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AICN COMICS! DAY OF VENGEANCE! BLACK PANTHER! AUTHORITY! WONDER WOMAN! FREE COMIC BOOK DAY! AND MORE!!!

Second, third whatever and btw by Dick Fitzwell	May 4th, 2005 12:58:32 PM
I am a big fan of Free Comic Book Day. I have taken my kids the last 2 years and will again this year. They are both heavily in comics with my oldest being a big Green Lantern fan and my youngest being a Flash fan. Free day has had a great impact on them.
To paraphrase a line by Matter-Eater Lad... by Kid Z	May 4th, 2005 01:25:22 PM
... in a long-gone incarnation of the Legion, "Bring back all the miniskirts!" Then maybe I'd read the thing...
New Defenders by AlgertMopper	May 4th, 2005 01:37:22 PM
Anyone notice that in THE NEW DEFENDERS that Bendis has such a mad hardon for Spidey-Woman that it effects his writing?
Who the hell is Humphrey Lee? And Prof. Challenger? And the othe by MrBoinfoint	May 4th, 2005 01:41:54 PM
All these new names scare me. Changes are bad.
Why do people complain about too much talking - in BOOKS by thecapedrevenger	May 4th, 2005 01:42:52 PM
I think it's disappointing how the reviewers on this sight are always complaining about "too much talking" in Ultimate titles, or in anything by Brian Michael Bendis, and so on. If the writing is good, I would rather read ten issues of conversation between great characters then demand action for its own sake. Hundreds and hundreds of pages have been devoted to action, and fighting, for decades. Why is everyone so averse to well-written conversations and dialogue in a select few titles? It's like being upset that "The Sopranos" doesn't have enough car chases.
Comics as literature by noir_blood	May 4th, 2005 01:48:10 PM
Hey guys, I need some help. This semester I been taking a creative writing class, and I got stuck with one of those English teachers that think the only reason people should write is if they have insight. That writing is not so much about entertaining people, but giving them deep thoughts and the like.(She said that Robert Rodriguez wasted his time doing Sin City, since there weren't many latino directors that could get enough money in Hollywood and that he should be making more revelant stuff) Anyways, the problem of course is that the sole reason I write is to entertain and have fun, so we clash all the time, with her finally saying that "Comic books, sci fi, and fantasy are not Literature." No, I'm not exagerating. Now, sci fi and fantasy are easy enough subjects that I can bring up a number of examples, but I'm stuck in Comic books. Other than Maus, and maybe, MAYBE Watchmen, I can't think of any good examples. Keep in mind that she obviously has a closed mind, so I can't say Frank Miller's Batman is literature. Any help?
What are YOU doing for FREE COMICS DAY? by bizarromark	May 4th, 2005 01:48:16 PM
I thought I'd have the family over, sing some special Free Comics Day Carols, break out the photo albums of those cherished Free Comic Days of the past, and cap it all off with our annual Free Comics Day feast....followed by all of us gathering 'round the crackling fireplace to read our Free Comics.____You know...as much as I like the Free Comics....what's the point of this thing? Do actual "Outsiders" come in for Free Comics on Free Comics Day....or are we fooling ourselves? Do we actually think the non-comics-reading public are going to drop everything and make a bee-line for their local comic shop......the type of shop most of them don't even know exists? I dunno...I'll be there for the free comics, as usual...but really, is this thing bringing anyone new into our ever-dwindling little coven of comics fans?
Noir Blood by BillEmic	May 4th, 2005 01:52:48 PM
Hey, besides the aforementioned "Watchmen", the one comic/graphic novel that comes to mind when thinking of the medium as true literature...is Craig Thompson's "BLANKETS". If you've never read it, pick it up - it's a beautifully written and drawn story about teen angst and romance in the Midwest, and it's a lot more meaningful and poignant than that sounds. It's a huge tome-like graphic novel but it's sheer bliss to read from start to finish. I think that perhaps even your English teacher will have to pause and recognize Thompson's accomplishment. In addition, I've never read any but I've heard people discuss some of Will Eisner's graphic novels ("A Contract With God"?) as being highly influential and literary, so you may want to give those a try. I hope all this helps!
come to my store on Free Comic Book day !! HERE'S WHY! by Johnny FilmMaker	May 4th, 2005 01:56:37 PM
Ok, sorry, i had to pimp my store a little. We've got the 501st Garrison of Star Wars guys comin down! Yeah, Boba Fett and Stormtroopers are comin down, and I think we also have this scary-as-shit Ringwraith down too. And Star Wars stuff is 50% OFF! Ya, my store is in Oshawa, Ontario, called Wyldstar. And ya, free comics, too. This is the second location, so dont go downtown to see the Star Wars guys, go to the new one. Sorry about the shameless plug, fellas, but hey....adventising helps....or hopefully it can!
Does "Day of Vengeance" have Constantine, Swamp Thing, Tim Hunte by rev_skarekroe	May 4th, 2005 01:57:09 PM
No? Then I ain't buying it. Those characters are integral parts of magic in the DCU and I don't care what a bunch of pantywaist editors says about it.
Noir Blood by rev_skarekroe	May 4th, 2005 01:59:34 PM
Just parrot what your professor wants to hear. They won't change their opinions, and you don't need to change yours. Just tell 'em what they want to hear.
