Marvel and DC both have threads (even if the latter sees little love), so why not one for everyone else? :thumbup:
I'm not sure who else reads some of these titles, but I want to talk about them anyway.
The Great Fables crossover & Fables #86I didn't really care for this, and I really think Fables has gone downhill since the war with the Adversary ended. I know Bill Willingham has said that Fables could theoretically go on forever, like a superhero comic, but I'm thinking that may not be a good thing. The crossover at least came out in a timely manner, being split between Fables, Jack of Fables & the Literals specials, so it's got that over the average big superhero event, but on the whole, it didn't seem to suit the tone of Fables at all, and the ending essentially wrapped it all up so that no one need ever mention the entire thing ever again. It's not even referenced in Fables 86, which just resumes the Mr. Dark storyline from before the crossover began. Anyway, my point is: it's sad to see something once great go on while the things that made it great slowly slip away.
Astro City: the Dark Age Book Three #1-3It's great to have new Astro City again, after what seems like a dog's age since the last part of this story, and the issues have even been prompt and on time so far. The 1970s-set story continues the back story of the setting, and revealing what exactly happened to the Silver Agent, while the two brothers work to infiltrate Pyramid and get their parent's killer. It's quality stuff, though with Astro City coming out so sporadically, I'm really just wishing for more, and a return to Astro City's 'present.' Someone pay Kurt Busiek outrageous sums of money so he can quit working for DC and just publish his own stuff.
Locke & Key: Head GamesThe second sequence of this story just concluded, and while I'm still enjoying it overall, and I know it's only one part in an overarching story, I just wish #6 had had a little more closure, like the first arc had. If you've never heard of this book, check it out at your comic shop - it's a great little dark fantasy comic by Stephen King's son Joe Hill.
BPRD 1947 #1 & Witchfinder - In the Service of Angels #1A pair of titles out by Mike Mignola in his 'Hellboy' universe, though neither with Mignola on art sadly.
1947 is a direct continuation from BPRD 1946, involving Trevor Bruttenholm as a young man trying to combat supernatural menaces with soldiers fresh from the horrors of WWII. This first issue is all set-up, with the introduction of several 'new' BPRD agents, and the introduction of a vampire with a grudge. It's solid stuff, but largely inconsequential to the overarching Hellboy setting (probably - it was just the first issue, after all).
Witchfinder - In the Service of Angels #1 takes up the story of Sir Edward Grey, a Victorian paranormal detective, who has appeared several times in very mysterious circumstances in Hellboy's present. In this issue Grey takes on the ghost of some sort of pre-human creature that's preying on the explorers who disturbed it's bones. This has the potential to relate more directly to the setting, with Grey's unexplained presence in the future, and his association with Hellboy's fate.
Invincible #63So, this issue has Invincible taken to task by a Viltrumite agent sent to basically kill him and take over the earth, fast on the heels of the "Invincible War" one-issue mini-event, where large parts of the world are still heavily damaged, and Atom Eve is in the hospital. The fight is fairly standard 'Invincible' at this point - ultraviolent and highly destructive, and now come spoiler tags:
Spoiler
And when Invincible looks to be losing, Atom Eve wakes from the hospital and goes to help him. The Viltrumite agent easily overpowers and apparently kills her, prompting Invincible to promise to kill him - end of issue.
This bothered me for a number of reasons. As a fan, killing Atom Eve upset me, but I can understand some of the motivation for doing so - tragic past of hero, he's too happy if he's got a great girlfriend and steady relationship, bla bla bla. As a nitpicker though, the whole thing was just poorly handled. First, Eve just nearly died about 2 issues ago, and only just woke from her coma, so the impact of her death is greatly muted. It's 2 big events too close together. Second, Eve was written stupidly. The Viltrumite had a bionic arm, and Eve can rearrange and alter non-living matter - rather than trying to trap him in a bubble, why not turn that arm into vapour and let him start bleeding out? That's just lazy thinking on display.
I'm very happy that you started this thread Talavar. I'll be looking to contribute to it. Especially 'cause my favorite book is a non DC/Marvel title.
Thanks Talavar. I tend to read but never contribute to the Marvel and DC threads, I'm still too poor to afford any kind of monthly pull list, but might make an exception if some of the recommendations are good enough. If not, there's always TPBs :)
Also, I expect most of us have seen this, but I am still desperately excited: http://wildstorm.blog.dccomics.com/files/2009/07/planetary27cover_logo-copy-1024x518.jpg
murs, all my favourite books are non-Marvel/DC (well, Vertigo's kind of DC I guess). What's your fav?
Enigma, if there's any trades you want to comment on or review, go for it. Plus I find a lot of comics these days read better as TPBs anyway.
