All righty, lots of thoughts about IC #1. Up to this point, I'm not sure what to do with the story. Mostly, it's just a matter that there are lots of things in there, and it's really going to depend on how they play them through in the following issues. I don't think it was a brilliant start, (not nearly as strong as Identity Crisis #1 IMNVHO), but it leaves room for alot of interesting stuff.
However, what intrests me about the story is that it's playing around in some territory that comic books have long "winked" at, though the last few years, as comics have gotten "grittier", we've seen more of it.
The very nature of comic books creates one of the largest "problems" or weaknesses. Of course, the problem is created out of one of comic's greatest strengths (isn't that the way that it always goes?) The problem really comes out of the nature of the conflicts in the books. Superhero comics, are, by definition, about heros and villains. As such, good villains are vital for a book, and can make or break a given issue. That pretty much calls for having villains return again and again. You could have an unending series of baddies who die at the end of their arcs (excuse me, did I just hear Frank Castle's nurse call for another drool rag?), but you really lose a lot by doing that.
However, recurring villains create their own problems. While the great villains, like Dr Doom, Magneto, Lex Luthor or the Joker have stood the test of time, it raises the inevitable question of how they keep coming back. There are several different ways to handle it.
1) Even when beaten, the baddie always manages to escape... (Dr. Doom has a degree in this one)
2) The threat is not an individual, but a group. Take the Skrull. Sure, you can beat a Skrull squad, but that doesn't mean that another squad can't show up in 15 issues.
3) The threat is too big to be stopped, but only pushed aside for the time being. Galactus is an example of this... though his first story really should have kept him away for good.
There are others as well. However, the "breakdown" in the DCU of late is in many ways based upon one of the other possibilities. For all intents and purposes, the legal system in the DCU is absolutely worthless. The Prisons can't keep villains in, and they don't rehabilitate them either. So, after 15-20 issues, the baddie is back at his old tricks. Likewise with Arkham. Has anyone ever been cured there? So, when the heros do the "heroic" thing, and turn baddies over to the authorities for justice, everyone knows it is absolutely worthless. Soon enough, they'll be back on the street.
That's the tension they are using in the DCU to set up IC. Wonder Woman knows that there's no place to put Max Lord where he won't b able to take control of Superman again, so she decides to kill him. Dick Grayson has been a headcase ever since Blockbuster died. People always wonder when Batman (or someone else) will jsut flat out kill the Joker and end his rampages.
There's a huge amount of storytelling meat in there. On the other hand, it is a bit risky, since it's nibbling at one of the primary areas of Willful Suspension of Disbelief that's required to read those kinds of stories. Time will tell how they pull that out.
Of course, it is also opening up the larger ethical questions. "Would it be right for Batman to execute the Joker?" Now, Bats won't, just because of his nature, but the argument is out there now. If Diana is justified killing Max, then surely Bruce can kill the Joker. Those are some heavy questions, and things that are going to be sitting in the foreground of IC.
Combine that with Black Adam's coup, and it's easy to see how the Supers in the DCU are putting themselves into a very "Days of Future Past" situation. I didn't get OMAC (I'll get the Trade), but from what I saw of the crossovers, it's drawing from the same well as the Sentinals, and Max isn't all that different from Senator Kelly.
Oh, my vote for the Baddie in IC?
Earth 2 Superman. I just have a gut feeling that he's going to try to restore order the hard way, and go over the top. Though, it's possible that Alex Luthor will be pulling the strings on him.
Thursday, October 27, 2005
Wednesday, October 26, 2005
Comic Day
At last my books came, and I can say some somewhat intellegent things.
The biggie of course is IC #1... but I'll leave that for a post unto itself.
THE GOOD: Probably the highlight of my order was Batgirl, with Green Lantern Corps:Recharge a close second. This isn't to say that it was my best month... it really wasn't that great. A fair number of average books, and a few rather weak ones. I really liked seeing Nora come out of the Lazarus Pit... I'm not a big fan of Victor, but this has the chance to make him somewhat interesting.
The Bad: Well, aside from the art in BoP 86 (the Black Canary substory especially), probably the worst was Robin. The "shadow government orginization" thing is overused, and frankly, Tim's a rather poor fit with this batch of guys. Then, they go to all the trouble of setting up Johnny Warlock as a serious villain for Robin, and suddenly... *poof*. I imagine he'll get out of the shadow dimension, but really, that was a pretty weak victory. Darla may end up being interesting... Might be worth writing a story with her and Raven.
The Ugly: The Return of Donna Troy. The entire series was just pretty chaotic, and didn't grab my interest at all. I have to admit, that the "resolution" to her backstory was fairly clever. However, everything else in that story was just plain... eh.
Other thoughts. Villains United had been my favorite book of the "prequal series," but the ending left me a bit flat. Double-Lex just doesn't grab me for Mockingbird. Vandal Savage would have been more interesting. For that matter, any of the "core" members of the Society, using the Six as a counterbalance to Lex would have been good. Of course, all of this is building towards IC, so there will probably be some point to it. On the other hand, Day of Vengance ended pretty well for me. I'd be willing to buy a continuing series with this group. I'm a bit unclear how Capt. Marvel can still exist with Shazam killed and the Rock gone... but maybe they'll explain that in time.
The biggie of course is IC #1... but I'll leave that for a post unto itself.
THE GOOD: Probably the highlight of my order was Batgirl, with Green Lantern Corps:Recharge a close second. This isn't to say that it was my best month... it really wasn't that great. A fair number of average books, and a few rather weak ones. I really liked seeing Nora come out of the Lazarus Pit... I'm not a big fan of Victor, but this has the chance to make him somewhat interesting.
The Bad: Well, aside from the art in BoP 86 (the Black Canary substory especially), probably the worst was Robin. The "shadow government orginization" thing is overused, and frankly, Tim's a rather poor fit with this batch of guys. Then, they go to all the trouble of setting up Johnny Warlock as a serious villain for Robin, and suddenly... *poof*. I imagine he'll get out of the shadow dimension, but really, that was a pretty weak victory. Darla may end up being interesting... Might be worth writing a story with her and Raven.
The Ugly: The Return of Donna Troy. The entire series was just pretty chaotic, and didn't grab my interest at all. I have to admit, that the "resolution" to her backstory was fairly clever. However, everything else in that story was just plain... eh.
Other thoughts. Villains United had been my favorite book of the "prequal series," but the ending left me a bit flat. Double-Lex just doesn't grab me for Mockingbird. Vandal Savage would have been more interesting. For that matter, any of the "core" members of the Society, using the Six as a counterbalance to Lex would have been good. Of course, all of this is building towards IC, so there will probably be some point to it. On the other hand, Day of Vengance ended pretty well for me. I'd be willing to buy a continuing series with this group. I'm a bit unclear how Capt. Marvel can still exist with Shazam killed and the Rock gone... but maybe they'll explain that in time.
Saturday, October 22, 2005
Making changes
"Change in comics" is (as usual actually) a hot topic of the moment. We have the drastic changes in the DCU that are all tied up in the current Infinite Crisis, then on the other hand, I had the opportunity to read Avengers Disassembled. That's the only Avengers I've read since my last major collecting period. In fact, near as I can recall, the last major Avenger's storyline I read was Sersi's insanity. That dates it a bit.
