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Pyro · **Reply #950 on:** August 17, 2011, 04:18:20 AM

With the end of Flashpoint, and the sort-of reboot of the DC universe coming up. I wonder what everyone's impressions of it are thus far; I was personally excited when I believed that it would be more like an "Age of Apocalypse" event and everything would return to normal. Now that we have the "DCnU" I just feel like DC is just throwing in the towel and letting the previous timeline go out with a whimper.

Maybe I'm just getting cranky because of the wasted potential the previous Flash had. It really sucks to be a fan of the scarlet speedster right now whether you like Wally or Barry.

Protoman Blues · **Reply #951 on:** August 17, 2011, 06:15:44 AM

We shall see what happens!

Pyro · **Reply #952 on:** September 01, 2011, 06:54:35 AM

Just read Flashpoint #5. My spoiler-free impression is that it felt like a slap in the face. I will elaborate later, hopefully.

And my comic book store sold out of Justice League. Not that I was planning on buying it, but surprised me nonetheless.

Protoman Blues · **Reply #953 on:** September 01, 2011, 07:05:31 AM

Flashpoint #5 was disappointing, although there were some touching moments in it. I also liked Justice League #1 but it was a little meh, but a decent start.

Here's the thing though....this reboot of DC's kinda has to succeed, or we're pretty much facing the end of mainstream comics.

Pyro · **Reply #954 on:** September 01, 2011, 07:12:56 AM

A scary thought since it's pretty much my only means of escapism nowadays. All the more reason why I want it to succeed despite my misgivings.

Protoman Blues · **Reply #955 on:** September 01, 2011, 08:04:47 AM

Believe me, I'm none too happy about the reboot either, but I understand its necessity. Comics as a whole, not just DC but Marvel as well, have been declining in sales. They really have themselves to blame for essentially writing for the trade all the time. From what I've heard, DC is trying to get away from that and focus more on singular story telling and light arcs here and there, which is a very good thing IMO. The problem is that I don't know if it'll work. It might very well be too late. This is pretty much a last ditch, all in type effort to try and attract new readers and fix what's broken in comics nowadays.

Personally, I don't see it working because regardless of how you spin it, it's far easier to collect trades than individual issues. Comics may very well become trades only in the future, and eventually I think it will start fading away as a whole.

Pyro · **Reply #956 on:** September 01, 2011, 03:41:56 PM

When you stretch the timeline out, comic books have been in serious decline since the 1980s with increased competition from other media but I suspect it was the rise of video games that was the first nail in the coffin. Then came the speculator boom that brought us a glut a rubbish comics with holofoil covers that people thought would be worth something someday when, and ended up worth pennies in the end. Its collapse accelerated to where we are now. It's pretty sad, isn't it?

I think trades are a stop-gap measure but when I cruised some bookstores in Great Falls, MT, I noticed that their (comic book) trade paperback sections were actually small than the one up here in Lethbridge. Maybe we'll see those fade out as well. Only time will tell but after I heard about the closing of Borders, I wonder about the future of print media.

Posted on: September 01, 2011, 06:35:10 AM

Oh, and on another note...

http://firestormfan.com/2011/09/01/brian-clevingers-firestorm/

Brian Clevinger's proposal for Firestorm with a showdown between the Nuclear Man and Solaris, the Tyrant Sun. Oh [tornado fang], yeah! That would have been awesome though I still look forward to Gail Simone and Ethan Van Sciver's Fury of Firestorm.

Bueno Excelente · **Reply #957 on:** September 10, 2011, 12:23:18 PM

Making every single issue a #1 in the 90s, the considerable amount of "XXXTREEM" every comic book went, the way they changed everything for shock purposes and didn't keep up with the times are the reason comic books are almost dead right now.

Comic books are supposed to be a source of entertainment for the common man. Something which is supposed to uplift one's spirits instead of bringing them down. That's why newspaper funnies and the original 10 cents issues existed. For the purpose of pure entertainment which felt amazing in the hands of kids or men with unsatisfying lives.

Currently in Brasil, DC follows a trend of several comics. They have "DC Universe", which has the three main event comics to follow, and they have the Superman, Batman and GL family comics together as a 3-issue format instead of apart. They're much cheaper that way, and people find easier to follow the storyline. They're also printed in low-quality paper, so they're pick up, read and throw away ready, just like any other magazine. Manga in Japan follows that format too. I just wonder why DC and Marvel don't do it, considering it's beneficial to EVERYONE. I'm not saying make pages black and white, but there's a cheaper paper quality which allows things like some Vertigo comic TPBs to be very cheap.

