The month after October Comics Thread

[kevin75]

I didn't see this so i guess i will start a new one. mods, if anyone can think of a better title, feel free. i just got a new shipment of books in yesterday so i am a happy reading fool. :)

[bishop2knight]

I'm re-reading my SLEEPER trades. Man, this shiz is awesome. One of if not the best comic series I've ever read.

[Todd B.]

Sleeper was a great series. Though Season 2 got a little ridiculous with the plots within plots within plots, it still went out with a bang!

[Giantrobo]

I don't know whay but now the DC Crisis is here, I've slowed down my reading. It's like I'm afraid to read the next issue of any book that's tied-into the Crisis directly. Isn't that weird?

[Chew]

Some of these Crisis tie-ins aren't exactly coming out in proper order either. Makes it a little hard to know exactly what you should be reading and when.

JSA Classified #4 certainly answered a lot of questions. Assuming you can trust what Psycho Pirate has to say, that is. ;)

[Jackskeleton]

JSA: C #4 answered nothing we didn't already know. I blame Loeb for destroying the secret in Supergirl #1.

It was simply more Crisis #2 lead in.

[JasonF]

I'm still working my way through my backlog of trades. I'm currently reading Showcase: Green Lantern. I also have Showcase: Metamorpho, Essential Werewolf, Essential Spidey, and Essential Ghost Rider to read. Plus there's another Essential and Showcase waiting for me at the comic store (Two-In-One and Jonah Hex). I've got some reading to do!

[davidh777]

Speaking of trades, I've been reading them for all the reasons we've previously discussed, including the self-contained stories. However, I just finished Nightwing: The Hunt for Oracle and hey presto, the story ends on a cliffhanger. Does anyone know if this story line is continued in a trade anywhere? An Amazon customer says it was picked up in the Birds of Prey comics, but I think I have all the BoP trades and don't think it was included.

I like some BoP better than others, and then branched out to Nightwing. Any other NW must-haves?

[Rocketdog2000]

JSA: C #4 answered nothing we didn't already know. I blame Loeb for destroying the secret in Supergirl #1.

It was simply more Crisis #2 lead in.

Excpet that it was DC saying that "yes" what we've all known since the first Crisis is the actual truth, and everything else has just been retcon b.s.

My guess for the 'tether'... is that it is Earth 2 Superman, since he was never officially 'erased' from current DC continuity - but maybe that's just too obvious of an answer. Either way, you're right in that it's more lead in to Crisis #2.

[Rocketdog2000]

Speaking of trades, I've been reading them for all the reasons we've previously discussed, including the self-contained stories. However, I just finished Nightwing: The Hunt for Oracle and hey presto, the story ends on a cliffhanger. Does anyone know if this story line is continued in a trade anywhere? An Amazon customer says it was picked up in the Birds of Prey comics, but I think I have all the BoP trades and don't think it was included.

I like some BoP better than others, and then branched out to Nightwing. Any other NW must-haves?

I don't know what's been done for trades, as I've been reading the regular book since day #1, and have never been dissapointed with it. A bit biased perhaps, being that Dick Grayson has been one of my fave characters for like, ever - but I think it's all good. I'll have to go back through the stories and see what some of the better arc's were, and how/if they've made it to trade.

Just hit a comic book show this past Sunday with some good deals. I was hoping to find some cheap trades, but hardly anyone even had any. I did manage to fill in a lot of holes in my collection for the current run of Green Arrow (only need #44 to be complete), the last run on Green Lantern (the mostly Kyle Rayner run, which IS now complete), and Birds Of Prey ( need maybe 10 various issues) - and all from the quarter to $1 boxes, too.

[Chew]

First weekly shipment of the month received today from DCBS and none of the comics were bagged. :eek:

It's their first screw-up on any of my orders. Hopefully, not the start of a pattern. :)

[bishop2knight]

First weekly shipment of the month received today from DCBS and none of the comics were bagged. :eek:

It's their first screw-up on any of my orders. Hopefully, not the start of a pattern. :)

This doesn't make me totally secure in my new found way to order comics.

[Daryl]

First weekly shipment of the month received today from DCBS and none of the comics were bagged. :eek:

It's their first screw-up on any of my orders. Hopefully, not the start of a pattern. :)
Really? That sucks. I almost had that happen to me, but it would've been my fault. I made the mistake of not changing the quantity of bags/boards after adding it to my cart, so my initial order was for exactly 1 set. I emailed them and they updated my quantity no problem :blush:

October was my first month with them and it couldn't possibly have been any smoother. Packaging was top-notch, my books were in better condition than most books I've bought from my local stores over the years. The only problem was I ordered in August for the October books. Well some books that shipped in October were actually late and had been solicited in June and July (like House of M #7), so I had to run to my locals to grab those books. I guess anyone new to online will probably run into that the first month or two.

[Chew]

This doesn't make me totally secure in my new found way to order comics.

Does your first month start this or the next?

[bishop2knight]

This month. I used twice a month shipping, so maybe I'll get something next week?

As for the first month that Daryl was mentioning, I'm about to run into that. I know some books, like Captain America, are running late, so I'll need to make sure I watch for when they'll be at the comic shop so I can run in and get a copy. Of course, I need to do that anyway when Red Sonja and some other books come out that have multiple covers...I'd hate to have DCBS send me the "bad" cover, so I'll just buy those at the B&M.

[Chew]

Marvel Team-Up #14 felt more like a sales pitch for people to buy Invincible than an actual "team-up". Pretty disappointing.

The scene were Invincible names all the Avengers: including "Black-Man" :lol:

[ytrez]

This doesn't make me totally secure in my new found way to order comics.

I use mailordercomics.com and while the comics aren't individually bagged, they are shipped very securely. The comics are put together into a magazine sized bagged and tapped securely so that they can't slide around. Then, and don't ask me how this is done, they are secured inside of cardboard. This is done for trades and hardcovers as well. All is placed inside of a box and filled with shipping protection, usually those inflated plastic baggie things. It is all very secure and the 1 time I got a damaged item (Essential Human Torch) they sent a new one out with the next order.

My mail ordering experience has been great and is much cheaper than going to the store, allowing me to pick up more stuff. I'm confident that mail order is the way to go, you may just have to shop around for the dealer that pleases you best.

[Chew]

To defend DCBS, the comics in question were in a bag with cardboard protecting them with packing peanuts in a huge box. The comics were in just as good of condition as they always are. It's just they weren't "individually" bagged and boarded.

Besides, we're only talking about two comics here. The rest of the shipment were trades.

[kevin75]

yeah, i can't complain about DCBS, they have always been great for me.

[MBoyd]

Interesting Chew. This week my DCBS order shipped the comics and boards in the bag backwards. Not really a screw up, just different than normal. I bet they had a new guy doing it or something.

Still have all the faith in DCBS. Great customer service as always. Alway pleased to add a book for me.

[Chew]

This week my DCBS order shipped the comics and boards in the bag backwards.

That happened to me a week or two ago. I didn't think it was a big deal then and sorta forgot about it. But, I bet you're right: "new guy".

[fujishig]

I use mailordercomics.com and while the comics aren't individually bagged, they are shipped very securely. The comics are put together into a magazine sized bagged and tapped securely so that they can't slide around. Then, and don't ask me how this is done, they are secured inside of cardboard. This is done for trades and hardcovers as well. All is placed inside of a box and filled with shipping protection, usually those inflated plastic baggie things. It is all very secure and the 1 time I got a damaged item (Essential Human Torch) they sent a new one out with the next order.

My mail ordering experience has been great and is much cheaper than going to the store, allowing me to pick up more stuff. I'm confident that mail order is the way to go, you may just have to shop around for the dealer that pleases you best.

