commented on the fact that Millar is not American. The British view of things like patriotism and sins of the government and all that is different, but Millar did grow up (according to him) reading American comics. But, although it qualifies (maybe well enables him) to take a different perspective on old Cap, I don't think it qualifies him to make Cap think seriously that current pop tastes have anything to do with the founding ideals of the country. Maybe I just don't know 'cause I avoid this CW monster like a plague in my little comfy corner of "mutant town," but "Marvel's Finest : Earth X" is right there to show Cap in a similar quandry -- when things are going to pot in America, but he still manages to hold tight to his ideals without getting all wimpy.

Heck, Kirby's reboot of Cap in the 60s was a much more emotional version of the same character Kirby created, but sounds nothing like what is described here. I'm glad I'm staying away from this thing.

Don't like the event books -- just check my "pull list" on the iFanboy list and I am as far, far, far away as I can get....

DrWally

03-02-2007, 02:13 PM

And this is my "love note" to Fred's Reviews and all the wonderful chatter Fred and company generate which is always entertaining. I just thought this old cover of mine seemed somehow appropriate:

http://revision3.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=129&stc=1&d=1172848234

fred

03-02-2007, 02:14 PM

X-Factor is awesome every month
It's more consistent than 90% of the books out there
Millar's an asshole, British or not. He clearly doesn't get Cap

fred

03-02-2007, 02:15 PM

DrWally

03-02-2007, 03:12 PM

thanks. funny I was looking through a box the other day and found that very issue

and I said oooh spidey punisher

It's all about the Doc Oc arms and the newspaper, Fredikins, that's me with my coffee and the Revision3 latest posts, enjoying the mayhem as I kick back...I thought you'd like it. Been sitting on it for ever, waiting for just the right moment to spring it on you...

I think X-Factor's David, and Brubaker, and others, and many at DC writers can consistently turn out good books like that because they don't have the editor and other writers and what not calling them all the time going, "we have this crossover/movie we want to hype, and we really need you to feature so-and-so in your story..." They can just pick and choose the best of what they want to use, and get down to something amazing -- doing the job of writing a good story rather than just being an artificial tie-in to some marketing event...

DrWally

03-02-2007, 03:23 PM

Millar's an asshole, British or not. He clearly doesn't get Cap

I could accept and love what he did in the first 12 issues of The Ultimates with Cap, just a little bit like (Frank) Miller's Superman in DKR, but I opened up a copy of CW, the one with the reporter berating Cap...and I totally got what Conor was saying about it being a totally ridiculous scene.

Cap's "propaganda" begins and ends with the uniform; after that actions speaks louder than words. He doesn't do interviews, he flies into action, knocks out the evil doers, and does what's right, and doesn't sit around for chit chat nonsense that obfuscates the issues -- he flies into action.

You should also consider that what is called "written by Millar" could actually be "written by committee," which is usually a train wreck. Everthing I have read indicates to me that there was no one person in control of CW, just a chorus of voices with no strong hand on the reigns to make sure everthing was running down one track, with one, strong consistent vision with as much mind to staying faithful to the past as stirring up the pot for the future.

I blame the editors. Everything I hear about CW (and 52) is that strong editorial oversight was the key to what worked and what didn't, and Marvel's side (editorial) just lost control of the crew-- train wreck. Millar probably spend more time "coordinating" (in the loosest sense of the word) with people totally not on the same page than actually writing.

fred

03-02-2007, 04:42 PM

Millar tells it the other way though(at newsarama). He said that he wrote and had very little interaction with anyone else. That all went to the editors.

JGG0610

03-02-2007, 04:57 PM

The Wolverine thing, am I being a dick about the furries?(Lupines) How does that matter?

