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Sep. 21st, 2007 11:17 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
dewingedYou know, on a ton of message boards or mailing lists stretching back to when I started playing on the Internet in college (which...was a lot longer ago than I realized, le sigh), there was always the 'if I could only get X amount of books per month, what would I reduce my pull list to?' threads. I never really participated in them, because I never felt like I could let go of a comic I was reading and collecting that easy.
Of course, the last few years of comics make it damned easy for me to jump ship. And, not only am I going to try and construct a list here, I'm actually considering implimenting it, some time in the future.
So, without further blabber, let's
I'm going to start with the 'Must Have, can't live without' titles.
1) Justice Society of America (DC) Yes, I know by popular opinion Geoff Johns is supposed to be Satan Incarnate and all that. People...actually accuse him of using continuity like it's a bad thing. (But then again, I believe those people hate continuity because they feel it has too many letters for them to comprehend, but that's just me.) The series, while it's done things I'm not fond of sometimes, is still really fricking good, and probably Johns' most consistently well-done stuff. And Dale Eaglesham's art is legibly awesome. Don't believe me, look at The first pic in this review. In the comic, splashed across 2 pages...I want a poster of it.
2) Invincible (Image) I know 'Image Comics' has a connotation all its own, reminiscent of Liefeld and the others back in the early 90s. But that's...not really the case so much anymore. In any case, this is Robert Kirkman's best work, hands down. It's a superhero comic with often mature sensibilities (and mature scenes, for the fights. Some of them are downright painful to watch), but there's still an edge of wonder to it, about how being a superhero and being the good guy is pretty damn cool. Also, all the TPBs are named after 80s sitcoms. Rock on.
3) Fables (DC/Vertigo) I usually avoid the Vertigo universe like the plague, but this takes place in its own seperate universe. It's also fucking fantastic, the story of characters from fables and fairy tales (Snow White, the Big Bad Wolf, Old King Cole, ect) living in the modern world after a war exiles them from their fable kingdoms. Willingham's done a lot to show how far and wide the mythology and folklore goes, showing Fables from all over the world (a recent plotline involved the Arabian-based fables, such as Aladdin and the like). It's creepy, scary, and fun as all get out. Also, one of the most kick-ass characters in the entire series is Boy Blue. (as in, 'come blow your horn') So, socutekickass.
4) Checkmate (DC) This is not a book about superheroes. It's a spy/espionage agency story/series that has some metahumans in it. It's a lot of talking, a lot of politics interspersed by high action under the cover of darkness most times. It's fascinating stuff, all around. Greg Rucks has a good eye for this kind of setting, and you get sucked in, wondering what's going to happen next. The current storyline is called 'The Fall of the Wall' focusing on Amanda Waller, one of the most strongest, cold-blooded, intelligent characters in comics today. She's an absolute joy to watch. Oh, and the book has Fire in it. Definitely a plus. The book is intelligent, deep, and requires the reader to pay attention. So, naturally, it's not popular, and I seriously doubt it will be on this list in a year's time due to cancellation. :(
5) Gargoyles/Bad Guys (Slave Labor Graphics) Now, I list two books here for some specific reasons. These two books exist in the same universe (Disney's Gargoyles, one of my top 5 animated series ever, if not #1. But I think it is #1. Anyway), and they're bi-monthly comics coming out
alternately. One, which is on issue 5 or 6, focused on series creator and comic writer Greg Weisman's vision of what should have happened after Hunter's Moon (The Gloath Chronicles part of the TV series is non-canon, according to this. Thank the Lord!). Bad Guys is a 6-issue Black and White Limited series based off things Weisman planned for TV spinoffs. And it's one of my favorite ideas, there.
6) New Warriors (Marvel) A recent addition to my mental list, and the only Marvel comic I'm sure I will always want. The book is not without its problems. Slow pacing, for one, even if Kevin Grievioux knows his comics, and he especially knows his NW lore (Who the hell else knows who Helix was. Sheesh.) And there are a number of depowered X-types in there. That doesn't bug me, because when the Depowering came, Quesada was all 'Oh, it's not the end of their story'. Except it was. This...alleviates the issue somewhat. Mostly because the characters are ones I like (Jubilee, Jono, and Sofia especially), and others Grievioux and artist Paco Medina's interpretations I could get to like a lot (Cute!Beak and Non-One-Dimensional-Twatburger!Angel Salvadore). I'm willing to keep with this, since it could have been much worse (and we had that Reality TV mini and Civil War for that already; us NW fans are owed some serious love). I don't want the book taken away again.
---
Now, here's what gets me. Those books above are the ones that are absolute must-haves. And it's only six books, which says a lot about what I think of comics these days. So, instead of filling out the list with 'unsures', I'll chat about some of the potentials for the list.
