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Post by Batflunkie on Jul 19, 2016 14:37:11 GMT -5
**this is probably going to sound more like a rambling blog post than an actual "idea" for a thread topic, so bear with me**
One of my biggest issues with a lot of modern comics is that they seem to be missing that certain "spark", or rather "a uniquely candid sense of adventure and discovery" that made me fall in love with them in the first place. There are very few comics out there that do that these days, with the majority of them being indie titles.
Anyone know what I'm talking about?
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Post by Roquefort Raider on Jul 19, 2016 14:43:01 GMT -5
The Archie Zombie comic certainly dragged me in! I thought the concept silly when I first heard of it, but the execution is flawless.
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Post by brutalis on Jul 19, 2016 17:29:02 GMT -5
IMO that "spark" of bottled lightning has become harder for us older readers to find for several reasons. Comic books are a gateway to greater things for creators. Too many current writers have that "ONE GREAT STORY" they pitch and after that story is finished they have no concept of where to go. Then there is the fact many writers don't write for the characters, they write the characters for the story as needed ignoring the "real" voice of characters in favor of telling the story they want. How many writers and/or artists sign on to a series and then are gone for whatever reasons before even finishing what they began? You can tell almost immediately when a write or artist has the love and admiration for the comic they are doing. The spark should be seen instantly and if you have to look for it then you will never find it. Kirby had a way of finding something wonderful in anything he did no matter how small the job may have been. Hungry and eager to show their stuff artists in the 70's brought their new ways and thoughts to the table and now over time either we have seen too much (there are no new stories?) or become jaded by just how magical and special those works of love became our "classics". Early Starlin versus current Starlin? Early Byrne versus current Byrne? Lightning in a bottle can still be found but now you really have to wait and hope it lasts longer than 3 issues  |
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Post by Deleted on Jul 19, 2016 18:46:22 GMT -5
Batman 66 Series that DC Comics is my "spark" that keeps me wanting for more and more of this stuff. I have every single issue in printed form. Loved it very much!
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Post by Slam_Bradley on Jul 19, 2016 20:55:58 GMT -5
Atomic Robo is definitely a comic that had a ton of "spark." Super fun adventure.
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Post by Bronze Age Brian on Jul 19, 2016 22:17:34 GMT -5
I thought Batman and Robin was excellent, and peaked at the right time to end on a high note. But Robin: Son of Batman is just amazing. Not only is Patrick Gleason's artwork phenomenal, but his writing skills are on par. Seriously, I've never had this much fun reading a Robin comic, and I never thought I'd love the character of Damian as much as I do. And Goliath and Maya Ducard are fascinating supporting characters. Best comic I've read in AGES. Check it out!  |
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Post by Bronze Age Brian on Jul 19, 2016 23:00:33 GMT -5
Guess I should also mention that unfortunately Robin: Son of Batman did not survive the Rebirth reboot, so therefore the "spark" has essentially faded.
But for what it's worth, those 13-issues were fantastic.
I imagine the new Superman series might provide the same kind of spark considering the similar premise (same artist, son of Superman, etc.)
The first three issues are on the way, so I'll let you know.
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Post by Nowhere Man on Jul 20, 2016 0:28:06 GMT -5
I totally relate to your plight. There are two series that I'm reading right now that give me that "spark" that I miss from most modern comics: Ragnarok by Walt Simonson and The Autumnlands by Kurt Busiek and Benjamin Dewey. I highly recommend both.
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Post by brutalis on Jul 20, 2016 8:50:43 GMT -5
i would place I Hate Fairlyland in the spark group. Awesome art and incredibly imaginative twist on fairy tales in a rampant destructive energized enthusiastic way. Autumlands is splendid as well. Very creative take and world building on fantasy/magic without having fallen into the trap of stereotypes. Mike Baron writing for Nexus and Badger are sparks which still continue to attract me in their current versions even after all these years.
