It's Wednesday! Comics for the Week of 08/08/07

[conorkilpatrick]

This week's Pick of the Week: (http://www.ifanboy.com/archive/pickoftheweek/08082007_powers_1.html)

http://www.ifanboy.com/images/POW_080807-thumb.jpg

Josh's stack is:
BATMAN #667
COUNTDOWN 38
FABLES #64
GREEN ARROW YEAR ONE #3
GREEN LANTERN #22
JACK OF FABLES #13
CRIMINAL #8
DAREDEVIL #99
NEW AVENGERS #33
NOVA #5
POWERS #25
X-FACTOR #22

Conor's stack is:
BATMAN #667
BLACK ADAM THE DARK AGE #1
COUNTDOWN 38
GREEN ARROW YEAR ONE #3
GREEN LANTERN #22
OUTSIDERS FIVE OF A KIND WEEK 2 KATANA SHAZAM
CRIMINAL #8
DAREDEVIL #99
INCREDIBLE HULK #109
NEW AVENGERS #33
OMEGA FLIGHT #5
POWERS #25
ULTIMATE X-MEN #85
X-FACTOR #22

Ron's stack is:
COUNTDOWN 38
DMZ #22
GREEN ARROW YEAR ONE #3
GREEN LANTERN #22
DYNAMO 5 #6
CRIMINAL #8
DAREDEVIL #99
INCREDIBLE HULK #109
NEW AVENGERS #33
NEW AVENGERS TRANSFORMERS #2
NEW EXCALIBUR #22
NOVA #5
OMEGA FLIGHT #5
POWERS #25
ULTIMATE X-MEN #85
X-FACTOR #22

(In-Store Decisions)
ESSENTIAL DAZZLER VOL 1 TP
ALAN MOORE THE COMPLETE WILDCATS TP

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

[mikegraham6]

Conor I can't believe your picking up Omega Flight this week! i thought i was going to be the only one!

[mrugly]

Why is Ron's stack always absent?

[kwok_talk]

Conor I can't believe your picking up Omega Flight this week! i thought i was going to be the only one!

I’m picking it up this week out of total obligation to finish the series.

[senoj1]

I'm pretty sure Ron plays it by ear in the store. He doesn't have a pull list.

[mikegraham6]

I’m picking it up this week out of total obligation to finish the series.

same. i guess i should give up all hope that there will be a good "Flight" series:(

[iSteve]

Conor I can't believe your picking up Omega Flight this week! i thought i was going to be the only one!

Not the only one. I'm another.

[ronxo]

Why is Ron's stack always absent?

Cause no one asked me - I wanna know why mine is absent too!

[fred]

what really could be in Essential Dazzler?

[kahunablair]

what really could be in Essential Dazzler?

The only Dazzler "adventure" I've ever actually read was in Deadpool. He was hired to be her bodyguard at a disco concert. Classic stuff.

Oh and of course she was part of one of the few moments I actually laughed at in the Evil Dead/Marvel Zombies story...

http://img35.picoodle.com/img/img35/9/8/8/f_untitledm_a31a118.png (http://www.picoodle.com/view.php?img=/9/8/8/f_untitledm_a31a118.png&srv=img35)

[kwok_talk]

Eyes up here buddy. :)

[hometeam790]

New Avengers #33: Another issue where its mainly conversation with the team, but yet, I'm very very intrigued. An attempted transaction to sell the body of Deathlok fails when the Hood makes his presence known. And Jessica Jones looks to be leaving Cage. And in the very end Wolverine finds out about The Hood. Solid issue. I'm ready for more.

I'll talk about Green Lantern when I get home.

[kwok_talk]

HT – That sounds really interesting. I can’t wait to get my hands on that NA issue. Will the Hood stuff be ok for those who haven’t read the series?

[paper]

Even if it is...read The Hood anyway. It's Dope with a capital D!

[six-gun]

Ron's stack is:
NEW AVENGERS TRANSFORMERS #2


Come on, really?

[kahunablair]

Come on, really?

It's in my stack. It's Transformers and Spiderman and Wolverine!

[acomicbookgirl]

Come on, really?

Hey there's nothing wrong with New Avengers/Transformers. I love the first one. :)

[labor_days]

Was it just me or did anyone else feel like they missed an issue of Countdown this week? I was somewhat at a loss for what the hell was going on.

