The General Comic Discussion Thread - Part 2

[Babillygunn]

I met Neil Adams at a con in 2019. My son got a reprint of Jokers Five Way Revenge signed by him. I then heard him on a panel. It’s clear that the guy knew the business like no one else. And his influence was felt by everyone on that panel. Greg Capullo fawned over him, calling him “Uncle Neal.”

 

[CrimsonMist]

Oh and i read of course Justice League #75...eh, boring.
Its why i dont really put it in my nicely sorted Opinions above.

That is the big teased "death of the justice league"? what an utterly dissapointing thing.
But to be fair, such "death of" stories never really work well in comics.
So lets see what Dark Crisis does, but im not really hyped or for this soft 5G thing they seem to want to do.

Gonna agree big time here. This book was not good at all. It felt rushed, with no suspense or build-up. And when the "death of the Justice League" happens, it's pretty underwhelming. It wasn't dramatic at all. The issue just felt like another chapter of a story with no consequence. Also, maybe because I'm something of a snob, but what was with the lack of contractions in the dialogue? I've never noticed it in any of Williamson's other work, but it was pretty glaring here and really stilted the dialogue. Disappointing considering...

ROGUES #2 was SO GOOD. I'm not sure if any one else is reading this, but this book is so delightful. Leomacs' art is really what makes this book sing. It's just cartoonish enough to be fun, and just serious enough to sell the tone. And Williamson's voices for the characters are spot in, and the predicaments he puts them in are profound. This is probably the best thing Williamson has on the shelves right now. If you're not checking reading it, I strongly recommend you check it out.

ACTION COMICS #1042: Broken record alert! Best Superman story in a very long time. This issue was simply amazing. The writing was beautiful. The artwork moreso. I really hope DC collects the Warworld Saga in one fat deluxe sized hardcover, because this book has elevated Superman to new heights. I hope Philip Kennedy Johnson has a lengthy run on this book. I'm so glad I reconsidered buying this book at the beginning of Infinite Frontier. This book has no right to be as good as it is!

SWAMP THING #12: Mr. Ram V has finally returned Swamp Thing to his literate pulp roots. This was such an eloquently written comic, and the abstract concepts within were pretty awesome. I'm a little fatigued by these wars between elemental parliaments as it seems like a go-to plot point for everyone who writes Swamp Thing and Animal Man, but Ram V introduces the Parliament of Gears with the embodiment of corrupt human progress and industry. As I said, pretty abstract. But it works. And he's using Jack Hawksmoor from The Authority, and it just feels so right. Another sleeper book at DC. If you're not reading it, you need to.

RE: NEAL ADAMS

My dad reacted the same way he reacted when i told him that Len Wein, Bernie Wrightson and Denny O'Neil died. As someone who was there when these guys were new to the medium, my dad only remembers them as young guys. It always takes him by surprise to realize that these guys got old.

I think my first exposure to his artwork that really took me was the cover to DC Super Spectacular #6, that had the JLA posing with the JSA. It was so cool seeing all of those characters that weren't Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman. I think what really made me a fan though was when I found a beat up copy of Dracula Lives! #1 where he illustrated the origin of Dracula. He was a well oiled machine on the story, firing on all cylinders. And of course, when I find them, I buy them: His covers for the Ballentine Books Tarzan paperbacks in the 70's. In my opinion, Neal Adams is to Tarzan what Frazetta was to Conan. The covers are full of raw, savage energy. They're some of my favorite pieces in my book collection.

Recently though, I found all seven issues of the Deadman reprint series that DC published in the late 80's that has all of the characters original Strange Adventures stories reprinted on baxter paper. Adams' artwork there is tops. Some of the best artwork he's ever done as far as I'm concerned. It's as psychedelic and experimental as it gets.

I think his work of late got a little overshadowed by his recent Batman: Odyssey and Deadman: Find Ra's Al Ghul books he did (because they were....not good at all), but seeing people post his artwork really reminded me that he was a god of the medium, as essential as Kirby, Wrightson, Windsor-Smith and George Perez.

