I like comics, How 'bout you?

KingMob · Post by **KingMob** » Sat May 12, 2007 7:21 am

Shants, I think your selection is totally valid and thumbs up to it, hell I bought most of them myself, I was just strictly trying to think of the smallest amount of comics one could get away with and get a satisfying narrative throughline.
The additional plots from the other titles pretty much all start and finish in those titles and have very little bearing on the main narrative IMHO.
If I was going to add any more, I'd probably throw in the NA issues that featured Cap, Cage and Iron Man, but only as the first two show how the Secret Avengers started and the last is a start towards him becoming Director of SHIELD. But even then they're extraneous as you don't need to know how the Secret Avengers got together, it's enough to know that they did. Likewise with Tony's change in status.

Tony is a dick, but I think JMS really didn't handle that portrayal well. His writing of Tony-as-dick was pretty crude and even confusing in places. The Front Line portrayal was more consistent, but turning Tony into the villainous Enron Man made him totally unsympathetic - which was a problem when the writer asked you to feel for him in the last issue. I really can't think of a positive thing to say about Frontline #11 at all. It's deeply, deeply retarded on about every level. Tony-as-dick in the Confession is a lot more relatable, I think, and the issue of his solo book with Happy and the Invisible Woman dealt much better in making you feel for him.

Yeah, the shame with ASM is that it does have about 8 or so useful pages, it's just unfortunate that those 8 pages are spread out through a half-dozen issues of meh.

Shanti418 wrote:]Seriously though? 52 was the best event series of 2006.

Cool. What happened to Animal Man in the end? Last I head he had been killed by some zombie space dart gun or something but then got a 'happy ending' anyway?

I actually liked Annihilation the best. The current Nova comic is great, it's using the post-CW status quo really well.

Post by **Best First** » Sat May 12, 2007 6:03 pm

i skipped the whole Annihaltion thing - is it worth getting some collected stuff? And if so what is there, anyone?

Also, question of the week - who the **** is American Eagle and why is he so freaking cool? I'm off to Wiki his Judge Dread helmut wearing lovliness right now.

What he did to Moonstone was genius, but slapping Venom around was something else.

Any skeptecism i may have had about the amount of attention WE was paying whilst writing Thunderbolts was obliterated with this issue.

New Avengers was also great, despite actually not really movbing the story on at all. The charachter interaction between these, er, charachters is blinding. Ronin. Yes.

Right, i'm going to read Punny War Journal now.

Shanti418 · Post by **Shanti418** » Sat May 12, 2007 8:49 pm

KingMob wrote:Shants, I think your selection is totally valid and thumbs up to it, hell I bought most of them myself, I was just strictly trying to think of the smallest amount of comics one could get away with and get a satisfying narrative throughline.

Shanti418 wrote:]Seriously though? 52 was the best event series of 2006.
Cool. What happened to Animal Man in the end? Last I head he had been killed by some zombie space dart gun or something but then got a 'happy ending' anyway?

I actually liked Annihilation the best. The current Nova comic is great, it's using the post-CW status quo really well.

First of all, Shants? Kick ass!

Second of all, yes, Annihilation DID kick some major ass, although it wasn't near the logistical achievement that 52 was. I've never been a HUGE Nova fan: He would pop up every once in a while either solo or with the New Warriors in my Spidey books, but I never really liked him individually. But he was awesome in Annihilation. But still, I was like, "Just because you like Annihilation doesn't mean you should buy the Nova series. Save some money!"

But with the upcoming battle with Pennance, PLUS the just released cover to #5, PLUS the fact that I hear this exchange happens in Nova #2:

Iron Man: "You say Annihilus was the driving force? What happened to him?"
Nova: "I pulled him inside out and saved the universe. What have you done lately, Tony?"

So yeah, that sounds like a pretty kick ass book I should be reading.

Thridly, the fate of Animal Man......he's revived by the people who gave him powers in the first place (some sort of small pale alien looking blokes), then left to find his way home by himself, at which point he takes the power of a passing Sun Eater, teleports home, and gets there just as his wife is brushing off some smarmy guy's advances. The Baker family is happy to see him, but no more happy than kids happy to see their Dad home from a buisness trip. They were mainly upset he didn't bring any souveniers. During the "Welcome Home" party with friends, some of Lady Styx followers show up, looking to kill Buddy's family, but then Starfire shows up behind them, takes them out, and then faints before she can get the news to Buddy's wife that Buddy is dead (which Starfire thinks is the case)

Yaya · Post by **Yaya** » Sat May 12, 2007 9:37 pm

KingMob wrote: I actually liked Annihilation the best. The current Nova comic is great, it's using the post-CW status quo really well.