What virus are they talking about? When is this taking place in continuity? /confusion

[jimski]

A Transformers/Spider-Man crossover is almost entirely responsible for me reading comics today. Think Of The Children! (tm)

2/3rds of the iFanboys are reading Omega Flight, and yet I know nothing about it.

Man alive, did I love me some New Avengers this week. Mind you, I have a lot to read, but it may well be my POW.

[marshallg]

Was it just me or did anyone else feel like they missed an issue of Countdown this week? I was somewhat at a loss for what the hell was going on.

What virus are they talking about? When is this taking place in continuity? /confusion

I seem to recall Oracle fighting a virus while Karate Kid and Una were attempting to infiltrate her place. I enjoyed Coutdown last week but this week felt like a step back.

[labor_days]

I seem to recall Oracle fighting a virus while Karate Kid and Una were attempting to infiltrate her place. I enjoyed Countdown last week but this week felt like a step back.

I re-read 39 just to make sure I didn't miss anything. And the way the scene where KK & Una breakthrough Oracle's security is written in such as way as to give me the impression Karate Kid & Una were the cause of the breech.

[tad]

My very short, on-the-spot stack:

Fables TPB 7
Powers
Supergirl (out last week but REALLY good. Geez, I'm gonna be a Supergirl-buying guy?)

and of course

B.P.R.D. - start of a new arc - Killing Ground

[labor_days]

My god, New Avengers continues to do nothing for me. On paper the New Avengers should be my Avengers team. But reading the book is a snore fest.

I just don't buy Cage as a leader who commands the respect of Spider-Man, Hawkeye and Doctor Strange. Luke Cage acting tough isn't as exciting after the 1,000x time he brings his "no nonsense street attitude(c)" to the team.

Come now, Spidey may be a bit of a goofball but he's been through far more shit than Cage and his f***ing tiara and disco shirt. No dude would let someone talk to them like that. Yet alone this "new day" Spidey Marvel keeps telling me about?

And this Skrull business seems only to serve internet speculation at this point. The breakdown of trust among the group is happening too quickly to be believable. You don't entrust your life to a guy one minute and then start calling him a turncoat, ready to go to fisticuffs, the next. There needed to be some time for the tension to build.

Rating: F-

[ronxo]

#1. Avengers/Transformers - Issue #1 was so bizarrely weird I had to keep buying this and it didn't disappoint, but not in a good way

#2. In-Story Decision: Essential Dazzler #1 - yes, Alan Moore's Wildcats - no. Why you ask? Easy. I have the Wildcats issues so I could just dig them out, plus I wasn't impressed by the paper stock and production quality. Why Dazzler? Cause it's frakkin' awesome. Chris Claremont, John Byrne, John Romita Sr., Sal Buscema. Roller Skates. Galactus. You're all missing out.

[labor_days]

Are there any Jim Shooter penned Dazzler stories in Essential Dazzler? If so, I will purchase this book.

[fred]

My Book of the Week was New Avengers #33 and my Shit Book of the Week was Batman #667. (http://www.thisweekincomics.com/08082007.php)

[paper]

But....I don't reeeeeead Powers!

[vudew]

This New Avengers book is KILLING me. My first instinct is to say i hate reading yet another issue of everyone talking about whats been happening but I think I hate it in that way that as a kid I always hated those days after school let out for Christmas break but Christmas was still days away. So really, I am secretly loving it at the same time. I'm just anticipating this Skrull shit to get rolling faster. I don't really see how this Skrull situation won't be a hell of a lot of fun and I'm really excited to see where its going.

[ronxo]

Are there any Jim Shooter penned Dazzler stories in Essential Dazzler? If so, I will purchase this book.

Sadly no - but I'm almost done with Secret Wars which is full of Jim Shooter goodness.

[labor_days]

Sadly no
This news is saddening. I will not be purchasing Essential Dazzler. No.

Ron, you must acquire Dazzler the Movie (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/2/28/Wiki_dazzler_gn.jpg).

but I'm almost done with Secret Wars which is full of Jim Shooter goodness.Perhaps, the greatest crossover of the 80's.

Master storyteller, Jim Shooter. A master, I say!

[jmf]

I cant get Secret Wars nowhere near me has it in stock and none of my Online stores have it in stock think ebay may be my only option.

