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Post by commond on Dec 14, 2023 18:41:54 GMT -5
#11 Shado: Song of the Dragon #1-4 (1992)
Spun out of Longbow Hunters & Mike Grell's ongoing Green Arrow series.   My list this year features a lot of badass women. Shado is a very 80s character on the surface. As the Japanese economical bubble grew, people became increasingly fascinated with the underbelly of Japanese society. That led rise to a lot of yakuza figures appearing in American comics, and a lot more references to Japanese culture and stories set in Japan itself. There was even an effort to throw in some of the language. I knew the word "gaijin" from Wolverine, for instance, long before I ever moved to Japan. Shado had a striking look, and was set up as an "Elektra" to Green Arrow's "Daredevil." Unfortunately, these days she is mostly remember for the controversial circumstances under which she conceived Green Arrow's child and has been mostly untouched as a character (though that may not necessarily be a bad thing.) However, with Shado, Grell took what could have been a stereotypically highly-skilled assassin and turned her into a complex and rich character. I love the way she practices traditional Japanese archery (a beautiful art form in itself) as a contrast to Green Arrow's style of bowmanship, and how Grell makes her equally exotic and authentic. This prestige format series is largely forgotten today, I imagine because Grell didn't pencil it. The artwork doesn't quite live up to the script. The script, however, is well executed, as many Grell stories are.
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Post by MWGallaher on Dec 14, 2023 21:23:25 GMT -5
#11 Shado: Song of the Dragon #1-4 (1992) This prestige format series is largely forgotten today, I imagine because Grell didn't pencil it. The artwork doesn't quite live up to the script. I couldn't understand why DC thought the penciller was up to snuff for relatively high profile books like Shado and one of the debut titles of their new Piranha Press imprint. Gray Morrow was a good choice to try to elevate the surface level attractiveness, but the project suffered a critical compositional flaw: every pair of facing left- and right-hand pages had art extending into the center, often with a central panel spanning both pages. That might have worked in a standard, stapled format, but this was in their square-bound format, so art and sometimes dialog got lost in the squeezed-together square binding. But I bought the whole run, myself, so I can respect your selection of this as a favorite spin-off. |
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Post by wildfire2099 on Dec 14, 2023 21:57:44 GMT -5
11. Avengers: The Initiative  Got a mini theme going on here  Spinning out of the events of Civil War... this book professed to be a book about the training and certifying of heroes per the storyline... which seemed a vechile to mostly dig up old characters and try a few new ones. It quickly became clear what it was, though, was a New Warriors spin off. The 2000s were a bad time for the team.. After having their own group of titles in the mid-90s, the Warriors had the indignity of being shuffled randomly into Spider-Man's world for a short time before the book was cancelled. A failed revival in the late nights, and then we come to Zeb Wells and the Stamford event, which triggered Civil War. The team was alread made a joke, but that wasn't enough, they also had to be the poster children for bad superheroes. And yes, there was another group running around using the name, but that was an X-Book in disguise (both marketing wise AND in universe) and can be set aside. The real continuation of the Warriors was here, where Justice continued to just try to be accepted (while doing a little rebelling on the side) and the fasincating redemption are of Speedball/Penance. By the last year of the book, it was quite clear this was a New Warriors book... sadly Marvel didn't let any of the characters keep their hard earned development in subsequent revivals and tried unsuccessfully to recapture the 90s vibes.. the perils of never aging anyone. They came a little closer with the 2014 revival.. maybe someday...