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Post by String on Jul 21, 2016 11:41:31 GMT -5
I thought Batman and Robin was excellent, and peaked at the right time to end on a high note. But Robin: Son of Batman is just amazing. Not only is Patrick Gleason's artwork phenomenal, but his writing skills are on par. Seriously, I've never had this much fun reading a Robin comic, and I never thought I'd love the character of Damian as much as I do. And Goliath and Maya Ducard are fascinating supporting characters. Best comic I've read in AGES. Check it out! I read the first 4, maybe 5 issues of this title I think. But you're right, Gleason had a very good handle on Damian's character, probably the first time that I really grew to like him. The redemption storyline that Gleason had for him was fun and interesting and his art was amazing. Which is why I'm kinda looking forward to seeing the new Titans title with Damian in charge. Should have some fireworks to it. The last title with that 'spark' that grabbed me fully was Lazarus by Rucka and Lark. The amount of creativity, thought and love they pour into each issue is clearly evident and addictive. |
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Post by Bronze Age Brian on Jul 21, 2016 19:49:53 GMT -5
I thought Batman and Robin was excellent, and peaked at the right time to end on a high note. But Robin: Son of Batman is just amazing. Not only is Patrick Gleason's artwork phenomenal, but his writing skills are on par. Seriously, I've never had this much fun reading a Robin comic, and I never thought I'd love the character of Damian as much as I do. And Goliath and Maya Ducard are fascinating supporting characters. Best comic I've read in AGES. Check it out! I read the first 4, maybe 5 issues of this title I think. But you're right, Gleason had a very good handle on Damian's character, probably the first time that I really grew to like him. The redemption storyline that Gleason had for him was fun and interesting and his art was amazing. Which is why I'm kinda looking forward to seeing the new Titans title with Damian in charge. Should have some fireworks to it. The last title with that 'spark' that grabbed me fully was Lazarus by Rucka and Lark. The amount of creativity, thought and love they pour into each issue is clearly evident and addictive. Thank you for this! I had no idea where Damian would end up after Rebirth. I have yet to read Rebirth as I've been LTTP and therefore catching up on all things New 52. Looks like the Teen Titans book doesn't come out until late September, so I still have time to catch up. |
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Post by Prince Hal on Jul 21, 2016 19:59:05 GMT -5
New Frontier definitely had that spark. The last "new" comic that I really enjoyed, but I haven't sought out too much new stuff for a long time now. Darwyn Cooke's death is a great loss. 
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Post by Deleted on Jul 21, 2016 20:48:18 GMT -5
"spark", or rather " a uniquely candid sense of adventure and discovery" Current (or recent)comics I am following (either in trade or singles) that I think fit the bill... Velvet by Ed Brubaker and Steve Epting-Cold War spy era story with lots of adventure as we keep digging deeper into Velvet Templeton's secret history Five Ghosts by Frank Barbiere and Chris Mooneyham- classic pulp style adventure that is building a very interesting mythology based on real world folklore and literature Lazarus by Greg Rucka and Michael Lark-semi-post Apocalyptic dystopian sci-fi with a strng efemale lead character and deep worldbuilding that has a story that grabs you by the collar and takes you for a ride. Autumnlands: Tooth and Claw by Kurt Busiek and Benjamin Dewey-anthropomorphic fantasy, intrigue adventure, and a discovery of a rich tapestry of a fantasy world and a secret past The Sixth Gun by Cullen Bunn and Brian Hurtt-weird west adventure with a deep mythology that allows the reader to sink their teeth into and explore while being taken on a thrill ride of an adventure Future Quest by Jeff Parker and Doc Evan Shaner (with Steve the Dude Rude)-a serious adventure take on the classic Hanna Barbera heroes that doesn't forget the fun adventure while inviting us into a deep tapestry of worldbuilding weaving many classic elements form the cartoons with new elements to make an interesting world building endeavor Micronauts by Cullen Bunn and various-a new take on the classic property that thrusts us into an adventure story while slowly exploring the new (yet with familiar elements) world of the Micronauts. Bone by Jeff Smith (yes it's current, the 25th anniversary Coda special is due out soon)-if you look up spark of adventure and discovery, this is the book that will be pictured others that may not be focused on adventure and discovery but still have a spark to get the reader to invest in them include... Southern Bastards by Jason Aaron and Jason Latour-hardcore crime noir in he deep south with riveting characters and strong drama that sucks the reader in for the long haul... Black Magick by Greg Rucka and Nicola Scott-occult crime drama with a strong female lead that presents a mystery that lets the reader dig in and explore the world that it takes place in Locke and Key by Joe Hill and Gabriel Rodriguez=horror thriller with a deep mythology and interesting cast of characters weaving an engrossing story over 6 volumes there's plenty of books with that spark out there, it just may not be in work-for-hire factory system produced big 2 super-hero comics anymore. There are certainly exceptions to that, but if you are only looking there for your spark, you will likely be disappointed. The spark these days seems to have found its home mostly with creators creating their own toys and sandbox rather than going through the motions doing the same safe, retreaded, stories using someone else's toys in a corporate-owned sandbox that we've been seeing for 50-75 years. As I said, there are exceptions, but for the most part, that's not where the spark is going to be found these days. -M |
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Post by dupersuper on Jul 21, 2016 20:57:54 GMT -5
 Too obvious...? |
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Post by Batflunkie on Jul 21, 2016 21:11:29 GMT -5
Static never really "grabbed me", Hardware on the other hand though....
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