[horatio616]

I just skimmed Daredevil 99. I may have the details wrong, but Vanessa Fisk is behind all this? I really don't get Matt. He should have strangled her when he had her alone in that apartment. Because he didn't do what makes sense, his friend and wife have been driven insane and framed for murder. Everytime he lets one of his enemies go, it usually ends up with dire consequences for him and his loved ones. Matt Murdock is an idiot.

[k33k3r]

It was a small week for me with only 7 books. My POW is New Avengers #33 followed closely by Nova #5. My SBOW was Countdown #38.

Marvel
New Avengers #33 - POW - This issue was great. Everyone in the group is on edge wondering if the person next to them is a Skrull. The Luke Cage and Jess scene was great, he just flat out tries to tell Jess she is a skrull(even though he never told her that Elektra was a skrull) and then she runs out pissed off just like Jess always does.. The secen ending with Luke looking at his kid like are you a Skruman? Bringing The Hood in at this time is great. It just adds to the confusion but i understand what Bendis is doing. He's going to build this character in the background while the Skrull situation is being taken care of. The Hood has a lot to learn and has no business even trying to take on Wolverine.

Nova #5 - I really liked this issue and was left with a couple feelings. The first was dammit, the second was holy shit and the third was this Annihilation series just got worth reading. I'm glad Rider is alive but I hope to god this is just a ploy to get close to the Pharalynx to take them down. I also enjoy that they are using Gamora again. She was an interesting character in the first series but was just there for the T&A factor. While she is still there for that factor this time she actually is doing something this time other than just in the book for people to look at...

DareDevil #99 - This issue had the shit hit the fan. I'm interested more in seeing how the whole situation with Milla pushing the guy in front of the train plays out than DD taking on Mr. Fear. Is she in control of her actions? Maybe Ed will let us know next month.

Annihilation Prologue: Wraith - This issue was an origins story. It shows how Wraith went from being a Kree to being the wraith. Basically he was tortured so much as a boy that pain actually gives him pleasure. It ends with Ronan saying that he will be infested but I don't see how it is possible so it will be interesting to see how this pans out.

DC
Countdown #38 - SBOW - BOOOOOO!!! This issue sucked real real bad. From start to finish it was just terrible. Mary Marvel fighting fish men. The rougues encounter with Question and Batwoman was stupid. Robin please kill Jimmy Olsen, no one will care. While you're at it kill Karate Kid too. I got to the end at least hoping the monitor's backup story would be good.... Nope! this series just took a nose dive.

Black Adam : The Dark Age - This was a really good story. I will most likely be reading this story the whole way through. I want to know how he finds out the magic word.

Green Lantern - This issue was really good. I'm still a little confused by some of the stuff going on but I get it for the most part. I am so tired of cross overs though.

That's it for me for this week.

[mikegraham6]

But....I don't reeeeeead Powers!

Whats wrong with you!?!?! your missing out my friend, consistently it's bendis' best book (when it comes out)

[mikegraham6]

New Avengers #33 - This is one of my favorite Marvel books and I love where Bendis is taking this story but I do feel that this issue went a bit off track. I still loved it but the scenes with the villains (most of whom I didn't know) and Deathlok didn't interest me whatsoever. Get back to the Skrulls! As with the last issue, I loved the character interaction in the team although it does feel like the trust is erroding a bit too quickly. The Hood looks to be pretty badass and I'm interested in checking out his series now, but I hope that this arc doesn't turn into a typical Superhero VS Supervillain throwdown because Bendis has grabbed my interest with the Skrulls and I need to know more.
Oh ya, I also liked that he tossed in a reference to Mighty Avengers as well, just to let us know that he hasn't forgotten that the two books are connected, I guess the Ultron battle is taking longer than just one day:rolleyes:. A-

[mikegraham6]

Daredevil #99 - This book is back! As much as I love Daredevil (and trust me, I LOVE Daredevil) this arc hasn't really grabbed me as much as the past two. It was focused much more on action rather than characters. The strength of this book lies in Matt Murdock, the ultimate underdog. He gets beaten down more and more, to the point where you don't think he can ever overcome the obstacles but he always manages to win out in the end. He isn't the most powerful hero so when it focuses on action, Daredevil typically gets overshadowed by other books that do it better. This issue though it looks like we are returning to form. Something happens at the end of this issue that looks like it will toss Matt's life into chaos yet again and I can't wait to see how it all turns out. Brubaker, you are God my friend! A+

[mikegraham6]