Hey, did they ship last month's comics out to you this week? I didn't get a shipping email notification, and their website hasn't updated the tracking info, so I'm wondering if they count this week as "October" and monthlies will ship out next week instead...

[bishop2knight]

Anyone know how DCBS handles resolicits? I had ordered ALL STAR BATMAN AND ROBIN, but it looks like #4 was resolicited. Do I need to order it again? Will DCBS refund me for the book from the previous order?

[MBoyd]

Usually you have to reorder the book again by email when it's resolicited, but I don't think with ASBAR you need to since the December orders were not submitted or charged yet.

Usually there will be a red X on cancelled books in your pending orders and refunds given. There is no red X on ASBAR #4. So far I've had to reorder Supergirl #4 this way.

[bishop2knight]

Thanks MBoyd. I'll leave it off this order then and assume it'll still be shipped.

Also, I know I've asked this before, but is there any way to request a particular cover for multi-cover books? I want to start ordering all of my books, but I want only certain covers on Infinity Crisis and Red Sonja and others. Ideas?

[MBoyd]

I don't think you can order specific covers. I have ordered 2 of the same book before and they send you 1 of each cover. You might ask them if you can do it. I don't know how they could guarantee it though.

[JasonF]

Ladies and gentlemen, without further ado, I give you the greatest comic book of all time (http://www.alanhunt.ca/images/nagraj/index.htm), scanned and placed online for your reading pleasure.

[Graftenberg]

Ladies and gentlemen, without further ado, I give you the greatest comic book of all time (http://www.alanhunt.ca/images/nagraj/index.htm), scanned and placed online for your reading pleasure.


UFF! I can't wait for the moive!

[JasonF]

OK -- you're the second person who's responded to this thing with "UFF" (the other was on a blog elsewhere on the 'net). What the hell does UFF mean?

[Graftenberg]

OK -- you're the second person who's responded to this thing with "UFF" (the other was on a blog elsewhere on the 'net). What the hell does UFF mean?

Didn't you read the story? They keep saying UFF! -smile-

[JasonF]

You know, I was so distracted by the spectacle of the snake guy biting the giant Lou Albano after driving Superman, Batman and Spiderman out of a flaming circus tent on a toy train that I didn't even notice the repeated "UFF!"s.

By the way, Spiderman's bomb is going to explode ANY SECOND NOW!

[bishop2knight]

Just made my largest DCBS order yet....just over $100. And that's after deleting $25 from my cart (why did I need the Ultimate X-Men HC just because it was half off?). Who knew saving money would cost so much?

[Chew]

Just made my largest DCBS order yet....just over $100. And that's after deleting $25 from my cart (why did I need the Ultimate X-Men HC just because it was half off?). Who knew saving money would cost so much?

I'm surprised you didn't wait to order this month until after receiving your first order. Between bagging issues, cover selection, and overall book conditions: I thought for sure you'd be waiting. ;)

[bishop2knight]

I'm surprised you didn't wait to order this month until after receiving your first order. Between bagging issues, cover selection, and overall book conditions: I thought for sure you'd be waiting. ;)
I love the tense drama I've set myself up for. Will I be happy? Will I have to call customer support time and time again? Oh, I feed off this type of stress.

[dadaluholla]

I finally went to my comic shop after a near 2 month absense. What was my total for the stuff gathering dust in the pull box? About 35.00. Not bad.

Punisher
Thunderbolts
Fantastic Four
Incredible Hulk
Captain America
Daredevil
Walking Dead

I think thats all I buy now! wow. Finally dropped Wolverine as it looks like its headed into House of M crap. Dropped the Supreme Power books after the regualr series ended. I still will buy Astonishing X-Men but it isn't coming out again for awhile. Ohh and Iron Man only comes out twice a year or so.... I feel good with the slim pull list. I do. I can only imagine this is how losing weight after being really really fat. Now if I could just get rid of those 15 long boxes in my closet. If anyone is looking for misc. Marvel stuff let me know.

[Giantrobo]

Action Comics/Superman related...

This isn't happening until Jan 06 but apparently another Cartoon Villian is crossing over into the DCU just like Harley Quinn. I never liked this character on Superman: The Animated Series but I always thought Lori Petty did a good job of voicing her.

http://dccomics.com/comics/?cm=4692

[ytrez]

Hey, did they ship last month's comics out to you this week? I didn't get a shipping email notification, and their website hasn't updated the tracking info, so I'm wondering if they count this week as "October" and monthlies will ship out next week instead...

Hopefully you got yours by now. I didn't get a shipping notice either and my monthly orders usually show up on Thursday of the 1st week of each month. This month (Nov) my order showed up on Wednesday, but again, I got no shipping notice.

[ytrez]

Just made my largest DCBS order yet....just over $100. And that's after deleting $25 from my cart (why did I need the Ultimate X-Men HC just because it was half off?). Who knew saving money would cost so much?

That is how I was when I fisrst started online ordering. Now my orders are upwards of $250! Someone, please help me.

[Chew]

Infinite Crisis #2 is tomorrow! It's been a long month....

http://www.midtowncomics.com/images/PRODUCT/FUL/38055_ful.jpg

[MBoyd]

What a sweet cover. And once again I can't wait for DCBS. Gotta go grab it.

[bishop2knight]

Hmmm, I sure hope I get that cover. Yeeee haw.

[MBoyd]

And James Powell - if you are reading this I just saw that Batman and Robin #4 was cancelled this week from my December order. I guess I was talking out of my ass when I said you wouldn't have to re-order it since the order hadn't been sent in yet. Oh well, it wouldn't be the first time. :shrug: Sending them an email now.

[Chew]

Response from DCBS on my bagging issue:

We apologize for the oversight in your order. We will include both of your replacement bags and boards in your shipment that will go out tomorrow.

:up:

[Chew]

Hmmm, I sure hope I get that cover. Yeeee haw.

I think the layout and structure of that one is cooler, but the other version isn't too shabby either:

http://www.midtowncomics.com/images/PRODUCT/FUL/38056_ful.jpg

[bishop2knight]

And James Powell - if you are reading this I just saw that Batman and Robin #4 was cancelled this week from my December order. I guess I was talking out of my ass when I said you wouldn't have to re-order it since the order hadn't been sent in yet. Oh well, it wouldn't be the first time. :shrug: Sending them an email now.
I actually caught that right before I sent in my order. Thanks for the heads up though.

[Daryl]

That is how I was when I fisrst started online ordering. Now my orders are upwards of $250! Someone, please help me.
That's what I'm afraid of. Right now I'm averaging about 60 a month, but it's been VERY hard not to escalate it over $100. I'm a sucker for their obvious sales tactics: Buy the heavily discounted first issue of some new mini-series for .75, but then it comes time to order book 2 and book 3 and you still haven't received book 1 to know if you even like the series yet, so you buy the next two anyway - just in case!

Either way, this $60 online used to be over $100 at my local for the same books, so I'm happy.

[Rocketdog2000]

I think the layout and structure of that one is cooler, but the other version isn't too shabby either:

http://www.midtowncomics.com/images/PRODUCT/FUL/38056_ful.jpg


So it all depends on if you want the Jim Lee (first pic) or Phil Jimenez (second pic) cover. At least you've got the option if you go to the local comic shop. Online may be cheaper, but you get what's given - no option.

[Chew]

So it all depends on if you want the Jim Lee (first pic) or Phil Jimenez (second pic) cover. At least you've got the option if you go to the local comic shop. Online may be cheaper, but you get what's given - no option.

According to the site I got it from, the second would be a Perez cover.

I don't care that much about covers and will gladly take my 35% discount on this issue online (whichever one I get). :)

[bishop2knight]

That's what I'm afraid of. Right now I'm averaging about 60 a month, but it's been VERY hard not to escalate it over $100. I'm a sucker for their obvious sales tactics: Buy the heavily discounted first issue of some new mini-series for .75, but then it comes time to order book 2 and book 3 and you still haven't received book 1 to know if you even like the series yet, so you buy the next two anyway - just in case!