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Post by Jeddak on Dec 14, 2023 22:25:24 GMT -5
Day 2 - Doctor DoomFirst appearance - Fantastic Four #5 Series I'm talking about - Astonishing Tales 1-8  By 1970, Victor von Doom was pretty well established as Marvel's main bad guy. Scientific genius, ruler of his own country, honorable but ruthless, with a hint of the supernatural in his background. He was an impressive character, but could he carry his own series? Astonishing Tales was a return to the shared book concept, with two series running side-by-side. At least at first. Ka-Zar took over the book with issue 9 and ran until 20. But I was buying the book for Doom, and I think those 8 issues were a pretty good try at a Doom series. The first arc gave us Prince Rudolfo, the rightful heir to the throne of Latveria, the Faceless One, a mysterious alien enemy, and the Doomsman, an android who could have been either hero or villain. Plus art by Wally Wood, who gave us a majestic Doom, dynamic fight scenes, and a character with a dome for a head. So you know I was on board. (Have we ever seen the Faceless One or the Doomsman again? Cause their stories weren't done, and I liked both characters.) Then there was the Red Skull's short-lived takeover of Latveria and Doom's attack on Wakanda. A bit of a letdown, as the Skull was beaten too easily, and Wakanda was portrayed as poor and primitive. And George Tuska was on the art, which did not please me. Though Gene Colan came in for the last 2 issues. And the last issue did introduce the idea of Doom fighting to save his mother's soul, a concept which has come up once or twice since. So kudos for introducing a new angle, making the character a tad more sympathetic. The series did try to humanize him a bit. They didn't mention his hatred for Reed; the FF never even appeared, giving Doom a chance to stand on his own. They touched on Doom's lost love Valeria, his disfigurement (no tiny scar here), his ego, his pride. I would've loved to see him go on to interact with the rest of the Marvel Universe. Maybe the character is best served by using him sparingly. Maybe he shouldn't have to carry a series on his own. But I enjoyed the effort here.
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Post by Cei-U! on Dec 15, 2023 4:33:17 GMT -5
The Faceless One reappeared in Hero for Hire #9 and Ms. Marvel #23, Doomsman in Giant-Size Super-Villain Team-Up #2 (as Andro, Lord of Androids). A second Doomsman popped up in Fantastic Four #157. They may have made other appearances post-1986 but I would not be aware of them.
Cei-U!
I summon the answer!
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Post by berkley on Dec 15, 2023 5:40:59 GMT -5
The Faceless One reappeared in Hero for Hire #9 and Ms. Marvel #23, Doomsman in Giant-Size Super-Villain Team-Up #2 (as Andro, Lord of Androids). A second Doomsman popped up in Fantastic Four #157. They may have made other appearances post-1986 but I would not be aware of them. Cei-U! I summon the answer! I think I chose the Faceless One as one of my favourite villains when we did that topic a few years ago, but I had no idea he ever appeared afterwards anywhere. Somehow I doubt any other artist would have captured the visual appeal like Wood did but I'm definitely curious enough to want to see for myself. |
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Post by berkley on Dec 15, 2023 6:01:56 GMT -5
11. Moon Knight
This one would be much higher on my list if it was favourite characters who had spin-offs rather than favourite spin-offs - which is another way of saying I don't think the potential has ever been realised the way I think or wish it could have been. If the Marvel Spotlight story had been 3 issues rather than 2 I might have limited my choice to just that - because I like the Don Perlin version more than any other artist's I've seen as far as the visual design goes.
My next favorite appearances - always excepting the original intro in Werewolf by Night which remains my absolute favourite - were the back-up stories in the Hulk magazine. Which should have meant I'd love the Moench/Sienkiewicz series that grew out of it, but for some reason I didn't. I liked it but didn't love it. I read the whole run only a few years ago and for me Sienkiewiz's art couldn't keep up with the regular monthly or bimonthly schedule - it wasn't until the last few issues, when he started experimenting more freely, that it reall took off.
I also think that the criticisms of being too close to Batman are justified to a certain limited extent. Again, this is where I think the original potential wasn't realised. All the same, there were sme very solid additions made ot MK/Sector's back-story during the series.
So this pick probably derives as much from my liking of the character as originally introduced in WbN as from the actual spin-offs. But there's been enough good stuff along with the mediocre or misguided that I'm happy to include MK in my list.
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Post by MWGallaher on Dec 15, 2023 6:31:53 GMT -5
Doom's solo series in AT #1-8 was the first run of back issues I ever bought. When I found out that Dr. Doom had had his own series, I had to have it, and based on that element of significance in my own collecting history, it was on my list until the last minute.