Powers #25 - This book came as huge surprise when I saw it on the shipping list. While some of Bendis' more high profile books tend to overshadow it, Powers always proves to be a consistently excellent read. I hadn't realized how much I missed it until I read the recap this morning. With this issue it looks like we are finally getting the showdown we knew was going to happen since Deena was kidnapped all those issues ago. Marvel went all out with this issue, increasing the paper quality and giving it a thicker cover as well, sure the price went up, but for a book of this quality I'd pay 5$ an issue. The art by Oeming is excellent as always, although some panels looked a bit strange (the introduction of Detective Sunrise) but others were downright beautiful (the battle with Aliens in the skies of Toronto). If you aren't buying this series, do yourself a favor, get on it! Drop Countdown if you have to and with the money you save buy the trades. This series rocks! I just hope they keep this schedule on track now. A+

[iSteve]

Great reviews, Mike. I'm looking forward to them each Thursday now.

[mikegraham6]

Great reviews, Mike. I'm looking forward to them each Thursday now.

thanks Steve!
I'm gonna try to keep them consistent and try to post my thoughts as soon as i read the books, but sometimes life gets in the way and I can't get them all out on time. I have a huge stack this week and i've only got through those three but i'll try to post my thoughts as i work my way through the rest!

[jimski]

[B]I still loved it but the scenes with the villains (most of whom I didn't know) and Deathlok didn't interest me whatsoever. I would swear Deathlok was just in FF looking completely different, but I bowed out of that book a while ago. As for the villains... when was the last time anyone even referenced Dr. Harrow?? I think he gave a bunch of the Spider-villains their powers back in the sixties or seventies. Any man who may be responsible for the Gibbon is not to be trifled with.

[mikegraham6]

I would swear Deathlok was just in FF looking completely different, but I bowed out of that book a while ago. As for the villains... when was the last time anyone even referenced Dr. Harrow?? I think he gave a bunch of the Spider-villains their powers back in the sixties or seventies. Any man who may be responsible for the Gibbon is not to be trifled with.

last week's Fantastic Four had the wizard in it, he was on one of saturn's moons and he looked completely different than he did in this issue, so go figure:rolleyes:

[kahunablair]

last week's Fantastic Four had the wizard in it, he was on one of saturn's moons and he looked completely different than he did in this issue, so go figure:rolleyes:

I'm not a guy to complain about continuity so please realize thats not my point, but don't even try to understand the timeline of Avengers.

Now that we know that Mighty and New Avengers are occuring along the same timeline where does that put World War Hulk storyline? Before?
It seems like WWH is happening next summer, because the other story's are still on a completely different timeline all together.

[iSteve]

I'm not a guy to complain about continuity so please realize thats not my point, but don't even try to understand the timeline of Avengers.

Now that we know that Mighty and New Avengers are occuring along the same timeline where does that put World War Hulk storyline? Before?
It seems like WWH is happening next summer, because the other story's are still on a completely different timeline all together.

As Conor pointed out in the last podcast, trying to figure out the Marvel continuity & timeline will drive you crazy. Ya just gotta go with the flow.

[mikegraham6]

As Conor pointed out in the last podcast, trying to figure out the Marvel continuity & timeline will drive you crazy. Ya just gotta go with the flow.

i wouldn't single out only Marvel, DC can be pretty screwy sometimes too (marvel's usually worse though). i find it best not to think about it and just enjoy the story, or maybe i should i just read one book a month, then i wouldn't have to deal with it:rolleyes:

[conorkilpatrick]

i wouldn't single out only Marvel, DC can be pretty screwy sometimes too (marvel's usually worse though). i find it best not to think about it and just enjoy the story, or maybe i should i just read one book a month, then i wouldn't have to deal with it:rolleyes:

Well, yes, but the question on the podcast was specifically about Marvel.

[kahunablair]

Well, yes, but the question on the podcast was specifically about Marvel.

Damn it Conor! STOP WITH YOUR FACTS!! You're driving me mad!

[iSteve]

Damn it Conor! STOP WITH YOUR FACTS!! You're driving me mad!

He has a tendency to do that. :D

[itsbecca]

The surprise awesome book of the week, for me, was Jack of Fables. It was hilarious. The sword in the "stone", the miniature blue ox's inner pirate dialogue, and Jack beating the old dead man was absolutely brilliant.