Either way, this $60 online used to be over $100 at my local for the same books, so I'm happy.
This is exactly the problem. You buy the first issue, then get suckered into buying the next couple. I also found this month that there were many trades at 50% off that I just couldn't say no too.

Still, I want to pay as little shipping as possible, so if I'm near their cutoff point for a rise in shipping costs, I manage to drop my order some so it goes just below. It's only a savings of two bucks, but that's another comic.

[bishop2knight]

Okay, last question about DCBS. When do they ship the first time each month? I got twice a month shipping the first time. Should I expect them to ship one this week or next?

Thanks.

[Chew]

Check your order history. Are any of the white circles half-filled with red? That would mean they're working on an order.

I would think they have 2 Wednesdays worth of comics waiting for you and would be shipping this week, but I always get my shipping email from them on Tuesdays. The fact you haven't is a little weird.

[bishop2knight]

Well, there's 5 Wednesdays this month, so maybe I'll get it next time?

[FunkDaddy J]

... So be warned people.

Thanks for the heads up.

[ytrez]

This is exactly the problem. You buy the first issue, then get suckered into buying the next couple. I also found this month that there were many trades at 50% off that I just couldn't say no too.


I often pick up 1st issues for 75 cents but I never continue to buy the series (at least not yet). Like Justice for example. I know there are going to hardcovers, tpbs, maybe an absolute edition, in the future, so no need to pick up the rest now.

[MBoyd]

Yeah since there are 5 wednesdays I'd expect next week I went back to once a month shipping. Don't know why I thought that would save money, my impatient ass is at Lone Star Comics by noon to hand over my $4 for Infinite Crisis that I can't wait a month for.

From DCBS my email usually comes Wed. morning and it's picked up by DHL around 5 and at my door by Monday.

EDIT: Argggh. Infinite Crisis has me on the edge of my seat!

[Rocketdog2000]

According to the site I got it from, the second would be a Perez cover.

I don't care that much about covers and will gladly take my 35% discount on this issue online (whichever one I get). :)

May well be. Their styles are so close, sometimes it's hard to tell, especially in a pic that small. Just thought it was Jiminez, since he did the alt cover on book #1.

[Rogue588]

Infinite Crisis rocked.

Teen Titans rocked. [never, ever, ever, ever let Liefield NEAR that book again...]

That is all for now.

[Chew]

Something worth checking out: http://www.comicbookdb.com/

It's IMDB for comic books. It's in the very early stages and will grow daily as people add more titles, but it's pretty cool. Looks like you can also use it as a way to keep track of your own titles.

[MBoyd]

Seems kind of buggy. I just registered and for kicks put in absolute Watchmen and Inifinite Crisis and other stuff is showing up in "my collection."

Are they looking for people to scan their comic covers in? Looks like a cool idea. Hope it sticks around unlike Guzzle something or other . . . :rolleyes:

[Chew]

Yeah, I really haven't played around with it a whole lot. I was listening to the Comic Geek Speak comic podcast and they were talking about it. It's pretty new and has a long way to go before the kinks are worked out.

They did say it's user driven and if you sign up, you can add stuff yourself. Seems like the best way to quickly expand the database.

[JasonF]

If you're interested in a comics database, go to www.comics.org -- the Grand Comic Book Database.

[Sierra Disc]

Yeah, comics org rocks, I've used that for years.

[Rocketdog2000]

Infinite Crisis rocked.

Teen Titans rocked. [never, ever, ever, ever let Liefield NEAR that book again...]

That is all for now.

Just picked up my books today. Haven't read Teen Titans yet, but Infinite Crisis most definitelty did rock!



Oh, and they should never let Liefield near ANY book again.

[bishop2knight]

What's so great about TT? I've never read it, but the shop seemed to be sellin' 'em like crazy.

[Rocketdog2000]

What's so great about TT? I've never read it, but the shop seemed to be sellin' 'em like crazy.


Great characters, great stories - what else do you need?

[Rogue588]

Geoff Johns.

'nuff said.

[Chew]

IC #2 :eek:

I wasn't paying any attention to rumors or leaks (if there were any) about the plot of this series and I did not expect the direction it's taking. Very cool. :D

[MBoyd]

I haven't read it yet, but I think I heard Jason Todd is guesting in Teen Titans right now.

[bishop2knight]

You know, the more I read from DC, the more comics I pick up. I used to only read Batman, Detective, and Gotham Central. Now I'm reading JLA, Action, and Wonder Woman. I'm only one step away from reading several others.

Is it possible that someone who grew up on Marvel is turning into a DC Diehard?

[MBoyd]

Well that was me. I was a Marvel die hard until 1986 with crisis and then the relaunch of Superman. I think I read maybe 5 Marvel comics after that. I quit reading comics altogether in 1998 and only in March of this year got interested again. Now I find myself enjoying both companies, but DC significantly more.

The last DCBS order I ended up dropping a BUNCH of X titles (including X Factor and Excalibur which I havent even read yet) I had been getting. Just can't say I was enjoying them as much as in the early 80s - like everyone else. Probably just away for too long.

When 52 hits and the plethora of new titles that are rumored I can see myself dropping all marvel with the exception of a couple of Spider-Mans, The Ultimates and maybe a Fantastic Four or the new Thing.

My DCBS orders for the past few months have been around $125.

[Chew]

You know, that reminds me of a question. It seems a lot of people posting here read comics when they were younger, dropped them for a while, and came back.

So the questions: did you have a gap in your reading? If so, how long?

I started reading comics 20 years ago. Quit in 2000 for about a year when I bought my house (I could barely afford the mortgage at that time). Now I've been back to reading for 4 years.

I'm sure that's a drop in the bucket compared to some gaps here though. :)

[MBoyd]

By the way you guys should go and read the WIzard World Texas report on Aint It Cool News. I was sitting right by the nut in the homemade costume they make fun of in the article. It was scary.

Dan Didio, who had drank a couple of beers, saw the guy and asked who he was. The fan says "I made my costume, he's a character I created!" Dan replied "Good for you because I was wondering what the hell we were publishing these days!"

Anyway, the whole article is worth a read and yes I can confirm what that guys says about the Ultimate Avengers DVD. The animation looks good but the voice acting sucks balls. Captain America is a pansy!

[bishop2knight]

I'm 33. I started reading comics with Indiana Jones and Star Wars in the early 80s, then moved to Spidey and X-Men not much later. Then around high school, I stopped cold turkey.

As a freshman in college (1991), I started again. Within 3 years, I had stopped again. For the next decade, I didn't touch a comic. Then I saw some Ramos art from Spec. Spider-Man and I started reading again. Now I'm hooked, for life most likely.

[KissyFurNYC]

You know, that reminds me of a question. It seems a lot of people posting here read comics when they were younger, dropped them for a while, and came back.

So the questions: did you have a gap in your reading? If so, how long?

I started reading comics 20 years ago. Quit in 2000 for about a year when I bought my house (I could barely afford the mortgage at that time). Now I've been back to reading for 4 years.

I'm sure that's a drop in the bucket compared to some gaps here though. :)

I am not sure how commonplace this is:

I started comics when my Dad used to bring me home some from work. He also knew someone who cleans out attics (at the time - 74-75) and he gave me those comics too. My first newstand bought comic was the JLA when they move to Detroit (the annual) I LOVED it. Crisis on Infinite Earths was my first shop bought comic. I left with a bad taste in my mouth with the bad art of the early 90's and all that tinfoil crap. But I have been 'following' comics though the Wizard. Of course I know the Wizard is shit for the most part, but I can keep up with storylines easily. I bouught Infiite Crisis last month. Notsagia is running wild with that cover to issue 2! :) Comic shops are going the way of the dodo, sadly. Internet will kill the art form eventually. Nothing beat Comic Book Thursday, every Thrusday at Bill and Bob's in Bay Ridge Brooklyn.