The furries didn't bother me at all. I've never seen too much art by Simon Bianchi but if this is any indication, I may have to check out more of his stuff.

fred

03-02-2007, 05:02 PM

I like his more feral take on Wolverine, but the Lupines
my god I keep expecting them to start rubbing up against each other in their costumes

JGG0610

03-02-2007, 05:05 PM

I like his more feral take on Wolverine, but the Lupines
my god I keep expecting them to start rubbing up against each other in their costumes
Thanks for that. That's another image I'll never get rid off.

fred

03-02-2007, 05:11 PM

click here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yiffing for full description and the history of the word furvert

paper

03-02-2007, 05:16 PM

click here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yiffing for full description and the history of the word furvert

Don't click on the "parahuman" link. I'm already anticipating nightmares of a harrowing nature.

fred

03-02-2007, 05:18 PM

you can find some pretty harrowing stuff in wikipedia

for the love of god don't look up this word

gnihtribnu

I wrote it backwards so that you really have to want to to get there

JGG0610

03-02-2007, 05:20 PM

you can find some pretty harrowing stuff in wikipedia

for the love of god don't look up this word

gnihtribnu

I wrote it backwards so that you really have to want to to get there
Had to write it out on a piece of paper for a second then it suddenly made sense when I got to the h. Definitely not looking that up in this lifetime.

fred

03-02-2007, 05:23 PM

whatever you do, don't go to google image search and turn off moderate safe search and then look that up

you may actually die

paper

03-02-2007, 05:44 PM

There was no way I was gonna not look that up.

I bet my neighbor's into that kind of thing.

I hope Wolverine does not get involved in that kind of activity. That could be grizzly.

fred

03-02-2007, 05:48 PM

I don't know how it's physically possible
that issue is discussed in the wiki entry

Mikegraham6

03-02-2007, 06:03 PM

you can find some pretty harrowing stuff in wikipedia

for the love of god don't look up this word

gnihtribnu

I wrote it backwards so that you really have to want to to get there

i think im going to have to poke out my eyes now.... who comes up with this shit?

fred

03-02-2007, 06:04 PM

excessively odd people

paper

03-02-2007, 06:12 PM

. who comes up with this shit?

All clues lead to this man (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rob_Liefeld).

Mikegraham6

03-02-2007, 06:14 PM

All clues lead to this man (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rob_Liefeld).

he is responsable for all the evil in the world :D

CAM!

03-02-2007, 06:29 PM

Whoo, wasn't expecting that (the gnihtribnu thing)

ANYWAAYS,

back to comics if I may,

Here's my rundown,

1602, not surprisingly, fell apart, I guess I should've expected the FF running around with Shakespeare to be crappy but till this issue I was enjoyning it for it's lighthearted PAD making me laugh feel. Oh well, can't win em all, though he did make "The watcher" seem creepy, which was interesting.

52 - I don't know, am I the only one not surprised by a croc always referring to hunger eating someone? Come on...you KNEW it was coming. Still good fun.

Wolverine - So I picked up the B/W variant, and I felt you could really see the panel to panel inconsistencies in the art. Although when Bianchi is on he's got some arresting images there.

Daredevil - was good, though not my POW, it feels like I've heard this story before, and to be honest I don't feel this "love" between Milla and Matt, seems more like a dependant relationship where Milla is too desperate, and Matt is using her. But you have to respect a comic that can get one thinking that much about the characters and relationships.

Eternals - I didn't hate this nearly as much as Fred, it did have a "pointless" feel to it as the main conflict was resolved last issue, but still gotta love JRJR drawing toothy deviants. Maybe I've got my Gaiman blinders on. (Heh, gaiman)

Action comics - Fantastic stuff, art great, story excellent, action, heart, intrigue and a cliffhanger, awesome...soooooo, how long do we wait for the next issue?

X-men - It's a cool team Carey's got, but I just can't get by Ramos' art, I mean I love Masterminds costume for it's ridiculousness and Busty Manga style women are great, but there are too many instances of "WTF is going on here."

The Flash - well it's great to be reading Flash again, but I still miss Johns.

My POW is Justice 10 - The moment with Ralph Dibny and clayface was so great, and just a week after he's been killed in 52 made it all the more meaningful and effective. If you're not reading this you're missing out. DCU characters in an epic battle with top notch characterizations.

Cheers

iSteve

03-02-2007, 06:32 PM

Am I the only one who digs Ramos' art in X-men?

kwok_talk

03-02-2007, 06:33 PM

Am I the only one who digs Ramos' art in X-men?

It's not my fav, but I still like it. Very spastic and energetic.

CAM!

03-02-2007, 06:35 PM

Am I the only one who digs Ramos' art in X-men?

I don't necessarily hate it, it's just too hard to follow sometimes.