Avengers: The Initiative (Marvel) One of the very few Marvel Books I actually think about these days, and don't just buy out of reflex. Now, for the last few years, all I heard was 'Dan Slott is so good! Dan Slott is so funny! His comics are amusing and cheerful!' So, I finally get this, which has character I like in it, and written by Slott. I'm...still waiting for the funny and cheerful; this book is often downright Legion-Lost-Level depressing. But, it has Justice in it for now, which is why I keep up with it. This might change if that does.
Runaways (Marvel) Now, the book delays are beyond ludicrous right now. They just are. Part of it is possibly Joss Whedon's fault, but I'm more apt to lay blame at artist Michael Ryan's feet, since from experience the man has trouble doing more than like 2 monthly issues in a row. But, post-Joss, the writing chores goes to Terry Moore. Not sure how he is with superheroes, but his characterization writing is fantastic stuff (see Strangers in Paradise). That might be the shot in the arm this book needs. Humberto Ramos will be doing the art...which bugs me a touch. His Impulse stuff from years back was much cleaner and expressive than his current stuff, and I'm not sure how a degrading in art style can be seen as forward evolution (q.v. Chris Bachalo). It's on the fence, right now.
Justice League of America (DC) I'm ambivalent, and I want to wait and see what happens. The new writer is Dwayne McDuffie, whose understanding of how superhero stories work (i.e. Superheroes go out and actually fight bad guys) far outclasses Meltzer's vision. Meltzer had some nice character moments, but it was low on actual happenings. I want to see what McDuffie does, and see if he ups the pace a bit more (and keeps Vixen around). I like the current lineup, but I've got some misgivings I can't explain just yet.
Batman and the Outsiders (DC) Well, Tony Bedard was awesome on Negation. His mainstream comics stuff (Exiles comes to mind) was much less awesome. But, he penned OUtsiders #50, which ended that series and set up the new one, and he...gets it, here. His characters are spot on (especially Grace, because she's probably the best thing out of Winick's run), though I'm not a huge Batman fan. I want to see if I like this before adding it to the list.
Gen 13 (DC/Wildstorm) Long story short (too late), this book being bought by me entirely depends on if Gail Simone keeps her promise about staying for the long haul. There's a new writer next issue, but no one's sure if it's temporary or not.
Teen Titans/Titans East (DC) This is a little unfair, since they're both monthly books. Teen Ttians is on the fence now, because of the chaos and lack of focus the book has had since the Titans East storyline. I really want to see McKeever (whom I have heard much about) try his hand at them, and make it with action with tons of characterization thrown in. He's keeping Miss Martian, that's a plus.
Also, I'm sure Kon will be back about 5 minutes after the Superboy litigation RL is dealt with, and Bart's return was set up in Lightning Saga.
Now, Titans East according to the news will be Nightwing, Donna Troy, Cyborg, Raven, Starfire, Beast Boy. I like this. I want to read it. I want to see them add a new character or two, as well, even if this is the classic Titans lineup. (Also, get Jericho out of Match's body, just to get fans to stop whining).
Once I get more info, I can decide on these two books.
Legion of Superheroes (DC) I don't buy/follow this book, these days. But, I'm considering giving Jim Shooter a shot, if he can prove to me the Legion won't all still be assholes, and Mary Sue Zor-El will Go Away. That sample artwork heartens me. Kitson can draw, but so many of his brown-haired guy characters looked alike in his run, which was a turnoff.
If they got Jeff Moy back, I'd be all over that like a pig in whatever it is pigs like to roll around in.
Flash (DC) I like it, I admit. Waid's got Wally and Linda locked, character-wise, and the Flashlings aren't too bad. But Daniel Acuna's art drives me nuts. It's not bad art (I've seen plenty of that, thankyouverymuch), it just doesn't work for this story. The book needs cleaner lines and sharper colors; Acuna's art on this makes me feel like I'm looking at the comic through a pane of rain-splattered glass.
Green Lantern Corps (DC) I almost forgot about this, which is hardly fair. Between Guy Gardner being both Guy-like and utterly kickass, the 'Homicide, Life on the Street' but Cosmic feel to the book, and the fact that Soranik Natu is one of the strongest new characters I've seen in years... It's good, but I don't get all hyper when I know an issue is coming, like the Prime Six above.
Wonder Woman (DC) I have to decide on this soon. Would I be getting the book because I like what I see and read, and care about Diana's growth as a character and her utter bad-ass-of-Earth-ness? Or would I be doing it because it's OMG Gail Simone and I feel like I should? Simone's stuff is Hit (Secret Six, Gen 13) or Miss (Tranquility) for me, so it's going to take a serious judgement call.
Now, there's some books that could be considered, but are not on this list. Examples: Manhunter and Young Avengers I'm not going to add books that are not coming out, there are no plans to put them out, no one has an idea when they're coming out, and any and all creators come up with evasive manuvers the Air Force wants to look into when asked about when they're coming out. Give me something concrete, then we'll talk.
