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Post by String on Aug 6, 2017 19:57:23 GMT -5
Plastic Man / E-manKind of a no-brainer; I think Cuti and Staton are on record somewhere as saying that E-man was largely inspired by the Golden Age Plastic Man stories. i enjoyed Cuti and Staton's work on e-man better though; it may not be classically 'politically correct', but it's not 'disrespectful' either. non partisan. What about Elongated Man / Mister Fantastic? Reed is the big brain who struggles not to get so caught up in his work & studies so as not to ignore his wife, family and friends yet I have a softer spot for Ralph Dibny, a detective on par with (or even perhaps better than) Bruce.
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Post by String on Aug 6, 2017 19:52:48 GMT -5
Right or wrong, fair or foul, Superfriends has forever darkened my view of Aquaman. Thus that simplistic silly stereotype colors my reading of any of his comics. I find Namor to be a much more fascinating character, from his regal pompous demeanor to his noble rage to struggling to learn the depths of humility and compassion. I quite liked the maxi-series that Roy Thomas did back in the late 80s/early 90s that was a retelling of his origins and history. Plus, his unrequited love for Susan Storm Richards is one of the best unsung relationships in the MU.
A very interesting comparison between Thor and Captain Marvel (Shazam). Given the history between DC and Fawcett, Superman is the usual choice for such a litmus test but I like how you phrased the similarities between the two. Of course, I have to go with Shazam. The air of innocence and fun that enlighten his Golden Age years shows that dark is not always the best choice (which is why DC continually struggles to fit him within the main DCU). Plus, it's wish fulfillment of the highest order.
Thanos and Darkseid, both done by their original creators, are near equals. Yet I would have to go with Thanos. Master manipulator and powerhouse that he is, the reveal that he subconsciously feels unworthy of the very power he covets was one of the most character-defining (and altering) moments that I have ever read. That Starlin would even think to go there is amazing.
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Post by String on Aug 6, 2017 19:26:49 GMT -5
The last episode was great, loved it! Especially the climatic end battle between Usagi and Jei. Some nice touches from the comic were seen (from a scrawl of Usagi's war cry to the classic 'death skull' balloon icon).
Overall a very worthy showing and adaption of our favorite ronin bunny.
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Post by String on Aug 5, 2017 20:31:37 GMT -5
Starlin for a few reasons; I'm more interested in his subject matter, he makes stronger dramatic connections for the personal journeys his characters undertake.
Though this may be blasphemous, I'm a bigger fan when Starlin teams up with another artist. Some of my favorite works by him have been through his collaboration with the great (and seemingly underappreciated) Ron Lim.
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Post by String on Aug 5, 2017 20:19:23 GMT -5
I was only slightly disappointed to find that you hadn't posted a new review. Do you see yourself continuing this review thread someday? I know you weren't bowled over by Atari Force and reading/reviewing comics you aren't enjoying is a real chore, but I hope you do post some more reviews. I seriously toyed with abandoning this series, but I think the break I've had has been sufficient. I'm just about ready to give it another go. I was wondering about that too so that's good to hear. Sometimes, we fans view certain titles and runs through rose-colored glasses and I'll be the first to admit such about this series. This review (via hindsight and with the added prism of age) has been very interesting so far.
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Post by String on Aug 5, 2017 19:58:48 GMT -5
Speaking of character/personality, I'll never forget meeting George Perez for the first time at Pittsburgh Comicon in 2012 (back before Wizard World bought it out). The dude was repeatedly getting out from behind his table to meet and take pictures with fans (including me): ...slowing the line to a full blown stop when a kid asked him advice about illustrating, and signing everything thrown in front of him for free. The man was clearly there because he loved meeting fans and for nothing else -- not to make a profit, not to boost his own ego -- while, a few feet away, Stan Lee was charging $90 per autograph (and far more if you wanted a picture). Perez was a class act, and that's something I've heard echoed by others many times. Few people, if any, seem to have anything bad to say about the man beyond his over-committing to projects at times. Byrne, on the other hand... But what about that shirt... When I met him, I think he was wearing a Hawaiian shirt. Perez is one of the nicest comic pros that I've ever met. His smile and energy are infectious, you can't help but like the guy. And yes, willing to share and talk about many things. He was one of the highlights of that long exhausting day.