 

[Mani-Man]

Man, the neal adams news hit hard...one of the most influental and smartest person in comics.
The way he shaped the industry and some of our favorite characters...R.I.P.

 

[gohei_]

I read Batman Curse of the White Knight the other day. I'm really enjoying this universe even though this series wasn't as good as the first one. I'm not a big fan of Azrael so that might be why this one wasn't as enjoyable, but still a fun read though.
I also read the Harley spinoff, which was a lot better if you ask me, and the art was fabolous. It's very similar to the art in the main series, but still different enough to set it apart.
I'm looking forward to picking up the trades for Beyond the White Knight and the upcoming Red Hood spinoff.
Seems like Red Hood is only 2 issues long. Hopefully they'll include it with Beyond then.

 

[Mani-Man]

May Comics week number 1


Batman Killing Time #3

It keeps entertaining me greatly.
A great mix of good paced, engaging writing and fantastic art.
Nothing to really complain about.
It flows and works far better than what king did before with the Batman characters.
He captured my interest very much with this and I find myself hissing when I reached the end of the issue.

Batman #123

Shadow War continues in a fast pace that throws me off so much.
But im slowly getting into the arc, the interest is growing..
The amount of incredible cool shots artists have put out especially for batman in recent years, insane.
Here in this issue too.
When Batman and Robin show up for interrogation, the way batman is drawn with gripping the cape and all…such an incredible visual.

Monkey King #4

Still a incredible enjoyable Book, I didn’t expect that.
It has a nice feel to it and im looking forward to it when it comes.

Suicide Squad #15

What a strange way to end this, but it was a ton of fun too.
I enjoyed the 15 issues, it was crazy and at times really confusing with how many characters were there.
So much stuff was going on, it makes it worth it going back 2-3 times.

Don’t know yet if I should give Flashpoint beyond a chance, im just not really sure the people they assigned to it, can use its potential.
And I mean that in general with those so far who have been give Thomas Wayne Batman.
I will wait and see a few issues what the overall feeling is on that before deciding if I give it a chance.

Not a overly busy week, but quality over quantity I would say.
Great week for me.

 

[gohei_]

Cant wait for pride, Good names in there and im all for more LGBT content.

New Comics week

Batman/Superman: Worlds Finest #2

Okay im in love with this series.
The writing, the art, the way the characters work together, the flow…absolutely enjoyable.
Worlds finest really a fitting name.
If they can keep raising the level, we are in for a treat.

Batman The Knight #4

If this continues like this, I will take this into my own Batman Headcanon for sure.
Im always in for fleshing out Bruces origin and bringing me part of his training with Kirigi is always a good thing.
But did I mess up the location or was Kirigi always in North Korea?
I somehow always got Nepal as location in my head.
Anyway, love the art, the writing…really cool.

I haven't read Worlds Finest but I am hearing a lot of praise for it and the art looks really cool.
The Knight I have read the first 2 issues and thought it was fun.
Ever since the Comixology update I haven't bothered with getting any new comics from there and I don't see myself doing so in the near future, so I'm just gonna wait for the physical trades instead, and these 2 titles I am looking forward to getting.

 

[Babillygunn]

I haven't read Worlds Finest but I am hearing a lot of praise for it and the art looks really cool.
The Knight I have read the first 2 issues and thought it was fun.
Ever since the Comixology update I haven't bothered with getting any new comics from there and I don't see myself doing so in the near future, so I'm just gonna wait for the physical trades instead, and these 2 titles I am looking forward to getting.

I had huge expectations for Worlds Finest, maybe even unrealistically high. But the first two issues have met them. I also recommend Human Target and The Flash and Nightwing

 

[Milk Tray Guy]

George Perez has died. RIP, one of the greatest, most innovative and influential artistic talents comics has ever known.

 

[Mani-Man]

Was to be expected, the last few days what has been said indicated that the time would be there very soon.
Even though we knew it was coming, still a Hard Hit.

Such a great man as Person and in terms of his work.
He will be missed, RIP

 

[CrimsonMist]

Even though we knew it was coming, still a Hard Hit.