[Rocketdog2000]

I started reading with my older brother when we were both in grade school - probably around 9 or 10. Back then, comics were just starting to sell for 25 cents. We both stayed pretty faithful readers, at least until high school (early 80's) - and then I started to spend more & more of my money on music, instead. I would still read the stuff my brother bought - at least until he went off to college, and moved out of state. He never quit reading/buying comics, though.

Then I'd say there was a good 10 year gap before I got back into reading them. Oddly enough, it was a visit from my brother one summer that got me back into comics pretty hardcore again. He wanted to hit all the comic shops in my area - so I tagged along, and started asking questions about this book, or that character - and next thing you know - I went home with a half dozen graphic novels & trade paperbacks that day. Haven't looked back since. I would say that I'm much more of a DC fan - but I was pretty equal between Marvel and DC when I was younger.

[Patman]

I quit in high school as well, then in college, I picked up John Byrne's Man of Steel, Frank Miller's The Dark Knight Returns, and Alan Moore's The Watchmen, and got hooked again for a while (but there was so little room in the dorms, so I quit again), moved out of the dorms for grad school, started buying comics again, got really back into them when Valiant was producing some good stuff (the pre-unity stuff), plus the Image explosion was also happening. That also led me back to the Big 2 (Marvel and DC), and some Indie titles as well throughout the rest of the 1990's.

Nowadays, I'm amazed at how much DC/Wildstorm I still buy, while only buying a handful of Marvels, and also a handful of Indie titles now. I also pick up the hardcover collections too.

[Giantrobo]

I'm 35. When I was a kid I'd read the odd comic here and there but never with any consistency. Then Burton's BATMAN and all the hype with back in the 90's made me get back into them. I also had the help of a co-worker who's heavily into comics. It was like BATMAN seemed to breath new life into the comic world from my point of view. I even went to monthly Comic Conventions. I stopped again but I still kept up by reading WIZARD for a few years and I would buy some comics but I didn't really go wild. Then, due primarily to DC's IDENTITY CRISIS and all the storylines like INFINITE CRISIS and all the going's on in the DCU that followed, I got back into comics again.

[Giantrobo]

Help with current JLA storyline...

who's this Psychic/crazy guy with the droid? I'm not familiar with him....or his droid

[MBoyd]

I wasn't familiar with that guy in JLA either Giantrobo.

Some news today from Newsarama.com taken from a Canadian retailer conference or something - here's some interesting bits pertaining to Crisis.

Hawkman changes its title to Hawkgirl with issue #50 as a part of the publisher’s “One Year Later…” event. The series will also be getting a creative team change, with Walt Simonson coming on board as writer and Howard Chaykin joining as penciler (marking the first return of both to mainstream, ongoing DCU work in years – and the first time in years that the two former studio mates will be working together).

Asked how edgy the series would be, it was stated that the Hawkgirl series may be stronger than some of the softer DCU titles, but will be a part of the DC Universe.

Though not slated to be announced, DC representatives, noting that the DC solicts had leaked out over the weekend on the Silver Bullet Comic Books website (since taken down and not to be confused with retailer and Newsarama sponsor silverbulletcomics.com), confirmed that the current Wonder Woman series will be ending that month, as will Gotham Central and Gotham Knights. Flash ends in January with the already-solicited issue.

June and July: there will be one new major series launch each week; and in July – one new major high-profile creative team launch.

June & Juiy: one new major series launch every week in June, one new major high-profile creative team launch every week in July

[Chew]

confirmed that the current Wonder Woman series will be ending that month, as will Gotham Central and Gotham Knights.

:mad:
I haven't been keeping up with this news, but Central is being relaunched, right?

[bishop2knight]

Central is indeed being relaunched...as something like Streets of Gotham. At least, that's what they said in the late summer.

While it really doesn't make a big difference, I hate when companies do stuff like this. And cancelling Wonder Woman only to relaunch later? Or switching names of the Superman books...makes not a lot of sense.

[bishop2knight]

By the way, Chew, the Packers either just gave up their prime spot on the 2006 draft order, or they're on their way to 9-7.

:)

[MBoyd]

Maybe Donna Troy becoming WW is the reason for the relaunch? I still like that rumor thats been floated. And All Star WW could be there for the Diana stories.

I sort of like the Superman re-numbering too. Adventures will revert back to the original title of Superman.

[Chew]

By the way, Chew, the Packers either just gave up their prime spot on the 2006 draft order, or they're on their way to 9-7.

:)

:lol:

The second half of their schedule is a lot more forgiving, but 9-7?. They may of been the "worst team in football" coming into the game, but I have a feeling they won't even be close by the end of the season. It's still going to be Favre's first losing record though.

[bishop2knight]

Maybe Donna Troy becoming WW is the reason for the relaunch? I still like that rumor thats been floated. And All Star WW could be there for the Diana stories.

I sort of like the Superman re-numbering too. Adventures will revert back to the original title of Superman.
I don't know a thing about Donna Troy. Tell me more about this theory please.

[Giantrobo]

I don't know a thing about Donna Troy. Tell me more about this theory please.


Here's a start. (http://dccomics.com/secret_files/dc_character.php?sc_dc_itemCode=troia) Mind you, it's out of date due to her return in the recent Mini that ties heavily into the DCU Crisis...

Also, although Diana is probably the most well known "Wonder Woman", she was not the original I think there was even a another WW few years back then Diana returned to the "WW" mantle. The original WW was with the JSA back in the 40's and was Diana's Mother.

The Original Wonder Woman. (http://dccomics.com/secret_files/dc_character.php?sc_dc_itemCode=hippolyta)
Current WW (http://dccomics.com/secret_files/dc_character.php?sc_dc_itemCode=wonderwoman)

[MBoyd]

Well I'm not an expert but basically she was the original Wonder Girl, Wonder Woman's sidekick, in the 1960s Teen Titans. She was also in the Wolfman/Perez relaunch. After the original Crisis there was the problem of her origin since Wonder Woman is supposed to have entered the DCU after Donna Troy had been a Titan for awhile according to the updated timeline. I haven't read it but continuity problem is addressed in the collected trade, Who is Donna Troy.

Basically there is a rumor that Donna will be the new WW after Inifinite Crisis. I think it's been circulating for some time as I understand one of the WW movie scripts that was written a few years back used Donna instead of Diana.

I think everyone expects a hero to be killed and a sidekick to replace them like the original. But now that Flash is cancelled all bets are off on who it is I think.

[MBoyd]

The original WW was with the JSA back in the 40's and was Diana's Mother.

Wasn't that an invention from just a couple of years ago to try and fix some of those continuity problems?

On a side note - I just hit Half Price books and picked up about 20 Geoff Johns Flash and Hawkmans and 20 assorted Batmans from the past few years for .75 each. Very fine condition. I'm going wild catching up on this stuff I've missed.

[Giantrobo]

Wasn't that an invention from just a couple of years ago to try and fix some of those continuity problems?



I don't know, maybe.

[bishop2knight]

Good god! Maybe I shouldn't have asked that question...

[The Valeyard]

Wasn't that an invention from just a couple of years ago to try and fix some of those continuity problems?