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Post by String on Aug 5, 2017 19:53:18 GMT -5
To be fair, I've yet to read Byrne's Fantastic Four run, but I think you folks are being overly generous about his work on Superman (this coming from the guy who has intricately studied each and everyone of those stories). Byrne's Superman was anything but remarkable as a character, his stories were often clumsy, his visuals often lazy, and he gave us the Barda/Sleeze storyline. Man of Steel #2 was the most brilliant work Byrne ever did on Superman, but it all went downhill from there. For what it's worth, I thought Byrne's Superman was far inferior to his work on Fantastic Four. I dropped the mag after the man of steel and Superman #1, and the few later issues I got were definitely meh. By contrast, his FF were must-have comics for almost the entire run. Yes, I agree. While there were some hiccups in his FF run, overall I enjoy that far more than his work on Superman. Man of Steel was probably the highlight for me, but even that had it's problems. Like this page from #1, the dialogue of the first panel always makes me cringe.
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Post by String on Aug 5, 2017 19:43:56 GMT -5
Really surprised, checked another nearby Walmart and found set of armored Usagi with horse.
Very impressed with the detail of the horse, overall a great set!
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Post by String on Aug 2, 2017 17:54:44 GMT -5
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Post by String on Aug 2, 2017 11:52:19 GMT -5
I definitely remember some of the Impulse Flash comic and the character. Anyone know if Bart Allen/Impulse is around these days in DC Rebirth or not? I just started reading the new Rebirth Flash series so itll take me awhile to get used to the new stuff I don't think he's appeared yet in Rebirth. He was in Nu52 with the Titans but they altered him into being some kind of wanted villain from the future who's on the run (literally) back here in the past or something. Like most everything with the Nu52, NuBart really wasn't my cup of tea.
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Post by String on Aug 2, 2017 11:47:07 GMT -5
Wow, tough tough question.
My first instinct would be for Bryne. Growing up, his output is nigh synonymous with the 80s, from UXM to FF to Avengers to Alpha Flight (!). Later his work on the Legends mini-series followed by his relaunch of Superman was incredible. He has one of the most distinctive art styles in the history of the medium which is instantly recognizable and enjoyable.
But if we're discussing over the long haul, then I have to go with Perez. Along with various assignments for both companies over the years, I think his work on NTT carries more depth and quality overall in terms of characterization and story, his 90s run on Avengers restored some of classic feel of the team and characters, and finally he came fully into his own as a writer handling the relaunch of Wonder Woman which still rates as one of the best, if not THE best, interpretations of the character.
More simply, art-wise, both are classic and unique and genre-defining and it's really hard to favor one over the other. As for writing, I think overall Perez is better and more consistent.
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Post by String on Aug 2, 2017 11:08:43 GMT -5
HA HA! Found Samurai Usagi at my local Walmart today!
Great figure, love the armor and helm.
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Post by String on Jul 31, 2017 18:42:55 GMT -5
Mark Waid's influence and impact on the Flash cannot be overstated. From furthering Wally's maturing to helping cement his right to be his own hero to creating the Speed Force, one of the two best DC concepts of the last 20 or so years. Along with Mike Wieringo, Waid also introduced another legacy character who starred in his own great solo title: Lasting for 89 issues, hyperactive descendant Bart Allen faced his own trials of growth and maturity, guided though by Zen Speed Force master Max Mercury, in whom Bart would nurture as a foster father figure. Waid and Humberto Ramos began the journey and was aided and abetted by the talented William Messner-Loebs before Todd DeZago and Ethan Scriver helped close out this part of the young hero's journey. But Bart was not alone though. If Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman are the Trinity of DC, then this trio may well be the Trinity of the young 90s: Written by PAD with terrific art by Todd Nauck, these aren't your typical Teen Titans. Bart Allen, Tim Drake, and Conner (Kon-El) Kent would lay the foundation for a new group of young heroes looking to make their own impact in the world. David played up the comedy aspect well but also tackled serious issues as well (for everything is fun and games until Someone-Gets-Hurt). This series would also go on to influence the recent cartoon of the same name. (Really, you should watch it. I would rank it right up there with the best of the best of the DCAU).
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Post by String on Jul 31, 2017 18:17:56 GMT -5
What's the general consensus on this: This was my first real introduction to the JSA. I remember liking it overall, especially how they assumed the roles in Ragnarok (although trapping them in an endless time loop) though I haven't read it again in quite some time.
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Post by String on Jul 31, 2017 18:09:30 GMT -5
ARGH! I guess this is what comes from living to the left of nowhere.
I've seen some of the samurai turtles but still no sight nor sign of Usagi in any form.
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