...also, CURRENT VEREDICTS!

Action Comics: Really good!
Animal Man: VERY awesome, looking forward to more, keeps with the true spirit of the character.
Batgirl: (barfs) Oh Simone, I didn't expect such crap from you.
Batwing: And I didn't expect such well-written stuff from Giffen! This is on par with my ideal vision of a Black Panther comic!
Detective Comics: Ew. Just ew. If Joker doesn't run around with John Travolta's face in the next issue, DROPPING.
Green Arrow: Standard Ollie stuff, not too excited about it. Also, hate the new design.
Hawk and Dove: Oh Liefeld. You haven't changed one bit. GRIMACES EVERYWHERE.
Justice League International: This is why the original JLI was un-canonized? Meh. Meeeeeeeeh.
Men of War: Amazing. I expect to see more of this.
OMAC: Pleasantly surprised that this issue didn't just get up from its shelf and [twin slasher] my mother, but I'm going to be cautious about it.
Static Shock: Classic Static. Pleasant surprise.
Stormwatch: Not as good as I expected, but I'm loving the horror in the comic. Let's hope they truly go all-out.
Swamp Thing: Feels right so far, but considering we only see Swamp Thing itself in a single page, I'm hoping for the true beginning next month.

Anyway, your veredicts, guys?

Protoman Blues · **Reply #958 on:** September 10, 2011, 10:00:28 PM

Quote from: Bueno Excelente on September 10, 2011, 12:23:18 PM

Making every single issue a #1 in the 90s, the considerable amount of "XXXTREEM" every comic book went, the way they changed everything for shock purposes and didn't keep up with the times are the reason comic books are almost dead right now.

Comic books are supposed to be a source of entertainment for the common man. Something which is supposed to uplift one's spirits instead of bringing them down. That's why newspaper funnies and the original 10 cents issues existed. For the purpose of pure entertainment which felt amazing in the hands of kids or men with unsatisfying lives.

Currently in Brasil, DC follows a trend of several comics. They have "DC Universe", which has the three main event comics to follow, and they have the Superman, Batman and GL family comics together as a 3-issue format instead of apart. They're much cheaper that way, and people find easier to follow the storyline. They're also printed in low-quality paper, so they're pick up, read and throw away ready, just like any other magazine. Manga in Japan follows that format too. I just wonder why DC and Marvel don't do it, considering it's beneficial to EVERYONE. I'm not saying make pages black and white, but there's a cheaper paper quality which allows things like some Vertigo comic TPBs to be very cheap.

This is very true, and I still think writing for Trades has also killed the industry here, because there is no point to picking up single issues anymore outside of collecting purposes.

Quote

Action Comics: Really good!
Animal Man: VERY awesome, looking forward to more, keeps with the true spirit of the character.
Batgirl: (barfs) Oh Simone, I didn't expect such crap from you.
Batwing: And I didn't expect such well-written stuff from Giffen! This is on par with my ideal vision of a Black Panther comic!
Detective Comics: Ew. Just ew. If Joker doesn't run around with John Travolta's face in the next issue, DROPPING.
Green Arrow: Standard Ollie stuff, not too excited about it. Also, hate the new design.
Hawk and Dove: Oh Liefeld. You haven't changed one bit. GRIMACES EVERYWHERE.
Justice League International: This is why the original JLI was un-canonized? Meh. Meeeeeeeeh.
Men of War: Amazing. I expect to see more of this.
OMAC: Pleasantly surprised that this issue didn't just get up from its shelf and [twin slasher] my mother, but I'm going to be cautious about it.
Static Shock: Classic Static. Pleasant surprise.
Stormwatch: Not as good as I expected, but I'm loving the horror in the comic. Let's hope they truly go all-out.
Swamp Thing: Feels right so far, but considering we only see Swamp Thing itself in a single page, I'm hoping for the true beginning next month.

Anyway, your veredicts, guys?

Action Comics: I agree. Excellent.
Animal Man: Also agree. Also excellent.
Batgirl: Still willing to give this time. I'm curious how it develops.
Batwing: Probably my biggest surprise in the bunch. I really loved this comic.
Detective Comics: Tony Daniel needs to be barred from writing. He's awful.
Green Arrow: We'll see. Could be good, could be bad. too early to tell.
Hawk and Dove: "Liefeld, you're not an artist!" -Atop The Fourth Wall opening.
Justice League International: Still has potential.
Men of War: Good, but I don't know if I'll get too into it.
OMAC: Too early to tell.
Static Shock: Very nice. Look forward to more. Harlem represent!
Stormwatch: I liked this a lot and can see much potential here. Hopefully it gets better.
Swamp Thing: Erases the awfulness of the Brightest Day aftermath story. Snyder rules!