[mikegraham6]

jack of fables never fails to be fun and hilarious, a great compliment to Fables

[mikegraham6]

This isn't really a review, just my thoughts on Countdown this week from the Thisweekincomics.com forum but i did toss in a grade at the end so here goes:

im also really upset with Countdown. I just recently re-read Gotham Central recently and Montoya is so damn strong in that book that it's really bizarre and a little unsettingly to see her as the Question. I almost wish she didn't wear the mask

Also, she acted really stupid in this issue. The Trickster didn't give her any real explanation to justify her believing that the rogues didn't kill the flash, yet she believed him right a way?? LAME! she may have been a detective, but she's not an idiot who will just take someone's word on a murder case just because they "sound" innocent


absolute garbage. F

[mikegraham6]

Jack of Fables #13 - This book was great. I always have a load of fun reading this series. It's so lighthearted, but typically I don't find it to be laugh out load funny. This issue had me cracking up on the bus ride home as the other passengers stared at me in silence. I didn't care! The jokes kept coming in this issue both visually and through the character interaction. If your reading Fables and have passed up this series you should check out this week's issue, if only because it seems to be a fairly good jumping on point and the end of this week's Fables connects directly to this book. It has also seemed to pick up on a thread from the Fables series that I guess Willingham hasn't had a chance to touch. Every twist and turn has been great and while I typically find this to be an average to above average series, this issue garners a much better score. A

[mastap]

Jack of Fables #13 - This book was great. I always have a load of fun reading this series. It's so lighthearted, but typically I don't find it to be laugh out load funny. This issue had me cracking up on the bus ride home as the other passengers stared at me in silence. I didn't care! The jokes kept coming in this issue both visually and through the character interaction. If your reading Fables and have passed up this series you should check out this week's issue, if only because it seems to be a fairly good jumping on point and the end of this week's Fables connects directly to this book. It has also seemed to pick up on a thread from the Fables series that I guess Willingham hasn't had a chance to touch. Every twist and turn has been great and while I typically find this to be an average to above average series, this issue garners a much better score. A

That pirate monologue was one of the funniest things I have ever read. ever

[itsbecca]

That pirate monologue was one of the funniest things I have ever read. ever

YES! I literally called up my boyfriend across the office to read it:

"You have to read this"
"I'm busy"
"No you aren't, come here now."

[horatio616]

Jeez if you guys don't stop talking about how good JofF is, I'm going to have to buy it.

[jaflanagan]

Jeez if you guys don't stop talking about how good JofF is, I'm going to have to buy it.

If you're reading Fables and not reading this, you're blowing it.

If you're not reading Fables, I think this would still be good, but then you'd want to read Fables.

Still...it's quite good.

[horatio616]

If you're reading Fables and not reading this, you're blowing it.

If you're not reading Fables, I think this would still be good, but then you'd want to read Fables.

Still...it's quite good.

I am reading Fables, but I don't want to blow it! Okay, okay I'll go get the first trade asap.

[kahunablair]

I am reading Fables, but I don't want to blow it! Okay, okay I'll go get the first trade asap.

Same here. Especially after I saw the sword through Jack in Fables, and then saw it on the cover of his book.

[jaflanagan]

So, to my Fables readers...what did you think of this last issue? At first, I was annoyed that it wasn't the next part in the story, but I can be charmed by cuteness, and I had fun with it. I love the cubs, what can I say?

[mikegraham6]

So, to my Fables readers...what did you think of this last issue? At first, I was annoyed that it wasn't the next part in the story, but I can be charmed by cuteness, and I had fun with it. I love the cubs, what can I say?

i really wasn't impressed with this issue. im not a fan of the anime art style at all, but i have to give the artist credit, he helped convey the energy of the cubs pretty well. I wanted the next issue of the frog prince story, it's been so damn good and i really don't care what's going on at the farm. It seems that every issue that stars the cubs is very similar and is basically filler for the series.

I say bring on Flycatcher!

Jack of Fables was king this week though

[kahunablair]

So, to my Fables readers...what did you think of this last issue? At first, I was annoyed that it wasn't the next part in the story, but I can be charmed by cuteness, and I had fun with it. I love the cubs, what can I say?

I agree totally Josh. I was really upset when I turned to the first page and realized it was a different storyline.

That being said, I think it's been proven that NOTHING in these books seem to be throw-a-way storys. I can't wait to see what this little small storyline is going to lead up to.