Of course, AD was a pretty deep "earthquake" of Avengers continuity. Also, it is needless to say, that it's been an extremely controversial book. All of this raises the question, just how much should creators be "allowed" to make changes in books? Whether you are talking about Barbara Gordon (hopefully, I'll have my copy of BoP #87 on Monday), the changes to Wonder Woman, or the changes to the Avengers, the changes have been more than a bit controversial.
In a very real way, change is absolutely necessary. Fiction and storytelling (at least interesting storytelling) are all about the changes in characters. Frodo Baggins is not the same in "The Scouring of the Shire" as he was ithe day of the Party. Likewise, Garion the kitchen boy is far from being the same person as Belgarion, Overlord of the West.
Comic Books should be the same way. The development of the books should also develop the characters. The constant grind should wear on Batman a bit, especially when the Joker is on another of his murderous rampages.
However, those changes should be reasonably organic. Generally, the seeds of what a person will become are found in what they were already like. The essential courage of Frodo can be seen all the way back to Weathertop (or earlier). So, while you can make changes to characters and books, they really need to grow out of who that character has been protrayed as. Superman suddenly growing grim and "batmanish" would be a violence against what the character has been.
The real problem that comics have is that their characters ultimately go through far more than the characters in most novels. Even if you look at characters in continuing novel series (say Honor Harrington) their overall personal arc tends to be shorter. That is what makes comics difficult. If you change characters too quickly, they become unrecognizable too quickly.
So, what of the current changes? I can't say much about Avengers. I've not read enough of the book recently to see if the changes are organic or not. However, I would hope that Wanda's breakdown was foreshadowed. If not, that would be bad storytelling.
Wonder Woman makes good sense to me. I'm not familiar with 1938 style Wonder Woman, but the way she's drawn now, her choice to execute Maxwell Lord is organic to the character.
Barbara on the other hand is a different case. Here, we are not talking about a change in who she is, but a change in her circumstances. It is that change that will shape her future change, so this bears watching.
I don't mind changes, but they do need to be done with respect to what has gone before.
Of course, AD was a pretty deep "earthquake" of Avengers continuity. Also, it is needless to say, that it's been an extremely controversial book. All of this raises the question, just how much should creators be "allowed" to make changes in books? Whether you are talking about Barbara Gordon (hopefully, I'll have my copy of BoP #87 on Monday), the changes to Wonder Woman, or the changes to the Avengers, the changes have been more than a bit controversial.
In a very real way, change is absolutely necessary. Fiction and storytelling (at least interesting storytelling) are all about the changes in characters. Frodo Baggins is not the same in "The Scouring of the Shire" as he was ithe day of the Party. Likewise, Garion the kitchen boy is far from being the same person as Belgarion, Overlord of the West.
Comic Books should be the same way. The development of the books should also develop the characters. The constant grind should wear on Batman a bit, especially when the Joker is on another of his murderous rampages.
However, those changes should be reasonably organic. Generally, the seeds of what a person will become are found in what they were already like. The essential courage of Frodo can be seen all the way back to Weathertop (or earlier). So, while you can make changes to characters and books, they really need to grow out of who that character has been protrayed as. Superman suddenly growing grim and "batmanish" would be a violence against what the character has been.
The real problem that comics have is that their characters ultimately go through far more than the characters in most novels. Even if you look at characters in continuing novel series (say Honor Harrington) their overall personal arc tends to be shorter. That is what makes comics difficult. If you change characters too quickly, they become unrecognizable too quickly.
So, what of the current changes? I can't say much about Avengers. I've not read enough of the book recently to see if the changes are organic or not. However, I would hope that Wanda's breakdown was foreshadowed. If not, that would be bad storytelling.
Wonder Woman makes good sense to me. I'm not familiar with 1938 style Wonder Woman, but the way she's drawn now, her choice to execute Maxwell Lord is organic to the character.
Barbara on the other hand is a different case. Here, we are not talking about a change in who she is, but a change in her circumstances. It is that change that will shape her future change, so this bears watching.
I don't mind changes, but they do need to be done with respect to what has gone before.
Thursday, October 20, 2005
More Downsides
Yeah, I'm still alive, just have been out of town again. Not like anyone noticed.
Since I don't have any brilliant ideas, and won't have my next shipment of books for a few days, I can't say anything new or interesting, so back to beating my dead horse again.
The Downsides of living in the DC Universe
1. That annoying question in your Atmospheric Science class where you are to calculate the amount of kryptonite that "evaporated" into the air upon reentry, and what the total background K-rad is at any given time.
2. The great taste of Booster Gold's Special High Fiber Cereal
3. Trying to figure out why anyone would want to deface Wonder Woman's book by taking Occam's Razor to it.
4. Finding out that your financial advisor sold all your Waynetech stock and put it into Kord Industries.
5. Endless debates on alt.fan.reporterbabes: Lois or Linda?
Since I don't have any brilliant ideas, and won't have my next shipment of books for a few days, I can't say anything new or interesting, so back to beating my dead horse again.
The Downsides of living in the DC Universe
1. That annoying question in your Atmospheric Science class where you are to calculate the amount of kryptonite that "evaporated" into the air upon reentry, and what the total background K-rad is at any given time.
2. The great taste of Booster Gold's Special High Fiber Cereal
3. Trying to figure out why anyone would want to deface Wonder Woman's book by taking Occam's Razor to it.
4. Finding out that your financial advisor sold all your Waynetech stock and put it into Kord Industries.
5. Endless debates on alt.fan.reporterbabes: Lois or Linda?
Thursday, October 13, 2005
Whither Heros
A discussion on a friends LJ has gotten me to thinking about something, a bit different than his discussion, so I'll move it over here.
What do heros believe in? What is their vision? Why are they in the hero biz?
Naturally, considering the great number of books that are out there, there's lots of room for individual variations. However, what got me thinking in this direction was the question of "the passion of superheros". How many "modern" heros are really passionate in what they do, and in what they believe in? Yes, many of them are, but it's still interesting to look at the way it plays out.
You have heros like Captain Marvel or Superman who are almost considered "relics", that the things they stand for and are passionate about are "bygones of a lost age." Then, you have Batman, who may be the most passionate person all of comics in what he does. On the other hand, he's also growing darker by the issue, and growing more and more out of control in many ways.
That still leaves many heros, especially the more recent ones that you have to ask "what are they there for?"
Now that I think about it, that strikes me as one of the flaws in Outsiders. What are they really in it for? You have Nightwing who is in the middle of a crisis of faith. I'm not a big Arsenal fan, but I honestly can't figure what he's in it for other than "babe access." Annissa has sort of said she wants to help people in her arguments with her dad. On the other hand, Grace and Shift? No real clue with either. There's no passion in what they are doing, and that's why the book fails in my eyes. The only character to this point who really seemed passionate about what they were doing were Psimon and Dr. Sivania.