I liked Annihilation from the beginning, but with time, I think it got weaker and weaker for me. Still ended okay, but not anywhere near as good as when it started, IMO. The whole premise was cool, and the first half I really felt like we had this incredible interstellar war with major fallout happening. Then, I think things got a tad bit chaotic.

Nova has really, really grown on me since Annihilation. He's the Cosmic Spiderman, really. Throughly enjoyed his return to Earth in his current series, and his exchange with Iron Man.

Fantastic Four, right now, is going Cosmic. Kind of silly story thus far though. T'Challa and Storm really irk the hell out of me though.

i skipped the whole Annihaltion thing - is it worth getting some collected stuff?

I think if you're into the whole Cosmic thing, then yeah, it's worth getting. If not, you should probably pass. I love the Cosmic stuff of Marvel, like Galactus, Surfer and the other Heralds, etc. But some people hate that stuff. If you can read a few issues of the Annihilation, and it floats your boat, then by all means, go for it.

Also, question of the week - who the **** is American Eagle and why is he so freaking cool? I'm off to Wiki his Judge Dread helmut wearing lovliness right now.

What he did to Moonstone was genius, but slapping Venom around was something else.

I kind of like the fact that Thunderbolts is taking some of the lesser known heroes and villians of the Marvel Universe, and fleshing them out. I too don't know Jack **** about this American Eagle guy, though he reminds me of that character from Street Fighter back in the day. And who was Jack Flag and this Steel Spider character? New to me.

KingMob · Post by **KingMob** » Sun May 13, 2007 7:34 am

I love this topic.

Thanks for the Animal Man info, that all sounds like pretty great stuff!

Annihilation wasn't a particularly clever event with anything 'worthy' to say, and aimed for a much lower goal than CW or 52, but I thought it was really enjoyable. Yeah, maybe a bit messy as there was so much going on, but it basically just showed up and kicked ass. I'd agree with YaYa, it's not worth recommending as a series worth tracking down for the sake, but if you like the cosmic characters, they haven't been as cool anywhere else in dozens of years. I'm actually quite pumped for the sequel series simply because I'm dying to see Rocket Raccoon and Starlord being badass.

Totally, that fight scene in Thunderbolts was ******* mint.
Steel Spider used to idolise Spidey, and is/was a total supernerd. He's kind of like a boring and even more loserish Peter Parker. He tried out being a crimefighter for a while, but eventually gave it up. He's kind of gullible, obsessive and one of those people with an over-active fantasy life.
He has no powers, he's just a technical guy.

Shadowoman used to be in the Secret Defenders and bang Dr. Druid. She's kind of messed-up. She can use the Darkforce dimension to do whatever as she's kind of a living shadow.

Jack Flag is just a patriotic guy who accidentally got strength powers and ended up being mates with Cap. He used to help run Cap's charity/volunteer organisation thing. He's a 90's character.

American Eagle I don't know much about. He used to look different (dodgy big feather head-dress instead of that way cool G-Force helmet) and hung out with Wyatt Wingfoot. I have no idea how he got his powers.

Ozz · Post by **Ozz** » Sun May 13, 2007 7:59 am

KingMob wrote:American Eagle I don't know much about. He used to look different (dodgy big feather head-dress instead of that way cool G-Force helmet) and hung out with Wyatt Wingfoot. I have no idea how he got his powers.

He had some accident involving Klaw, his sonic waves and uranium. And he shown his previous costume in one of earlier issues of T-Bolts to his pal and they made fun of it.

Generally T-Bolts are rather awesome. I can understand why some Nicieza's fans are irked what happened with the book, but it's as much "travesty" as they seem to claim it is (explaination why Swordsman behaves differently was nicely done in #113, IMO) and having read Fabien's issues recently I prefer current run. From what I read on Wikipedia I don't think I even want to dive into Nicieza's stuff before the relaunch (#30something-#75 of old series).

The thing I most want to happen in this series is Norman back in Goblin suit.

I also read post-CW New Avengers and liked it more than previous issues. I think I still prefer Mighty, but at least this time it's not off-putting for me.

Post by **Best First** » Sun May 13, 2007 10:11 am

too be honest i find the notion that anyone is annoyed that Nicieza's off the book and Warren Ellis is on it rather amusing.

My general advice to them would be: Read more good comics.

The Nicieza stuff was ok when Kurt B was feeding him plots strands but i think it worsened after that.