[labor_days]

So, to my Fables readers...what did you think of this last issue? At first, I was annoyed that it wasn't the next part in the story, but I can be charmed by cuteness, and I had fun with it. I love the cubs, what can I say?
Basically, Mike summed up how I felt about it. I hate that they toss in these one off stories just as things are heating up. While I appreciate some of the added tidbits, it's frustrating on the whole to have the momentum come to a screeching halt. Much rather they save these things for in-between arc filler or work them into the main arc more cohesively.

"The Good Prince" may be one of the finest arcs in Fables when all is said and done. "Homelands" and "March of the Wooden Soldiers" set the bar pretty damn high.

[paper]

If you skipped the fill-ins and saved them for reading after the arc...would that help? Or would the gap between books be too much.

[jaflanagan]

I agree totally Josh. I was really upset when I turned to the first page and realized it was a different storyline.

That being said, I think it's been proven that NOTHING in these books seem to be throw-a-way storys. I can't wait to see what this little small storyline is going to lead up to.

That's exactly what I was thinking. The small details don't seem to matter, but then, as it had been planned all along, the threads come together.

I think there was major character, and even plot development in this story, which is why it didn't feel like filler to me.

And after reading 1001 Nights, the varying art style didn't bother me in the least. It fit in perfectly. If there was a 6 issue mini series on Snow, Bigby and the Cubs, I'd be all over that.

[labor_days]

If you skipped the fill-ins and saved them for reading after the arc...would that help? Or would the gap between books be too much.I suppose not. But they do tie in to the series. So you'll be missing out should something relevant occur.

Again, give me the crucial info within the arc then expand on those ideas later (setting up the next arc or what have you).

[jaflanagan]

Basically, Mike summed up how I felt about it. I hate that they toss in these one off stories just as things are heating up. While I appreciate some of the added tidbits, it's frustrating on the whole to have the momentum come to a screeching halt. Much rather they save these things for in-between arc filler or work them into the main arc more cohesively.

Maybe he's doing it on purpose. Maybe it has to do with the way he wants to pace the story. Maybe it's just practical, and the next regular issue is more complicated than most, thus facilitating the need to schedule a breather in the schedule, to avoid having a delay.

I mean, shit, give the dudes a break. Everyone wants it NOW.

Have you ever read a novel where it skips between storylines, and leaves you at just the moment when you want to know what happens next? It's not unusual a practice in storytelling. But Willingham has yet to let us down, so I just let it happen and enjoy things as they come.

[labor_days]

That's one way to look at it. Fables so damn good, I really do want it NOW.

I'm not saying the side stories are throwaways but one can work the crucial bits within the main arc. A whole issue on the cubs though? Hmm, I don't know.

[mikegraham6]

i really don't mind filler issues, but i find the cub issues to be really boring. i mean didn't we just wrap up an arc starring them? i don't mind them in small doses but it feels like they are being shoved down our throats. they all have the same chaotic feel to them as well, which im sure is intentional but i just don't find it interesting. Give me a fill in issue with Prince Charming or Beauty and Beast or even more of Hanzel, thats stuff i can get enough of. but the cubs, i can do without.

Even more planning on the Adversary's side, that stuff is facinating

[jerome]

I always thought these filler issues were in part designed to give Buckingham the time to draw the issues. I could be wrong, but I don't remember him ever drawing more than maybe five or six issues in a row before there's always a fill in artist.

[kahunablair]

i really don't mind filler issues, but i find the cub issues to be really boring. i mean didn't we just wrap up an arc starring them? i don't mind them in small doses but it feels like they are being shoved down our throats.
Which leads to...
That's exactly what I was thinking. The small details don't seem to matter, but then, as it had been planned all along, the threads come together.


I think the cubs are being set up as something as a huge plot peice down the line. There is a reason he's doing putting there stories in here.
Take Prince Charming, the Beast, and Beauty. They seemed to be throw away characters that were just thrown in to give us some interesting stories. Now they're running Fabletown.

I wouldn't be suprised if the cubs end up being the heroes in the coming battle. Or if they wanted to take a really dark turn, something could happen to them that would lead to Bigby just going balistic and offing all the Advesary's armies.

[jaflanagan]

I think you could say that the cubs are really the center of this story. This whole thing is their story. The first story in this is about Snow and Bigby, and their kids are the outcropping of that. Them growing up and being the next generation of Fables to fight in the war is a central underpinning of this whole Fables story as it goes forward. So I suppose if you're not into the cubs, that might be a problem.