Without a doubt. I was at my comic shop today for Free Comic Book Day, and when I got home, the news was the first thing I saw and I felt so gutted by it. I'm not sure if it's just because I've been following his health updates, but his passing in particular was very upsetting for me.

I spent much of the day going through what work of his I own. I am forever grateful still that I was able to get a copy of the JLA/Avengers book, and I re-read much of it today, along with "Who is Donna Troy?" from New Teen Titans. I also spent like 2 hours pouring over the George Perez Wonder Woman omnibus just gawking at his art. He will truly be missed.

 

[Babillygunn]

I didn’t hear about this until late last night. This really hits hard. Adams and now Perez.

 

[Gee]

RIP to Pérez. And on FCBD, too...

Speaking of which, it was great going back. Some shops here were doing the event on Sunday as well. I had a decent haul (20-25% off on everything in some stores).

 

[Iceman]

Anyone read Dark Knights of Steel?

 

[Babillygunn]

Anyone read Dark Knights of Steel?

I’ve been reading. It’s intriguing for sure. I’m not comfortable with all of the decisions, but it’s an interesting elseworlds tale.

What do you think of it?

 

[Iceman]

I’ve been reading. It’s intriguing for sure. I’m not comfortable with all of the decisions, but it’s an interesting elseworlds tale.

What do you think of it?

Thanks. I haven’t started yet. A friend asked me about it and I had a quick look and was just coming here to get any feedback from you guys. Do you know how many issues it will be?

 

[Babillygunn]

Thanks. I haven’t started yet. A friend asked me about it and I had a quick look and was just coming here to get any feedback from you guys. Do you know how many issues it will be?

I think that I’ve heard that it will be 8 issues. So it is nearly complete.

In all, I’ve enjoyed it. There have been decisions that I haven’t been comfortable with, but it gives the story stakes. It’s not without its flaws, to be sure, but I have liked it. It’s kind of Game of Thrones meets Injustice.

 

[Babillygunn]

Here’s my public service announcement for the day:

If you aren’t reading Batgirls, you should be.

DC is firing on all cylinders right now. Nightwing, Flash, Batgirls, and Robin have been some of the most enjoyable comic reads I’ve had in years.

 

[Iceman]

I think that I’ve heard that it will be 8 issues. So it is nearly complete.

In all, I’ve enjoyed it. There have been decisions that I haven’t been comfortable with, but it gives the story stakes. It’s not without its flaws, to be sure, but I have liked it. It’s kind of Game of Thrones meets Injustice.

Much appreciated, that kind of feedback/info was exactly what I was looking for, cheers. I will definitely read it when I get a free spot, like reading same stuff as friends so we can discuss after.

 

[Iceman]

Here’s my public service announcement for the day:

If you aren’t reading Batgirls, you should be.

DC is firing on all cylinders right now. Nightwing, Flash, Batgirls, and Robin have been some of the most enjoyable comic reads I’ve had in years.

Also good to know, thanks.

 

[Mani-Man]

Here’s my public service announcement for the day:

If you aren’t reading Batgirls, you should be.

DC is firing on all cylinders right now. Nightwing, Flash, Batgirls, and Robin have been some of the most enjoyable comic reads I’ve had in years.

Yes, yes....YEEEEESSS.
We need more shoutouts to Batgirls, in the sea of fantastic Comics currently running, this one seems to be slept on way too much.

Comics Week

Batgirls #6

Ah, such a lovely series.
It doesn’t set the world on fire, doesn’t really tell some crazy story…but what it does is having a lot of heart and soul.
Their interactions, the vibe of the art…it is one of those books that get quite overlooked, a Gem that people find later down the line and appreciate the bad place out of it.
Which is cool but sad because it deserves the attention and love right now.

Batman Urban Legends #15

Again a underrated Book I feel, especially since the recent Batman/Zatanna and Bathound Arc.
I literally had tears in my eyes in this issue, you will see why.
They really manage to give the Animals great character and make you care with just the art.