Yes. It was during John Byrne's WW run. Diana had "died" and become a Goddess in Olympus. For some reason (which I can't remember), Queen Hippolyta (WWs mother) was given the job of serving as Wonder Woman (to pay penance or something). Sometime during the run, she went back in time and became the Golden Age Wonder Woman (the original having been wiped away after the Crisis). She served as a member of the Golden Age JSA and sometime in the 50s (probably after the JSA disbanded), she returned to the present. It fixed a LOT of continuity problems left behind after the Golden Age Wonder Woman was erased and I'll always be grateful that Byrne returned the original WW to her glory (sort of).

Then again, he did cause MORE continuity problems with his verison of Who is Donna Troy which remade Donna Troy as Diana's little sister. Some of which mentioned in The Return of Donna Troy.

That arc alone, Byrne should be shot for. Along with Spider-Man: Chapter One. Stop trying to fix things that don't need fixing.

[Rocketdog2000]

I hated Byrne for that WW arc!

I believe it was the FIRST time they killed off Donna Troy - who has always been one of my favorite characters (but the same can be said for all the original Teen Titans). I think they've retconed her history more than Power Girl's - but I'm just glad to have them both back in the spot light.

On a side note, interesting they would say the Hawkgirl series would be "edgier" than some other DCU books, as the current run of Hawkman has been more so than most DCU books as is. I don't know if anyone else is reading it, but it's been by far my favorite run on Hawkman, ever. The last arc, in particular, was pretty sweet.

Come to think of it, though, pretty much EVERY re-launch DC has done in the last few years has been very good (Green Arrow, JSA, Green Lantern, Teen Titans, Outsiders). I cannot say the same about Marvel - with the exception of Supreme Power (more of a re-imagining, really) and New Thunderbolts - which may be why I'm much more of a DC fan than Marvel.

[bishop2knight]

Terry Dodson on Wonder Woman? I'm sold.

I'm hoping they do something good with the new Gotham Central (now called Streets of Gotham...possibly). Does this mean they are no longer going to focus on the police department?

[bishop2knight]

Yeee haw. My first DCBS shipment is off today. I look forward to a box of books.

[davidh777]

I collected as a kid then gave it up til high school, when a random acquaintance told me my copy of X-Men #94 was worth $60. I collected heavily for a while (Byrne FF, Miller DD, Levitz-Giffen Legion, Death of Captain Marvel, and others) then gave it up when I went to college. Fast-forward 15 or so years and I picked up a few Marvel Masterworks on vacation. A couple years later again on vacation, I picked up a few random items such as Crisis on Infinite Earths and inexpensive trade paperbacks of stuff I had read a long time ago. I got hooked at that point and still read mostly trades, but do pick up a few single issues.

[bishop2knight]

Anyone reading Supergirl? Is it worth picking up the first few issues at roughly double cover on ebay?

[Chew]

It's OK. I wouldn't pay that kind of coin for back issues though.

[bishop2knight]

It's OK. I wouldn't pay that kind of coin for back issues though.
Okay isn't worth $3. Maybe I'll just skip it for now. Or maybe I'll wait until the issue where they kill Wonder Woman. Ooops, did I just type that huge IC spoiler? Don't read it if you don't wanna know. :D

[fujishig]

Yeah, I remember when I was excited that Byrne was going to do Wonder Woman, thinking that finally we'll get some vintage Byrne. Instead, he retconned in a bunch of stuff to try to clean things up (including bringing the Invisible Jet back, despite the fact that WW can now fly). We got the horrid Cassie as the new Wondergirl in a wig days (she's since been "prettied up"), Hippolyta becoming the golden age Wonder Woman, and the new origin of Donna Troy, which had already been mucked up with enough (I agree with the comparisons with Powergirl, and ironically, didn't both she and Power Girl have babies that were supposed to be uberpowerful?). I think Donna was revealed to be like her clone or something. Plus he reminded us why he needs someone else inking his art (though I hear his current work on Superman is pretty good). Ugh. Although it was still better than the Deodato/Artemis-as-WW thing.

Then that hack Winnick goes and writes a totally incomprehensible story to create the new Outsiders and Titans team. Lets see, Donna dies at the hands of a Superman robot. Dick Grayson decides he's had enough of death (because hey, this was worse than Jericho's betrayal and all the crap he had to put up with during Titans Hunt) and so goes to form ANOTHER team that he hopes he can't care less about. I mean, I could understand if he formed another suicide squad or something, but geez.

So who's going to tell me why WW was blind? I just read the "Prelude to Crisis" TPB, which looks like it takes about 3 pages each from 10 different books and tries to tie it all together with narrative. It doesn't work very well.

[Giantrobo]

So who's going to tell me why WW was blind? I just read the "Prelude to Crisis" TPB, which looks like it takes about 3 pages each from 10 different books and tries to tie it all together with narrative. It doesn't work very well.

I didn't read the story but IIRC, she blinded herself because she was fighting Medusa. No eyes, no stone.

Once again, Diana proves she'll do what she has to do to... get... the... job...done....period.

Fuck Max Lord...and the Holier than thou Haters in the DCU. This means -YOU- Bruce and KAL :grunt:

[slop101]

Who read the new Morrison/Quietly Superman book?

It wasn't nearly as embarassing as the Miller/Lee Batman book, but I couldn't really get into it too much either. I've seen Quietly's art look a lot better than this too. Anyways, I'm sure Morrison is building to something, and maybe it'll be one of those books that's better read in a trade.

Oh, and I guess I went into it with a negative frame of mind, because my issue was all beat to hell - I didn't notice when I picked it up because the cover was fine - but every other page is either ripped, or bent and cracked - what the hell is going on at the printing press?

[Chew]

Since the DCBS shipment will be here today, I plan on reading All-Star Superman tonight. It would be impossible to be worse than the Batman version.

[bishop2knight]

Chew, you're telling me you get your package the same week it's shipped? Dang, I hope I get mine that fast. But I doubt it...I just got the invoice.

[Chew]

Yup. It's been like clockwork since I started ordering there: ships on Tuesday, received on Thursday.

They're located in Indiana, so it's only a couple states away. :up:

[MBoyd]

I won't be getting my shipment until the first week of Dec. But I did flip thru it yesterday at Lone Star while buying Birds of Prey (excellent issue, one panel had a nice little Batgirl tease to keep us all guessing) and Capatain Atom. I've been avoiding the All Star Superman spoilers, but it generally seems to be getting good reactions. One fan wrote a LONG essay about it over on the Newsarama boards. I'm looking forward to it.

Not really an All Star Batman and Robin hater . . . yet. I guess I'm still having fun watching what could be a huge train wreck. Anxiously awaiting the 3rd issue.

[bishop2knight]

My shipping notice says I'll have it on Monday. Monday. That's so excrutiating.

[Chew]

Now having read All-Star Superman, I can say I enjoyed it a lot more than Batman except for two issues:

1) Grant Morrison books should now come with a cover disclaimer. Either "this book is drug ramblings" or "this books is drug-free". That way I know whether I need to invest the time in trying to figure out what the hell is really going on or not. (Read: http://www.comicbookresources.com/news/newsitem.cgi?id=5044 )

2) I thought the whole point of these All-Star comics was to bring the character elements to a point where the "average joe on the street" would know them. As far as I'm concerned, the average joe wouldn't know Lois Lane knows Superman's secret identity. That changed before we even got a chance to enjoy that aspect. :(


On another note: did anybody else pick up the new hardcover collection of "Batman: Year One"? Well worth the purchase for anybody. It includes over 40 pages of pretty cool extras. Normally, I don't go for that kind of stuff, but I'll make an exception for this story. :)

[bishop2knight]

Batman: Year One HC was great. Well worth the money.