Plus this issue and last Ellis has nicely referenced the old set up with the remaining members - i really like the Songbird/Dr Chen relationship.

Not a massive fan of the cosmic bizzle so will porbably give Annihilation a miss. Cheers tho.

Brendocon · Post by **Brendocon** » Sun May 13, 2007 10:51 am

I missed Ellis' third # of Tbolts (FP sold straight out "come back on Weds, we've got more coming in" - nope, all goned again) and haven't dared pick anything up since, deciding to wait for the TPB.

STOP MAKING ME WANT TO READ IT NOW!

Predabot · Post by **Predabot** » Sun May 13, 2007 3:10 pm

YOU CAN STILL READ IT RIGHT *NOW*!

But I on the other hand... have to wait until Civil War is over, since it's just starting here in Sweden.

Brendocon · Post by **Brendocon** » Sun May 13, 2007 3:43 pm

Predabot wrote:YOU CAN STILL READ IT RIGHT *NOW*!

You missed the bit where I'm several issues behind due to being unable to find one of them, right?

In order to solve that, my best recourse is eBay. Which is also your best recourse, so don't act for a moment like I'm in a better situation than you.

Predabot · Post by **Predabot** » Sun May 13, 2007 4:28 pm

Surely, you are not a year behind on the goodness of the majority of the non-x titles tho?

Also, how much more do ye' lot pay for the fresh comics than the Yanks? Or is it virtually the same price?

And maybe ebay is the best recourse if you want to hold it in your hand right now... But alas..

Yaya · Post by **Yaya** » Fri May 18, 2007 7:44 pm

Read the third issue of Tits and Ass, er......sorry, meant The Mighty Avengers.

Seriously, this title to me has been nothing but three issues of a bunch of super women in provocative poses: Black Widow, Ms. Marvel, Tigra, Ultron.

What's worse, they all seem to be bickering and having thought bubbles along the lines of "No! I should be leader, not her. Patience.....", and the such.

It's like a sexy superwomen catfight. Sigh.

Might have drop it.

Bought Pride of Baghdad hardcover. Never read it, but after the Dr. Strange"The Oath series and what he's done on Lost, I'm going to track down everything Vaughn has done.

I have been very impressed with him as a writer. How the hell did I miss him? I think Stu Denyer recommended him to me, but I never got around to reading him. Wish I had.

*goes back to read Tits and Ass for the third time*

Ozz · Post by **Ozz** » Fri May 18, 2007 10:12 pm

Yaya wrote:I'm going to track down everything Vaugh has done.

You might want to start with learning how to spell his surname correctly.

KingMob · Post by **KingMob** » Sat May 19, 2007 7:46 am

Oof. There are (****) journalists out there to that still manage to [composite word including 'f*ck'] up BKV's name...

YoYo, there should be some discussion of Vaughan's work in this thread if you feel like going digging, a lot of us are rather big fans...I do hope you check out his back catalogue. I'd quite like to hear what you think of Pride of Baghdad and Ex Machina in particular. As fun as the Oath was, it was rather workmanlike for him IMHO. His more personal projects are much better (which is obv high praise).

On said BKV trip, I just picked up the new Runaways masseev hardcover, lovely stuff. Such emotional stories, and the art is just fantastic. The best part? There's an advert in the back for an online company that makes replicas of Molly's hats!

What did you guys think of the last issue of Ultimates 2? Despite reading it yesterday the only thing that I can really remember about it is that Ultimate Tony is fabulous.

Shanti418 · Post by **Shanti418** » Sat May 19, 2007 3:24 pm

BKV - Y The Last Man as well

sprunkner · Post by **sprunkner** » Sat May 19, 2007 3:29 pm

Better than the real Tony? That's a step to remember. I'm waiting on the TPB TBH.

Runaways 26 was so good. Molly punched the Punisher. Molly punched the Punisher. I just... I don't know what else I can say other than Molly punched the Punisher.

Steel Spider is one weird ****, isn't he? Good issue. I think Deodato's more suited to T-Bolts than he was to Spidey. Maybe it's the opportunity to draw Venom grow to the size of a bus every issue.

I like Mighty Avengers, partially for said T&A and partially because I'm tired of Avenger writers trying to "redeem" Hank Pym... seriously, an abusive guy who created Ultron as a side project... what is there to like?

ASM 540: I liked this one. I like the way JSM addressed the notion of Peter wanting to kill someone. Whenever he says that he will kill someone I keep going back to those terrible 90s moments where he would "almost" become the Punisher by getting really mad at some crook. But this one was okay. Less of a 90s vibe than before.

