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Post by sabongero on Jul 16, 2015 23:47:51 GMT -5
Nowadays, I read complete stories of a storyline. Well, they can't really be complete if they're "of a storyline."  However, I think I understand your meaning. Strong character work that lends itself to both the episodic and the done-in-one. Okay, a story collected in several issues in a completed a storyarc I suppose would be a better word, than a storyline. I do like re-reading the older comic books like you in a one and done issue format. Although the newer stories are great with more developed characters and interactive dialogue. Of course, some of them don't come across as the "same" character of yesteryear's, but as long as it is a really good story, I'm sold. Plus it's Superman, it has to have some action sequences. It just wouldn't be a Superman comic book if there's no slobber-knocker action. |
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shaxper
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Post by shaxper on Jul 17, 2015 9:19:40 GMT -5
Okay, as others have pointed out, there are multiple facets to who YOUR Superman is, so let me take a stab at mine:
My Superman: Christopher Reeve. The true boyscout in spandex, just as likely to rescue a cat from a tree as take on Kryptonian renegades.
My Clark Kent: The Fleischer cartoons. Not only was he so mild-mannered and cool, but I just could never get over that transition in voice when he'd say "This looks like a job for SUPERMAN"
My Supporting Cast: Lois & Clark, the New Adventures of Superman. Truly felt like a family you cared about, especially with the world's most endearing but grumpy Perry White, a Lois Lane who truly balanced being a convincing love interest and a strong-willed, independent, and resourceful professional, and my absolute favorite Jimmy Olsen in Season One.
My Superman Family: The Weisinger Era. Yeah, there are times I really love returning to Krypto and the Super Pets, Supergirl, Lori Lemaris, and the Bottle City of Kandor.
My Superman Villains: Probably the most difficult hero to write convincing and intriguing villains for, I think I'll again return to Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman only because John Shea was the best incarnation of Lex Luthor ever -- a brilliant update of the Byrne/Wolfman business tycoon, only cooler, more disciplined, and far more in control. I also loved how the Bruce Timm Animated Series did Luthor and Brainiac.
My Superman Continuity: The Ordway/Jurgens Triangle Era. So tight, multi-faceted, well-developed, and full of big changes that were generally well deserved.
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Post by coke & comics on Jul 17, 2015 15:18:01 GMT -5
And, to answer my own question... I despise Superman. Always have. I don't like him. Over-powered. Boring. Particularly the Silver/Bronze Age version. Not even Alan Moore could make me like him. So I was pretty shocked that I actually like the original Superman by Siegel & Shuster. His first year or so is a damn fine read. Yeah, the writing and art are rough and simplistic, but at least they're interesting. Supes isn't the quasi-God he would become, but fights actual injustice, wife-beaters, corrupt industrialists, war-profiteers. It's exciting and fun Populism. A close second would be the Fleisher cartoons. Really a quality follow-up to those early stories. My Superman is the original. And he's the only one I've had even a modicum of interest in. I can get behind this. I was never quite a Superman guy. I liked some Superman stories here and there. I tended to enjoy his interactions with Batman. And the occasional "even Superman can fail" story like the Dini/Ross "Superman: Peace on Earth". And I'm curious to see interesting takes on him like Cooke's Superman: Kryptonite. But the best Superman I have seen is those originals. A non-flying, non-god super-powered being fighting for social justice. And if he has to fly, I think the Fleisher cartoons are the way to go. |
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Post by Deleted on Jul 17, 2015 16:01:07 GMT -5
Best Animated Series: Fleischer Studios - Bar None
1st Superman Cartoon - The Best!
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shaxper
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Post by shaxper on Jul 17, 2015 19:14:20 GMT -5
Best Animated Series: Fleischer Studios - Bar None 1st Superman Cartoon - The Best! Absolutely, though the Bruce Timm series was pretty great in its own right. |
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Post by Randle-El on Jul 17, 2015 23:27:17 GMT -5
Superman is my favorite superhero, but I grew up mostly reading Marvel books and didn't read really any Superman comics until I was older, so a lot of my formative impressions have been shaped by the various adaptations. Christopher Reeve's portrayal of the character has always been my favorite. Besides just looking the part, I always felt that the best things he brought to the role were earnestness, decency, and moral groundedness. Some may find that boring, old-fashioned, or not complex enough, and it certainly would be dull if every superhero were like that. But I think that there needs to be one character whose moral compass never wavers even while others see the world in shades of gray or with utilitarian motives.
As an honorable mention, I'd have to go with George Reeves. While Christopher Reeve is my favorite, George Reeves introduced me to the character. I love that Alex Ross's Superman is basically a George Reeves with more musculature.
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However, I think I understand your meaning. Strong character work that lends itself to both the episodic and the done-in-one.