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Post by Slam_Bradley on Dec 15, 2023 12:45:43 GMT -5
Random thoughts on Day Two...because I have nothing better to do. Nightcrawler - I know I read this when it came out. I did not purchase it, but rather borrowed it from a friend. I always liked Nightcrawler and vaguely remember it being a fun comic. I do wonder how it would hold up now, but at least it isn't written by Claremont (blech!). Red Sonja - It's been eons since I've read any Sonja...particularly from that early era. It was great to see a strong female lead in a comic. I definitely would have preferred her original clothing rather than the metal bikini. That's gotta be hard on the nips...not to mention being a drag in cold weather. The Authority - I did love that early run of The Authority by Ellis. It has been quite a while since I've read it...it certainly didn't have the effect on me that Planetary or Transmetropolitan had. But it's a very good run. Lady Rawhide - I feel like I've read this one too. But it's been sooooo long. I hope she stuck to the warmer parts of the state, because I worry she will freeze her bits and pieces off. The Falcon - Y'all are testing my memory today. I think I've read that Falcon mini, but it's been better than 30 years if I have. Still...it's good to see him here. - and we have the backup feature. I was not reading Cap in that era and have not gotten to there in any reprint reads. SEVEN SOLDIERS: KLARION - I still haven't gotten around to reading Seven Soldiers. I should probably rectumfy that. I run hot and cold on Morrison...so we'll see. Good for the little Witchboy. Wolverine - It seemed fait accompli that we would see him here. I'm not inherently anti-Wolverine. I just think he's been horribly over-used. I did like that first mini-series when it came out. I haven't read it in eons though. The Superior Foes of Spider-Man - That was WAY after I'd stopped reading superhero funnybooks in general and Marvel in particular. I've always liked The Shocker...so there's that. Mary Marvel - awww...how sweet. I've only read a handful of Mary Marvel stories from the Fawcett era. That first appearance with art by Marc Swayze is lovely though. Oh...and Icctrombone is wrong again. The Silver Surfer - Probably my second least favorite character of all time. So much whining to sooooo little effect.  The Shredder - I got nothin'. I know next to nothing about the Teenage Deaf-Mute Idiot Turtles. Blackhawk Detached Service Diary - Hmmmmm...I've never read Blackhawk of this vintage. Some of the art on there seems interesting, though I suspect I'd hate the stories. Zatanna - I think I did read the first few issues of that Zatanna book by Dini & Co. But I only kind of remember them. I do like Zee in general, but mostly from her appearances in Hellblazer. Dr. Doom - The only thing I know about 2099 is that I'll be dead by then. And good riddance. Shado: Song of the Dragon - I didn't even think of this one. It probably wouldn't make my list (certainly not without a re-read) but I should have thought about it. Well done. Avengers: The Initiative - I just can't find the initiative to even look this one up. Doctor Doom (Part Two) - I know that I've read these in some reprint collection, but I only vaguely remember them. I should probably track down the ones with art by Woody...because...Wally Wood for Pete's Sake! That said, I'm not a fan of Doom...and the Comics Code still had enough force that I suspect a villain centered book was probably pretty neutered. But I can't remember. We already saw Moon Knight...I'm not repeating myself. You can't make me. Five books starring women. An African-American in two different features. Whatever the Hell Nightcrawler is. Y'all are WOKE! |
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Post by Jeddak on Dec 15, 2023 19:20:02 GMT -5
The Faceless One reappeared in Hero for Hire #9 and Ms. Marvel #23, Doomsman in Giant-Size Super-Villain Team-Up #2 (as Andro, Lord of Androids). A second Doomsman popped up in Fantastic Four #157. They may have made other appearances post-1986 but I would not be aware of them. Cei-U! I summon the answer! You know, there are times when I love this place. Thank you, sir. I have some reading to do. |
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Post by berkley on Dec 16, 2023 15:52:45 GMT -5
Today's selection might be considered something of a callback, as it hearkens back aaaall the way to 2006 and the second Classic Comics Christmas. The theme that year was “Our 12 Favorite Comic Book Characters” and my #3 pick was a certain swashbuckling, blue-skinned, elfin-eared mutant named 11. Nightcrawler
My cousin Michelle once told me, “Nightcrawler has weird feet, loves Errol Flynn movies, and is named Kurt. Your liking him is practically narcissism.” Guilty as charged. Kurt Wagner has been my favorite X-Man from the moment I first saw him team up with ol' Webhead in The Amazing Spider-Man #161. So you can imagine my excitement when Marvel announced it was publishing a 4-issue mini-series starring the fuzzy elf both drawn and written by the late, great Dave Cockrum. Nightcrawler #1-4 did not disappoint. It was a rollicking romp through multiple dimensions that provided heaps of thrills and laughs that to this day remains one of my favorite X-Men spin-offs. The fact that it bumped the original Claremont-Miller Wolverine mini-series off my initial list is a testament to how much regard I hold it in. It is one of the treasures of my paper-and-ink collection. Cei-U! I summon the “bamf”!