Hmmm guess that means I do hate it.

fred

03-02-2007, 06:39 PM

He's not as hard to follow as Bachalo but I do hate him so. I created a thread on him with a poll a few weeks ago and he was overwhelmingly liked. I don't get it.

The mangaesque thing - Rogue is a strong character and needs no cheesecake appeal. There were some panels in this one that were almost offensive

fred

03-02-2007, 06:46 PM

iSteve

03-02-2007, 06:51 PM

I've been buying Justice, but not reading it. Waiting until all 12 come out and will read them together.

CAM!

03-02-2007, 06:59 PM

I've been buying Justice, but not reading it. Waiting until all 12 come out and will read them together.

You sir are in for a treat of the highest order.

iSteve

03-02-2007, 07:00 PM

You sir are in for a treat of the highest order.

That's what I'm hoping.

Mikegraham6

03-02-2007, 07:03 PM

Am I the only one who digs Ramos' art in X-men?

i thought he was great on Wolverine, just not impressed with the x-men though

Jimski

03-02-2007, 07:18 PM

Don't tug on Superman's cape, don't start a land war in Southeast Asia, and don't compliment Ramos on a thread named after Fred. These are things I have learned.

(What? One out of every three threads is named after Fred? I see.)

I like ol' Humberto well enough; more than once I've bought something because he was on the book. I probably would have been late to the Wolverine party if he hadn't been the artist.

Speaking of Wolverine, I'm pretty sure Marvel reprinted last month's issue in a new cover this week. Well, "new" cover: it appears to be the same fight from a different angle. Next month, though, the cover features the same fight from a third angle. Reserve your copy now, or you'll never know how it ends! (SPOILER: It ends with Sabretooth fighting Wolverine. And Wolverine blacks out, but he heals. Then he and Sabretooth fight.)

JAFlanagan

03-02-2007, 07:22 PM

But Jimski, THE ANSWERS WILL FINALLY BE REVEALED!

fred

03-02-2007, 07:30 PM

no they won't
even I'm saying that I can't recommend it anymore

CAM!

03-02-2007, 07:52 PM

no they won't
even I'm saying that I can't recommend it anymore

Why oh why can't anyone write a truly badass Wolvie comic?

Every story has been told? Really?

SO what's the best wolverine story ever? Opinions?

jerome

03-02-2007, 08:01 PM

Wolverine by Claremont and Miller maybe? Honestly, his solo stories aren't very good. For a good Wolverine characterization, see Astonishing X-Men.

JAFlanagan

03-02-2007, 08:02 PM

Labor_Days

03-02-2007, 08:04 PM

That one scene in Wolverine #50 where they break into Ultimate Wolverine vs. Ultimate Hulk was enough to destroy whatever good will Marc Guggenheim generated in his previous run for me. Dropped.

edite: I don't hate Ramos' art but it's not my favorite style. No.

CAM!

03-02-2007, 08:06 PM

Hmmm Jeph wrote that though, nothing to do with Guggers (yeah I just called him Guggers, I'm a little mad at myself even)

Labor_Days

03-02-2007, 08:10 PM

Yeah, I know it's Loeb. I just don't care about Wolverine enough to stick around after crap like that.

CAM!

03-02-2007, 08:13 PM

The Claremont/Miller Wolverine series was pretty good. Logan during Dark Phoenix was awesome.

The Rucka run at the beginning of the current volume was great before he went exclusive to DC, art by Darick Robertson.

And the Guggenheim/Ramos arc in Civil War was awesome.

But I'm not a Wolverine expert. I'm sure there are others. Maybe not though.

Yeah I guess the Rucka run was solid.

Logan during the Mutant Massacre was sweet too.

Still feels like long time since there's been a really good one.

Jimski

03-02-2007, 08:29 PM

When Claremont had the Hellfire Club turn Jean into the Black Queen (stage one of her journey into darkness), they did what they could to eliminate the X-Men, and in the end Wolverine was the only one left. It was up to him to pick off their defenses and save the team. Reading the all-new all-different X-Men from the beginning, this was the first time Wolverine made you say, "Whoa. This guy is a stone-cold badass."

iSteve

03-02-2007, 08:34 PM

Don't tug on Superman's cape, don't start a land war in Southeast Asia, and don't compliment Ramos on a thread named after Fred.