Day of Vengeance: So-so by bizarromark	May 4th, 2005 02:02:12 PM
LIKES: (1) The inclusion of Ragman. I wasn't familiar with his schtick, so it was nice to finally find out. (2) The Spectre's mission happening largely "off screen", sparing us from the more standardized narrative from the Spectre's POV, the thinking leading up to his mission, etc, etc. This approach returns some of the mystery and awe to the character that's been systematically stripped-away. (3) The fact that the standard gang of mystics aren't front & center in this story...at least so far. As much as I like 'em, it's nice to keep Dr. Fate, Deadman, Zatanna and Phantom Stranger at arms length for a change. (Yeah, I know the Stranger appeared as a MOUSE in this issue...but you know what I mean). ______DISLIKES: (1) The concept that the mystic characters gather at an other-dimensional nightclub of sorts called "The Oblivion". A little too "Sabrina" for my tastes. Yeah....."gathering" is a staple of the mystic character community...but a bar? Meh. (2) Detective Chimp. His inclusion was from "on high", as Dan Didio "suggested (read "mandated") that writer Bill Willingham include the Silver Age character under the "It's So Crazy, It Just Might Work" premise. Eh....it's not working for me. I like talking chimps dressed in human clothes as much as the next guy, but I prefer to see it in the context of old "Lancelot Link" episodes...not a dead-serious-as-nails mystical battle royale._____So....looks like the "likes" outweigh the "dislilkes", so on the whole, I guess I can give this series a qualified recommendation.
I can't speak for the rest of the guys, but I know why I complai by Ambush Bug	May 4th, 2005 02:08:06 PM
I do it because I see it as not taking advantage of a medium that uses BOTH words and images. Bendis and others who fill the panel with word balloons so much that you can't even see the art just aren't utilizing this medium to its fullest potential. They're damn good writers, but not realizing that a picture can say a thousand words. Now the extremists see this and say, "Well, all you want is mindless slugfests and 'splosions." Not true, but I think there can be a balance. My problem with Bendis in particular is that there is an ego thing there where he sees the art and writing as seperate. It's all about the writing and the conversing. Well, it is, but it's also about telling exciting stories. A ten issue arc focusing on people sitting around in a circle discussing Daredevil, a character who only makes cameo appearances in his own book is not utilizing the medium as well as it should. A single story is okay. But for DD and many other marvel books, this has become the norm. If you want to read conversation after conversation, there are these things they call books. They're pretty good too. But what is the point of reading one story after another where the entire cast is doing nothing but sitting around gabbing. This is a medium that literally has no budget restraints, and yet, most of today's so-called top tier comics could be filmed with a budget of an episode of Mr. Rogers because all they do is sit in a room and talk.
NEW AICN - ALL FUCKING CAPS ALL THE FUCKING TIME! by Squashua	May 4th, 2005 02:09:52 PM
It's called "shouting", man. Use some mixed case on the front page once in a while. Keep watching this space for actual comments about reviews.
"Dark Horse, it seems, can by bizarromark	May 4th, 2005 02:12:25 PM
Vrooom, covering Free Comics Day, wrote the following puzzling statement: "Dark Horse, it seems, can
Blue Devil/Day of Vengeance by squidman	May 4th, 2005 02:15:25 PM
What happened to the old Blue Devil? Part of the fun of the character was Dan Cassidy's glib reactions to all the weirdness around him. This character was waaaay ahead of his time. The whole detached, casual attitude toward legitimate occult dangers seen today in shows like "Buffy" and "Charmed" has been played out in the pages of BD before Sarah Michelle Gellar EVER picked up a wooden stake. And, there was a great supporting cast. According to my DC Encyclopedia, Marla Bloom's soul was sold so Dan could become a successful actor or some such nonsense?? Dan was a stunt man!!! What writer plunged one of the most ORIGINAL characters ever created into these depths of mediocrity? BD had such a unique origin as well. DESPITE the fact that he NEVER wanted to be a hero. For a great, old school BD read, try and go through some 25
Wordy comics by kuryakin	May 4th, 2005 02:20:48 PM
Agree with what Ambush Bug just wrote. It seems to me that the problem with these type of writers is the problem that Noir Blood raised - this lame discussion of whether comics are literature or not. Comics are their own medium and they have their own rules and standards. Comparing one to the other is to misunderstand both. It's like comparing cinema to theatre - both use script, dialogue, actors, sets - but the conventions of one are so different to the other. Kenneth Branagh making a 4 hour Hamlet is an insult to film-makers everywhere because it assumes that cinema is just theatre with cameras. Hence his films are pish. Then look at McKellen's Richard III - a proper movie, half the script gone, tanks & guns & an A-Team opening sequence. That's the way to do it. Filling comics with dialogue is the same thing, pandering to people who think of them as just books but with pictures. Seems like Bendis (on the DD comic especially) is ashamed of what he's doing. He's trying to appeal to dickhead creative writing teachers like Noir Blood's instead of just writing a good book. Stop the self-hating Bendis! Are you saving all your goodness for Powers?
Blue Devil: Didn't invent "detached and casual" by bizarromark	May 4th, 2005 02:28:51 PM
From squidman: "The whole detached, casual attitude toward legitimate occult dangers seen today in shows like "Buffy" and "Charmed" has been played out in the pages of BD before Sarah Michelle Gellar EVER picked up a wooden stake."_____I would add that the "detached, casual attitude toward legitimate occult dangers" thing was around pop culture LONG before Blue Devil, Buffy, etc. An example that comes immediately to mind would be "Kolchak: The Night Stalker", an early 70's series starring Darrin McGavin as a wisecracking reporter encountering all kinds of occult threats, with generous amounts of both terror and comic relief. I'm sure others can conjure up other examples of the "detached, casual attitude" school of occult-themed TV shows, movies or books.
Supreme Power by creepyCritic	May 4th, 2005 03:30:05 PM
I love the series, but I'm irritated that the current run of Supreme Power ends with issue 18, to be rebooted from #1 as a Marvel Knights title. I don't care that it moves from MAX to MK, but for chrissakes, people, enough with the #1 garbage.