Part of being a hero is a belief in something. A belief in a better world, or a belief in helping people now. That needs to be expressed more strongly. Otherwise, you just have a bunch of adrenlin junkies or ill tempered revenge seekers.
What do heros believe in? What is their vision? Why are they in the hero biz?
Naturally, considering the great number of books that are out there, there's lots of room for individual variations. However, what got me thinking in this direction was the question of "the passion of superheros". How many "modern" heros are really passionate in what they do, and in what they believe in? Yes, many of them are, but it's still interesting to look at the way it plays out.
You have heros like Captain Marvel or Superman who are almost considered "relics", that the things they stand for and are passionate about are "bygones of a lost age." Then, you have Batman, who may be the most passionate person all of comics in what he does. On the other hand, he's also growing darker by the issue, and growing more and more out of control in many ways.
That still leaves many heros, especially the more recent ones that you have to ask "what are they there for?"
Now that I think about it, that strikes me as one of the flaws in Outsiders. What are they really in it for? You have Nightwing who is in the middle of a crisis of faith. I'm not a big Arsenal fan, but I honestly can't figure what he's in it for other than "babe access." Annissa has sort of said she wants to help people in her arguments with her dad. On the other hand, Grace and Shift? No real clue with either. There's no passion in what they are doing, and that's why the book fails in my eyes. The only character to this point who really seemed passionate about what they were doing were Psimon and Dr. Sivania.
Part of being a hero is a belief in something. A belief in a better world, or a belief in helping people now. That needs to be expressed more strongly. Otherwise, you just have a bunch of adrenlin junkies or ill tempered revenge seekers.
Gimme the small stuff
One problem that I think the common style of telling stories in comic books has is "cosmic overload." In other words, it's the simple overload of stories that have absolutely immense stakes. If the hero loses, the earth will be either destroyed, or at least conquered by the resident baddie. (Think another visit by Galactus)
Yet, story after story like that, and yet the world remains, it's still free, and even the USA is free (or as free as it ever is, but lets not get political). It pretty much has to be that way. No matter what else may happen, we know that the good guys are going to win. After all, could you imagine that the chaos if the latest "conquer the world" plot in Outsiders were actually to play through? (Think when they had to stop a demon horde from entering the world). You know they are going to win out in the end. Those sorts of stories just end up being... ho hum.
On the other hand, if the villians have smaller goals, the writers can afford to let them "win," now and then. For instance, take the good ol bank robbery. Can you have a story where the baddies hit a bank, and then manage to ditch Spiderman, and keep their loot? Sure. You figure you'll end up seeing them again, and Spidy will haul em in, but because there is a real chance of their scheme working, there's actual tension in the story.
Of course, the flip side of that is that with the real over-powered heros (Superman, Wonder Woman, Iron Man or the like), they really need big time threats to go up against. Can you write a decent story with non-metahuman bank robbers in Batman? No problem. They can even be total ciphers. Utterly "normal" villians, not a wierd color or the like in sight.
Now try doing the same thing with the Flash? Hm, gets a whole lot harder fast, doesn't it? There are super-powered characters I like (Capt. Marvel for instance), but as a rule, I prefer the unpowered, or the "medium" powered heros, just because there's more room to give them stories with real tension.
Yet, story after story like that, and yet the world remains, it's still free, and even the USA is free (or as free as it ever is, but lets not get political). It pretty much has to be that way. No matter what else may happen, we know that the good guys are going to win. After all, could you imagine that the chaos if the latest "conquer the world" plot in Outsiders were actually to play through? (Think when they had to stop a demon horde from entering the world). You know they are going to win out in the end. Those sorts of stories just end up being... ho hum.
On the other hand, if the villians have smaller goals, the writers can afford to let them "win," now and then. For instance, take the good ol bank robbery. Can you have a story where the baddies hit a bank, and then manage to ditch Spiderman, and keep their loot? Sure. You figure you'll end up seeing them again, and Spidy will haul em in, but because there is a real chance of their scheme working, there's actual tension in the story.
Of course, the flip side of that is that with the real over-powered heros (Superman, Wonder Woman, Iron Man or the like), they really need big time threats to go up against. Can you write a decent story with non-metahuman bank robbers in Batman? No problem. They can even be total ciphers. Utterly "normal" villians, not a wierd color or the like in sight.
Now try doing the same thing with the Flash? Hm, gets a whole lot harder fast, doesn't it? There are super-powered characters I like (Capt. Marvel for instance), but as a rule, I prefer the unpowered, or the "medium" powered heros, just because there's more room to give them stories with real tension.
Tuesday, October 11, 2005
What role villains?
As you probably noticed, I have some fairly strong feelings about villains. I started this whole thing off with my listing of ten painful villains, and it's been a recurring theme since then.
That said, I'm not really "about" villains. Not at all, I'm all about the heros. You'll never find a poster of Darth Vader, or Magneto, or the Joker around my house. They just don't interest me in that way. A good villain provides a chance for the hero's to show their mettle. Not only in terms of their combat skills, but also in showing what makes them a hero. A good villain is there to create interesting conflict.
That's probably one of the reasons I prefer to see my villains as being recognizably evil. I'm not saying that every one of them has to be some Joker clone, where his madness is obvious to all. Not in the least. I am saying though that it should be clear that a villain really is "the bad guy (or girl)." I don't want the books to sit there and try to make them sympathetic, or that we say "it's not really their fault." Nope, they're evil. Even if they are trying to do "good", they're evil (see Ozymandias).
This is one of the reasons that Toon Terra bugs me, as I mentioned. In the Judas Contract, Terra was your proverbial "bad seed." No explanation what made her such a head case, or why she hated the Titans so badly. Sure she said a few things, but they didn't really answer the question. That worked. Sure, you'll find some more complex, even conflicted villains, but every now and then, it's nice to have a straightforward "bad seed,"
Now, we get to Toon Terra, and they went entirely the other direction. She was entirely conflicted. She was manipulated, yet she knew what she was doing, and did it willingly (for the most part.) Yet, in the end, she "redeemed" herself. An entirely different sort of villain, and one that is, to me at least, less satisfying. I know, the "real" villain in that story is Slade, but it just never quite connected to me as well.
Now, there are two types of villains I truly like to see in a bit "more depth," and those are the villains on the "way up," and those on the "way down." Comics are full of heros who got their start as villains. I'm not going to say Hawkeye was the first, but he's an obvious example.
I'm sure that there are some examples of the opposite as well, heros who have gone bad, bad, bad. Other than Ozymandias, I can't think of any offhand. That's something I'd like to see more of. Especially heros who are fairly "long term." I mean, a hero who shows up, and then five issues later starts to "fall"," is one thing. I'd like to see a hero (even if not a huge name), who has a fairly long history go "down the tubes," some time. Now that'll create conflict for our heros.
That said, I'm not really "about" villains. Not at all, I'm all about the heros. You'll never find a poster of Darth Vader, or Magneto, or the Joker around my house. They just don't interest me in that way. A good villain provides a chance for the hero's to show their mettle. Not only in terms of their combat skills, but also in showing what makes them a hero. A good villain is there to create interesting conflict.