[jaflanagan]

See? Me and Kahunablair are on the same page.

[mikegraham6]

i guess im screwed, i should just drop fables now and save my money;)

[labor_days]

Hey now, I dig the cubs. But don't see why (other than logistical considerations) their story can't be told alongside the main arc.

(I'd love to see more Adversary plotting too. Solidarity, dudes.)

[kahunablair]

See? Me and Kahunablair are on the same page.

Yup we are. I can't wait to see what's going to come of them. Imagine a group of Bigby's that not only can change into wolves and werewolves, but also fly. They'd be the ultimate elite fighting force.

Hey now, I dig the cubs. But don't see why (other than logistical considerations) their story can't be told alongside the main arc.

(I'd love to see more Adversary plotting too. Solidarity, dudes.)

What you want a 65 page book every month? I think the breaks are refreshing, plus they keep us on our toes!

[labor_days]

Yes, but was every single panel and detail needed this last issue? Could not have one integrated the stories together cohesively?

Answers: No and yes.

[kahunablair]

Yes, but was every single panel and detail needed this last issue? Could not have one integrated the stories together cohesively?

Answers: No and yes.

Maybe, maybe not. This series has me at the point where I'm not questioning it's structure. Everytime I've gotten ready to complain or talk about something different in the story, it gets thrown back at me.
I'm sitting back and waiting to see what's going to come out of it. If I'm totally wrong and there is no plan in place to make these one-off issues important, then I'll apologize, but I doubt that's going to be the case.
I am extraordinarily patient, provided I get my own way in the end. - Margaret Thatcher

[mikegraham6]

question for all those who read both: which did you enjoy more this week? Jack of Fables or Fables?

i keep forgetting about Jack's book, but everytime it comes out its a great surprise, and i think this week's issue is one of the strongest of the series

[tad]

So, to my Fables readers...what did you think of this last issue?

Just as you needle Ron about Invincible, I'm Fables by trade only. But now you have me curious about Jack of Fables and timely interconnectivity which is something you lose reading trades.

There's now winning in this comics thing, is there?

[jaflanagan]

Just as you needle Ron about Invincible, I'm Fables by trade only. But now you have me curious about Jack of Fables and timely interconnectivity which is something you lose reading trades.

There's now winning in this comics thing, is there?

They're loosely connected. This week was the first one where it was slightly coordinated to do something at the same time. But if you just go for trades, you'll still get 99% of the goodness.

But, as I said earlier, if you like Fables a lot, Jack is just more goodness. It's almost saddening, because who wants to read one more book? But it's definitely worth it.

Cubs rule!

[mastap]

question for all those who read both: which did you enjoy more this week? Jack of Fables or Fables?

i keep forgetting about Jack's book, but everytime it comes out its a great surprise, and i think this week's issue is one of the strongest of the series

even though I dint think the issue was spectacular, Fables was the better book. But the one I enjoyed more? Jack all the way, and pretty much just for that one page, you know which one I'm talking about

[six-gun]

I think I'll weigh in on Countdown by Grey, Palmiotti and Dini.

I felt that this issue was the weakest of the entire series, Justin Grey and Jimmy Palmiotti are two of my favorite writers today by the merit of their Jonah Hex alone (side note, Jonah Hex has passed The Lone Ranger as my favorite western book,) but when I was getting into comics I read Infinite Crisis Aftermath: The Battle for Bludhaven which was also written by the pair and it was a horrendous example of comic writing and nearly soured me on the hobby. This issue of Countdown was far worse than Battle for Bludhaven ever dreamed of being. Here's why:

1. The scene transitions that Ron praised on the podcast were lazy and too much of a throwback, obviously an example of writers becoming scared of their audience's patience with seemingly disparate plot points and shoe-horning an artificial connection in as a way of squelching a complaint that certainly wasn't going to stop any substantial number of readers from picking up the book 13 weeks in. A writer will always do well to not insult my patience.

2. The handling of Renee Montoya in this issue was abysmal, it's obvious that Palmiotti and Grey were among the countless comic book readers who never read Gotham Central, because Rucka's Montoya would beat the living hell out of herself as portrayed in this issue for letting Piper and Trickster go.

3. Jimmy Olsen is being written like a six year old by every writer at DC right now. Fix this or kill him off, because his storyline is one that could persuade me to drop the series.