Red Sonja's throbbing member... by Ambush Bug	May 4th, 2005 03:32:33 PM
And you thought the title She-Devil with a Sword was talking about her choice in weaponry.
Yeah some comics are too talky, but... by Shigeru	May 4th, 2005 03:34:31 PM
I think people blow the problem out of proportion a lot. Go back even as recently as the 90s and you will see that comics used to be a lot more text heavy, esp. with thought balloons/boxes which have all but gone the way of the dino these days. That having been said, I agree with Bug in that to seperate the art and text in the medium of comics is fundamental flaw #1, and the two should work in concert with each other. I actually find a lot of B&W indie comics to be WAY too text heavy to get into... it's really a balancing act when you get down to it. But anyways, I would have to say that the newest issue of Daredevil was quite good. I don't see anything wrong with examining the peripheral, unintended consequences of Daredevil existing, and found this stand alone story to be quite involving and gripping. Reminded me a bit of the latest Astro City mini-series (the name slips my mind). "The Decalogue" seems to have been created solely to piss off Ambush Bug, though, haha. But I don't see how you can critize that issue for not taking advantage of the marriage of art and text (take a look at the page where the wife walks in and finds her husband and kid watching star wars on the couch. perfectly staged.) End long rambling post....now.
""The Decalogue" seems to have been created solely to piss off A by Ambush Bug	May 4th, 2005 03:44:43 PM
You know, I was just saying that exact same thing to fellow @$$hole, Sleazy G, the other day. I don't mind a story focusing on how DD effects the lives of those around him. But since this arc is based on the Ten COmmandments, one is to assume that for the next ten or so issues, we will be reading stories about how OTHER people perceive DD. And even that wouldn't be so bad if not for the fact that this is exactly what almost every other DD arc has been about. Look at the Black Widow that had nothig to do with DD, or the arc narrated by the blind chick where DD fought the ninjas in the street for one or two splash pages, or the last arc centering on the former Kingpin's remembrences of DD. How about breaking some new ground and telling a story from DD's perspective for a change? Is that too much to ask for?
yeah but... by Shigeru	May 4th, 2005 03:47:34 PM
that Black Widow arc had her in a towel dude! She was wet!
Black Panther Continuity by Bubba Fat	May 4th, 2005 03:47:36 PM
I think the "modern" action of the current Black Panther comic is taking place in the past around the time that T'Challa was a rookie. That might be Nathan Garret as the Black Knight. The Radioactive Man is due to show up soon as a villain soon, but he's currently a good guy. These two along with Klaw were all members of the Masters of Evil back in the late '60s when Black Panther first joined. I'm confused too, but there could be some continuity there.
Corpse Wonder ... LOL by Gus Nukem	May 4th, 2005 03:49:41 PM

Jack Kirby & Captain America by Gus Nukem	May 4th, 2005 03:50:59 PM
In which issue Captain America battles Nixon ? Is this collected - where ?
"Do actual "Outsiders" come in for Free Comics on Free Comics Da by JonQuixote	May 4th, 2005 04:14:54 PM
I know that on the Free Day that coincided with X2 hitting theatres, I brought Jan Q's two kids and my two considerably younger sibs into the LCS. I suspect that many of the "outsiders" who benefit from this event are kids with some relationship to an established fan (I hesitate to say "kids of fans"; I've been to a convention. I've looked around. In many, many cases, the line ends there). *** As for how the direct impact of Free Comic Day, it's harder to judge. None of the kids I brought magically turned into regular comic buyers. But thanks to events like that and other elements of my corrupting influence as a comic reader, I know Jan's kids aren't developing a bias against comics. Her son digs my superhero stuff and will occasionally throw his allowance at the odd floppy or action figure, and her daughter is currently sloughing her way through MIDNIGHT NATION after tearing through WALKING DEAD. She'd probably really dig Manga stuff too, if I owned any of that crap. In any event, I don't think they'll have any compunction about purchasing a comic or graphic novel that catches their eye in the future; something I don't think a lot of the population can say. As for whether or not they actually will...
What Amazes me is the number of Comic Book Artists who like to d by cookylamoo	May 4th, 2005 04:20:17 PM
I would think this would be the dullest thing imaginable. I mean, don't you get into super-hero comics so you can illustrate big panels of super guys slugging it out with monsters, aliens and other big super-guys. Who wants to draw twenty pages of talking heads?
ego popper by kuryakin	May 4th, 2005 04:20:53 PM
You obviously didn't read my post at all. I was saying that comics should be a blend of dialogue AND artwork. I don't know what your comment about losing the blind demographic was supposed to mean at all - do you think blind people would read comics filled with dialogue? Spot the flaw in your logic. Please think before posting, it'll help us all
Day Of Vengance spoiler! by RenoNevada2000	May 4th, 2005 04:28:15 PM
The mini will end with Detective Chimp becoming the new host for the Spectre. You heard it here first!
Y'know, Reno... by Ambush Bug	May 4th, 2005 04:35:34 PM
I kind of like that idea. I'd buy a comic where the Spirit of Vengeance is housed in the body of a hard-drinking, chain smoking chimp in a trenchcoat.
Free Comics Day & Movie Tie-Ins by bizarromark	May 4th, 2005 04:39:25 PM
As I recall, every Free Comics Day in the past has tied into a major comic book movie, like Spider-Man (the first FCBD, I believe), Hulk, X2 and Spider-Man 2 (give or take). This year is the first year FCBD isn't tied to a release of a comic book movie....perhaps because organizers have realized that the movies push few (if any) people into the comics shops for Free Comics...so why bother positioning it around, say, this year's "Fantastic Four" release?___Yeah, I think you're right, Jon...the people "reaping the bounty" of FCBD are probably the kids, nephews, neices, neighbors of comics fans who are looking to "spread the gospel". A noble goal....but I'm not sure how much impact it's having after four years.___This year, the big angle seems to be sending as many C and D-list creators to stand around the comic shops as possible...on the off chance that people utterly unfamiliar with comics will enjoy basking in the soft glow of "Comic Book Professionals".