So, that's what I'm looking at right now. Not sure what to do.
Of course, the last few years of comics make it damned easy for me to jump ship. And, not only am I going to try and construct a list here, I'm actually considering implimenting it, some time in the future.
So, without further blabber, let's
I'm going to start with the 'Must Have, can't live without' titles.
1) Justice Society of America (DC) Yes, I know by popular opinion Geoff Johns is supposed to be Satan Incarnate and all that. People...actually accuse him of using continuity like it's a bad thing. (But then again, I believe those people hate continuity because they feel it has too many letters for them to comprehend, but that's just me.) The series, while it's done things I'm not fond of sometimes, is still really fricking good, and probably Johns' most consistently well-done stuff. And Dale Eaglesham's art is legibly awesome. Don't believe me, look at The first pic in this review. In the comic, splashed across 2 pages...I want a poster of it.
2) Invincible (Image) I know 'Image Comics' has a connotation all its own, reminiscent of Liefeld and the others back in the early 90s. But that's...not really the case so much anymore. In any case, this is Robert Kirkman's best work, hands down. It's a superhero comic with often mature sensibilities (and mature scenes, for the fights. Some of them are downright painful to watch), but there's still an edge of wonder to it, about how being a superhero and being the good guy is pretty damn cool. Also, all the TPBs are named after 80s sitcoms. Rock on.
3) Fables (DC/Vertigo) I usually avoid the Vertigo universe like the plague, but this takes place in its own seperate universe. It's also fucking fantastic, the story of characters from fables and fairy tales (Snow White, the Big Bad Wolf, Old King Cole, ect) living in the modern world after a war exiles them from their fable kingdoms. Willingham's done a lot to show how far and wide the mythology and folklore goes, showing Fables from all over the world (a recent plotline involved the Arabian-based fables, such as Aladdin and the like). It's creepy, scary, and fun as all get out. Also, one of the most kick-ass characters in the entire series is Boy Blue. (as in, 'come blow your horn') So, so
4) Checkmate (DC) This is not a book about superheroes. It's a spy/espionage agency story/series that has some metahumans in it. It's a lot of talking, a lot of politics interspersed by high action under the cover of darkness most times. It's fascinating stuff, all around. Greg Rucks has a good eye for this kind of setting, and you get sucked in, wondering what's going to happen next. The current storyline is called 'The Fall of the Wall' focusing on Amanda Waller, one of the most strongest, cold-blooded, intelligent characters in comics today. She's an absolute joy to watch. Oh, and the book has Fire in it. Definitely a plus. The book is intelligent, deep, and requires the reader to pay attention. So, naturally, it's not popular, and I seriously doubt it will be on this list in a year's time due to cancellation. :(
5) Gargoyles/Bad Guys (Slave Labor Graphics) Now, I list two books here for some specific reasons. These two books exist in the same universe (Disney's Gargoyles, one of my top 5 animated series ever, if not #1. But I think it is #1. Anyway), and they're bi-monthly comics coming out
alternately. One, which is on issue 5 or 6, focused on series creator and comic writer Greg Weisman's vision of what should have happened after Hunter's Moon (The Gloath Chronicles part of the TV series is non-canon, according to this. Thank the Lord!). Bad Guys is a 6-issue Black and White Limited series based off things Weisman planned for TV spinoffs. And it's one of my favorite ideas, there.
6) New Warriors (Marvel) A recent addition to my mental list, and the only Marvel comic I'm sure I will always want. The book is not without its problems. Slow pacing, for one, even if Kevin Grievioux knows his comics, and he especially knows his NW lore (Who the hell else knows who Helix was. Sheesh.) And there are a number of depowered X-types in there. That doesn't bug me, because when the Depowering came, Quesada was all 'Oh, it's not the end of their story'. Except it was. This...alleviates the issue somewhat. Mostly because the characters are ones I like (Jubilee, Jono, and Sofia especially), and others Grievioux and artist Paco Medina's interpretations I could get to like a lot (Cute!Beak and Non-One-Dimensional-Twatburger!Angel Salvadore). I'm willing to keep with this, since it could have been much worse (and we had that Reality TV mini and Civil War for that already; us NW fans are owed some serious love). I don't want the book taken away again.
---
Now, here's what gets me. Those books above are the ones that are absolute must-haves. And it's only six books, which says a lot about what I think of comics these days. So, instead of filling out the list with 'unsures', I'll chat about some of the potentials for the list.
Avengers: The Initiative (Marvel) One of the very few Marvel Books I actually think about these days, and don't just buy out of reflex. Now, for the last few years, all I heard was 'Dan Slott is so good! Dan Slott is so funny! His comics are amusing and cheerful!' So, I finally get this, which has character I like in it, and written by Slott. I'm...still waiting for the funny and cheerful; this book is often downright Legion-Lost-Level depressing. But, it has Justice in it for now, which is why I keep up with it. This might change if that does.