But the Zatanna/Batman story keeps being interesting as bad place and I kind of start shipping them a ton thanks to that story…I never really bothered with them before, but this arc really feels good.

And then they even throw in a Batman story that has Plastic Man in…really really cool.

Jurassic League #1

Finally its here and boy am I already in love with the art, the writing, the whole world.
It can be the next big thing for DC in terms of merchandise etc if they play their cards right.
Such a cool concept and so far well done.

Superman: Son of Kal-El #11

That was kind of a slow Issue, but im still into the run more than I expected I would be.
But man am I confused…isn’t Pa Kent dead?
Where the bad place am I with my head in the timeline then if not?
I am very confused at the moment on this.
It wasn’t a particular great issue I have to say, mainly the Pa Kent/Batman talk saves this issue.

Wonder Woman #787

Wonder Woman currently a bit weak I feel, outside of the Historia book, no Wonder Woman book really can get me out of my seats to be honest.
I cant really put my finger onto it what is missing, but something is missing.
I feel like Infinite Frontier hasn’t been too kind to Wonder Woman, I really cant remember any Wonder Woman arc at the moment in this run that was really strong.
I hope this changes soon.

A fun Week.

 

[CrimsonMist]

Superman: Son of Kal-El #11

That was kind of a slow Issue, but im still into the run more than I expected I would be.
But man am I confused…isn’t Pa Kent dead?
Where the bad place am I with my head in the timeline then if not?
I am very confused at the moment on this.
It wasn’t a particular great issue I have to say, mainly the Pa Kent/Batman talk saves this issue.

Both Kents were alive during the Bendis run of Action Comics. Conner goes to live with them. I think it was a Doomsday Clock development actually.

Last 2 weeks were pretty small for me.

Last week, I picked up Batman: Killing Time #3 and thought it was good. Not a helluva lot to say about it, other than that we're at the midpoint of a mystery story so the tension is being stretched to the limit.

I opted to finally drop Superman: Son of Kal-El. After reading the preview for #12, I decided it didn't really do anything for me anymore and decided to cut it. While developments of last issue were interesting, I think I'll wait to see how it plays out from afar and then dive back in if it's worth it.

So in lieu of 2 comics this week, I bought one. The Cimmerian: Hour of the Dragon #3. These are English translations of French Conan the Barbarian comics. This is some good stuff. The artwork is astounding. The writing embraces Robert E. Howard's writing and treats it as something grand. There's really no attention being thrown at what Marvel's doing with the character, whose interest in maintaining the character seemed to slowly dwindle, but these Ablaze comics blow them out of the water.

 

[signalman]

Just Wanted say "Thank You" to George Perez for his amazing art.
I first discover his art in JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #195.
Great Cover.

 

[Gee]

My FCBD haul. Now I need to find some frames for those Artgerm posters.

 

[Babillygunn]

My FCBD haul. Now I need to find some frames for those Artgerm posters.

This was the first FCBD that I’ve missed in a long time. But I ended up with a free ticket to the KY Derby. But my son went and only came back with one comic! He was being such a snob about them. I teased him because had my oldest son have gone, he never turns down anything that is free, and other than Star Wars, he doesn’t even read comics.

 

[gohei_]

Some of my recent reads;

FCBD Bone Orchard Mythos Prelude, This is the latest book from Lemire and Sorrentino who previously did the horror book Gideon Falls, and this is them continuing in the horror genre. This prelude is a full story meant to give a taste of their new "shared universe" of horror stories that will start coming out later this year.
I liked it, and I will without a doubt pick up the next entry in this.

Green Lantern Earth One Volume 2, This didn't blow me away in the same way as volume 1 did. It was okay, nice art.

Superman and the Legion of Superheroes, I really don't know much about the Legion to be honest, so this was a fun story to just jump into and getting to know all these new characters. Though I'm a bit skeptical of the fact that there are so many alien races out in the universe that looks exactly like humans. Any way, this was a good read, and the art.. the art is just glorious. I absolutely love how Superman is drawn here.