"but I'm not sure how much impact it's having after four years" by JonQuixote	May 4th, 2005 05:00:23 PM
Well, it can't hurt. I don't think anybody is going out of business thanks to Free Comic Book Day. But I suspect that any impact is probably subtle. As opposed to winning over legions of converts who are now rushing to pick up the latest issue of YOUNG NEW AVENGERS every month, it's more like a cog in what the industry probably hopes is a greater shift in perception of comics and comic book shops and will work over time with Barnes & Noble and 7-11 and Hollywood movies and David Eggers, etc. Sort of like how you can't blame THE FLINTSTONES for the way sex dominates our media these days, but you knew that once they started showing Fred and Wilma sharing a bed, it was gonna start some shit.
Thanks, bizarromark by squidman	May 4th, 2005 05:27:00 PM
But I don't remember citing the Blue Devil comic as the birthplace of that sort of humor - it just utilized it well at a time when I don't remember any other franchise doing it. Now if you say Nightstalker did it a decade earlier, that's great! I'm aware of the show, but have never seen an episode. Perhaps I should check it out. God, I do hate the new Blue Devil, though.
Day of Vengeance, LOSH and Authority by Homer Sexual	May 4th, 2005 05:27:18 PM
I am going to make a few separate posts because, with no paragraph breaks, long posts are hard to read. I didn't buy DOV last week, this review made me enthused to get it today, until I read the "talking chimp" talkback, and now I am unsure. As the insightful review said, it is best to give new books a few issues, and after 4 Legion purchases, I passed on #5 because it has been boring, and seems like it will continue to be boring. It doesn't suck, but I just find this book very bland. Finally, I agree that the Authority, while not exactly in the Millar/Quitely zone of fantasticness, is good again. p.s. to Kuryakin, don't respond to ego-popper, it is a waste of time and will just make you not want to be here talking back.
Wonder Woman by Homer Sexual	May 4th, 2005 05:31:19 PM
I started picking up Wonder Woman due to the Flash cross-over, and have continued because it is a very well-done comic. WW is a hard character to do well (I can't imagine how a movie could possibly not suck) WW is currently intelligent, fast-paced and good-looking. I tried to get the Medusa story line in back issues, but the first one was missing, so I am hoping for a TP.
New Avengers by Homer Sexual	May 4th, 2005 05:34:50 PM
After getting me on board by selling issues 1-3 collected, I have picked up #4 and #5 to see how this story ends. I thought issue #5 was not so great, but the best thing about New Avengers is the hard-on Bendis has for Spider-Woman. P.S. Yes, Powers is wordy but that book works. I think Bendis is best with his own creations, and definitely lesser with established characters. The more established, the worse (Good with Spider-Woman, bad with DareDevil and Wolverine, although he isn't bad with Iron Man.
Supreme Power by Homer Sexual	May 4th, 2005 05:39:03 PM
Supreme Power is, to me, the best "adult superhero" comic currently published. Things happen every issue, all the characters are well-developed, the action is great and the book has a hard edge. And I, too, am glad that there are some females finally getting involved. My only disappointment is the whole "smear campaign" plot. I suppose it is inevitable, but it's Marvel's oldest chestnut, dating back to Spider-Man of course, continued ad infinitum with X-Men and more. And this re-launch is not going to be a good thing, but at least I can enjoy through issue 18, and will see how this MK thing goes (crappishly, I fear). I imagine that the team will finally be assembled as of #18 and the new series will be about the team once it has been fully formed.
Enjoy this issue of Ultimate Secret by holidill	May 4th, 2005 06:12:50 PM
it is the last one until 9/21/05. McNiven is doing 4 issues of New Avengers so they pushed Ultimate Secret back to 9/21.
Humprey, Professor Challenger & Matt! Great Reviews. by Buzz Maverik	May 4th, 2005 06:22:19 PM
Those guys you have assisting you are okay too.
Somebody give me the skinny on the new Blue Devil! nt by JonQuixote	May 4th, 2005 06:43:36 PM
I said NT!!
"I can't imagine how a (Wonder Woman) movie could possibly not s by JonQuixote	May 4th, 2005 06:46:58 PM
I have a hard time seeing that in my little brain too. They should just give up the ghost and go campy fun, a la CHARLIE'S ANGELS (though hopefully not poo a la CHARLIE'S ANGELS), playing up elements from the 70's tv show and WW's own kinky roots. Tongue-In-Cheek seems the most palatable idea to my paradigm-driven brain.
Imagine that! Ambush Bug loving more Anti-American sentiment in by anchorite	May 4th, 2005 06:59:37 PM
It's just a damn ripoff of The Phantom and Zorro and you know it! But they wanted to make money off an untapped resource - black kids! So let's make a black superhero! Great, there aren't many of those out there! No problem there with a super-saturated market. But now, let's use the comic on a regular basis for a place in which to unleash Anti-American sentiment! Hey, even better! Not only can we be politically correct in reviving a minority superhero, we can also be politically correct in bashing America! The Europeans must LOVE Black Panther! Especially the French! What's ridiculous is it comes across as so damn patronizing. It's like they've furthered the racist idea of the Noble Savage. They go way overboard trying to fill the character to the brim with honor and integrity, nobility and stature. They made him a tribal chief, a King, for all intents and purposes...what other country has a superhero for a king (or other political leader, for that matter)? I suppose you could say Wonder Woman, since she's of noble birth. But she's not ruling over anyone or running anything. I don't know. Call me crazy, but it seems so damn patronizing to me. And racist, 'cause it's a bunch of whiite people writing the damn thing. It's like there were a bunch of white men in suits, sitting around a conference table, trying to figure out how to appeal to the virtually untapped African-American market. During their brainstorm someone said, "Hey! Let's give them Black Panther. He's a rich and powerful leader, and he gets to beat up on the white man! They'll love that! Ooh, and let's make sure out Leftie writers get a chance to throw in their disgust for American values and sensibilities whenever they can. That'll keep 'em in line." Pathetic!