What can I say, Jimski... I like to live dangerously.

fred

03-02-2007, 09:53 PM

If we're talking solo - NOBODY BEATS RUCKA - that was the shit. I miss it still, mumble to myself talking about it like an old man in the supermarket.
Miller/Claremont is close

fred

03-02-2007, 10:17 PM

for what it's worth
Tom Breevort answering reader questions on CW Day 1 (http://forum.newsarama.com/showthread.php?t=103544)

K-Dizzle

03-03-2007, 12:33 AM

Fred. Why do you read Strange girl and not fear agent?

fred

03-03-2007, 02:07 AM

just haven't gotten to fear agent yet. It's on the list. The things I've seen about it seem interesting

fred

03-03-2007, 12:43 PM

New Joe Fridays (http://www.newsarama.com/NewJoeFridays/NewJoeFridays37.html) at Newsarama

iSteve

03-03-2007, 01:45 PM

New Joe Fridays (http://www.newsarama.com/NewJoeFridays/NewJoeFridays37.html) at Newsarama

Thanks for the heads up.

fred

03-03-2007, 07:26 PM

more softball questions and bullshit answers

Civil War Room Day 2 With Tom Breevort (http://forum.newsarama.com/showthread.php?t=103632)

K-Dizzle

03-04-2007, 09:12 PM

Daredevil #94 - This book was spot-on perfect from start to finish. The cover by John Romita Sr was awesome and it was really cool to see it as a legitimate throwback with even the Marvel comics box and pricing. Ed Brubaker is insanely gifted. The art was really good, but it's been better.
Ron and Connor didnt like it. I read it again today after listening to the podcast. Its AWESOME.

iSteve

03-04-2007, 09:13 PM

Ron and Connor didnt like it. I read it again today after listening to the podcast. Its AWESOME.

Yeah, I liked it too. Ron and Conor a bit off on this one.

Tony Stark, Hero

03-04-2007, 09:13 PM

Thanks for the heads up.

...that's what she said!

fred

03-04-2007, 09:18 PM

Yeah, I liked it too. Ron and Conor a bit off on this one.

I admit that it wasn't for everyone. I liked it because it was very talky and 'in Milla's head' and I like that sort of thing.

fred

03-04-2007, 09:18 PM

...that's what she said!

welcome to the forums

jerome

03-04-2007, 09:20 PM

Daredevil was like one of those Lost recap episodes. Great for new readers, not much depth for the rest.

fred

03-04-2007, 09:21 PM

I thought it provided extra depth in that Milla's pov isn't something I've thought of in all of the things that have happened.

iSteve

03-04-2007, 09:22 PM

Daredevil was like one of those Lost recap episodes. Great for new readers, not much depth for the rest.

I can see that.

fred

03-04-2007, 09:24 PM

I can see that.

I get so caught up in what the drama 'to be DD' must be that I don't even think about the ancillaries so I thought it was a recap but from a different perspective

Tony Stark, Hero

03-04-2007, 09:30 PM

Daniel Knauf's book was great (http://www.marvel.com/catalog/?book_id=5978) this week.

fred

03-04-2007, 09:32 PM

It was good. I've been annoyed by TS all throughout CW and I was impressed with IM #15. It was way better than I expected.

Mikegraham6

03-04-2007, 09:34 PM

I get so caught up in what the drama 'to be DD' must be that I don't even think about the ancillaries so I thought it was a recap but from a different perspective

i just finished reading this issue and i wasn't impressed until the end. like you guys said it was mostly recap, but i think nearing the end we did really get some good insight into Milla (a character who i think hasn't been fleshed out too deeply). Giving us her POV will probably help us understand her character in the future (eg. her insecurity with Matt and his feelings about karen page) and i think this is a sign that she will be important in future brubaker DD arcs.

K-Dizzle

03-04-2007, 09:51 PM

Daniel Knauf's book was great (http://www.marvel.com/catalog/?book_id=5978) this week. We were discussing this before, awesome book, I thought it would be all Tony kicking ass and everyone loving it. Glad they went the other way with someone complaining, and showing all the radical changes a business man would make running S.H.I.E.L.D.

paper

03-04-2007, 09:53 PM

i just finished reading this issue and i wasn't impressed until the end. like you guys said it was mostly recap, but i think nearing the end we did really get some good insight into Milla (a character who i think hasn't been fleshed out too deeply). Giving us her POV will probably help us understand her character in the future (eg. her insecurity with Matt and his feelings about karen page) and i think this is a sign that she will be important in future brubaker DD arcs.