Yaya · Post by **Yaya** » Sat May 19, 2007 4:43 pm

KingMob wrote: I'd quite like to hear what you think of Pride of Baghdad and Ex Machina in particular.

BKV - Y The Last Man as well

I'm on it, definitely.

I have been particularly underwhelmed with Moore's Watchmen, and it's nice to finally read someone who deserves all the praise they get.

Right now, my favorite writer on an ongoing is John Miller on Knights of the Old Republic. Much of the Star Wars stuff has been crap, but really enjoying this title.

Brendocon · Post by **Brendocon** » Sat May 19, 2007 5:29 pm

Yeah, Y the Last Man is absolute comic gold. I've got the newest TPB sat on my chair at the mo - gonna read it this eve.

His run on Ultimate X-Men is decent, too. I really loved Pride of Baghdad... the hype around it is probably more than it deserves and overall seems to leave people let down when they read it, but I came into it on just the recommendation of "It's BKV and it's really good" and loved it,

Watchmen's quality. But it's one of those book's that's acquired this mythic reputations around it, and depending on how much hyperbole you read about it, it can have trouble living up. Personally I thought it was a absolutely superb piece of layered literature. Nowhere near as fun as Preacher, though.

Post by **Best First** » Sun May 20, 2007 12:25 pm

nothing in comics is as fun as Preacher.

Except maybe Nextwave.

hm, think i will head to my comic shop that is ten mins walk from my house and open on a sunday. YAY.

rusty_herring · Post by **rusty_herring** » Sun May 20, 2007 6:32 pm

think i will head to my comic shop that is ten mins walk from my house and open on a sunday. YAY.

If I had that I would spend sooooo much money there every single weekend ha ha.

Shanti418 · Post by **Shanti418** » Sun May 20, 2007 8:18 pm

Best First wrote:nothing in comics is as fun as Preacher.

Except maybe Nextwave.

I agree. In terms of combining epic story with fun, I'm hard pressed to think of something that would beat Preacher.

Hound · Post by **Hound** » Sun May 20, 2007 8:49 pm

Hopefully all of the awards that Nextwave has won will convince Marvel and Ellis to do another volume.

Post by **Best First** » Sun May 20, 2007 9:54 pm

rusty_herring wrote:
think i will head to my comic shop that is ten mins walk from my house and open on a sunday. YAY.
If I had that I would spend sooooo much money there every single weekend ha ha.

hmm. Yes.

Yaya · Post by **Yaya** » Mon May 21, 2007 1:42 am

Someone want to tell me who wrote Preacher and the premise behind it?

Professor Smooth · Post by **Professor Smooth** » Mon May 21, 2007 1:51 am

Yaya wrote:Someone want to tell me who wrote Preacher and the premise behind it?

Garth Ennis wrote it specifically to please me. That should give you some idea.

Brendocon · Post by **Brendocon** » Mon May 21, 2007 7:57 am

Yaya wrote:Someone want to tell me who wrote Preacher and the premise behind it?

Essentially, it's a western about a Preacher (hence the title) who discovers irrefutable knowledge of God's existence, and also that the Big Guy has abandoned his post.

So he decides to track the bastard down and bring him to account.

Of course it's a lot more complicated than that... but it's the basic gist. And it's superb.

KingMob · Post by **KingMob** » Mon May 21, 2007 9:08 am

And on mentioning of Garth Ennis, there's a new 'lost' Hitman story coming out towards the end of the year, and some net-talk about trying to get DC to finish off the Hitman TPBs. Hitman's probably - no screw it, it is - Ennis' best comic (Preacher is the awesomesauce, but Hitman is better and if you disagree I can prove you are wrong with graphs and a flowchart) and so anything that helps get it out there to more peeps is good. Plus I won't have to keep digging my singles out if I wanna read past ish #25!

Info here: http://forum.newsarama.com/showthread.php?t=113158

Post by **Best First** » Mon May 21, 2007 7:49 pm

Joss Whedon interving Brian Hitch Awesomeness

Professor Smooth · Post by **Professor Smooth** » Tue May 22, 2007 12:02 am

Can someone tell me if Ultimates 2 #13 said what happened with Fury's arm?

Ozz · Post by **Ozz** » Tue May 22, 2007 6:22 am

Professor Smooth wrote:Can someone tell me if Ultimates 2 #13 said what happened with Fury's arm?

The issue was not addressed here, but wasn't it shown in one of earlier issues?