Jeepers, anchorite. Unclench, will ya? by Ambush Bug	May 4th, 2005 07:09:16 PM
First off, I didn't write the BLACK PANTHER review. Secondly, I believe the writer of BLACK PANTHER is, in fact, African American. Do some fact checking before flying off the handle, poncho.
Best supernatural character is Mike Baron's Deadman by tombseye	May 4th, 2005 07:14:54 PM
The Spectre seems a bit blah. the Demon has potential as does Jason Blood, whereas Dr. Fate is so not interesting. One of the problems of the DCU is that they have characters named Blue Devil etc. I mean granted it's just a name, but marketing-wise it always makes them lose in sales to Marvel. Aside from all that, Mike Baron and Kelly Jones need to collaborate more often.
Well you don't need to worry about nude women in Supreme Power m by BigDogg	May 4th, 2005 08:01:41 PM
to try to sell more copies of the book, Marvel is toning it down and putting it as a Marvel Knights book next year so the only MAX title left will be Punisher.
That would sure suck if Marvel dilutes Supreme Power by tombseye	May 4th, 2005 08:28:50 PM
It's fine the way it is. Hell, it's better than most of the stuff I've read and the only contenders are Fables and Y the Last Man. There's other stuff by Morrison and whatnot that's good too, but JMS has been writing some compelling stuff. Besides who buys comics for nude DRAWN women. come on, you want porn and you have the internet gape at the real thing. With that said, JMS was perhaps unconsciously doing the whole guys club thing. As far as Black Pantha's concerned, the new take is okay, but not really all that original. The art is pretty damn amazing though. Romita's work comes out better with someone like his Dad inking (that issue of X-Men 177 that they collaborated on kicked ass) and I'd put him with a Terry Austin as opposed to Dan Green who is better for casting a dark horror type look to something. Just my take though. The Klaw still seems kind of dopey, but his new incarnation's okay. I keep picturing the Klaw from Secret Wars who was a lackey and had legs that resembled matchsticks so I'm a bit prejudiced. BP needs a more interesting adverserial situation. Also, most African males anyway seem to wear "western" clothing, but hey the native attire's probably better for the weather conditions. Just as in some of the takes on the absurdity of nationalism/patriotism in the US etc., I'd apply the same thing to Africa as well. Mugabe's Zimbabwae representing the same dark side of patriotism that can be substituted for any and all real issues and the role of nationalism in the Rwanda genocide as well for that matter. I'd like to see a Wakanda that is really utopian in that the people aren't all the haughty at all, but are like mysterious Swiss as they can kick anyone's ass if attacked, but prefer to live in peace.
To anchorite and ambush re: Black Panther by tombseye	May 4th, 2005 08:37:07 PM
Well, I kind of like the more radical idea of a big player like Batman being black. I know it sounds insane to most people, but JMS has done just that in Supreme Power and it's pretty damn good. When you think about it race is meaningless and Black Panther still smacks of a token character to me as well. Luke Cage is alright though and a black GL was a cool idea but it's only tenable as long as Hal Jordan stays dead. Hell taken a few steps further, most superheroes are not just white, but from the US. As for the black superhero beating up on whites, well that might be more of an attack upon power as opposed to race, but I can't mindread. The US, EU and Japan (and many states in Asia) are seen by the 3rd world as exploiters who use the financial institutions like the IMF etc. to tell them what to do and so the villains being former European colonials isn't a bad idea. However, I do believe that they depict the African tribe that tries to attack Wakanda in issue 1 as someone malicious so it hasn't been entirely one-sided really. I just think BP's a token character though. People just aren't ready to move past race yet. Especially when it comes to FICTION which can be written in anyway one chooses to. That's why Supreme Power is cool. JMS can do all kinds of stuff that the established Marvel/DC folks can't.
Bug, JMS' writing in Supreme Power isn't truly episodic by BrashHulk	May 4th, 2005 08:43:32 PM
You can't pick up any issue of Supreme Powers, read it through, and come away feeling satisfied that you've just read a self-contained story about characters who's backgrounds and/or powers have been at least partially referenced. That is a crucial element of a episodic story. JMS writes a much more fan-friendly and accessible story with Supreme Powers, but it's still much more serialized than episodic. When I read your post, I was curious if your statement would hold up, so I put it to a quick test. I gave Supreme Powers #14 (an issue picked at random) to my wife, who is not only a big comics fan (yay me!) but is also much smarter than me, as she graduated Phi Beta Kappa and Magna Cum Laude from college. She read the book slowly and carefully and then proceeded to tell me, "It was provocative, and I think I could really like this. I'd like to know who all these people are and what's really going on here. Do you have all the back issues?" Gotta love her. Anyway, it spoke to me very quickly that if this were a true episodic book, she wouldn't have nearly the amount of questions about an ongoing plot, because there really shouldn't be much of an ongoing plot. In episodic storytelling, the characters exist to impact the plot (which is often a flimsy vehicle serving mostly as a framing device), while in serialized plotlines, the overall story is the important thing, and it impacts the characters. While I like JMS' writing in Rising Stars and Supreme Powers, it's still not nearly as accessible as you make it seem in your review. Gilligan's Island? Original Star Trek? Samurai Jack? Now THAT'S episodic.