And I hope lots of people will contribute to this thread, though I doubt it'll see the popularity of the Marvel thread. Here's hoping!
Murs's fave book is probably Scalped by Jason Aaron. And though I don't read much Indie these days, I'm currently stuck on Angel, Buffy, the newest Tick story, and I'm slowly trying to edge my way back into Savage Dragon... however, I think I might do a little mini-review on one of my fave mini-series from awhile back... The Freshmen Volumes 1 and 2.
Quote from: Previsionary on July 19, 2009, 10:24:35 PM
Murs's fave book is probably Scalped by Jason Aaron.
That's the one. ;)
Scalped and Fear Agent are great. Walking Dead is improving again. I've also got to mention The Boys and Lone Ranger ... great stuff.
Fables has never really lived up to its potential after
Spoiler
the death of Bluebeard
in my opinion. However, I really like Jack of Fables for some reason, even though Jack himself is so unlikeable.
Robert Kirkman is starting to show his hand in his comics with the "unexpected" deaths in all his books. It's becoming his trademark gimmick.
I've also been picking up Veritgo's Sandman Mystery Theatre via trades. Wow, what a great detective book!
Jakew, I agree that Fables hasn't been as good since when you mention, but in my opinion, it's been a continuing downward progression. It's still pretty good, but at one time, I would have said it was great.
This week's issues for me:
Invincible #64 Spoiler
So, Invincible fights with a modicum of sense and attacks the invading Viltrumite's bionic hand first, shattering it, then Eve comes back to life, scorches (?) the Viltrumite, who then gets his head caved in by Invincible through a series of headbutt attacks.
I'm glad Eve isn't dead, because I like the character, it lacked impact coming so soon on her grievous injuries, and because it happened in a poorly thought out manner, but I doubt this is going to be perfectly happy. Since Eve apparently brought herself back to life and repaired her injuries, I'm guessing she's getting a dangerous new power upgrade. Still, I'm happy Eve's not dead.
This issue sees Jack & Gary, the Pathetic Fallacy, talking in a diner in Alaska, and Jack relates his time living among fable apes in Africa. It's a fun, little self-contained story after the Fables Crossover and before whatever arc is starting next, but not really a lot to discuss.
Quote from: Talavar on July 27, 2009, 05:12:15 AM
Jakew, I agree that Fables hasn't been as good since when you mention, but in my opinion, it's been a continuing downward progression. It's still pretty good, but at one time, I would have said it was great.
This week's issues for me:
Invincible #64
Spoiler
So, Invincible fights with a modicum of sense and attacks the invading Viltrumite's bionic hand first, shattering it, then Eve comes back to life, scorches (?) the Viltrumite, who then gets his head caved in by Invincible through a series of headbutt attacks.
I'm glad Eve isn't dead, because I like the character, it lacked impact coming so soon on her grievous injuries, and because it happened in a poorly thought out manner, but I doubt this is going to be perfectly happy. Since Eve apparently brought herself back to life and repaired her injuries, I'm guessing she's getting a dangerous new power upgrade. Still, I'm happy Eve's not dead.
Jack of Fables #36 This issue sees Jack & Gary, the Pathetic Fallacy, talking in a diner in Alaska, and Jack relates his time living among fable apes in Africa. It's a fun, little self-contained story after the Fables Crossover and before whatever arc is starting next, but not really a lot to discuss.
I totally agree re: Fables. I keep thinking "imagine what a better, riskier writer could do with this great concept!" As I mentioned on another thread, Invincible had his Ninja Scroll moment :thumbup: = :banghead:
My fave from Dark Horse is Indiana Jones.
Synopsis:QuoteIn 2045, as Islam has overrun Europe and the West openly shuns monotheism, the Vatican funded, CERN Laboratories 'discover' that time travel is possible. The Pope orders the creation of a private army, and led by a few handpicked Cardinals and the finest graduates of selected war colleges, they travel back in time to 312AD - the reign of the first Christian Emperor, Constantine. Upon arrival, conflicting agendas, ideological differences, and personal greed see grand plans unravel. Pax Romana is the tale of 5,000 men sent on an impossible mission to change the past and save the future. At the end of the world, will they succeed, or will they fail?
--product information from Barnes & Nobles.com--The Nightly News has put Jonathan Hickman on my radar(understatement :P). Picking this up was inevitable but unlike Nightly News, my expectations were very high and Hickman doesn't disappoint.
What I thought was going to be an action oriented book (modern weaponry annihilating armies of the past) turned out to be a very cerebral and wordy story. Most of the "battles" were played out in a single page or spread. The book primarily dealt with the moral implications of the mission and long term effects of it's execution.