It's an interesting issue, and I agree. It probably seems like a throwaway to a lot of the detractors, but it's got to be a hint at things to come. Adds some weight to whatever Milla is bound to go through next.

fred

03-04-2007, 09:53 PM

We were discussing this before, awesome book, I thought it would be all Tony kicking ass and everyone loving it. Glad they went the other way with someone complaining, and showing all the radical changes a business man would make running S.H.I.E.L.D.
it was like life under President Perot without Tony referring to anyone as 'you people'

Tony Stark, Hero

03-04-2007, 09:57 PM

it was like life under President Perot without Tony referring to anyone as 'you people'

In no way am I shriveled. I can have Dana carvey fired from whatever he's doing.

It's probably something unfunny anyway.

fred

03-04-2007, 10:01 PM

In no way am I shriveled. I can have Dana carvey fired from whatever he's doing.

It's probably something unfunny anyway.

I would bet that whatever he's up to, he's not being paid for it. Those jobs are hard to lose. I heard he was juggling on a pier but I don't know how much I believe that.

JGG0610

03-04-2007, 11:10 PM

I think on the next podcast instead of having to read Sandman, Ron should have to read Goon if he says awesome. The description of the Goon from the store owner was spot on.

MastaP

03-04-2007, 11:24 PM

Daniel Knauf's book was great (http://www.marvel.com/catalog/?book_id=5978) this week.

I'm just glad Dugan's still alive (take that Way!... sorry. Waybashing is getting old). I just wish he would fight Godzilla again

PV_2

03-04-2007, 11:39 PM

Finally finished reading my books today - X-Factor ended up being my POW. This Madrox seraching for his dupes has potential for great stories, and this was one of them.

Kind of in the middle on DD - I appreciated the recap, because I didn't know/remember all of the Milla stuff, and I appreciate Bru trying to do a romance book, but it was a little on the dull side.

fred

03-05-2007, 09:16 PM

X-Factor is right at the top of the list every month

Six Gun

03-05-2007, 09:21 PM

X-Factor is right at the top of the list every month

I buy X-Factor in trades, do you guys think it'd be better in issues?

Six Gun

03-05-2007, 09:26 PM

fred

03-05-2007, 09:28 PM

I buy X-Factor in trades, do you guys think it'd be better in issues?

I think it works either way. I can't wait that long for it.

K-Dizzle

03-05-2007, 09:31 PM

jerome

03-05-2007, 10:05 PM

Typhoid Mary

K-Dizzle

03-05-2007, 10:06 PM

Typhone Mary what issue, year, etc.......? Thanks for answering.

jerome

03-05-2007, 10:16 PM

It was actually the cliffhanger to issue 47 of Bendis' run, and continued in Issue 48 (http://www.manwithoutfear.com/issuesIIinfo.cgi?issue=48)

K-Dizzle

03-05-2007, 10:21 PM

It was actually the cliffhanger to issue 47 of Bendis' run, and continued in Issue 48 (http://www.manwithoutfear.com/issuesIIinfo.cgi?issue=48) thanx
jerome.

jerome

03-05-2007, 10:25 PM

no prob dude. It happens to be part of my favorite arc in Bendis' run.

DarrOn

03-05-2007, 11:10 PM

I think it works either way. I can't wait that long for it.

Same here. I but it monthly and then get the hardcovers. I don't really like the Premiere Edition books, though. I'd rather have the big honkers, ala Runaways.

fred

03-05-2007, 11:11 PM

I buy the Premiers for X-Factor and the digests for Runaways. Everything else is hardcover where available

DarrOn

03-05-2007, 11:15 PM

I'm surprised at you, Fred. How come you don't buy the Runaways Hardcover books?

fred

03-05-2007, 11:29 PM

I like to feel like a manga buyer - all young and hip with thoughts of eventually making a friend twinkling in my eye

no really it's because they're cheap and my wife reads them too and she tends to be rough on books(yes I am anal like that)

acomicbookgirl

03-05-2007, 11:34 PM

she tends to be rough on books(yes I am anal like that)