What my wife said about Supreme Powers, part II by BrashHulk	May 4th, 2005 08:53:25 PM
As we continued our conversation about Supreme Powers, my wife also mentioned the fact that many of the writing "tricks" (her word, not mine) that JMS uses in Supreme Powers are very, if not blatantly similar, to Rising Stars, which she has read and enjoyed from the inception of that series. She hadn't been reading Supreme Power because I told her back when that series debuted that it was a "re-imagining" of a group called the Squadron Supreme, a lame-ass rip-off of the JLA created by Marvel to give The Avengers a serious tussle or two. Her response to my explanation was, "Ewwwwww." As I said before, gotta love her.
"Ultimate Secret" is great by Ribbons	May 4th, 2005 08:56:53 PM
Great art, too; I didn't know that McNiven had it in him.
Hey Brash about your wife's take on JMS by tombseye	May 4th, 2005 08:58:46 PM
She's right about the tricks. Alien invasion does seem to be a recurring theme. The execution is what prompts me to shrug and go, what the hell. It's still better reading than most of the other stuff. Plus, Supes isn't the all-American boy so much as a guy who realizes he's been brainwashed. I like the whole JMS take on questioning authority.
Independant Comics and Free Comicbook day by beetoonman	May 4th, 2005 09:00:27 PM
I am a big fan of Independant Pulp (Comics, Manga, whatever you want to call it)... A big reason is I print my own, as well as work with several folks who do as well (as an artist)... So I wanna plug... Sorry if you hate me, but thats all you can do until you get bigtime and pump up that circulation! Simply put: Check out Ohio's Midgard Comics/Studios!!! Johnnie Zombie (Super Powered Man cursed, but fighting evil in his own way... a ROCK N' ROLL COMIC) is our Lead Title, followed by Stiletto Heights (Strong story orientation on relationships and maturing in a modern world. Told from the point of View of Jack, a twenty-something woman pining over a lost love), and Flying Joe (An ordinary man helping those around him in extraordinary ways). Midgard also has the Johnnie Zombie Rock N Roll Gauntlet... An anthology book with a Johnnie Story and several (often continuing) stories from various artists and writers from all over the country. Midgard is also working with Marvel and DC on various projects, such as a possible rebirth of CLOAK AND DAGGER with Artist Darryl Banks (Formerly of DC, most noted for Co-creating the EVIL Hal Jordan/Parallax in the Green Lantern Series in the 90's). Darryl is a contributing artist for Midgard Comics as well! For Free Comic Day we are giving away Johnnie Zombie Issues along with other Free Comic Day titles. We are presenting materials, doing autographs and art from our location in Westerville, Ohio From Noon to 8:00 PM EST. And also partnering in Hilliard, Ohio with Packrat Comics from 10AM until 2PM EST... Want info, Fee Free to email me, or check out our new site (its in it's infant stage still) http://www.midgardstudios.com. Again, sorry to Advertise, but the AICN crowd is always the best for helping us little guys out!!!
Independent by kuryakin	May 4th, 2005 09:15:38 PM
With an E You should probably remember that. But good luck with Flying Joe.
Independent...ARTIST... by beetoonman	May 4th, 2005 09:24:04 PM
Thus, why I dont write too much... I am pretty much a cartoonist/comic artist. I do write, but sadly live with Spell Check on... Thanks for pointing out the flub...I chuckled also when I mentioned "FEE FREE TO CONTACT ME..." Instead of FEEL... Ah, those grammar slips are priceless!!! All the same, thanks for the well wishes... The Artist/Writer for Flying Joe (Ian Nichols) is the youngest on the team, but he has so much talent it makes us drool!!!!
Seriously by kuryakin	May 4th, 2005 09:32:46 PM
Not enough indies out there. Good luck with all your stuff. Too many people settling for Marvel/DC mediocrity when there's really good stuff waiting to be found. And incidentally Flying Joe is my new favourite comic book name!
Noir blood by speed	May 4th, 2005 09:38:27 PM
Rev K. got it right. You aint gonna change her view. I had to put up with profs like her way back in the 80's when i made a documentary about comic books (same time that the first batman came out). suffice to say it got pooped on. my next doco was about the recidivism rate of australian aboriginals in jail...you can guess what happened. it was hailed as a great piece of student film making. we sold it to the government for some fast cash and I learnt the way of the world. give 'em want they want and tell them they are right. that's all university profs want to hear.
free comic book day by speed	May 4th, 2005 09:43:56 PM
HEY! a carl barks uncle scrooge! looks like "only a poor man". great comic. i recommend everyone pick it up and give it a try. if you like indiana jones then you are going to like unlce scrooge. it was one of lucas' influences. great drawings with fun, adventure stories.
"if this were a true episodic book, she wouldn't have nearly the by JonQuixote	May 4th, 2005 09:45:49 PM
That's not true at all. These days, you don't get more episodic in structure than LOST. I imagine anybody who just tuned in with Episode 1.14 ("Special") would have been extremely inquisitive - what with the reappearance of the Polar Bear, Michael's flashback, the suggestion of Walt's psychic powers, Claire's kidnapping, Sayid & Rousseau's map, etc. An episode does not have a stand alone plot - it is, by definition, part of a bigger picture. But it should have a stand alone structure, where each chapter is - in its own way - independent or important in addition to being part of a larger picture. SUPREME POWER - at least initially (I remember the earlier issues much better than the later ones, so that's all I want to lay claim to here) - was very episodic. Thoughh it didn't race through the big picture, each chapter had a clearly defined story arc of its very own.