I don't want to say too much else, I feel the premise should be enough alone to generate interest. It was for me at least.
Negative points:
- Chapter 4(final) felt rushed and crammed to finish the storyline up. An extra issue would have made more sense for this story.
- Chapter 1 was a little slow to get into. The last few pages made me say: "Oh schnitzel!" I was all in after that.
- Action scenes were very brief and the details were re-capped through dialogue. While appropriate for a majority of this story, it would have been nice seeing tanks plow through the Roman Legion.
I give this book a 4.5 out 5. Great idea with good execution. Some small blemishes here and there. But overall....just wow. If you're looking for something fresh, this is it.
Anybody read the latest Scalped?
Spoiler
I honestly thought the Hmongs were gonna put Red Crow six feet under. But him and Shunka went berserk! Dash went all sadist. Probably one of the most exhilarating arcs I've ever read. I was on the edge of my seat during every issue.
Thanks for starting this thread up.
I've been drifting back into Vertigo recently. I think I've already raved about Pete Milligan's Hellblazer, and lets just say I'm raving even louder about the current "India" arc. Solid art and writing.
The other big surprise for me was DayTripper written and drawn by the Fabio Moon/Gabriel Ba twins who illustrated Matt Fraction's Casanova (which I must review at some point...) I'm a superhero fan first and foremost over a comics fan, and expected this one might be a bit dull, but the first two issues have been fantastic. I highly recommend it. I'll do a proper review soon...
Great thread!
BTW... does anyone here read comics from Avatar? I think they put out some of the best genre comics on the market... their horror stuff is real brutal but Absolution is really blowing my mind, especially the issue with the guy who makes nonesense inventions but so long as he believes they work, well, they work.
Other than that I keep up to date with Walking Dead, Chew and a bunch of other things. I would have to be at home where my issues are at but this is a great time for image and other indy publishers.
Just started reading Irredeemable and Atomic Robo myself. Gotta say, Irredeemable is amazing and feels almost like MiracleMan at times.
Atomic Robo is just plain fun. It's kind of like Hellboy in a way but much more lighthearted.
I've been able to get legal digital copies lately, something that the big two seem to be lacking in so I think I'll be reading more Red5, Boom! And other company stuff till they catch up.
I tried looking at the avatar library, but didn't see much to piqu? my interests.
Which publisher is Scalped? I've heard a lot about it and I really liked Aarons Ghost Rider.
Quote from: detourne_me on February 15, 2010, 09:53:08 PM
Which publisher is Scalped? I've heard a lot about it and I really liked Aarons Ghost Rider.
Vertigo. Common description's of the book are it being like the "Sopranos" or "The Wire" on an Indian reservation. I've never watched Sopranos(which I need to do) so I can't say if it's true. But it being compared to The Wire, I agree.
Quote from: murs47 on February 19, 2010, 11:06:42 PM
Quote from: detourne_me on February 15, 2010, 09:53:08 PM
Which publisher is Scalped? I've heard a lot about it and I really liked Aarons Ghost Rider.
Vertigo. Common description's of the book are it being like the "Sopranos" or "The Wire" on an Indian reservation. I've never watched Sopranos(which I need to do) so I can't say if it's true. But it being compared to The Wire, I agree.
Scalped is one of the best crime books on the shelves, which is funny given that vertigo is ignoring it with it's crime line. If you dig it pick up 100 bullets as well.
So, Green Hornet #1 came out this week written by Kevin Smith. I was wondering if anyone here has gotten it and can tell me whether or not I should invest any time or money in it.
Quote from: Previsionary on March 04, 2010, 03:46:03 AM
So, Green Hornet #1 came out this week written by Kevin Smith. I was wondering if anyone here has gotten it and can tell me whether or not I should invest any time or money in it.
Since no one responded to my question, I checked out the book myself. It's a solid read with quite a few hiccups in it that brought my enjoyment of it down. The story is Kevin Smith's abandoned plot for the proposed movie, and he just formatted it for a comic setting. This issue certainly has good art, but some of the dialogue is quite forced and some of the jokes Kevin chose to use erred on the side of mean spirited. There was a particular scene that took place after Green Hornet's final mission which was very unrealistic even for a comic setting. It involved his wife, a gun, and some type of a joke these two apparently play on each other. Anyway, although much of the book hinges on the past (though I can't tell you specifically when this takes place... only that it's GH and Kato's last mission), it jumps into the future in the last few pages to focus on the NEXT GH. All in all, it's enjoyable up to a point, but the problem areas are really in your face.
Tis a 3... out of 5.Oh, I guess I should mention it's new reader friendly for those without much history on the character (like myself).
This week's haul:
Joe the Barbarian #5 (I think its #5).