Bueno Excelente · **Reply #959 on:** September 10, 2011, 11:29:24 PM

I can imagine myself picking up a "DC Universe" magazine every week, that collects the 6 or so issues of that week. They could even have any kind of page numbers, and SO much more ads. And more and more people would buy it. It could be on all newspaper stands, and translated in alot of languages.

Flame · **Reply #960 on:** September 11, 2011, 01:41:10 AM

Moviebob actually pretty much summed up he problem with comics. it isnt the continuoity thats the problem, its the advertising. They arent advertised out of OTHER COMICS or comic related magazines and such.

Bueno Excelente · **Reply #961 on:** September 11, 2011, 02:58:45 AM

The new DC reboot has a TV commercial though. And has been advertised in the subway, billboards and stuff.

Protoman Blues · **Reply #962 on:** September 11, 2011, 08:17:07 AM

Quote from: Bueno Excelente on September 10, 2011, 11:29:24 PM

I can imagine myself picking up a "DC Universe" magazine every week, that collects the 6 or so issues of that week. They could even have any kind of page numbers, and SO much more ads. And more and more people would buy it. It could be on all newspaper stands, and translated in alot of languages.

It'd be nice, but they'd have to charge for it properly. With the current trade format, it could work. They might not have a choice.

Quote from: Flame on September 11, 2011, 01:41:10 AM

Moviebob actually pretty much summed up he problem with comics. it isnt the continuoity thats the problem, its the advertising. They arent advertised out of OTHER COMICS or comic related magazines and such.

One of the purposes of the movies/cartoons are to advertise the comics. It tends to work too. When Batman Begins & The Dark Knight came out, sales for Batman trades went through the roof. But advertising costs money, and they're all struggling right now. This DC Reboot is essentially one giant advertisement. They are trying to get new readers in by putting everything back to #1

Bueno Excelente · **Reply #963 on:** September 11, 2011, 11:04:06 AM

It would require a VERY high first investment, and very high risk. It would mean completely abandoning their standard practice to choose another, print a completely different format of magazine, switch their ad structure, make an ABSOLUTELY GIGANTIC ad campaign, and make sure the "DC Magazine" hits most newspaper stands in the US, not to mention get translated to places all around the world.

For a 10-15 dollar standard price, if artists and writers accept a little less pay for awhile, DC could probably pull through, and comics could become relevant again. But it's too much of a high risk.

Protoman Blues · **Reply #964 on:** September 11, 2011, 07:16:34 PM

Not too mention that print media is slowly dying in general. At least here it is. So it might be better for them to further develop their digital front and maybe do some kind of package deal that way.

Bueno Excelente · **Reply #965 on:** September 14, 2011, 11:44:58 PM

WHY IS AMANDA WALLER HOT NOW

WHY

WHY IS AMANDA WALLER HOT NOW

GOD DAMMIT DC

GOD DAMMIT

Phi · **Reply #966 on:** September 15, 2011, 12:10:01 AM

Whatchu mean, boy? Amanda was always hot.

Hubba hubba! With a side of fries, please!

Bueno Excelente · **Reply #967 on:** September 15, 2011, 12:12:57 AM

Yes, but not... stereotypical hot.

She was DELICIOUS hot.

Flame · **Reply #968 on:** September 19, 2011, 04:00:00 PM

I finally got around to reading that Superman batman Annual No. 4, the Batman Beyond one.

I liked it. Was nice above all to return to Beyond era Superman. And I like how the villain was Lex Luthor, now an old man in a hoverchair. I mean, I suppose one DID sort of wonder what he was up to in that era, being an old man himself.

The fact that the colors on his chair were green and purple was a cute nod to his armors too.

The way Superman's characher became is interesting to read too. Hes a sad man, no Lois, and now that Luthor is peddling kryptonite laced drugs, he cant clean up Metropolis anymore, and instead simply resorted to indiscriminately sending criminals to the phantom zone.