[boredsilly]

Now having read All-Star Superman, I can say I enjoyed it a lot more than Batman except for two issues:

2) I thought the whole point of these All-Star comics was to bring the character elements to a point where the "average joe on the street" would know them. As far as I'm concerned, the average joe wouldn't know Lois Lane knows Superman's secret identity. That changed before we even got a chance to enjoy that aspect. :(


Yeah, I think the "average joe" aspect of the book was kind of dropped for this, but it's still a continuity free (for the most part) book. I look at the line as more of a let the superstar creators have fun in the sandbox kind of thing. One thing I like about Grant is that he swings for the fences every single time. He doesn't seem to be capable of a small idea and his stuff is always so out there. Some times it works, other times not so much; but I admire the fact that he always tries. As far as Superman I thought it was a really cool book. It read WAY too fast and I can see that the wait between issues is going to be hell, but this is certainly better than the Batman book.

Is anyone else reading the Captain Atom WildStorm series? This book is really cool and is breathing new life into the Captain Atom character. I almost wish they would leave him in that Uni so he can be a dominant force than just another hero.

[MBoyd]

I'm reading Capatain Atom and enjoying it, even though I haven't read any WildCats since 1995 or so. Anyone think it might tie into Infinite Crisis somewhere? If the multiverse is brought back will the WildCats' Earth be included?

[Chew]

I've been on a "mega HC" kick lately and picked up used copies of Dreadstar (issues 1-12), the Fantastic Four Omnibus, and the B&N Ultimate Spider-Man "doorstop". Grand total around $80.

Maybe I don't need to buy monthlies anymore, the trades pile is getting huge! :lol:

[bishop2knight]

I've been on a "mega HC" kick lately and picked up used copies of Dreadstar (issues 1-12), the Fantastic Four Omnibus, and the B&N Ultimate Spider-Man "doorstop". Grand total around $80.

Maybe I don't need to buy monthlies anymore, the trades pile is getting huge! :lol:
I tried switching to trades. Then I just go to the store and end up trying monthlies I've never read before. Next thing ya know, you have twice as many monthlies to buy AND you're reading trades. Sucks on the wallet, but then again:

"Are you not entertained? Is this not why you are here?"

[Rocketdog2000]

I'm reading Capatain Atom and enjoying it, even though I haven't read any WildCats since 1995 or so. Anyone think it might tie into Infinite Crisis somewhere? If the multiverse is brought back will the WildCats' Earth be included?

Yeah, I'm reading it, too - but haven't read the second issue yet, as I haven't had time to get my comics this week, yet. Should have it later tonight, though.

I think it could very well tie into INFINITE CRISIS. It would be cool if the Wildcats Earth did end up being included - but not sure if it's going to happen. Majestic's already made the crossover to DC Earth, and now Captain Atom the other way - so you never know.

Still, Wildstorm already has a 'multi-verse' (the snowflake, I believe it's refered to as), and there have been other brief appearences by the original Teen Titans (in Gen 13:Wild Times), Batman (in Planetary one shot), and even the JLA/Wildcats one shot from some years back. Not to mention that they've done more than their fair share of 'spins' on DC, Marvel and other characters in the pages of The Authority, Stormwatch, Planetary and other books. But, yeah, I'd dig it if it happend on a more frequent basis.

[MBoyd]

Wow I didnt realize they had so many crossoves alrady. Majestic did mention that he had been to the DC universe in issue 2 though it was the first I'd heard about it.

[boredsilly]

Wow I didnt realize they had so many crossoves alrady. Majestic did mention that he had been to the DC universe in issue 2 though it was the first I'd heard about it.


That's good stuff, you should go check it out. I remember readind somewhere that this wouldn't be tied to the crisis at all. I don't know where I read that and it could have been a rumor, but there you have it.

[Patman]

I read A-SS and thought it was okay, but the artwork seemed to be more minimal than I was expecting.

[JasonF]

I've got A-SS and Captain Atom on my to-read pile.

And by that, I mean the issues of the Roy Thomas All-Star Squadron and the Bates/Broderick Captain Atom I picked up at Wizard World this summer.

[MBoyd]

That's good stuff, you should go check it out. I remember readind somewhere that this wouldn't be tied to the crisis at all. I don't know where I read that and it could have been a rumor, but there you have it.

I've heard both and of course they did a pretty good job of keeping Justice Society Classified underwraps as a tie in for a month anyway.

[Fincher Fan]

Good to see Walking Dead trying to catch up! The latest issue came out only two weeks after the last one. I'm starting to get tired of the prison environment, though. Hopefully something is planned for issue 25 to give it more of a shove along.

[Giantrobo]

Anyone still reading <b>Manhunter</b>? Did anyone catch the issue detailing the origins of her costume? Her Gloves, Staff, and Bodysuit all came from different rather tragic and interesting sources. I found it a great read. But you know me, I'm a sucker for just about any DC story. :p

[Rocketdog2000]

Anyone still reading <b>Manhunter</b>? Did anyone catch the issue detailing the origins of her costume? Her Gloves, Staff, and Bodysuit all came from different rather tragic and interesting sources. I found it a great read. But you know me, I'm a sucker for just about any DC story. :p

Haven't read any of it - but your description of the latest issue has me wanting to check it out now.

[Rogue588]

So....how's everyone liking the MAJOR EVENT IN SPIDER-MAN'S LIFETIME THAT WILL CHANGE THE WAY WE THINK ABOUT THE WALL-CRAWLER FOREVER?!!?!?!?

Personally, typing that line and reading the descriptions in Previews is more exciting than this storyline. Stupid Marvel. It almost makes as much sense as the House Of M. Stupid Bendis.

Oh, and how bout the Thing #1? Milan Ramada. Get it? Paris Hilton? Milan Ramada? BWAHAHAHAHA. Is this the same Dan Slott from She Hulk?!?! Good art though. Great cover.

Marvel's not ALL shitty. I'm lovin' FF/Iron Man "Big In Japan". Seth Fisher is great. Get him on a regular book. And, though it doesn't come out until this Wednesday, i'm looking forward to the latest issue of She Hulk [written by the REAL Dan Slott]. However, i'll be upset if Bobillo only does the first couple of issues like the last run.

I'm also diggin' Captain Atom. Don't know why.

[Graftenberg]

So....how's everyone liking the MAJOR EVENT IN SPIDER-MAN'S LIFETIME THAT WILL CHANGE THE WAY WE THINK ABOUT THE WALL-CRAWLER FOREVER?!!?!?!?



And there's what? Another 9 issues to go. :grumble::hairpull:

Punisher MAX is the best thing Marvel has got going. Followed by Runaways and She-Hulk.

[Rogue588]

Part 5 of 12 came out last week. I read this Wednesday's part 6. Wasn't impressed.

Bring back the CLONES!!

[Liquid Death]

Anyone still reading <b>Manhunter</b>? Did anyone catch the issue detailing the origins of her costume? Her Gloves, Staff, and Bodysuit all came from different rather tragic and interesting sources. I found it a great read. But you know me, I'm a sucker for just about any DC story. :p

I think I'm just a few issues behind - I did finish the "Manhunted" arc, which I thought was great :)

[MovieExchange]

Part 5 of 12 came out last week. I read this Wednesday's part 6. Wasn't impressed.

Bring back the CLONES!!

Parts 1-3 were good.

Parts 4-6 are going to suck ass because Reginald Hudlin is a piss-poor writer. I started reading part 5 today, and upon opening it I started to wonder if I forgot to pick up the previous chapter because I had no clue what was going on. Spidey's in Latveria? Why? I went and checked my back issues, and I had part 4. Maybe I forgot to read it. Nope, that wasn't it. Hudlin just sucks as a writer and has no sense of continuity. The editor of the series needs to be fired as well. At least after next week we'll have 3 JMS issues, which will be better. Then I have to put up with one more piece of shit Hudlin-authored Marvel Knights issue and I won't have to read his garbage anymore.

