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Post by thwhtguardian on Nov 26, 2017 18:54:13 GMT -5
Doomsday Clock #1 - I suppose part of your opinion on this effort may relate to your view on the supposed sanctity of Watchmen. Johns picks up the story from Moore with the devastating social and political effects that arise from the publication of Rorschach's journal. A new unknown Rorschach appears as he seeks out (unwilling) allies to help 'track God down'. Meanwhile, Clark Kent is having nightmares. I was unsure about this when I first read it. Given the heavy subtext of the original work, there are definite homages and similar subtext here. From the panel grid usage to dialogue to coloring to bonus material at the issue's end, it all seems like they are trying their level best in maintaining the high creative standards of the original. And that is where you may find fault with this, I know some here feel that Johns is ultimately a fanboy writer at best and this can read and feel like he is trying to channel some inner Moore thinking into this story. I think he succeeds in some aspects but not overall. Franks, on the other hand, does a wonderful job with the art even with maintaining the expected 6-9 panel gird layout. Some shots though are outright lifted homages to the original shots in Watchmen. But I am interested in seeing where this is going. 7/10 but 10/10 for ambition and effort I liked the art here, but I'm not entirely sold on the story. I don't think Watchmen is sacred, though it is a good read, but I don't think it melds well with the world of Superman and Batman and that seems to be the thrust of this story. I might give it another look but I'm not too sure. |
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bran
Full Member
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Post by bran on Nov 27, 2017 5:41:01 GMT -5
Doomsday Clock #1 - I suppose part of your opinion on this effort may relate to your view on the supposed sanctity of Watchmen. Johns picks up the story from Moore with the devastating social and political effects that arise from the publication of Rorschach's journal. A new unknown Rorschach appears as he seeks out (unwilling) allies to help 'track God down'. Meanwhile, Clark Kent is having nightmares. I was unsure about this when I first read it. Given the heavy subtext of the original work, there are definite homages and similar subtext here. From the panel grid usage to dialogue to coloring to bonus material at the issue's end, it all seems like they are trying their level best in maintaining the high creative standards of the original. And that is where you may find fault with this, I know some here feel that Johns is ultimately a fanboy writer at best and this can read and feel like he is trying to channel some inner Moore thinking into this story. I think he succeeds in some aspects but not overall. Franks, on the other hand, does a wonderful job with the art even with maintaining the expected 6-9 panel gird layout. Some shots though are outright lifted homages to the original shots in Watchmen. But I am interested in seeing where this is going. 7/10 but 10/10 for ambition and effort I liked the art here, but I'm not entirely sold on the story. I don't think Watchmen is sacred, though it is a good read, but I don't think it melds well with the world of Superman and Batman and that seems to be the thrust of this story. I might give it another look but I'm not too sure. Yeah, the only saints around there are Superman and his super-family. And they need affirmations. I think I'll pass as it has 3 fan-favorite sales gimmicks, wrapped up and all: 1. Reboot/rebirth. 2. Major World-saving, doomsday... e-v-e-n-t (uuuuhh...) 3. Crossover/"joined" Universe - Which, make no mistake serves as affirmation for DC titles/Universe. Editors know if they can penetrate the other (not explored as much and presumably more interesting and airtight Universe, here Watchmen) their washout titles will benefit. It's as simple as that. I suggest to fans who are looking for Watchmen-alike comics or titles done in the same vane, forget about that logo and bloody smiley and check out: The Boys, Old Man Logan, Ex-Machina and of course Wild Cards series. |
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Post by Deleted on Nov 27, 2017 23:35:17 GMT -5
Riverdale #8: story by Will Ewing with art by Thomas Pitilli
Veronica brings Archie, Jughead, and Betty to New York to hang out with her old friends. Right away Archie feels way out of his league while Jughead and Betty set out to explore the city—and learn they may not be quite the couple they think. Very relatable story. I grew up in a town much like Riverdale and when I went off to college, I met people who I felt were way too much for me, especially after I joined a fraternity. Archie displays that very uncomfortable feeling, and upsets Veronica in how he chooses to deal with it. We see that Betty’s world is filled with color and optimism while Jughead’s is dark and bleak. The art....inconsistent. It really fits the Jughead and Betty part of the story, not so much the high society aspect of Veronica’s world.
8/10
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Post by Deleted on Nov 29, 2017 13:16:47 GMT -5
Your Pal Archie #4
First story is the conclusion to last issue's story when Mr Lodge bans Archie from the Lodge Estate. Thru a series of mishaps Archie ends up being Lodge's chauffeur for the evening. Somehow Archie manages to redeem himself. And is allowed to see Veronica again. The second story starts with Betty getting mad at Veronica at a bake sale...to be continued next issue.
Again I prefer the New Riverdale Archie series but these new stories by Ty Templeton & Dan Parent (in the classic style) are a nice light fun diversion.
8/10.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 29, 2017 13:25:32 GMT -5
Flash #35.