Supreme Powers hilarity... by Fantomex	May 4th, 2005 10:17:44 PM
I couldn't help but laugh out loud at the end of that review. Its pretty funny (and even more sad) when the decision to put clothes on a women in a comic book is seen as "a baby-step in the right direction". The issue was good, but this series has still yet to overcome the incredible sillyness of watching ultimate-wonderwoman walk around naked for half a dozen pages. I keep hoping Marvel's line of mature comics will grow up, we'll see. For some reason (I'm sure it was a good one) I decided to wait for the trade on Authority: Revolution, so I can't really comment except to say my favorite storyline wasn't ellis OR millar, but was towards the end of the run. Take from that what you will. Good review of Batman (man is that cover awful or what?). Its bad enough you have to bring Robin back, but quit milking it forever. Do it and be done and let us move on.
supreme powers to marvel knights by Fantomex	May 4th, 2005 10:27:24 PM
just read that supreme powers is going to the marvel knight label. a move of true genius. the "adult" aspects that will have to be removed won't hurt the book at all. in fact, the exact opposite is the case.
dickheads by ChurchOfZod	May 4th, 2005 10:41:22 PM
Say it with me S-U-P-R-E-M-E P-O-W-E-R. No fucking S at the end of it. Learn to read. The Goddamn title is right in front of you, illiterates.
meesa thinks ChurchOfZod is the illiterate dickhead. by Jar Jar 4 Prez	May 5th, 2005 01:11:04 AM
Because he's the one who gives a shit about Supreme Powers.
great comics never last. Ah the glory days of the JLA when Morri by The Founder	May 5th, 2005 02:58:47 AM
Great runs on comics never last. the worst downfall of a comic book that comes to mind is JLa when Morrison was on board. This man breathed life and imagination into a mediocre book. d@mn DC for taking him, off, and that book hasn't been good since, ven the art work is mediocre now. The Authority titally blew me away when it first came out, and when i heard that Ellis was leaving i was so disappointed, but then Miller came on board, picked up the ball and ran with it all the way to field goal. Now it to has become like the JLA, why don't Publishing companies ever stick with a great thing. Yeah The current run of the authority is decent, but i can't agree that the storyline is as good as he say. It's worth checking out.
I thought i was the only one who thought that The Legion was bor by The Founder	May 5th, 2005 03:03:20 AM
I've been a fan of the Legion since the mid 90's, and what i miss most is the fun and the coocky facial expressions that the chracters made, I forgot the guy who used to draw the Book, but i really miss him. The current run is just palin boring and mediocre. Waid has sucked all the fun out of the book, and made it wat to serious. They are teens for christ sakes, with hookey code names. DC bring back the fun.
THE SKINNY ON BLUE DEVIL by Squashua	May 5th, 2005 10:00:57 AM
It's the same guy, but he got turned into a REAL devil somehow back during that Underworld Unleashed or one of the other, lamer, crossovers. Now he actually DOES the mystic mumbo-jumbo. Kind of like how the post "Our World at War" Superman issues were setting up Guy Gardner as some sort of mystic-shaman-devil-detective person, which I THINK is being slightly used in the current Giffen /Macguire arc of the JLI, but is TOTALLY TOSSED OUT in consideration of the TOTALLY UNNECESSARY rebirth of Hal Jordan.
Ummm...Black Panther wasn't just "created" last month, smart guy by SleazyG.	May 5th, 2005 12:41:31 PM
You're talking about a character with a 40-year legacy. He wasn't created by a bunch of white marketing guys either, dumbass. He was created by two guys named Stan Lee and Jack Kirby and he was the first black superhero not to be written as a caricature. They created him to serve as a positive representation of a black man during the Civil Rights struggle. Do your effin' homework next time. I don't mean research about comic books, either--I mean study for that Constitution test or you'll never get outta junior high. Save the misguided lecture on white liberal guilt for somebody who's never heard it before, like the fifth graders.
Yeah, Ultimate Secret #3 is delayed thanks to Bendis. by SleazyG.	May 5th, 2005 12:44:57 PM
Cuz it's not bad enough his own books run brutally late (SECRET WAR #4 is due out the week after the next Kevin Smith SPIDEY/BLACK CAT) and are overwritten, now he has to screw up the publishing schedules of other writers' books too. Fantastic. Apologizing for it on his website doesn't really cut it, either. "Oh, sorry--I can't do my job right, so I'm going to make other people who do the same job look bad too." Feh. Then again, Editorial at Marvel should know by now not to start publishing a miniseries until it's in the can, but why learn from your mistakes?
Are there any... by JonQuixote	May 5th, 2005 02:21:04 PM
...black superheroes who predate T'Challa? Written as charicatures or otherwise? None are coming to mind (as published by DC or Marvel, anyway).
who's the villain the X-Men are fighting in Ult. X-Men 58 ? by Gus Nukem	May 5th, 2005 02:24:19 PM
... while Professor is in the bank
Jon Quixote asked.... by bizarromark	May 5th, 2005 02:41:21 PM
"Are there black superheroes who predate T'Challa? Written as charicatures or otherwise?" Well, there certainly were a few black heroes AFTER T'Challa who were written as caricatures. Not in the sense of the "Step'n Fetchit" caricatures of pre-Civil Rights comics, but rather as the embarrassing jive-talkin' stereotype that middle-aged white writers gave to nearly every black character following the Panther. Whether it was the Falcon, Black Goliath, Black Lightning, John Stewart or Amazing Man, each of these guys dutifully dropped their "g" at the end of every "ing" verb ("goin', livin', doin', fightin', etc) or the ubiquitous "ain't". Like the sit-coms of the 70's focusing on black families, comics with black characters should be commended for their earnest, though ham-handed efforts to humanize a long-ignored and caricatured Americans....but at the same time, many of these efforts are almost as cluelessly condescending as the flat-out rascist portrayals were deeply insulting.
