Defenders of 'Planetary' Unite!

[horatio616]

I loved Planetary. However, it's been so long since I've read it, I've pretty much forgotten why. Best I can recall, it's a slow-progressing mystery sci-fi series in episodic form in the tradition of good sci-fi television. The stories, especially early on, could stand on their own, but as the series progressed, more of the mythology was weaved into the story.

It's unfortunate that the irregular schedule, much like that of the Ultimates, has damaged the series's legacy, but I hope that doesn't keep people from trying it out.

[humphrey-lee]

Except that unlike Ultimates, it's genuinely one of the best paced, innovative, and intriguing books that has seen print in the industry thus far. The only thing stopping me from putting it on the list of ten best comic reads I've had is I'm waiting for that last issue to come out (I don't put anything on the list until it's completely over with).

[davegraham]

I picked up the first trade on a whim and always meant to go back for the other trades. Recently, I picked up the third trade (again on a whim) at the library and now I want to read the rest. However my local library has misplaced the second trade.

The art is fantastic, but that has already been said a hundred times over. The coloring is very nice too (Laura Martin).

I think this is one of Warren Ellis' better comics. He seems to be hit or miss with a lot of fans. Not quite as good as his Stormwatch and Authority stuff, but almost as good.

In a weird way, I would characterize this book as Wildstorm's Fantastic Four if Stormwatch/Authority is that universes Avengers.

[conorkilpatrick]

In a weird way, I would characterize this book as Wildstorm's Fantastic Four if Stormwatch/Authority is that universes Avengers.

That's really funny considering... um... wait, you've only read the first trade, right?

[davegraham]

Yeah, as soon as the library locates the second trade I will move on. It is very frustrating.

[horatio616]

Yeah, as soon as the library locates the second trade I will move on. It is very frustrating.

Once you've read further into the series, the comparison you made between Planetary and the FF will amuse you.

[davegraham]

That only adds to the frustration. You fellas are unkind. (resists the sirens call to wikipedia).

[horatio616]

Muh-hah hah!!!!!

[mastap]

Once you've read further into the series, the comparison you made between Planetary and the FF will amuse you.

Seriously, I burst out laughing after you said it.

God I loved this series. Even those "theme of the week" issue Josh complained about. Hell I loved them actually, those are some of the bast single issue I've ever read.

[horatio616]

Seriously, I burst out laughing after you said it.

God I loved this series. Even those "theme of the week" issue Josh complained about. Hell I loved them actually, those are some of the bast single issue I've ever read.

I didn't feel that it's a detriment to the series. It felt like a tv show in that way and that's part of what I liked about it.

One thing I don't like is that Elijah Snow is a little too powerful. It's not often that you feel like he's actually in jeopardy. Plus, he's too smug too. My favorite character, although he appeared only briefly, is Ambrose Chase.

[labor_days]

SPOILERS






Hmm, The Four were a paradoy of sorts but is it not ironic that Dowling built a prison for political dissenters as well?

[mikegraham6]

i've only read the first trade, but i wasn't too impressed by it, mainly for the reasons mentioned already this week. Although so much praise is thrown at the book that im willing to give the second and third trades a try.... eventually

[zcassel]

lol it doesnt look like too many people posting to this thread have actually read the entire series. and i suppose it would be hard to, seeing as only 3 trades have been released, and the final issue 27 is still to be released (hopefully)

up until i heard the podcast on sunday i too had only read the first trade. i had been vigilant in collecting.....i have all 26 issues as well as the 3 hardcovers and the Crossing Worlds trade.....but I just hadn't read them. Not sure why, exactly....Cassady ranks in my all time top 5 artists, Ellis is always engaging......the timing was just never right to get into another dense superhero book i suppose. But Conor's suggestion of reading it like you were watching the X-files lit a fire under me, so i vowed to read through the series on Monday.

Oh My.

These comics made me love reading comics again. I have gotten so burned out on Civil War and the Neverending Crisis and World War Armageddon Ultimatized that I realized reading comics had gottten to be a bit of a chore lately. Planetary brought the tingle back. Big Time.

Unfortunately, if I had to stop reading at the end of the third trade, I don't think I would have felt this way. The issues are all pretty much self contained but its the denoument that sealed the deal for me.

This is not beginner level comics. There are a ton of references that will make a long time reader smile and nod in recognition. but I think the point of entry for a new-to-intermediate comics reader is too high. Personally, though, I totally loved it.

So there you have it. Great comics that are hard to find and harder to recommend. But if you get a chance, check it out. I think you will like it. (Josh, I'm talking to you).

zac