That's probably one of the reasons I prefer to see my villains as being recognizably evil. I'm not saying that every one of them has to be some Joker clone, where his madness is obvious to all. Not in the least. I am saying though that it should be clear that a villain really is "the bad guy (or girl)." I don't want the books to sit there and try to make them sympathetic, or that we say "it's not really their fault." Nope, they're evil. Even if they are trying to do "good", they're evil (see Ozymandias).
This is one of the reasons that Toon Terra bugs me, as I mentioned. In the Judas Contract, Terra was your proverbial "bad seed." No explanation what made her such a head case, or why she hated the Titans so badly. Sure she said a few things, but they didn't really answer the question. That worked. Sure, you'll find some more complex, even conflicted villains, but every now and then, it's nice to have a straightforward "bad seed,"
Now, we get to Toon Terra, and they went entirely the other direction. She was entirely conflicted. She was manipulated, yet she knew what she was doing, and did it willingly (for the most part.) Yet, in the end, she "redeemed" herself. An entirely different sort of villain, and one that is, to me at least, less satisfying. I know, the "real" villain in that story is Slade, but it just never quite connected to me as well.
Now, there are two types of villains I truly like to see in a bit "more depth," and those are the villains on the "way up," and those on the "way down." Comics are full of heros who got their start as villains. I'm not going to say Hawkeye was the first, but he's an obvious example.
I'm sure that there are some examples of the opposite as well, heros who have gone bad, bad, bad. Other than Ozymandias, I can't think of any offhand. That's something I'd like to see more of. Especially heros who are fairly "long term." I mean, a hero who shows up, and then five issues later starts to "fall"," is one thing. I'd like to see a hero (even if not a huge name), who has a fairly long history go "down the tubes," some time. Now that'll create conflict for our heros.
Saturday, October 08, 2005
My kinda villain
Yesterday, while I was eating lunch, I happened to turn my TV over to a Sci-Fi network rerun of the original Battlestar Galactica. In the episode I was watching, John Colicos (Baltar) was being his usual smug, evil self, and that got me reflecting on something.
I've not been watching the "new" BSG. I watched the miniseries when it came out, and found myself sadly disappointed. Part of it was my "purist" point of view. However, honestly, I can deal with Lady-Starbuck, humanoid Cylons, and even Cylon-Boomer-Asian-female.
Wierd, but all right, I can buy it.
What couldn't I get past? Baltar.
Perhaps he's been changed in the ongoing series, but I found him enormously disappointing.
"So, Baltar, why exactly did you betray humanity?"
"Well, actually, I didn't think I was betraying humanity. Anyway, she was a REALLY good lay."
Yay.
I know that there will always be fools and patsies about. Villainy requires that there be those sorts around. However, in the original, Baltar was both at the same time. Yes, he was a fool and a patsy, but he was also a villain in his own right. He knew exactly what he was doing, and was trying to reach his own goals. Sure, he was outmanuvered by the Cylons, but that's his bad luck (or idiocy showing through.) That's what a villain should be, one who has his own goals and is trying to follow through on them. He may not think of himself in the terms of being a villain, but he is, pure and simple.
In alot of ways, the "old" Baltar was much like the Enron folks. Willing to destroy countless lives for their own gain and purposes. Yeah, Baltar was willing to go the extra mile to genocide, but the overall mindset was the same. A supremely self-centered desire to gratify ones self, willing to run over anyone or anything in your path.
Isn't that better than a goofball who gets caught thinking with his hormones? To me it sure is.
I have much the same problem with Toon Terra from the Titans as opposed to the one from the Judas Contract. If I'd never read the Judas Contract, I would like Toon Terra alot more. As it stands, it's always a touch grating.
Perhaps some day I'll get the new BSG DVDs. I probably will. Still, unless they've improved greatly over the miniseries, I'll always be a touch disappointed over Baltar the hormonal weeine.
I've not been watching the "new" BSG. I watched the miniseries when it came out, and found myself sadly disappointed. Part of it was my "purist" point of view. However, honestly, I can deal with Lady-Starbuck, humanoid Cylons, and even Cylon-Boomer-Asian-female.
Wierd, but all right, I can buy it.
What couldn't I get past? Baltar.
Perhaps he's been changed in the ongoing series, but I found him enormously disappointing.
"So, Baltar, why exactly did you betray humanity?"
"Well, actually, I didn't think I was betraying humanity. Anyway, she was a REALLY good lay."
Yay.
I know that there will always be fools and patsies about. Villainy requires that there be those sorts around. However, in the original, Baltar was both at the same time. Yes, he was a fool and a patsy, but he was also a villain in his own right. He knew exactly what he was doing, and was trying to reach his own goals. Sure, he was outmanuvered by the Cylons, but that's his bad luck (or idiocy showing through.) That's what a villain should be, one who has his own goals and is trying to follow through on them. He may not think of himself in the terms of being a villain, but he is, pure and simple.
In alot of ways, the "old" Baltar was much like the Enron folks. Willing to destroy countless lives for their own gain and purposes. Yeah, Baltar was willing to go the extra mile to genocide, but the overall mindset was the same. A supremely self-centered desire to gratify ones self, willing to run over anyone or anything in your path.
Isn't that better than a goofball who gets caught thinking with his hormones? To me it sure is.
I have much the same problem with Toon Terra from the Titans as opposed to the one from the Judas Contract. If I'd never read the Judas Contract, I would like Toon Terra alot more. As it stands, it's always a touch grating.
Perhaps some day I'll get the new BSG DVDs. I probably will. Still, unless they've improved greatly over the miniseries, I'll always be a touch disappointed over Baltar the hormonal weeine.
Thursday, October 06, 2005
The Confessional
As a preacher, I'm encouraging people to confess, so I may as well admit it
I'm looking forward to Infinite Crisis
There, I said it.
I'm not sure why, I've been burnted again and again on these crossovers. The only crossover I can recall that I really liked was the Mutant Massacre storyline across the X-books (and a few others). I round Crisis on Infinite Earths interesting a few weeks ago in terms of understanding how the DCU got to that position, but I'm not really *that* enthused by it. I found Inferno, Onslaught, Age of Apoclypse, Zero Hour and the like to be painfully bad.
Yet, there is something in all the setup that's going on that has my attention. I'm not sure if it's the appearance of the Psycho Pirate, or the return of something resembling the pre-Crisis Supergirl, or what. I just have a feeling that something actually interesting is going to come out of this.
I may end up being disappointed in the long run, but I can hardly wait for book #1.
I'm looking forward to Infinite Crisis
There, I said it.
I'm not sure why, I've been burnted again and again on these crossovers. The only crossover I can recall that I really liked was the Mutant Massacre storyline across the X-books (and a few others). I round Crisis on Infinite Earths interesting a few weeks ago in terms of understanding how the DCU got to that position, but I'm not really *that* enthused by it. I found Inferno, Onslaught, Age of Apoclypse, Zero Hour and the like to be painfully bad.
Yet, there is something in all the setup that's going on that has my attention. I'm not sure if it's the appearance of the Psycho Pirate, or the return of something resembling the pre-Crisis Supergirl, or what. I just have a feeling that something actually interesting is going to come out of this.