Runaways (Marvel) Now, the book delays are beyond ludicrous right now. They just are. Part of it is possibly Joss Whedon's fault, but I'm more apt to lay blame at artist Michael Ryan's feet, since from experience the man has trouble doing more than like 2 monthly issues in a row. But, post-Joss, the writing chores goes to Terry Moore. Not sure how he is with superheroes, but his characterization writing is fantastic stuff (see Strangers in Paradise). That might be the shot in the arm this book needs. Humberto Ramos will be doing the art...which bugs me a touch. His Impulse stuff from years back was much cleaner and expressive than his current stuff, and I'm not sure how a degrading in art style can be seen as forward evolution (q.v. Chris Bachalo). It's on the fence, right now.
Justice League of America (DC) I'm ambivalent, and I want to wait and see what happens. The new writer is Dwayne McDuffie, whose understanding of how superhero stories work (i.e. Superheroes go out and actually fight bad guys) far outclasses Meltzer's vision. Meltzer had some nice character moments, but it was low on actual happenings. I want to see what McDuffie does, and see if he ups the pace a bit more (and keeps Vixen around). I like the current lineup, but I've got some misgivings I can't explain just yet.
Batman and the Outsiders (DC) Well, Tony Bedard was awesome on Negation. His mainstream comics stuff (Exiles comes to mind) was much less awesome. But, he penned OUtsiders #50, which ended that series and set up the new one, and he...gets it, here. His characters are spot on (especially Grace, because she's probably the best thing out of Winick's run), though I'm not a huge Batman fan. I want to see if I like this before adding it to the list.
Gen 13 (DC/Wildstorm) Long story short (too late), this book being bought by me entirely depends on if Gail Simone keeps her promise about staying for the long haul. There's a new writer next issue, but no one's sure if it's temporary or not.
Teen Titans/Titans East (DC) This is a little unfair, since they're both monthly books. Teen Ttians is on the fence now, because of the chaos and lack of focus the book has had since the Titans East storyline. I really want to see McKeever (whom I have heard much about) try his hand at them, and make it with action with tons of characterization thrown in. He's keeping Miss Martian, that's a plus.
Also, I'm sure Kon will be back about 5 minutes after the Superboy litigation RL is dealt with, and Bart's return was set up in Lightning Saga.
Now, Titans East according to the news will be Nightwing, Donna Troy, Cyborg, Raven, Starfire, Beast Boy. I like this. I want to read it. I want to see them add a new character or two, as well, even if this is the classic Titans lineup. (Also, get Jericho out of Match's body, just to get fans to stop whining).
Once I get more info, I can decide on these two books.
Legion of Superheroes (DC) I don't buy/follow this book, these days. But, I'm considering giving Jim Shooter a shot, if he can prove to me the Legion won't all still be assholes, and Mary Sue Zor-El will Go Away. That sample artwork heartens me. Kitson can draw, but so many of his brown-haired guy characters looked alike in his run, which was a turnoff.
If they got Jeff Moy back, I'd be all over that like a pig in whatever it is pigs like to roll around in.
Flash (DC) I like it, I admit. Waid's got Wally and Linda locked, character-wise, and the Flashlings aren't too bad. But Daniel Acuna's art drives me nuts. It's not bad art (I've seen plenty of that, thankyouverymuch), it just doesn't work for this story. The book needs cleaner lines and sharper colors; Acuna's art on this makes me feel like I'm looking at the comic through a pane of rain-splattered glass.
Green Lantern Corps (DC) I almost forgot about this, which is hardly fair. Between Guy Gardner being both Guy-like and utterly kickass, the 'Homicide, Life on the Street' but Cosmic feel to the book, and the fact that Soranik Natu is one of the strongest new characters I've seen in years... It's good, but I don't get all hyper when I know an issue is coming, like the Prime Six above.
Wonder Woman (DC) I have to decide on this soon. Would I be getting the book because I like what I see and read, and care about Diana's growth as a character and her utter bad-ass-of-Earth-ness? Or would I be doing it because it's OMG Gail Simone and I feel like I should? Simone's stuff is Hit (Secret Six, Gen 13) or Miss (Tranquility) for me, so it's going to take a serious judgement call.
Now, there's some books that could be considered, but are not on this list. Examples: Manhunter and Young Avengers I'm not going to add books that are not coming out, there are no plans to put them out, no one has an idea when they're coming out, and any and all creators come up with evasive manuvers the Air Force wants to look into when asked about when they're coming out. Give me something concrete, then we'll talk.
So, that's what I'm looking at right now. Not sure what to do.
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Date: 2007-09-22 07:55 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-09-22 07:59 am (UTC)