Pros: Nice art by Pop Mhan. Barry being freed from his Negative-Flash powers. Barry & Wally II working together as a team.
Cons: The return of Meena even if she is a villain. She now has Barry's Negative-Flash powers. The Iron Heights sub plot. And yet another new villain that is possibly another speedster..Raijin The God of Lightning.
Another uneven story by Williamson (& Moreci who is listed as co-writer). Since the Negative-Flash powers were introduced the quality of the stories have taken a dip in quality.
6/10. The Mhan art brought up the score.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 29, 2017 13:34:08 GMT -5
Amazing Spider-Man: Renew Your Vows #13 Written by Jody Houser. Art by Nick Roche. Cover by Ryan Stegman. 8 Years Later... Wow in one issue this title took a nosedive. Annie is now in 10th grade. She is written like a spoiled teen. The dialog is too corny. The art is way too cartoonish. I thought we would get a little bit of Spider-Girl mixed in with this version of the Parker family. I don't know who the target audience for this book is now. Kids? Maybe. Definitely not anyone over the age of 10. 2/10.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 29, 2017 13:43:56 GMT -5
X-O Manowar #9 Script by Matt Kindt. Art by Clayton Crain. Cover by Lewis LaRosa. As Emperor Aric is having trouble keeping the different factions unified. He doesn't understand the culture on Gorin & his ideas/tactics may have worked on Earth but not here on an alien planet. Needless to say it looks like his days are numbered as Emperor. The last page shows a faction contacting alien bounty hunters to bring them... Aric of Urth. Wow. Another well written & beautifully illustrated story in this arc of Aric on Gorin. Month after month this title has been awesome since the relaunch. Love this book. 10/10.
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Post by hondobrode on Dec 11, 2017 2:37:04 GMT -5
   Written by Geoff Johns Art by Gary Frank Colors by Brad Anderson The opening mob scene shows chaos in the street as we transition to Ozymondias' vacant skyscraper with the television giving us news recaps to bring us up to date with Veidt's whereabouts unknown, the death of 3 million people, and tens of thousands more psychologically damaged. All news networks have been silenced and replaced by the government National News Network. The world is on the brink of nuclear annihilation. Rorschach's successor, which isn't entirely made clear who or how, springs Marionette, and her husband Mime, two new characters who Rorschach persuades to help him "find God" and returns the favor by providing them with information about their missing son. Rorschach takes the villains underground with they find Ozymandias. He concedes that his vision has failed and that there's only one person who can set straight again. Of course, that person is Dr. Manhattan. Cut to Clark having a nightmare in which Ma and Pa Kent are killed in a car crash. Did it happen ? Not that we know of, but could the Watchmen universe be bleeding over into the DCU, and therefore, in this world, maybe it did happen ? I'm a big, big fan of both Johns and Frank and loved both the previous Batman Earth-One and Shazam stories they've given us. If we can't have the original creators working on Watchmen, I think this team is the best that I could think of to carry on. This looks really good to me. It's certainly intriguing and I'll be following along. Next review will be timely. |
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Post by thwhtguardian on Dec 11, 2017 19:35:43 GMT -5
Written by Geoff Johns Art by Gary Frank Colors by Brad Anderson The opening mob scene shows chaos in the street as we transition to Ozymondias' vacant skyscraper with the television giving us news recaps to bring us up to date with Veidt's whereabouts unknown, the death of 3 million people, and tens of thousands more psychologically damaged. All news networks have been silenced and replaced by the government National News Network. The world is on the brink of nuclear annihilation. Rorschach's successor, which isn't entirely made clear who or how, springs Marionette, and her husband Mime, two new characters who Rorschach persuades to help him "find God" and returns the favor by providing them with information about their missing son. Rorschach takes the villains underground with they find Ozymandias. He concedes that his vision has failed and that there's only one person who can set straight again. Of course, that person is Dr. Manhattan. Cut to Clark having a nightmare in which Ma and Pa Kent are killed in a car crash. Did it happen ? Not that we know of, but could the Watchmen universe be bleeding over into the DCU, and therefore, in this world, maybe it did happen ? I'm a big, big fan of both Johns and Frank and loved both the previous Batman Earth-One and Shazam stories they've given us. If we can't have the original creators working on Watchmen, I think this team is the best that I could think of to carry on. This looks really good to me. It's certainly intriguing and I'll be following along. Next review will be timely. Just as an aside, the nightmare is real as Ma and Pa Kent did die in a car accident while Clark was at prom in the nu52. That was just about the only thing I didn't like from Morrison's run on Action Comics. |
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Post by hondobrode on Dec 11, 2017 21:07:39 GMT -5
Dang
I read that twice and it somehow didn't stick with me.
Wow
That takes on a whole new meaning then
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Post by thwhtguardian on Dec 11, 2017 21:58:36 GMT -5
Dang I read that twice and it somehow didn't stick with me. Wow That takes on a whole new meaning then What kind of meaning? I just thought it was a weird aside. |
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