The Captain
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Post by The Captain on Jan 12, 2017 9:56:29 GMT -5
md62Thanks for the review of Captain America. As it's my only pull this week and your thoughts are less-than-glowing, I won't make any special effort to get to the LCS to pick it up. Nick Spencer's time on the Captain America books can't end soon enough. I don't know if it's because he's just not a good writer (or storycrafter), he has no love for the characters, or he's actively trying to destroy them, but he's done a ridiculous amount of damage to both Steve and Sam in the past 12-18 months that it is going to be hard to recover from.
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Post by Dizzy D on Jan 12, 2017 9:56:30 GMT -5
Quiet week for me, only Deathstroke and Sorcerers Supreme. Maybe God Country, don't know anything about the series, but always willing to give new Image series a look.
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Post by thwhtguardian on Jan 12, 2017 10:57:51 GMT -5
md62 Thanks for the review of Captain America. As it's my only pull this week and your thoughts are less-than-glowing, I won't make any special effort to get to the LCS to pick it up. Nick Spencer's time on the Captain America books can't end soon enough. I don't know if it's because he's just not a good writer (or storycrafter), he has no love for the characters, or he's actively trying to destroy them, but he's done a ridiculous amount of damage to both Steve and Sam in the past 12-18 months that it is going to be hard to recover from. Or tell the guys at the shop they can sell it on the floor instead of holding it. I was a little aghast when I heard they were doing it at my shop as I didn't think publicly shaming people who don't pick up their books was a good tactic but it certainly raised my awareness of just how damaging it is for the business. They don't list names or anything but they have this plexiglass box on the counter with all the books that haven't been picked up in the previous three months with a sign that lists how much money they spent and what that equals in lost profits for them and a warning that if the number doesn't start getting smaller "poor Joel is going to go hungry". I don't think there actually is a Joel who works there but it makes the point in a pretty funny manner. |
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The Captain
CCF Mod Squad
Posts: 4,916
Member is Online
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Post by The Captain on Jan 12, 2017 11:12:46 GMT -5
md62 Thanks for the review of Captain America. As it's my only pull this week and your thoughts are less-than-glowing, I won't make any special effort to get to the LCS to pick it up. Nick Spencer's time on the Captain America books can't end soon enough. I don't know if it's because he's just not a good writer (or storycrafter), he has no love for the characters, or he's actively trying to destroy them, but he's done a ridiculous amount of damage to both Steve and Sam in the past 12-18 months that it is going to be hard to recover from. Or tell the guys at the shop they can sell it on the floor instead of holding it. I was a little aghast when I heard they were doing it at my shop as I didn't think publicly shaming people who don't pick up their books was a good tactic but it certainly raised my awareness of just how damaging it is for the business. They don't list names or anything but they have this plexiglass box on the counter with all the books that haven't been picked up in the previous three months with a sign that lists how much money they spent and what that equals in lost profits for them and a warning that if the number doesn't start getting smaller "poor Joel is going to go hungry". I don't think there actually is a Joel who works there but it makes the point in a pretty funny manner. Oh, no, I'll buy it, as I've been shopping at this LCS for close to 30 years through two owners and I consider the current owner and main employee friends. I've never once stuck them with a book that I specifically requested they pull for me (although I have declined purchasing annuals on occasion or books they've put aside because they thought I might like them or were a later volume of a previously-cancelled series I had pulled). I was just saying that I won't make a special trip to get it this week and will pick it up next week when there are other books in my box. |
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Post by thwhtguardian on Jan 12, 2017 11:34:18 GMT -5
Or tell the guys at the shop they can sell it on the floor instead of holding it. I was a little aghast when I heard they were doing it at my shop as I didn't think publicly shaming people who don't pick up their books was a good tactic but it certainly raised my awareness of just how damaging it is for the business. They don't list names or anything but they have this plexiglass box on the counter with all the books that haven't been picked up in the previous three months with a sign that lists how much money they spent and what that equals in lost profits for them and a warning that if the number doesn't start getting smaller "poor Joel is going to go hungry". I don't think there actually is a Joel who works there but it makes the point in a pretty funny manner. Oh, no, I'll buy it, as I've been shopping at this LCS for close to 30 years through two owners and I consider the current owner and main employee friends. I've never once stuck them with a book that I specifically requested they pull for me (although I have declined purchasing annuals on occasion or books they've put aside because they thought I might like them or were a later volume of a previously-cancelled series I had pulled). I was just saying that I won't make a special trip to get it this week and will pick it up next week when there are other books in my box. It certainly wasn't an accusation from my part, it's just something I've recently really become aware of so it looked like the in to share it. |
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Post by Deleted on Jan 12, 2017 23:49:46 GMT -5
Titans #7: wow!! Now, thing are shaping up to be a great comic featuring the Titans! Arsenal, Flash, and Donna Troy take down a mysterious (and mouthy) meta human and catch the attention of Superman. The Titans also set up their new home in a new Titans Tower.