The best non-token was Cyborg of Teen Titans by tombseye	May 5th, 2005 07:46:46 PM
He had a pivotal role yes as the strong guy or Colossus of the group, but they made him enough of an individual so as to not seem as if they were just going for a black character as opposed to a random guy. The Green Lantern situation was working until they brought back Hal Jordan. Now I gotta admit I'm a fan of Hal's since I was a kid and some of his peculiar characteristics made him appealing, but I forget him quickly when they replaced him with John Stewart. Now his resurrection screws that all up. Obviously, Spawn has worked out well as just a guy who happens to be black and is now well Spawn. Black Panther pretty much the only old-school black superhero, but the treatment is still too iconic for a 2nd tier character. That's why, for me, the best black superhero depictions are being done in Supreme Power. More natural, no shying away from the issues, and showing variations. Wakanda's given a conventional treatment when they had a chance to go really utopian by making the people there more enlightened and even express revulsion at the behavior of Mugabe in Zimbabwae and the nationalism that wrecked Rwanda and other states. Hell, if they have advanced tech. why not invade apartheid South Africa? Seeing as how they are the Afghanistan of Africa (no conquest in-spite of many attempts) it'd make an interesting alternate history.
Yeah, I'm sure Stan Lee and Jack Kirby were only thinking about by anchorite	May 5th, 2005 11:56:35 PM
I'm sure it had NOTHING to do with trying to make more money for the company by appealing to an as-yet untapped market... and you don't think BP was a charicature? He was their idea of the Noble Savage, except instead of being Native American he was from the dark continent. Why not make him a blue-collar black American working at a steel mill, or even a white-collar black American working in any number of businesses? Hell, why not make him British, Jamaican, or a black man from any other country? They made him AFRICAN, because he was their own racist idea of what a black superhero should be. A black superhero, from a white man's perspective. And that's why he was a charicature, just as much as if his name had been Buckwheat or Step N' Fetchit!
Uh, I meant caricature, not "charicature". It's late, and I'm ga by anchorite	May 6th, 2005 12:09:36 AM
Anyway, my point is that BP was created with a typically white perspective. He obviously serves a purpose in the Marvel compendium. It was an important step to have a black man as a hero during the civil rights movement. Of course, in real life there were LOTS of black heroes during the civil rights movement. In a naive way Marvel created an iconic character. Obviously he had a lot of influence on black culture. The Black Panther party, for example. I know, it actually came from a mascot for an Atlanta college, but I'm sure the reference wasn't lost on them. My criticism of the comic is more about what they are doing with it NOW versus what they did with it in the '60's.
hey anchorite by Gus Nukem	May 6th, 2005 06:33:45 AM
1. T'challa isn't a noble savage. He is of noble heritage, but he isn't savage in any way. His country is the only one never conquered and the most technogically advanced ( among the human societies ). 2. Doesn't the Black Panther movement predate the comic book character? I believe they were the influence on his creation and not the opposite.
Black Panther first appeared in Fantastic Four # 52 in 1966. Bla by anchorite	May 6th, 2005 09:44:06 AM
So the BP party, strictly speaking, DOESN'T predate Marvel's BP. Who knows, perhaps the two guys that started the BP Party had read FF #52 and got the idea for their name from the black character that kicked the butts of the white characters in that comic. And my point is the white men DID view Africans as savages. Even more liberal-minded men like Stan Lee and Jack Kirby made their superhero an African tribal leader rather than a business man. It is a softer form of bigotry, and it was probably done with good intentions, but BP still came across as a token black character!
Yeah, Victor Von Doom is nothing more than a horrible stereotype by SleazyG.	May 6th, 2005 12:41:19 PM
I mean, why are they always villains? It's hardly fair to assume that just because the guy is from Latveria he's automatically going to be an evil dictator. It shows a complete lack of sensitivity to Czechs, Hungarians, Serbians, etc. It's like a bunch of white guys sitting around a table said "well, we can't just keep making fun of Nazis and the Dutch--who else is known for being a bunch of bastards? I know--EASTERN EUROPEANS!" I mean, it's just playing up to all the stupid stereotypes like in Dracula and Frankenstein and stuff. Shameful, pathetic, condescending, insulting garbage. Whatever, dude. Your arguments are misguided and specious. Drop the preachy BS. They created the character they did, not the one you wanted them to. Many, many people like the character and see him as the creators intended. You don't. Quit throwing around baseless, senseless accusations and just buy a different book instead.
Scrooge McDuck by fuhrley	May 7th, 2005 04:48:36 AM
I'll be there for the reprint of the first Uncle Scrooge comic.
Seeing Princess naked was one of the best thing in the series, s by chien_sale	May 9th, 2005 04:35:40 AM
The reviewer is anti-man. Period. What is wrong with showing a nude woman? Once upon a time when we were kids we would see nude people in most genre flicks. Now it`s not happening anywhere, everything is sanitised to "protect" people. SCrew that, screw you PC watchdog morons.
chien-I'd say it's more of the non-PC crowd aka "moral majority" by tombseye	May 9th, 2005 10:32:51 AM
I am convinced that they are neither moral or a majority, but they now control all three branches of govt. basically through their kowtowing agents in the Republican and the spineless Democratic party sometimes as well. Nudity bad. I mean Ashcroft freaking had that nekkid statue covered and its been there for decades. This morality crap is getting old real fast. And where are the voters and the people who should be pissed? Not being political. This stuff has a ripple effect upon everything. Including entertainment.
LAST! by Gus Nukem	May 23rd, 2005 08:52:44 PM

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