I haven't seen this miniseries before, that I remember, but Nightcrawler pretty quickly became my favourite X-Men member when I was reading the Claremont/Cockrum then Claremont/Byrne run.
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shaxper
CCF Site Custodian
Posts: 22,860
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Post by shaxper on Dec 16, 2023 18:33:10 GMT -5
That should be shaxper's rallying cry! No no no. It's, "To me, my Ford!"  |
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Post by Paste Pot Paul on Dec 17, 2023 4:58:15 GMT -5
11. The Black Panther  Spinning (eventually) out of his debut in the Fantastic Four and subsequent membership in the Avengers we finally got to see something more from T'Challa. McGregor had our hero put through an absolute brutal battle, much more so than the fantastical adventures Kirby had waiting for him a year or two later. The art by Buckler, Kane, and Graham is better than it has a right to be, IMHO, as the good artists tended to be on the bigger selling titles. I clearly remember being awed by this cover and the scene it referenced, as above it was brutal, and to my then 12 year old self amazing that the Panther survived.
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Post by Farrar on Dec 17, 2023 16:18:22 GMT -5
Day 2/Selection #11: "Her Highness" starring Her Highness and SilkFirst appearance: Hit Comics #27 (April 1943, Quality Comics), in the Kid Eternity story, though there's no story title in the comic (GCD subtitles it "Enter: Silk and Her Highness") Spin-Off Series: Her Highness and Silk's own feature "Her Highness", beginning in Hit Comics #28 (July 1943) and running through #57 (March 1949) I came across this series just a few years ago while doing some research on 1940s comic book villains. Her Highness and Silk first appeared as the villains in the Kid Eternity feature (the lead feature in Hit Comics #27). The elderly Her Highness led a mob of gangsters and was the brains, and her #1 henchwoman the athletically strong, street-smart Silk supplied the brawn. The two of them returned in the very next issue #28, again as Kid Eternity's antagonists. But in addition to appearing in Kid Eternity's strip, they also had one of the back-up slots in Hit Comics--even though they were unapologetically on the wrong side of the law! Their feature lasted until 1949 with #57, not too shabby a run. Their stories followed the same pattern: Her Highness would get them involved in some illegal scheme to make money fast, the plan inevitably flopped and they were usually caught and jailed, and then once they had served their time they'd embark on yet another scheme...rinse and repeat. Yes, it's light reading, but the odd couple & anti-hero aspects, plus the duo's dogged determination, gave this series additional texture. Her Highness's only cover appearance was on Hit Comics #28, penciled by Ruben Moreira...and here's a page from their introduction in #27.  Some HH & Silk art from Hit Comics #35 and #36:  Postscript: As mentioned, the Her Highness series ended in 1949 with Hit Comics #57. According to GCD: "Both next appear in World's Finest Comics (DC, 1941 Series) #282 (August 1982)."
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Post by EdoBosnar on Dec 17, 2023 16:37:17 GMT -5
(...) Whatever the Hell Nightcrawler is. (...) German. |
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Spinning out of the events of Civil War... this book professed to be a book about the training and certifying of heroes per the storyline... which seemed a vechile to mostly dig up old characters and try a few new ones. It quickly became clear what it was, though, was a New Warriors spin off. 