Lots of little things in this issue adding up to one big, fun, and nostalgic issue.
The scenes with Flash and Superman discussing their pre new 52 lives--it was as if they are were in the readers's shoes. These characters (their friends)are familiar but different. Very nice scenes of Wally and Superman discussing their former lives as well as supporting each other.
There's a nice scene with Donna and Roy that seems to be paving the way for a Donna Troy origin story.
Nightwing, Tempest, and Lilith deal with getting the tower running and all the legal issues that entails. There are lots of cool dialogue moments--there's a very funny one with Tempest and Lilith. Nice interactions at the beginning of the story between Flash, Arsenal, and Donna. Also a new Titans jet that comes from a very familiar set of characters.
There are some other subplots set up too. The theme of friendship is there and if Abnett can keep this up, I believe the book will be a success.
Lee Weeks turns in an admirable fill in job. His interesting style complements the tone of the story and the Titans guest, Superman.
10/10
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Post by Deleted on Jan 13, 2017 10:49:23 GMT -5
I will be picking up TITANS and WONDER WOMAN too! ...  A couple of caveats:
WW: Year One story was much better (IMO) than The Lies arc.
Titans #1-6 was a bit over padded. It would have read so much better if it had only been 4 issues.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 13, 2017 10:55:01 GMT -5
md62 Thanks for the review of Captain America. As it's my only pull this week and your thoughts are less-than-glowing, I won't make any special effort to get to the LCS to pick it up. Nick Spencer's time on the Captain America books can't end soon enough. I don't know if it's because he's just not a good writer (or storycrafter), he has no love for the characters, or he's actively trying to destroy them, but he's done a ridiculous amount of damage to both Steve and Sam in the past 12-18 months that it is going to be hard to recover from. I thought the Cap as Hydra was an interesting twist. But it should have only been an arc. And Cap at his core should be strong & pure enough to "fight off" an altered past. I haven't read Sam as Cap. I felt it was a demotion. Sam as Falcon was more interesting to me & he was a hero in his own right without having to take on a different ID. |
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Post by Deleted on Jan 13, 2017 11:11:57 GMT -5
I will be picking up TITANS and WONDER WOMAN too! ... A couple of caveats:
WW: Year One story was much better (IMO) than The Lies arc.
Titans #1-6 was a bit over padded. It would have read so much better if it had only been 4 issues.
Thanks for the tip md62. |
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Post by Deleted on Jan 13, 2017 13:21:30 GMT -5
A couple of caveats:
WW: Year One story was much better (IMO) than The Lies arc.
Titans #1-6 was a bit over padded. It would have read so much better if it had only been 4 issues.
Thanks for the tip md62. I second that. Wonder Woman Year 1 is one the best Wonder Woman stories I have ever read. Elements from her various origins over the years blended into one. Titans: First 6 issues, definitely over padded. It almost makes me wonder if when the Titans Hunt mini series was first announced as 12 issues, were they planning on bringing back Wally there. Once the series run was reduced and Wally was a big part of the Rebirth special, it makes me wonder if the first 6 issues are a plot that was meant for the remaining issues of Titans Hunt. The story in Titans 1-6 definitely could have been told in 4 issues. |
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Post by Deleted on Jan 13, 2017 16:30:30 GMT -5
Thanks for the tip md62. I second that. Wonder Woman Year 1 is one the best Wonder Woman stories I have ever read. Elements from her various origins over the years blended into one. Titans: First 6 issues, definitely over padded. It almost makes me wonder if when the Titans Hunt mini series was first announced as 12 issues, were they planning on bringing back Wally there. Once the series run was reduced and Wally was a big part of the Rebirth special, it makes me wonder if the first 6 issues are a plot that was meant for the remaining issues of Titans Hunt. The story in Titans 1-6 definitely could have been told in 4 issues. @mrjupiter & md62I will get Wonder Woman Year 1 and forget the Titans once you and md62 said that ... I agree with both your assessment and proceed from there. |
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Post by Deleted on Jan 13, 2017 23:18:07 GMT -5
Reggie and Me #2: I agree with the previous review: this is one well done book. Reggie's dog Vader narrates the story as we learn more about the Reggie/Archie relationship. Betty figures in as well--and she plays a big part in the way Reggie's persona manifests.