Aren't we all? That's the main reason why I don't lend people stuff unless they have something I want to read or I have another copy of it.. It seems selfish and only child thing like that but I get irritated when people don't take care of stuff that isn't theirs...

fred

03-06-2007, 01:40 AM

MARVEL ANNOUNCES INITIATIVE GOES ONGOING (http://forum.newsarama.com/showthread.php?t=103857)

iSteve

03-06-2007, 01:44 AM

MARVEL ANNOUNCES INITIATIVE GOES ONGOING (http://forum.newsarama.com/showthread.php?t=103857)

Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!

iSteve

03-06-2007, 01:45 AM

Should have seen that coming. By "popular demand" my ass.

fred

03-06-2007, 01:45 AM

it's never gonna end

great lakes, and champions, and beta ****ing ray bill oh my

yes I know he's actually in omega flight but who cares?

fred

03-06-2007, 01:46 AM

time to plan for 6 months of Delaware jokes

kwok_talk

03-06-2007, 01:51 AM

time to plan for 6 months of Delaware jokes

How big will the Rhode Island team be? If it's more than 2, they can just hold hands and cover the entire boundary of that state.

iSteve

03-06-2007, 01:52 AM

Avengers Initiative: North Dakota

fred

03-06-2007, 01:53 AM

How big will the Rhode Island team be? If it's more than 2, they can just hold hands and cover the entire boundary of that state.

it's actually just cyclops

he yells at kids running on the beach

fred

03-06-2007, 01:54 AM

Hereos has made me yell HOLY SHIT like 5 times so far this episode

iSteve

03-06-2007, 01:55 AM

Hereos has made me yell HOLY SHIT like 5 times so far this episode

This show rocks tonight. Jaw dropping.

fred

03-06-2007, 01:56 AM

Linderman Has Old Balls

kwok_talk

03-06-2007, 01:58 AM

Can you just drop into Heroes? Haven't watched it before.

fred

03-06-2007, 01:59 AM

I watch it every week and I don't get it

Mikegraham6

03-06-2007, 02:00 AM

Hereos has made me yell HOLY SHIT like 5 times so far this episode

im glad they finally have some interesting twists that i didn't see coming, that show was getting really predictable.
the worst part of it was that i saw it yesterday and was waiting for you guys to see it so i could get your reactions!!

fred

03-06-2007, 02:04 AM

the thing with silar telekinetically removing Peter's head was the shit

but I think I'm suppossed to redirect this to the main site because it's redundant

sorry, my fault

ConorKilpatrick

03-06-2007, 05:19 AM

<Cyclops>Don't make me close this thread, too!</Cyclops>

;)

MastaP

03-06-2007, 06:50 AM

it's never gonna end

great lakes, and champions, and beta ****ing ray bill oh my

yes I know he's actually in omega flight but who cares?

That just makes me sad. I want a real Alpha flight team. With CANADIANS.

fred

03-06-2007, 11:33 AM

<Cyclops>Don't make me close this thread, too!</Cyclops>

;)

look mister you know the rules

just more evidence of the man trying to hold me down

fred

03-06-2007, 11:34 AM

That just makes me sad. I want a real Alpha flight team. With CANADIANS.

eh, canadians are overrated :rolleyes:

fred

03-06-2007, 02:00 PM

Rich Johnston gives us this preview cover from Wolverine Origins. Pictured is his son DAKKEN (imagine 50 jokes here)

He has the good sense to ask how his tatoos don't heal themselves
I do as well

http://images.comicbookresources.com/litg/2007/0305/WOLORIG013COV_col.jpg

Mikegraham6

03-06-2007, 02:13 PM

eh, canadians are overrated :rolleyes:

i think its more like americans are overrated :D

jokes guys jokes

fred

03-06-2007, 02:18 PM

eh, that's what one of America's little brothers would say:rolleyes:

Mikegraham6

03-06-2007, 02:19 PM

eh, that's what one of America's little brothers would say:rolleyes:

we're like america, except people like us :p

fred

03-06-2007, 02:23 PM

that's overrated anyway

Mikegraham6

03-06-2007, 02:45 PM

that's overrated anyway

fair enough :rolleyes: