View Full Version : The Confession: Was It Worth It?
e-tagg
03-15-2007, 01:17 AM
So what did you guys think? Another plot by Marvel to force you to sink 3 bucks into Civil War?
For my 2 cents, I say it was a nice wrapup, much more so that it sounds like last week's Initiative was. Bendis injects more color and character into the two main characters of Civil War in one issue than Millar seems to have in 7. Iron Man seems simultaneously more understandable and more human, and Cap just shows that he really was the man up until the end.
And the art! Excuse the geek-gasm...
mikegraham6
03-15-2007, 01:22 AM
i really enjoyed the iron man part, i think it was this kind of depth that was lacking in the pro-reg side of civil war. i didn't quite enjoy the cap part at the end. he was the same beligerent cap from CW and it bugged me (still wasn't bad though). overall its making me wish bendis wrote CW and millar would have just plotted the action. i think he would have explored the more interesting political/character remifications of the event (although he did do a good job on the New avengers CW books)
the-screw-on-aaron
03-15-2007, 01:24 AM
Well I went to get my books Wednesday as usual and because I currently live in Europe I finish my books probably while most of you are brushing your teeth. Well I try to read most off my books in my park near my stores on nice days and happened to be a beautiful day in the park when I read The Confession.
Now when I read in this park I have a lot of memories because this is the park where I read about my favorite Hellboy character dying (Roger) for good, this is the park I read infinite crisis, most of civil war and a lot of memorable books in. so everything usually comes to mind when I read books in this park so is not hard to remember the other books. And I must say The Confession goes up there with those great comic events I've read in this park.
Finally I understand why Tony Stark did it. It took Bendis and Maleev to do it but I finally understood it, Tony Stark is just a man in a suit, that's all he was not bitten by a radioactive spider, he was in given super soldier serum, he doesn't have the powers of a Norse god he just needs the suit to stay alive and that's all that special about him he's just a man. A billionaire who is a technical genius yes but like a man he's only human and humans worry about things and feel that they have responsibility and that's what Bendis shows us, he felt that he had to make a decision and stick by it and take all the responsibility even if it meant cutting off himself from other people that he cared about. I know there is still some gaps in what he did but I am more readily to forgive Ironman more after this than before having weighed everything up.
mikegraham6
03-15-2007, 01:28 AM
Well I went to get my books Wednesday as usual and because I currently live in Europe I finish my books probably while most of you are brushing your teeth. Well I try to read most off my books in my park near my stores on nice days and happened to be a beautiful day in the park when I read The Confession.
Now when I read in this park I have a lot of memories because this is the park where I read about my favorite Hellboy character dying (Roger) for good, this is the park I read infinite crisis, most of civil war and a lot of memorable books in. so everything usually comes to mind when I read books in this park so is not hard to remember the other books. And I must say The Confession goes up there with those great comic events I've read in this park.
Finally I understand why Tony Stark did it. It took Bendis and Maleev to do it but I finally understood it, Tony Stark is just a man in a suit, that's all he was not bitten by a radioactive spider, he was in given super soldier serum, he doesn't have the powers of a Norse god he just needs the suit to stay alive and that's all that special about him he's just a man. A billionaire who is a technical genius yes but like a man he's only human and humans worry about things and feel that they have responsibility and that's what Bendis shows us, he felt that he had to make a decision and stick by it and take all the responsibility even if it meant cutting off himself from other people that he cared about. I know there is still some gaps in what he did but I am more readily to forgive Ironman more after this than before having weighed everything up.
EDIT: also new avengers was awesome, so far another great week
great way to put it Aaron. Bendis seems to be the only one using the "tony as a Futurist" angle but, DAMN, it works. he finally explained it properly and it helped sell the whole plot of civil war. it finally felt like tony was a hero again... and yes it was a very sad and touching speech :(
labor_days
03-15-2007, 01:30 AM
I thought it was a pretty crummy comic overall. The art was, not surprisingly, beautiful. But the whole Tony confession felt leaden and silly. I mean how many angles is Marvel going to spin for the "REAL" reason Tony decided to be a fascistic jerk? I love the ridiculousness of Tony's explanation too; "So I was time traveling, fighting alongside King Arthur against Dr. Doom's zombie army and I invent things...so...".
Best part of the book was Cap telling the guard he was in his 80's. It struck me as funny after watching the the Vidcast this week. Tony is still in Cap's top 8!- haha.
the-screw-on-aaron
03-15-2007, 02:02 AM
EDIT:
great way to put it Aaron. Bendis seems to be the only one using the "tony as a Futurist" angle but, DAMN, it works. he finally explained it properly and it helped sell the whole plot of civil war. it finally felt like tony was a hero again... and yes it was a very sad and touching speech :(
Thanks Mike I meant it to:) . This team in this one issue has single handedly changed my opinion of Tony Stark.
I rely want to know when that hole Arthur thing happened it seems like good old comic goodness. Dos anybody know what issues it’s from?
It will be a shame if this is not the pick.
jerome
03-15-2007, 02:04 AM
This team in this one issue has single handedly changed my opinion of Tony Stark.
...and then I read New Avengers.
the-screw-on-aaron
03-15-2007, 02:07 AM
...and then I read New Avengers.
Immmm… good point:o . Well I can feel for him at the same time remember that he is a back stabber.:D
alexg
03-15-2007, 02:40 AM
I dunno, I kind of dug the Confession, and I haven't liked a single of the one off Civil War issues.
For once I actually sensed that Tony felt some sort of regret. The final image of Iron Man's story (won't spoil) really served as powerful image for the outcome of civil war.
I also think this issue foreshadows some bad days ahead for Iron Man, there's no direct evidence of this in the issue, just a feeling I got from reading it. (a little too proud of the fact he didn't drink perhaps...)
jimski
03-15-2007, 03:00 AM
Oh, it was glorious. It was like someone working in this universe read the stories and thought the same things I did. Cap's line to Tony about "you think the fact that you can program a computer makes you more of a human being than me?" reminded me of the Myspace thing; after days of stewing in his cell, Steve finally came up with a comeback for Sally McDrinkdrink. He probably asked for his one phone call just so he could say it to her.
After reading the Initiative, I think the two panels of the week so far are in New Avengers, when the trap is sprung. Jessica, mouth agape, as if to say, "Oh, you asshole." Carol, eyes closed, as if to say, "God, I suck now. For more of my moral quandary, see the upcoming Mighty Avengers, True Believer."
e-tagg
03-15-2007, 03:25 AM
Thanks Mike I meant it to:) . This team in this one issue has single handedly changed my opinion of Tony Stark.
I rely want to know when that hole Arthur thing happened it seems like good old comic goodness. Dos anybody know what issues it’s from?
It will be a shame if this is not the pick.
I don't know the issue, but I know for sure that I've read it before. Or maybe it was another issue with time travel and King Arthur. Either way, I don't remember zombies, but it was a goofy story that sounds a lot more exciting in Iron Man's recap.
There was also an issue where the two of them went ahead in time and were shopping for portable fission generators and stuff, and snooty shopkeeps are making fun of Iron Man's "retro" armor.
watsonglenn
03-15-2007, 03:40 AM
I just read it. Why did'nt they call it Issue #1 "Tony being an Ass Again."
So Tony just magically knew a war was going to happen, and when it did'nt he made it happen and then he could say to Cap's face what a sore loser he was.
Marvel has taken one of my favorite herees and turned him into the first significant Marvel hero I actively dislike.
My question is this. Is being curious about how Marvel is going to fix a problem they created really a good enough reason to keep reading a comic book?
jerome
03-15-2007, 03:51 AM
WatsonGlenn, you didn't like this issue?
Shocking.
conorkilpatrick
03-15-2007, 03:57 AM
I don't know the issue, but I know for sure that I've read it before. Or maybe it was another issue with time travel and King Arthur. Either way, I don't remember zombies, but it was a goofy story that sounds a lot more exciting in Iron Man's recap.
I believe Jimski posted the cover to this story in another thread...
Or I could be going crazy.
jo-relrollins
03-15-2007, 04:59 AM
i actually liked the issue,it closed things off well. At first i didn't know he was talking to who he was talking to(i don't wanna spoil it). It was kinda like an apology.
Oh, it was glorious. It was like someone working in this universe read the stories and thought the same things I did. Cap's line to Tony about "you think the fact that you can program a computer makes you more of a human being than me?" reminded me of the Myspace thing; after days of stewing in his cell, Steve finally came up with a comeback for Sally McDrinkdrink. He probably asked for his one phone call just so he could say it to her.
After reading the Initiative, I think the two panels of the week so far are in New Avengers, when the trap is sprung. Jessica, mouth agape, as if to say, "Oh, you asshole." Carol, eyes closed, as if to say, "God, I suck now. For more of my moral quandary, see the upcoming Mighty Avengers, True Believer."
By the way Jimski u made me reread it. I didn't see the gaping mought and close eye thing before.
jimski
03-15-2007, 05:37 AM
I believe Jimski posted the cover to this story in another thread...
Or I could be going crazy.
In fairness, both could be true.
I don't remember where I put it either, but I remember the issues were Iron Man 149-150.
alexg
03-15-2007, 06:00 AM
This book is great because I finally feel like Civil War is over. About time.
Anyone think there is any credence to the theory that House of M was "chapter 1", Civil War chapter 2, and World War Hulk Chapter 3 of a major overall story?
conorkilpatrick
03-15-2007, 06:07 AM
Anyone think there is any credence to the theory that House of M was "chapter 1", Civil War chapter 2, and World War Hulk Chapter 3 of a major overall story?
I don't believe so, no.
humphrey-lee
03-15-2007, 06:15 AM
Honestly, I came into the comic with a full hope that at least it actually would redeem the character of Iron Man. Not because I thought he was wrong, honestly, if Civil War were a "real life event" I'd too like to hope there'd be some sort of registry on these human bombs. But uh, cloning gods, making interdimensional prisons, and freaking war profiteering off of all this does not a convincing arguement make.
So I figure this one would do a good job of explaining Tony's standpoint, and show why it was probably the proper decision to make, and also show that Millar couldn't find decent or original plotting if it mounted his face and humped it for an hour.
And honestly, the Confession did it for the most part. And, sure, whatever, it used a dated but classic IM story to do it too. I did feel some genuine emotion behind it, even though, yet again, it read like Bendis speaking through a character than a character actually speaking. And overall, I was pretty alright with the issue. It was good, not great, but had it's moments (same goes for the art too).
But then I read New Avengers, and after seeing all this stuff about a heartbroken Tony Stark baring his soul in front of his fallen friend and former comrade, I saw him use the same corpse of his friend to lure in more of his old teammates into a trap, and that pretty much took away all the redeeming factors of the comic I had just read before it. I honestly thought it was kind of pathetic.
But alas, I have Fables and Wormwood: Gentleman Corpse to read, so I'll stop caring about it shortly.
e-tagg
03-15-2007, 12:26 PM
But then I read New Avengers, and after seeing all this stuff about a heartbroken Tony Stark baring his soul in front of his fallen friend and former comrade, I saw him use the same corpse of his friend to lure in more of his old teammates into a trap, and that pretty much took away all the redeeming factors of the comic I had just read before it. I honestly thought it was kind of pathetic.
To be fair, it wasn't Cap's body. Wolverine said it was someone else. But that was a shitty move altogether, agreed.
k33k3r
03-15-2007, 12:35 PM
My LCS didn't get it. Once again diamond drops the ball as well as marvel.
They had no idea it was coming out until I asked them where it was.
watsonglenn
03-15-2007, 01:12 PM
WatsonGlenn, you didn't like this issue?
Shocking.
I don't what thyey have done to Tony Stark. His justificat for death and destructionc was IMO weak. If it turns out to be a side effect of Extremis well that seems like sort of a cop out.
mikegraham6
03-15-2007, 02:17 PM
This book is great because I finally feel like Civil War is over. About time.
Anyone think there is any credence to the theory that House of M was "chapter 1", Civil War chapter 2, and World War Hulk Chapter 3 of a major overall story?
i can see where your coming from but if anything it was Avengers disassembled that was chapter one, HOM chap 2 and CW chap 3. but in all honestly i feel like its more about bringing back a feeling of larger connected universe, sort of an old school stan lee approach to the marvel u, but thats just me
they're also making it more dangerous and less chummy again
which I love
davegraham
03-15-2007, 03:00 PM
i can see where your coming from but if anything it was Avengers disassembled that was chapter one, HOM chap 2 and CW chap 3. but in all honestly i feel like its more about bringing back a feeling of larger connected universe, sort of an old school stan lee approach to the marvel u, but thats just me
I'd say it was Avengers Disassembled as chapter one, Secret War as chapter two, HOM as chapter three, and Civil War was chapter four.
What are the odds that down the line we could have Bendis as Editor and Chief after Quesada? Maybe not right after Joe, but at some point in the future.
What are the odds that down the line we could have Bendis as Editor and Chief after Quesada? Maybe not right after Joe, but at some point in the future.
I think that would be really cool. It's probably his for the taking(eventually) too if he'd have it.
mikegraham6
03-15-2007, 03:08 PM
I think that would be really cool. It's probably his for the taking(eventually) too if he'd have it.
it would be pretty cool and i think it will happen, but probably not for a while. after listening to the benis tapes on wordballoon.com you can really tell he loves to write. he still has the same passion for it that he did when he began, so maybe when he retires from writing, then would he become the EIC. and your right, it would be his for the taking, the more bendis i read the more i see him as the new stan lee of the marvel u (and thats a pretty big compliment)
benis
funniest typo ever :)
kwok_talk
03-15-2007, 03:19 PM
I'd say it was Avengers Disassembled as chapter one, Secret War as chapter two, HOM as chapter three, and Civil War was chapter four.
What are the odds that down the line we could have Bendis as Editor and Chief after Quesada? Maybe not right after Joe, but at some point in the future.
Cool and well deserved, but I'd selfishly rather have him writing books.
Cool and well deserved, but I'd selfishly rather have him writing books.
He can architect stories well though. Can you imagine him doing it for the whole U?
davegraham
03-15-2007, 03:41 PM
He can architect stories well though. Can you imagine him doing it for the whole U?
After he finishes whatever mega-plot he is writing the Avengers and these Marvel events for, let him have some fun at DC. After that he can return to Marvel as the man in charge.
After he finishes whatever mega-plot he is writing the Avengers and these Marvel events for, let him have some fun at DC. After that he can return to Marvel as the man in charge.
No DC. Let us have him at Marvel. I can't give that up.
davegraham
03-15-2007, 03:45 PM
No DC. Let us have him at Marvel. I can't give that up.
What about that Plastic Man series he is always talking about? Would you deny the world that?
alexg
03-15-2007, 03:49 PM
He can architect stories well though. Can you imagine him doing it for the whole U?
I wonder if it would drive him crazy that he couldn't write all the stories tho?
I feel like managing the Marvel U and writing stories would be two different skill sets, not sure that being a good writer automatically translates to good manager.
What about that Plastic Man series he is always talking about? Would you deny the world that?
ummm yes :rolleyes:
I wonder if it would drive him crazy that he couldn't write all the stories tho?
I feel like managing the Marvel U and writing stories would be two different skill sets, not sure that being a good writer automatically translates to good manager.
I don't know for sure that he'd be a good manager, but think about this. He's a great overall direction type of writer. If he were involved at the big picture editorial level, he could push the whole U.
kwok_talk
03-15-2007, 03:52 PM
Maybe Bendis could get all of the writers and illustrators that we love and form a new company. I’m sure that’s never been done and would be a complete success
Maybe Bendis could get all of the writers and illustrators that we love and form a new company. I’m sure that’s never been done and would be a complete success
I predict good books that don't sell and never ship on time
kwok_talk
03-15-2007, 03:58 PM
I predict good books that don't sell and never ship on time
And all noir art.
and at least one of them will seem to stop drawing entirely to focus on action figures
kwok_talk
03-15-2007, 04:05 PM
and at least one of them will seem to stop drawing entirely to focus on action figures
Ultimately they’ll bring back the small ankle, no neck, big chest look for males & females
*Get your Iron Man action figure. Now with detachable helmet so it can look at him in disapproval!
Ultimately they’ll bring back the small ankle, no neck, big chest look for males & females
*Get your Iron Man action figure. Now with detachable helmet so it can look at him in disapproval!
that's awesome. sure make me laugh really loud like a crazy person at work :eek:
labor_days
03-15-2007, 05:00 PM
*Get your Iron Man action figure. Now with detachable helmet so it can look at him in disapproval!ha! i forgot all about that thread. what a classic cover.
http://us.st11.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.com/I/wizarduniverse_1940_16928376http://us.st11.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.com/I/wizarduniverse_1940_16782693
humphrey-lee
03-15-2007, 06:18 PM
Maybe Bendis could get all of the writers and illustrators that we love and form a new company. I’m sure that’s never been done and would be a complete success
Maybe he could go back to being the guy from five years ago that wrote all excellent comics instead of now either mostly pretty average ones, or slightly hackneyed. I really do miss the old bald jew instead of the current bald jew. :D
mikegraham6
03-15-2007, 06:31 PM
Maybe he could go back to being the guy from five years ago that wrote all excellent comics instead of now either mostly pretty average ones, or slightly hackneyed. I really do miss the old bald jew instead of the current bald jew. :D
i think there was a point were Bendis was in a bit of slump (House of M, "deadpool" in USM, post HOM new avengers) but i can't think of one bad book he's writting right now. i think he's took the civil war ball that millar dropped after issue 7 and he's running with it. Even USM has been kick ass lately.
but im a little less critical about my books than you humphrey (no offense, to each is own right?)
labor_days
03-15-2007, 06:50 PM
I enjoy Bendis' writing a lot. But when you're writing as many books as he is lately, there is bound to be a few daft books now & then. Sometimes Bendis switches on the autopilot. Other times he's the best writer not named Greg Rucka and/or Brian K. Vaughan in comics.
conorkilpatrick
03-15-2007, 06:53 PM
ha! i forgot all about that thread. what a classic cover.
http://us.st11.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.com/I/wizarduniverse_1940_16928376http://us.st11.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.com/I/wizarduniverse_1940_16782693
That statue might be the best statue ever made, but it is patently ridiculous that he is wearing a suit over the armor. It's not skintight like Supeman's suit.
Also, it's metal.
xyzzy
03-15-2007, 06:56 PM
That statue might be the best statue ever made, but it is patently ridiculous that he is wearing a suit over the armor. It's not skintight like Supeman's suit.
Also, it's metal.
He's so drunk, he didn't even realize he was wearing the Iron Man suit when he got dressed in the morning. If he were sober, he would have realized that those colors just don't go.
humphrey-lee
03-15-2007, 07:26 PM
i think there was a point were Bendis was in a bit of slump (House of M, "deadpool" in USM, post HOM new avengers) but i can't think of one bad book he's writting right now. i think he's took the civil war ball that millar dropped after issue 7 and he's running with it. Even USM has been kick ass lately.
but im a little less critical about my books than you humphrey (no offense, to each is own right?)
Well, I didn't say bad, I just mean that they're pretty much all standard Bendis formula now. Some cool one liners and quipping, dialogue is the same almost no matter who he's writing, and occasional riffs on Marvel continuity like "Can you believe I me King Arthur?" They all read too much the same, and read like almost every Marvel comic of his I've read since he got done with DD. Maybe he's just in a safe zone right now. Happens to everyone I guess...