I may end up being disappointed in the long run, but I can hardly wait for book #1.
Wednesday, October 05, 2005
In Defense of the Boy Scouts
A few months ago, Justice League Unlimited had an episode that featured Captain Marvel, and at the time I found the episode both enjoyable, yet a bit frustrating.
On the one hand, Billy's nobility came out well, especially in his ending speech, where he left the League because he couldn't agree with their tactics. On the other hand, he was played as something of a naive fool in the course of the episode. Of course, there was a much worse example of that in Kingdom Come where he's entirely buffaloed by Lex Luthor, until that one last "redeeming" moment. Aside from the small question of "um, what about Solomon's wisdom..." in both of those circumstances, it bothred me because there seems to be less and less respect for "the boy scouts."
Now, while things are not as bad as they were a few years ago, where we were buried under Wolverine, Lobo, the Punisher and Venom, but it still bugs me. I'll admit, I also like some "harder edged" books, but even then, it's not so much a matter of wanting to see "grittier" heros, as seeing heros stuck in some pretty nasty circumstances.
The essential optimism and decency of the "boy scout" characters is something that really appeals to me. It points us to the hope for a better world. I recognize that not everyone likes them, but I do grow tired of having those characters pushed further and further to the edge, and becoming the butt of jokes. I'll admit, I'm not a gigantic Superman fan, but that's not because of the his being "the big blue boy scout," but because he's just too powerful. It makes it hard to consistantly write good stories for him. I've liked some, been less fond of others.
Anyway, give me Billy Batson over Frank Castle every day of the week.
On the one hand, Billy's nobility came out well, especially in his ending speech, where he left the League because he couldn't agree with their tactics. On the other hand, he was played as something of a naive fool in the course of the episode. Of course, there was a much worse example of that in Kingdom Come where he's entirely buffaloed by Lex Luthor, until that one last "redeeming" moment. Aside from the small question of "um, what about Solomon's wisdom..." in both of those circumstances, it bothred me because there seems to be less and less respect for "the boy scouts."
Now, while things are not as bad as they were a few years ago, where we were buried under Wolverine, Lobo, the Punisher and Venom, but it still bugs me. I'll admit, I also like some "harder edged" books, but even then, it's not so much a matter of wanting to see "grittier" heros, as seeing heros stuck in some pretty nasty circumstances.
The essential optimism and decency of the "boy scout" characters is something that really appeals to me. It points us to the hope for a better world. I recognize that not everyone likes them, but I do grow tired of having those characters pushed further and further to the edge, and becoming the butt of jokes. I'll admit, I'm not a gigantic Superman fan, but that's not because of the his being "the big blue boy scout," but because he's just too powerful. It makes it hard to consistantly write good stories for him. I've liked some, been less fond of others.
Anyway, give me Billy Batson over Frank Castle every day of the week.
Saturday, October 01, 2005
Book Recomendation
Among other things, I'm also a fan of Fantasy Novels, and if you haven't read it, I'd highly suggest the Crown of Stars series by Kate Eliot.
What's fascinating is the world she's set up. In alot of ways, it's an inversion of the actual Middle Ages. She has renamed the nations/religions and the like (and reimagined them. The "vikings" are now seafaring lizardmen). The "Daisanite" church is fairly close to the Roman Catholic Church in many ways. While the church is still very powerful and prevelant, it's also
1) Matriarchical
2) closer to gnostic than anything.
On the other hand, one of the ongoing subplots is the rise of a heresy which is more or less akin to orthodox Christianity.
It's a bit dense, difficult reading, but very, very rewarding. It takes three books to even begin to get a sense of what's "really" going on.
On comic notes... it's coming... you've all feared it. I'm not sure when, but the pieces are falling in place. I shall prove to you all why I love Power Pack!
What's fascinating is the world she's set up. In alot of ways, it's an inversion of the actual Middle Ages. She has renamed the nations/religions and the like (and reimagined them. The "vikings" are now seafaring lizardmen). The "Daisanite" church is fairly close to the Roman Catholic Church in many ways. While the church is still very powerful and prevelant, it's also
1) Matriarchical
2) closer to gnostic than anything.
On the other hand, one of the ongoing subplots is the rise of a heresy which is more or less akin to orthodox Christianity.
It's a bit dense, difficult reading, but very, very rewarding. It takes three books to even begin to get a sense of what's "really" going on.
On comic notes... it's coming... you've all feared it. I'm not sure when, but the pieces are falling in place. I shall prove to you all why I love Power Pack!
Thursday, September 29, 2005
More downsides
Well, I'm back from vacation...
but, on the bad side, I'm too tired (drove 480 miles today) to make a coherent post... so y'all get "treated" to more downsides.
1. Being one piece short of the Booster Gold Gourmet Cooking set that the grocery store is offering. (You missed the Dutch Oven)
2. Being voted "Most likely to work for the Joker" in your highschool yearbook.
3. Your wierd neighbor who keeps putting a lead cowboy hat on your head, telling you that it will keep Superman from seeing your thoughts.
4. You're out walking and see home products Icon "Mr Clean" You no more than yell out his name and find a stiletto heeled foot heading right for your nose.
5. Having the regular meeting of your local chess association (the Checkmate Club), invaded by seventeen low rent superheros.
6. Watching with mounting horror as a news story records that thousands of teens are having major cosmetic surgery just to get the "Psimon look"
7. Endless debates on alt.fan.psycobabes "Harley Quinn or Shimmer"
but, on the bad side, I'm too tired (drove 480 miles today) to make a coherent post... so y'all get "treated" to more downsides.
1. Being one piece short of the Booster Gold Gourmet Cooking set that the grocery store is offering. (You missed the Dutch Oven)
2. Being voted "Most likely to work for the Joker" in your highschool yearbook.
3. Your wierd neighbor who keeps putting a lead cowboy hat on your head, telling you that it will keep Superman from seeing your thoughts.
4. You're out walking and see home products Icon "Mr Clean" You no more than yell out his name and find a stiletto heeled foot heading right for your nose.
5. Having the regular meeting of your local chess association (the Checkmate Club), invaded by seventeen low rent superheros.
6. Watching with mounting horror as a news story records that thousands of teens are having major cosmetic surgery just to get the "Psimon look"
7. Endless debates on alt.fan.psycobabes "Harley Quinn or Shimmer"
Thursday, September 22, 2005
RIP Power Girl (I think)
Still on vacation, and not much time to post, but thought I'd throw a short one out, so people knew I still live.
I picked up Crisis on Infinite Earths (finally), and while it strikes me as another fairly standard overblown crossover (ok, the first one), there are some interesting things in there.
However, I'm not in the least bit changed in my thought that Power Girl isn't gonna make out out of Infinite Crisis.
1. Parallel to Supergirl in CoIE
2. Her recent line (forget where, and don't have books here), that it was unfair for Sue Dibney to die, since she had so much to live for... the person who died should have had nothing to live for (no family, et al)
3. The recent appearance of the Psycho Pirate in her book.
4. Pure, unadulterated gut feeling.
My only concern with this theory is that.. it's too obvious.