[Stoney]

Here's a vague question to you DC fans. What books are must reads? I mean in general, not just current books. I'm getting a little bored with the Marvel-verse, and would like to read some DCU books. I've got Batman pretty much covered, but other than that I'm fairly clueless. I'd appreciate any suggestions.

[MovieExchange]

Here's a vague question to you DC fans. What books are must reads? I mean in general, not just current books. I'm getting a little bored with the Marvel-verse, and would like to read some DCU books. I've got Batman pretty much covered, but other than that I'm fairly clueless. I'd appreciate any suggestions.


I'd suggest picking up the first trades for Fable and 100 Bullets.

If you want to pick up books that are no longer running but are all available in trade form, Transmetropolitan and Preacher are superb.

[Superboy]

Here's a vague question to you DC fans. What books are must reads? I mean in general, not just current books. I'm getting a little bored with the Marvel-verse, and would like to read some DCU books. I've got Batman pretty much covered, but other than that I'm fairly clueless. I'd appreciate any suggestions.

That's a fairly large base to cover.

Vertigo probably has the majority of good DC titles.

[Superboy]

Anyway, been away from comics for a while. It's been about 6 months since i've picked one up, and I have to say...

I've gradually been reading less and less comics every year, less mainstream and occaisionally picking up something that's creator-owned and stuff like that. Not that I have anything against mainstream comics...but it's hard to stick with a book longer than 6 months when they're so sporadic with scheduling as well as writer-artist teams.

Astonishing X-men was the only x-men book I could stomach reading in a while, and what Whedon did in the first 6 issues really reminded me why people like the X-men in the first place. They're cool. But the last 6 issues really reminded me why i don't like the X-men, and that is that they are too weak to survive what they have so conveniently, and they are sometimes so crazy it makes me wonder why they can even stay together without totally imploding (something that Mark Millar touched upon many times in UXM). The pacing is really good though.

Superman All-Stars is probably one of the best new comics i've read in years...it's such a pure superhero book on so many levels. That and it has this intense Silver-Age feel to it that actually works in spite of many previous attempts by modern scribes (Geoff Johns notwithstanding) to revive that intense imagination of the Silver Age. It's good to see Lex Luthor in a non-impotent form, and actual rationality occaisionally rear it's ugly head in a comic.

All-Star Batman and Robin seems to be getting universally panned these days. And I think I know why: because readers are now just realizing how absurd Batman has been all these years, and who better than Frank Miller to show up and rain on everyone's parade. The unabashed sexuality of the women, the homoeroticism, the childnapping, Batman being insane, Batman enjoying hurting people, Batman enjoying blowing things up, psychotic cops who carry uzis, and technology that is absurd, not in the sense that it's implausible, but in the sense that it's really unnecessary and maybe doesn't belong in Batman's world. That's the Batman we've apparantly been reading without knowing it.

Justice has the same problem with every Alex Ross work: instead of feeling like i'm being pulled into a world of pure imagination, I feel like i'm walking through a museum where everything is behind paned glass.

Other than there's not much to say. Seems like DC and Marvel are running their respective cash-cow crossovers, something that's come to annoy me very much in the last few years.

[lukewarmwater]

All superheroes are absurd, batman, superman, xmen, spiderman, all of them. The reason all star batman sucks is because it isn't well written. It's stupid. You read it and think I paid two bucks for this?
Miller is just too aware of himself when he's writing. I get the feeling after every issue he writes he takes a step back and rubs one out feeling very proud of himself.

[bishop2knight]

Does AS Batman suck because it's not what you're used to or because it's bad storytelling? I'm not saying it's a great book, but a lot of people complain because it's a different take on Batman, one that goes against how he's been shown in the past. Personally, I don't mind the story so far. It's not great, but it's not terrible either.

[Patman]

A-S Batman makes Batman to be loonier than the loonies he goes after.

But it could be that Miller is trying to say that in trying to save Dick Grayson, Bruce saves himself as Grayson's presence in his life will humanize him as Batman was going a little nutty obsessing over eliminating crime in Gotham.

[lukewarmwater]

It's just bad storytelling. Miller is almost writing a parody of himself. Instead of writing batman like he is tough and a little crazy he's writing him like he's a wrestler.

He said that in Eisner/Miller people were coming up to him saying thay dont like DKSA and he would respond, thats because you're not 13 anymore, but I don't think I would have liked this at 13 either.

[bishop2knight]

Crap! I hate UPS. I'm not at home at 11:00 so they'll attempt to deliver my DCBS package tomorrow. Why can't they just leave the thing on my porch like FedEx does? I've signed the damn waiver.

ARGH!

[MovieExchange]

I'll have to agree that AS Batman is bad because Miller is just not a great writer anymore. Of course, I've found his writing to be bad ever since that horrible second Dark Knight series.

[bishop2knight]

I wasn't terribly impressed with AS Superman. It has the right tone, but the art didn't blow me away, it read way too fast, and there wasn't a lot of meat to it. Seems like the title will be fun, but this first issue didn't showcase that too much.

[fujishig]

So how much of a head start does Quitely have on AS supes? Are we going to see some fill ins around issue 7 or so? Or will they just delay the book until he catches up?

I'm not trolling, really, I'm just curious.

[exharrison]

Here's a vague question to you DC fans. What books are must reads? I mean in general, not just current books. I'm getting a little bored with the Marvel-verse, and would like to read some DCU books. I've got Batman pretty much covered, but other than that I'm fairly clueless. I'd appreciate any suggestions.
Death and Return of Superman was good.
Also, in the Flash, I think it was like issues 75-80, the return of Barry Allen.
I also like a lot of the Green Arrow stuff.

[Todd B.]

I have a discussion question. In the great pantheon of Batman artists, what do you guys think of Graham Nolan? He and Chuck Dixon had what I thought was a great run on Detective Comics of about 53 issues between 1992 and 1998. That's a nice-sized run by any standards, but especially by today's standards.

i thought he drew some fantastic renditions of Batman. His style always conveyed such a sense of dynamism. I've only collected Batman since 1988, and haven't read a lot of the older stuff. To me, his Batman is a very definitive rendition. I was very sad when he finally left 'Tec. I looked him up in the comic database and was disappointed to see that he hasn't done a regular monthly title since he left 'Tec, and in fact, hasn't done much comics work at all in the last 5 years.

Here are some of my favorite Batman covers by Nolan. Do you guys like them too?

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/24038627564.703.GIFhttp://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/24038627564.687.GIFhttp://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/24038627564.684.GIF

Some more great covers, hotlinked:

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/24038627564.681.GIF
http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/24038627564.683.GIF
http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/24038627564.688.GIF
http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/24038627564.701.GIF

[slop101]

I thought he drew some fantastic renditions of Batman. His style always conveyed such a sense of dynamism. I've only collected Batman since 1988, and haven't read a lot of the older stuff. To me, his Batman is a very definitive rendition...

Nolan was alright - he did cool stuff with mood and lighting, which is essential for Batman, but for me, his stuff was a bit too cartoony.

The definitive rendition of Batman for me will always be Jim Aparo (I think that also may be because Aparo was doing the book when I fiirst read it back in the mid-'80s).

http://pictures.abebooks.com/WOODSHEDBOOKS/79416836.jpg

http://www.fm3d.com/collectables/comics/detective/641.jpg

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/0930289447.01._SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg

[Patman]

I've always liked Neal Adams drawing Batman, especially those classic issues from the 1970's which re-defined the look and feel of the Batman titles for the next generation of comic fans.

[Superboy]

Personally, I never liked Jim Lee's Batman. It was too much like Frank Miller's. Although I loved David Mazzuchelli's Batman. It pulled inspiration from a multitude of sources.

[MovieExchange]

Nolan was good, as was Aparo. I also liked Breyfogle's run.

[JasonF]

Aparo is my favorite Batman artist.

Irv Novick was also very good (and highly underrated).