The scene with Moose was a shock and very different from Moose's classic reactions to someone who he perceives as a threat to
His relationship with Midge. One thing that struck me about this story is the similarities between Reggie and Betty and how they react differently to events in their lives. One would think being dumped by Archie would make her bitter and spiteful. She remains hopelessly devoted to Archie, while Reggie reacts with much spite and malice to
Those who wrong him. All this with a funny classic Reggie story make for one of the best comics this week.
10/10
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Post by thwhtguardian on Jan 14, 2017 12:36:56 GMT -5
Lobster Johnson: Garden of Bones Written by Mike Mignola and John Arcudi Art by Steven Green Colored by Dave Stewart Summary: A seemingly undead hitman has set his sights on the good men of the NYPD and it's up to the Lobster to figure out just what he is and how to stop him.
Plot: Mike Mignola has touched upon the myths and legends of many cultures through out the world and deftly woven them into his tales but one of the many he had not touched upon, one that I always felt was a perfect fit for the world of Hellboy, was the Vodun practices of the Caribbean and in this story that exactly where Mignola and Arcudi went. Although it's a slightly cursory view of that world it's explanation of loas and the rules of zombies is sure to whet the appetite of readers who are not familiar with the culture. I think my favorite part of the whole issue however, and an element that I had not heard of before, was the idea that the way too truly kill a zombie was to remind it that it was infact dead as the spirits are here unwillingly and abhor their rotting flesh. It's a fantastic and novel idea that really filled me with wonder which is always an excellent feeling.
Art: I'm glad to see Green back, I loved his work in Hellboy 1954 and it was just as good here. The variety of looks that he brought to the resurrected zombies was a true sight to behold, ranging from skeletons with wisps of hair and bare scraps of clothes to the bloated, freshly dead and everything in between. No two were alike and the middle stages of decomposition were beautifully gross.
Grade: 8/10 |
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Post by thwhtguardian on Jan 14, 2017 13:39:23 GMT -5
The Story Teller: Giants #2 Story and art by Brandon Dayton Summary: A simple tailor's daughter must use all of her wits and guile to outsmart a cruel giant.
Plot: I first became aware of Brandon Dayton when I looked into the artists behind Disney Infinity, the look of the game was amazing and the people behind it, Dayton included , had fantastic style. What Dayton possessed in his art he illustrates in his plotting as well; just as his art in Disney infinity took complicated, disparate styles and created a simplified, uniform look in his telling of the story of a tailor's daughter married to a giant he artfully melds, germanic, norse and russian folktales into a single story. The individual elements will surely be familiar to anyone who grew up with fairytales at bedtime but the melding of them is refreshing.
Art: As I mentioned, the art was a big draw for me; in Disney infinity he was part of the team charged with converting the various properties into a singular, simplified, Disney look and he brings that same aesthetic here as his art really has that classic animated look that's just beautiful to see. However, figures aside, what I absolutely loved was the visual cue he gave to the princesses' song, that floating, light blue scroll work leading to the dungeon was just a really fun way to convey music.
Grade:8/10
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Post by thwhtguardian on Jan 14, 2017 14:45:23 GMT -5
Gotham Academy #5 Written by Brenden Fletcher Penciled by Adam Archer Inked by Sandra Hope Backgrounds and colors by Msassyk Summary: Colton is being expelled and it's up to the rest of the gang to prove his innocence.
Plot: I've been loving this series from the start, Fletcher's character work has always been fascinating and the scooby doo like mysteries fun but i was left severely wanting with this issue. Instead of focusing on strong characterization and the reactions of ordinary kids to the supernatural we got a lot of disjointed elements unpacked too quickly and all at once. There's a map with weird writing on it, a genealogy book, Pomeline with some family secret and Mr. Scarlet is some kind of villain...and none of it really fits together. Reading this is like looking at a bunch of preview pages from several different issues taped together with out any context. With a little bit of focus this could have been a fun mash up between a court room drama and a parlor detective story but with too much going on it never coalesces into anything.
Art: As always the moody back grounds and colors by Msassyk are really solid so although the plot never decides what it wants to do the world itself is still solid.
Grade:5/10 |
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