I picked up Crisis on Infinite Earths (finally), and while it strikes me as another fairly standard overblown crossover (ok, the first one), there are some interesting things in there.
However, I'm not in the least bit changed in my thought that Power Girl isn't gonna make out out of Infinite Crisis.
1. Parallel to Supergirl in CoIE
2. Her recent line (forget where, and don't have books here), that it was unfair for Sue Dibney to die, since she had so much to live for... the person who died should have had nothing to live for (no family, et al)
3. The recent appearance of the Psycho Pirate in her book.
4. Pure, unadulterated gut feeling.
My only concern with this theory is that.. it's too obvious.
Sunday, September 18, 2005
Still more downsides
Going out of town in the morning, so you probably won't hear for me too often for the next 10 days. May have some connect.
So, still more downsides of living in the DC Universe
1. Finding out that Booster Gold has bought out Ron Popeil.
2. Your girlfriend asking you, "Do you think Wonder Woman is pretty?"
3. The irrational fear that one mistake in chem lab will leave you with three arms.
4. Finding out that the wierd kid you used to pick on made that very mistake in chem class.
5. Your best friend dragging you to the Gar Logan all night movie marathon.
6. Wondering when your home town in California will be next to go... (Coast City... Sub Diego...)
7. Endless debates on alt.fan.goldenbabes "Liberty Belle or Phantom Lady?"
So, still more downsides of living in the DC Universe
1. Finding out that Booster Gold has bought out Ron Popeil.
2. Your girlfriend asking you, "Do you think Wonder Woman is pretty?"
3. The irrational fear that one mistake in chem lab will leave you with three arms.
4. Finding out that the wierd kid you used to pick on made that very mistake in chem class.
5. Your best friend dragging you to the Gar Logan all night movie marathon.
6. Wondering when your home town in California will be next to go... (Coast City... Sub Diego...)
7. Endless debates on alt.fan.goldenbabes "Liberty Belle or Phantom Lady?"
Saturday, September 17, 2005
JLU Returns
Have to say, I was pretty pleased with JLU tonight
The first episode was on the whole pretty good. Was great to see the old HQ in the swamps again. Still, it won't feel right until Lex is calling the shots, not Grodd. The only real dissonent note was the stuff with Brainaic. I'd be just as happy if they dropped that.
The second episode? I'll admit it, I should have seen that one coming. I saw the episode descrip that said Shayera would meet an archeologist. How could I forget... Carter Hall was an archeologist. Sheesh. I honestly thought that the big movie with the Thanagarian invasion had pretty much written canon Hawkman out of the picture entirely.
Both eps are better for promise of what is to come, more than what they had themselves.
The first episode was on the whole pretty good. Was great to see the old HQ in the swamps again. Still, it won't feel right until Lex is calling the shots, not Grodd. The only real dissonent note was the stuff with Brainaic. I'd be just as happy if they dropped that.
The second episode? I'll admit it, I should have seen that one coming. I saw the episode descrip that said Shayera would meet an archeologist. How could I forget... Carter Hall was an archeologist. Sheesh. I honestly thought that the big movie with the Thanagarian invasion had pretty much written canon Hawkman out of the picture entirely.
Both eps are better for promise of what is to come, more than what they had themselves.
Friday, September 16, 2005
Comics Day!
Well, my monthly comics shipment showed up today. (The joys of living 150 miles from the nearest direct market store).
Overall, I find myself a tad... disappointed. Nothing really grabbed me as brilliant, and a few real stinkers.
The Good
JSA Classified 2
All right, this book doesn't get a total pass on my part. I find the artwork a bit distracting. For instance, Mr Terrific has a facial expression in one panel that would be more fitting for Spicolli in Fast Times at Ridgemont High (Much the same happens to Superman during the discussion at the end.)
That said, the story itself was quite interesting, and while I'm not hugely familiar with the Psycho Pirate, his presence does begin to make sense of all the wierdnesses that have been happening in Power Girl's life. However, it doesn't shake me from my conviction that Power Girl isn't getting out of Crisis alive.
Day of Vengance 5
I'd have liked to see a bit more Dectivtive Chimp, but overall, I liked the story, and they managed to make Black Alice's powers make sense. What's been best in this title has been the character interaction, and that's a bit weaker this time around. Still, a solid entry, and one that sets up the big finale fairly well.
Villains United 5
Well, just when you think this group is actually getting their act together, it falls to pieces. Nice plotting here. I'm not a big villain fan, so I'm not filled with sympathy for them, but it's been an enjoyable read. A touch surprised to see Captain Nazi back. I thought they'd blinded him good. My vote for Mockingbird... Vandal Savage.
Outsiders 28
I'm a sucker for these introspective books. If anything, the "old Outsiders" arc from 26-27 got in the way of this very necessary issue. The team took a gut shot,and they need to react and deal with it. Now, while I love Capt. Marvel and Mary Marvel, Freddie just plain gets on my nerves. Thus, I'm less impressed with the promise of him joining the team. Oh well.
The Bad
JSA 77
Yuck. Normally I like JSA, and I didn't have any real problem with the way OMAC popped up in the last book. However, this mess just derailed everything of any interest. Goodie, a character I could care less about is going nuts, so they have to drag in Hal. The book is more about Hal and Airwave than Alan, and Alan is the only real JSAer in the group. Yay. Let's put it this way, the highlight of the book was Dr. Fate and Fury.
The Ugly
Teen Titans 27
Okay, I remember back in the days where Liefield was one of the names that was supposed to propel Image to the top level. Trying to read this book, all I can wonder is why anyone ever thought he was that hot. I didn't like his artwork in the old New Mutants/X-Force run, and honestly if I were to dig up my trade book with the story where Cable joins the New Mutants, I'd see his art hasn't progressed at all. Indeed, there were some scenes and poses that strick me as exactly the sorts of things I'd seen back then. I kept expecting Shatterstar to show up, and that's not a good thing. The story was somewhat interesting, but not up the standards Gail has in BoP or VU.
I got a few other books, and I may comment on them in the next few days. (Robin is one that gives me very mixed feelings. It was enjoyable, but it also twigged my "stupid plot point" alert. Not to mention, this entire thing with the Veteran bugs me.)
Otherwise, I'll be out of town for about a week and a half, so I probably won't post much (will have some access).
Overall, I find myself a tad... disappointed. Nothing really grabbed me as brilliant, and a few real stinkers.
The Good
JSA Classified 2
All right, this book doesn't get a total pass on my part. I find the artwork a bit distracting. For instance, Mr Terrific has a facial expression in one panel that would be more fitting for Spicolli in Fast Times at Ridgemont High (Much the same happens to Superman during the discussion at the end.)
That said, the story itself was quite interesting, and while I'm not hugely familiar with the Psycho Pirate, his presence does begin to make sense of all the wierdnesses that have been happening in Power Girl's life. However, it doesn't shake me from my conviction that Power Girl isn't getting out of Crisis alive.