[Todd B.]

Hm, cartooney is not something that comes to mind when I think of Nolan's Batman.

Aparo is definitely one of the greats. He must've done a zillion Batman issues. But sometimes, his Batman just seemed . . . stiff. Like that Detective Comics cover you posted, he looks stiff through his upper and mid-body. BTW, according to <a href="http://www.comics.org/details.lasso?id=34676">GCD</a>, that first cover you posted is by John Byrne, not Aparo.

I always liked Breyfogle a lot too.

Any thoughts on Kelley Jones? I remember back around the Knightfall era, when he was doing covers for like almost every Bat book, and I (and everyone else, I suppose) thought they were so cool. And then, like a year later, he became the regular artist on Batman. And the interiors were so horrible, I dropped the book after like 2 issues. I couldn't stand it. Here's a Kelley Jones cover:

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/07206180254.520.GIF

Everyone we've discussed so far is from before 2000. Are there any current Batman artists that anyone likes in particular? Personally, I can't think of any particular stand-outs. Jim Lee was all right, but I honestly didn't think his run was anything particularly special.

[Liquid Death]

I'm most familiar with Breyfogle through Malibu's <i>Prime</i>, which was a great book. The Marvel re-start...eh...not so much.

[MovieExchange]

I'm most familiar with Breyfogle through Malibu's <i>Prime</i>, which was a great book. The Marvel re-start...eh...not so much.

I liked a lot of Malibu's Ultraverse, especially Night Man after Kyle Hotz started to do the artwork. Sure the concepts of a lot of the books were cheesy and smacked of direct Marvel rip-offs (Prototype = Iron Man, etc), but there were some real gems in there. Especially Firearm, written by James Robinson.

[Chew]

Crap! I hate UPS. I'm not at home at 11:00 so they'll attempt to deliver my DCBS package tomorrow. Why can't they just leave the thing on my porch like FedEx does? I've signed the damn waiver.

ARGH!

And what are your impressions of DCBS after your first shipment?

[bishop2knight]

And what are your impressions of DCBS after your first shipment?
I'm a little torn. I'm not sure if I prefer getting a few titles each week or if I like getting a big box of 'em all at once. Saving $$ is sure a good thing.

[ytrez]

Aparo is my favorite Batman artist but I wasn't very impressed with Mike DeCarlo's inks on Aparo's 90's run. Todd B., I don't have it in front of me and the pic is small but I'm pretty sure Byrne inked the first issue of Untold Stories and the face & pose looks very Aparo on the cover, I'm guessing Aparo pencils & Byrne inks. Tough to tell though, cause the cape looks like Giordano. Byrne or Aparo, it is a nice looking cover.

Breyfogle is great, one of the top 10.

Mazzuchelli was excellent in his all too brief run on Batman Year 1.

Adams is classic, but not one of my favorites.

Michael Golden did some amazing Batman (and related) work way back when.

Alan Davis' run w/ Mike Barr was one of my favorites.

I was also a big fan of Shawn Martinbrough on Detective.

[MovieExchange]

What a light week for me. Previews, Amazing Spider-Man, Robin, Ultimate X-Men. Used the short week to grab 3 trades to help catch up on my Ultimates reading, FF vol 3 & 4 and Ultimates 2 vol 1.

All I've read so far is the Ultimate Vision part 2 in the back of Ultimate X-Men, and Amazing Spider-Man. Hail whatever higher power exists, Hudlin's 3-issue arc of shitty writing is at an end! Now we get JMS, and hopefully he can salvage this story.

Previews gives a bit of a spoiler as to what's happening to Peter after the crossover is done - ASM #529, Tony Stark gives Peter a new costume. Not a major spoiler, as it won't be permanent. A long-running franchise book like Spider-Man will never have a major permanent change to it that would affect marketed properties.

[dadaluholla]

Stopped at the comic shop last friday and only had four books.

WALKING DEAD - Still going strong! Looks like they are about to shake things up in #25. The prison is getting a little stale i guess.

INCREDIBLE HULK - I'm not sure why I keep buying this. Oh yeah...I love the hulk. Damn.

CAPTAIN AMERICA - Great! I hope the current creative team stays for a long long time. Even that brief (forced) House of M tie in issue wasn't too awful.

PUNISHER/BULLSEYE - My favorite villian and my favorite vigilante in their own mini?? how can i not love this book!?!?!

Pretty much smooth sailing for me right now comic-wise. Not dropping anything, not getting any new titles really, not buying back issues...it feels good.

[MBoyd]

Next Monday I should have my first shipment from DCBS in a month and it's going to be HUGE. All of this months comics I usually get + 7-8 late issues + When in Rome HC and the Crisis Absolute. I feel kind of bad. I think I should send DCBS some more money for shipping.

[kevin75]

i'm with mboyd. i should be getting my DCBS shipment next week and it's gonna be GGRRRREEEEAAAATTT! bring it on!!

[bishop2knight]

I've been reading books from my first DCBS shipment for over a week now. I still have one left. I'll tell you what, it's nice to always have a new comic to read.

[Chew]

The holiday is messing with the shipping this week though. I didn't get my weekly Tuesday "DCBS has shipped" email. :(

[bishop2knight]

What holiday? You mean Thanksgiving? Why would that mess with anything? That was last week.

Anyone planning on picking up the new Red Sonja trade of the old Marvel books?

[Chew]

What holiday? You mean Thanksgiving? Why would that mess with anything? That was last week.


Good question, but I can't think of another reason I didn't get my shipping email yesterday.

[bishop2knight]

Good question, but I can't think of another reason I didn't get my shipping email yesterday.
I can think of several, but you wouldn't like any of them. :D


So, who do you think we'll pick up in the draft?

[Chew]

Let's see: Ahman Green is pretty much done as a Packer. Unless the Texans continue to do worse, the Packers could have the first pick.

I'm thinking a certain USC Heisman Trophy contender running back could be the choice. :)

[bishop2knight]

I bet we'll get a top 10 pick, but not 1, 2, or 3. So Bush will be gone. We actually need some line help on both sides of the ball, so if Bush is gone, maybe we'll trade down and get a whole mess of 2nd round picks. Then again, maybe we can pick up a veteran or two and hope that Favre comes back one more time.


Now, back to the regularly scheduled comic discussion.

[Chew]

I bet we'll get a top 10 pick, but not 1, 2, or 3. So Bush will be gone. We actually need some line help on both sides of the ball, so if Bush is gone, maybe we'll trade down and get a whole mess of 2nd round picks. Then again, maybe we can pick up a veteran or two and hope that Favre comes back one more time.


Now, back to the regularly scheduled comic discussion.

Upcoming schedule:
@ Bears
Lions
@ Ravens
Bears
Seahawks

4-12 almost seems like a pipe-dream. I wouldn't be surprised if the only win in that run is home against Detroit. If they aren't in the Top 5 of the draft, I'll be shocked. :lol:

[bishop2knight]

I'm willing to bet money that the Packers beat the Bears once down the stretch. They always have a good game against the Bears.

When are we going to see Rodgers in a game? Any word on that? I'd like to see him take a drive a couple times a game.

[Chew]

When are we going to see Rodgers in a game? Any word on that? I'd like to see him take a drive a couple times a game.

At the risk of completely derailing this thread.....

Favre is OK with Rodgers coming in. From the way Sherman talks, however, it's not going to happen as long as Favre can still play.

[MBoyd]

Sounds like Friday was considered a holiday by Fed Ex so some shops may be delayed in getting product. I havent gotten a DCBS email yet either so I'm assuming it affects us DCBS guys.

[bishop2knight]

I haven't received an email yet, but My Account at the DCBS site claims that my shipment was shipped today.

[benedict]

Maybe December's thread will be about comicbooks?