When it was revealed, what instantly came to mind was JLU, when Superman Sent Doomsday to the Phantom Zone and got chewed out by Bruce for doing so, comparing him to Justice Lord Superman, playing Judge Jury and Executioner. (lampshaded by Terry commenting the same thing)

Supes deciding to leave and see the galaxy is fine, but his reasoning seems a bit, I dunno. weird. he wants to see the universe before he dies, because "Noones immortal" or something, but well, yeah, he isnt, but he still ages slowly, looking middle aged when hes probably in his late 80's by then. It would SEEM more like he wants to clear his head and meditate, ponder on his life and such, but he should have just SAID that.

Also, it seems weird that he went to the trouble of getting rid of criminals with the projector and using Terry to get to Luthor, being sad that he cant clean up the city, but once Luthor is gone and he is free to do so again... he doesnt.

I also now have even LESS idea what the hell the plates on his suit are for now.

I used to think that maybe since he was aged, the suit being black and all, it was designed to absorb sunlight better, and that maybe the plates were related to that- but now it seems they are pockets. :B I have no idea how [parasitic bomb] fits in them either. They are pretty flat.

In the end, only complaint is I wish it was longer.

Bueno Excelente · **Reply #969 on:** September 19, 2011, 04:40:03 PM

Quote from: Flame on September 19, 2011, 04:00:00 PM

I finally got around to reading that Superman batman Annual No. 4, the Batman Beyond one.

I liked it. Was nice above all to return to Beyond era Superman. And I like how the villain was Lex Luthor, now an old man in a hoverchair. I mean, I suppose one DID sort of wonder what he was up to in that era, being an old man himself.

The fact that the colors on his chair were green and purple was a cute nod to his armors too.

The way Superman's characher became is interesting to read too. Hes a sad man, no Lois, and now that Luthor is peddling kryptonite laced drugs, he cant clean up Metropolis anymore, and instead simply resorted to indiscriminately sending criminals to the phantom zone.

When it was revealed, what instantly came to mind was JLU, when Superman Sent Doomsday to the Phantom Zone and got chewed out by Bruce for doing so, comparing him to Justice Lord Superman, playing Judge Jury and Executioner. (lampshaded by Terry commenting the same thing)

Supes deciding to leave and see the galaxy is fine, but his reasoning seems a bit, I dunno. weird. he wants to see the universe before he dies, because "Noones immortal" or something, but well, yeah, he isnt, but he still ages slowly, looking middle aged when hes probably in his late 80's by then. It would SEEM more like he wants to clear his head and meditate, ponder on his life and such, but he should have just SAID that.

Also, it seems weird that he went to the trouble of getting rid of criminals with the projector and using Terry to get to Luthor, being sad that he cant clean up the city, but once Luthor is gone and he is free to do so again... he doesnt.

I also now have even LESS idea what the hell the plates on his suit are for now.

I used to think that maybe since he was aged, the suit being black and all, it was designed to absorb sunlight better, and that maybe the plates were related to that- but now it seems they are pockets. :B I have no idea how [parasitic bomb] fits in them either. They are pretty flat.

In the end, only complaint is I wish it was longer.

...read the Superman Beyond #0 One-Shot.

...it basically explains everything that concludes Superman's story in the DCAU, right after that comic.

Flame · **Reply #970 on:** September 19, 2011, 08:08:31 PM

I'll make sure to.

Posted on: September 19, 2011, 16:53:53

What you guys think about the new Suicide Squad? With the new Harley Quinn redesign?

Considering picking up at least 1-2 comics at the local Comic shop.

Protoman Blues · **Reply #971 on:** September 19, 2011, 08:15:54 PM

Well before Flash talks about Waller's weight, I can say that while it wasn't all that good, 1 issue isn't enough to judge it fully. The issue itself wasn't all that great, but the ending opens it up for interesting possibilities.

Flame · **Reply #972 on:** September 19, 2011, 08:24:49 PM

I do like the redesign in any case. reminds me of the Arkham Asylum one, only better (IMO) wouldn't surprise me if it was inspired by it.

In general though, whats your opinions on how theyve sort of re-invented Harley and separated her from the Joker as more of her own character?

Bueno Excelente · **Reply #973 on:** September 19, 2011, 11:56:55 PM

Nothing happened in the issue, aside from them assuring us that Deadshot kept his personality. Absolutely nothing, really. It was a bit like a prologue.

Flame · **Reply #974 on:** September 20, 2011, 04:37:31 AM

Alright, so I read Superman Beyond, And checked out Suicide Squad.

Superman Beyond definitely does clear up things after Superman/Batman Annual No. 4

And its nice to see Bruce and Clark resume their friendship with their usual "Superman-cant-help-but-be-funny-around-Bruce" interactions.

And yeah SS is definitely more of a prologue. Does look promising though.

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