Day of Vengance 5
I'd have liked to see a bit more Dectivtive Chimp, but overall, I liked the story, and they managed to make Black Alice's powers make sense. What's been best in this title has been the character interaction, and that's a bit weaker this time around. Still, a solid entry, and one that sets up the big finale fairly well.
Villains United 5
Well, just when you think this group is actually getting their act together, it falls to pieces. Nice plotting here. I'm not a big villain fan, so I'm not filled with sympathy for them, but it's been an enjoyable read. A touch surprised to see Captain Nazi back. I thought they'd blinded him good. My vote for Mockingbird... Vandal Savage.
Outsiders 28
I'm a sucker for these introspective books. If anything, the "old Outsiders" arc from 26-27 got in the way of this very necessary issue. The team took a gut shot,and they need to react and deal with it. Now, while I love Capt. Marvel and Mary Marvel, Freddie just plain gets on my nerves. Thus, I'm less impressed with the promise of him joining the team. Oh well.
The Bad
JSA 77
Yuck. Normally I like JSA, and I didn't have any real problem with the way OMAC popped up in the last book. However, this mess just derailed everything of any interest. Goodie, a character I could care less about is going nuts, so they have to drag in Hal. The book is more about Hal and Airwave than Alan, and Alan is the only real JSAer in the group. Yay. Let's put it this way, the highlight of the book was Dr. Fate and Fury.
The Ugly
Teen Titans 27
Okay, I remember back in the days where Liefield was one of the names that was supposed to propel Image to the top level. Trying to read this book, all I can wonder is why anyone ever thought he was that hot. I didn't like his artwork in the old New Mutants/X-Force run, and honestly if I were to dig up my trade book with the story where Cable joins the New Mutants, I'd see his art hasn't progressed at all. Indeed, there were some scenes and poses that strick me as exactly the sorts of things I'd seen back then. I kept expecting Shatterstar to show up, and that's not a good thing. The story was somewhat interesting, but not up the standards Gail has in BoP or VU.
I got a few other books, and I may comment on them in the next few days. (Robin is one that gives me very mixed feelings. It was enjoyable, but it also twigged my "stupid plot point" alert. Not to mention, this entire thing with the Veteran bugs me.)
Otherwise, I'll be out of town for about a week and a half, so I probably won't post much (will have some access).
Wednesday, September 14, 2005
Opportunity Lost
Moving away from the narrow realm of comic books for a moment, into the newspaper comic strips.
I'm not sure if you read For Better or For Worse or not, but in one of the recent storylines, Liz (the middle daughter of the family) was attacked at work. In many ways, I see it as being an opportunity lost.
I'm not one of those people who says that Johnston shouldn't have written the issue of attempted rape. (Note, they keep using the term "sexual harrasment", but the way the comic shows it, attempted rape fits far better.) However, I just don't think it was smoothly handled. In particular, in two ways.
To give you an idea what happened (it all plays together). One of Liz's co-workers was starting to show some very strong stalking behavior, and eventually, at work, he attacked her. (See the Aug 10-11 strips )
She's rescued by an old flame whose marriage is on the rocks. He then chooses that moment to try to rekindle things with Liz.
From a storytelling point of view, I have two major problems.
1) The Anthony angle really intrudes on what is going on. It removes the focus from the attack and sends it in another direction. It could have worked, but it would have been tricky. If Johnston was creating a situation where Liz was being shown two very unhealthy relationship "styles" (for lack of a better way of saying it), it could have worked, but is rather iffy. Add to that, Liz has a history of bad relationships (at least one doozy).
2) The whole attempted rape thing largely has been dropped. They may come back to it, but aside from one little "side point" where Liz said she'd talked to the cops, we haven't seen any of the consequences play out. Now, in the "letters" on the FBOFW website, we find out that Liz has also seen a counselor, and that the attacker is looking at serious jail time. That's great. That's what I want to see, but those things should be in the strip, not somewhere that maybe 5% of readers will see it.
I don't have a problem with doing the storyline. Stories like this can bring light onto important issues that aren't addressed often enough. My complaint is that it hasn't been followed up on. Show Liz talking to the cops, the counselors, all of those things. Don't just create a situation and then drop it.
As I said, maybe it will come back later in the story, but even so, too much momemtum has been lost.
I'm not sure if you read For Better or For Worse or not, but in one of the recent storylines, Liz (the middle daughter of the family) was attacked at work. In many ways, I see it as being an opportunity lost.
I'm not one of those people who says that Johnston shouldn't have written the issue of attempted rape. (Note, they keep using the term "sexual harrasment", but the way the comic shows it, attempted rape fits far better.) However, I just don't think it was smoothly handled. In particular, in two ways.
To give you an idea what happened (it all plays together). One of Liz's co-workers was starting to show some very strong stalking behavior, and eventually, at work, he attacked her. (See the Aug 10-11 strips )
She's rescued by an old flame whose marriage is on the rocks. He then chooses that moment to try to rekindle things with Liz.
From a storytelling point of view, I have two major problems.
1) The Anthony angle really intrudes on what is going on. It removes the focus from the attack and sends it in another direction. It could have worked, but it would have been tricky. If Johnston was creating a situation where Liz was being shown two very unhealthy relationship "styles" (for lack of a better way of saying it), it could have worked, but is rather iffy. Add to that, Liz has a history of bad relationships (at least one doozy).
2) The whole attempted rape thing largely has been dropped. They may come back to it, but aside from one little "side point" where Liz said she'd talked to the cops, we haven't seen any of the consequences play out. Now, in the "letters" on the FBOFW website, we find out that Liz has also seen a counselor, and that the attacker is looking at serious jail time. That's great. That's what I want to see, but those things should be in the strip, not somewhere that maybe 5% of readers will see it.
I don't have a problem with doing the storyline. Stories like this can bring light onto important issues that aren't addressed often enough. My complaint is that it hasn't been followed up on. Show Liz talking to the cops, the counselors, all of those things. Don't just create a situation and then drop it.
As I said, maybe it will come back later in the story, but even so, too much momemtum has been lost.
Tuesday, September 13, 2005
Review: Superman Red Son
Picked up this TPB the other day at a store, and had the chance to read it yesterday.
Interesting, and an interesting look at the use of A/U or "elseworlds" sorts of books.
For those who haven't read the book, the premise is that Superman landed in the Ukraine, instead of Kansas. He's raised as a good socialist (and stands for all that is truly good in socialism), and how the world would be different from that point.
The story is interesting, and a strongly concieved A/U. The writer absolutely did homework,and thought things through beforehand.
Probably the single biggest flaw was the usage of Jimmy Olson. I can see trying to work all the primary supporting characters into the mix (and seeing Lana as a Ukranian peasant girl was interesting). However, this idea that Jimmy Olson suddenly becomes this high powered Secret Service agent/Presidential Advisor? I can see where you might argle the lack of Supes would lead Jimmy to move on from his photog job, but I think that's a bit much.
On the other hand, Lois works. Her relationship with Lex is canon, and seeing her move into the editors desk at the Planet works fine. No problems.