One positive not: Jesus Saiz drew the heck out of this issue, showing continued improvement in his skill set since his departure from Checkmate, it's his art that saves the issue from an F.

D-

[iSteve]

I think I'll weigh in on Countdown by Grey, Palmiotti and Dini.

I felt that this issue was the weakest of the entire series, Justin Grey and Jimmy Palmiotti are two of my favorite writers today by the merit of their Jonah Hex alone (side note, Jonah Hex has passed The Lone Ranger as my favorite western book,) but when I was getting into comics I read Infinite Crisis Aftermath: The Battle for Bludhaven which was also written by the pair and it was a horrendous example of comic writing and nearly soured me on the hobby. This issue of Countdown was far worse than Battle for Bludhaven ever dreamed of being. Here's why:

1. The scene transitions that Ron praised on the podcast were lazy and too much of a throwback, obviously an example of writers becoming scared of their audience's patience with seemingly disparate plot points and shoe-horning an artificial connection in as a way of squelching a complaint that certainly wasn't going to stop any substantial number of readers from picking up the book 13 weeks in. A writer will always do well to not insult my patience.

2. The handling of Renee Montoya in this issue was abysmal, it's obvious that Palmiotti and Grey were among the countless comic book readers who never read Gotham Central, because Rucka's Montoya would beat the living hell out of herself as portrayed in this issue for letting Piper and Trickster go.

3. Jimmy Olsen is being written like a six year old by every writer at DC right now. Fix this or kill him off, because his storyline is one that could persuade me to drop the series.

One positive not: Jesus Saiz drew the heck out of this issue, showing continued improvement in his skill set since his departure from Checkmate, it's his art that saves the issue from an F.

D-

Oh come on, Six Gun - stop with the "nice boy" comments - tell us what you really think about this issue! :D:eek:

(Actually, I agreed with much of what you had to say. One of the weaker issues. But I'm sticking with it.)

[six-gun]

Oh come on, Six Gun - stop with the "nice boy" comments - tell us what you really think about this issue! :D:eek:

(Actually, I agreed with much of what you had to say. One of the weaker issues. But I'm sticking with it.)

Yeah, and Countdown had started to move up my list of favorite titles since week 42.

[iSteve]

My favorite title this week (apart from Powers that is) was Daredevil. Though, as was pointed out on the podcast, I too was confused about this being part five of five. It was not a conclusion of anything. The can of worms is officially opened.

[six-gun]

My Pow's a tie between Green Arrow Year One and Criminal

[cav]

There were no new floppies in my shop last wednesday. Sometimes shipments are late in Europe.:(

But I just got Hernandez' big 'Locas' collection.

I never really got stoked on the Love & Rockets collections, but then I was recommended 'Palomar' and it's one of the finest reads I've ever had. So I'm looking forward to the Locas stories!

I also got the Adrian Tomine-edited "The Push Man and other stories" by Yoshihiro Tatsumi. I just finished it, and can highly recommend it! It's all little stories inspired by crimestories Tatsumi gathered from newspapers. Mostly about weak men suffering adultry and commiting desperate murders. It's from the '60, but reads as powerful today. You can sometimes make out it's from his early run, but he starts out strong non the less, and there are lots of editions to come!

[mikegraham6]

i agree with you about Countdown Six (excellent review by the way) i think it was the weakest issue so far and if this series doesn't pick up steam soon, im afraid im going to have to drop it. I don't want to because i think it will prove to be an important series, but its been so damn sloppy for the last few issues.


Steve- Daredevil was awesome, if it weren't for Powers, that would have been my POW. I love seeing Matt's personal life in shambles and with the ending of this issue, it looks like his life is going to be pretty difficult for a while!

[iSteve]

Steve- Daredevil was awesome, if it weren't for Powers, that would have been my POW. I love seeing Matt's personal life in shambles and with the ending of this issue, it looks like his life is going to be pretty difficult for a while!

Completely agree. This is the way that it should have been with Spider-Man. But the difference is in the writing. My heart bleeds for Matt, but I really don't care about what happens with Peter right now.

[iSteve]

I know I am a week late and more than a dollar short, but I just read Metal Men #1 last night and I must say - it rocked. I seriously dug the issue. The art and the story were perfect. Can't wait for the next installation.

[iSteve]

Still behind in my comic reading and getting caught up. I read the last four issues of Fables last night. Awesome. Love the "Invasion/War Prep" storyline.