There is one really interesting question that comes out of the book, and I'll have to reread it. What is it that allows Superman to keep his perspective in "mainstream" canon, where he loses it in Red Son? Superman has managed to avoid the incredible paternalism that we see in the latter part of Red Son. Is it something with Ma and Pa Kent? Or has Lois kept him grounded to his humanity?
That is what a good A/U story should do, it should make you think about a character in ways that canon won't let you.
It isn't as good as Golden Age as elseworlds type tales go, but it is very good.
Interesting, and an interesting look at the use of A/U or "elseworlds" sorts of books.
For those who haven't read the book, the premise is that Superman landed in the Ukraine, instead of Kansas. He's raised as a good socialist (and stands for all that is truly good in socialism), and how the world would be different from that point.
The story is interesting, and a strongly concieved A/U. The writer absolutely did homework,and thought things through beforehand.
Probably the single biggest flaw was the usage of Jimmy Olson. I can see trying to work all the primary supporting characters into the mix (and seeing Lana as a Ukranian peasant girl was interesting). However, this idea that Jimmy Olson suddenly becomes this high powered Secret Service agent/Presidential Advisor? I can see where you might argle the lack of Supes would lead Jimmy to move on from his photog job, but I think that's a bit much.
On the other hand, Lois works. Her relationship with Lex is canon, and seeing her move into the editors desk at the Planet works fine. No problems.
There is one really interesting question that comes out of the book, and I'll have to reread it. What is it that allows Superman to keep his perspective in "mainstream" canon, where he loses it in Red Son? Superman has managed to avoid the incredible paternalism that we see in the latter part of Red Son. Is it something with Ma and Pa Kent? Or has Lois kept him grounded to his humanity?
That is what a good A/U story should do, it should make you think about a character in ways that canon won't let you.
It isn't as good as Golden Age as elseworlds type tales go, but it is very good.
Monday, September 12, 2005
More Downsides
Too tired to make an intellegent post tonight (Sundays are incredibly long), so I'll force you to deal with more downsides. Let's pick on the Marvel Universe this time.
1. Buying stock in a tech company the day before Reed Richards liscences another amazing discovery that makes your companies product look like a horse n buggy.
2. Having to do list every member of the Avengers (active, reserve, retired and deceased), on a test.
3. The lines at the store for the Lockjaw plushie
4. The sad realization that J. Jonah Jameson is considered an icon of journalism.
5. Headaches induced by the psychotic camera angles that the Daily Bugle publishes of Spiderman.
6. Being picked on as a loser because you wore a Captain America T-shirt to school.
7. Endless debates on alt.fan.ffbabes "Susan or She-Hulk"
Yeah, I know, I need new ideas.
1. Buying stock in a tech company the day before Reed Richards liscences another amazing discovery that makes your companies product look like a horse n buggy.
2. Having to do list every member of the Avengers (active, reserve, retired and deceased), on a test.
3. The lines at the store for the Lockjaw plushie
4. The sad realization that J. Jonah Jameson is considered an icon of journalism.
5. Headaches induced by the psychotic camera angles that the Daily Bugle publishes of Spiderman.
6. Being picked on as a loser because you wore a Captain America T-shirt to school.
7. Endless debates on alt.fan.ffbabes "Susan or She-Hulk"
Yeah, I know, I need new ideas.
Friday, September 09, 2005
Comic Book Characters as athletes
Some time back The Comic Treadmill talked about an old DC comic book where the heros and villains of the DCU played a challenge baseball game.
In that spirit, what are some sports/positions that major comics characters would be ideal for? (Note, unlike the baseball game, assume that powers are legal.)
The Flash Ok, you could put this guy in any one of about 150,000 things. As they say, you can't coach speed. That said, football wide reciever it is.
Superman Again, you name it, he can do it. I'll make him my running back.
That means that we need a quarterback, and while they may not like playing with villains on their team, is there a better quarterback out there than Bullseye?
Aquaman Of course, he's the captain of the Water Polo team. Poor guy, no one ever watches Water Polo any more.
Cyclops the guy is all about angles... it's not a sport per se, but let him go hustle Jackie Gleason over a pool table.
Spiderman I wonder of being bitten by a radioactive spider would be enough to disqualify him from the Olympics in gymnastics?
We have to have some baseball players... so
Batting leadoff, in Center Field... Quicksilver not as fast as Wally... but fast enough.
Batting second, at Second Base... Nightwing fast, agile, great hand eye coordination. Bet he's good with glove and bat.
Batting Third, in Right Field... Wonder Woman that's a slot you want a good mix of power and average, and good bat control.
Batting fourth, at Third Base... Captain Marvel (DC) Power, speed, he has the complete package
Batting Fifth, in Left Field... Wolverine Every team needs a fireball, Lenny Dykstra type. Besides, no risk of his ever being on the Disabled ist
Batting Sixth, at Shortstop... Brianna Diggers of course, she may be a bit error prone.. but hey
Batting Seventh, at Catcher Solomon Grundy Ok, I don't much like Grundy, but no one is going to steamroll him at the plate.
Batting Eigth, at First Base Rhino ok, he won't hit for average, but great power.
Batting Ninth, Starting Pitcher... Mr. Terrific of course, he wouldn't be allowed to use a T-sphere as a ball.
Manager: The Taskmaster
Finally, one last one
Hockey Goalie... the Blob.
You try getting a puck past him.
In that spirit, what are some sports/positions that major comics characters would be ideal for? (Note, unlike the baseball game, assume that powers are legal.)
The Flash Ok, you could put this guy in any one of about 150,000 things. As they say, you can't coach speed. That said, football wide reciever it is.
Superman Again, you name it, he can do it. I'll make him my running back.
That means that we need a quarterback, and while they may not like playing with villains on their team, is there a better quarterback out there than Bullseye?
Aquaman Of course, he's the captain of the Water Polo team. Poor guy, no one ever watches Water Polo any more.
Cyclops the guy is all about angles... it's not a sport per se, but let him go hustle Jackie Gleason over a pool table.
Spiderman I wonder of being bitten by a radioactive spider would be enough to disqualify him from the Olympics in gymnastics?
We have to have some baseball players... so
Batting leadoff, in Center Field... Quicksilver not as fast as Wally... but fast enough.
Batting second, at Second Base... Nightwing fast, agile, great hand eye coordination. Bet he's good with glove and bat.
Batting Third, in Right Field... Wonder Woman that's a slot you want a good mix of power and average, and good bat control.
Batting fourth, at Third Base... Captain Marvel (DC) Power, speed, he has the complete package
Batting Fifth, in Left Field... Wolverine Every team needs a fireball, Lenny Dykstra type. Besides, no risk of his ever being on the Disabled ist
Batting Sixth, at Shortstop... Brianna Diggers of course, she may be a bit error prone.. but hey
Batting Seventh, at Catcher Solomon Grundy Ok, I don't much like Grundy, but no one is going to steamroll him at the plate.
Batting Eigth, at First Base Rhino ok, he won't hit for average, but great power.
Batting Ninth, Starting Pitcher... Mr. Terrific of course, he wouldn't be allowed to use a T-sphere as a ball.
Manager: The Taskmaster
Finally, one last one
Hockey Goalie... the Blob.
You try getting a puck past him.
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