Haven't bothered reading it because I'm not really that enchanted with this series to be honest. I'm buying it purely out of Morrison-inertia, and anyway, I was too busy on my lunchbreak reading...
Hellblazer #267I've made no secret that I'm a big fan of Milligan and Camuncoli's run. The last two-parter was a bit of a fizzer for me, partly due to Bisley's artwork, partly due to the rather idiosyncratic story about old punks and the Conservative Party. Bisley's a great artist, and blew me away with his early black and white work in 2000AD, but he really isnt playing to his strengths on this title. The story was kind of cool as a meditation on getting old, but may have been lost a bit on people who didn't grow up in the UK in the 80's. Even the lower points of this series have had something good to say.
Anyway, Camuncoli's back on art, with his scratchy style and crazy-faced John. That's good. The new story "Sectioned", picks up straight away with John going a bit mental, I can't really say much more beyond that, because I don't know yet. It's an awesome beginning, feels like this arc may start wrapping up a lot of the threads Milligan's been laying down. All of this alone would have me excited and feeling like this series is getting properly back on track after a recent limp. But most importantly...
Spoiler
John starts to summon Shade the Changing Man!!!!
I'd heard rumours that this would happen soon, but it still came as a complete shock to me.
Any other hardcore Milligan fans should seriously give this a look.
Quote from: Previsionary on March 04, 2010, 03:46:03 AM
So, Green Hornet #1 came out this week written by Kevin Smith. I was wondering if anyone here has gotten it and can tell me whether or not I should invest any time or money in it.
1 was ok --- to talky for my tastes, but thats Kevin Smith for ya'.
2 was better.
3 torch is passed and I just didn't care for it, but knew it was going to happen... since well --- the writing was on the wall from 1. The ending of the book really makes up for everything else however.
Also picked up GH:Year One. Enjoying that more. Will pick up GH Strikes when that comes out. Been loving the pulp resurgence lately. Been picking up DC's First Wave line. Don't care for Doc Savage #1, it was just --- I dunno... awkward. Hoping it gets better as it goes. I'll read it again, maybe its my mood at the time. Picked up Spirit #1 too, but have yet to read it.
RTT
GH: Strike is out. I have it. I just haven't read it. I stopped reading KS's Green Hornet. That scene in issue 1 really did a number on my potential enjoyment of the book. I also bought Kato #1 and haven't read it. Ugh.
Quote from: Previsionary on May 21, 2010, 03:15:07 AM
GH: Strike is out. I have it. I just haven't read it. I stopped reading KS's Green Hornet. That scene in issue 1 really did a number on my potential enjoyment of the book. I also bought Kato #1 and haven't read it. Ugh.
I understand. My reaction to the scene in question was, WTF?
Almost killed it for me too, but I decided to stick it out... judge the work as a whole. Not impressed so far, its ok. How #3 ended was a high note for me, so we'll see how it goes and I hope the momentum continues.
Killer of Demons #1 (3)
I just got around to reading this book despite the fact that I picked it up last year. Is that sad? Maybe, but it is what it is. This comic written by Chris Yost, drawn by Scott Wegener, and published by Image comics is one I picked up because of author alone. How does it stack up? Well, I liked it! Consider for a moment that you're a corporate worker for a company you're not really pleased with, you have a sidekick in the form of a foul mouth angel that tells you you're chosen to do "God's work," you're the only person that can see demons, and your job is to kill them although they appear as regular humans to everyone else. If that's not enough of a setup, also imagine that your brother is an FBI agent that tracks pedophiles in a W.O.W-esque game, you're dating a cop, and the majority of the world thinks you're a mass murderer. It's enough to make a normal man think he's insane, and that's exactly the state our main character, Dave Sloan, is in, constantly questioning whether or not he's lost his marbles while struggling with his responsibilities. In the first issue, you get the setup, action, exposition, and a few moments of humor that all seem to fit in naturally without being overwhelming. Having over 20 pages of content definitely helped. The art style isn't something you'd see very often in most current books, but it fits the tone and even the bright colors don't detract from the story being told. As of this issue, I'd recommend it. 3 out of 5. It's a light story, and can be fairly graphic in some of its violent scenes, but it's entertaining none-the-less, if it's your sort of thing.
My clones and I are one step closer to world domination. (http://www.comicsalliance.com/2010/06/07/merch-girl-murs-josh-blaylock/)
Ryan Ottley and Jason Howard's Sea Bear & Grizzly Shark (http://theygotmixedup.blogspot.com/) comes out this wednesday. It looks so absurd, but in a good way. Anyone else picking this up?
Xerxes prequel to 300 :blink:
http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=26481
So the final volume of Scott Pilgrim came out a few days ago. I think I kinda loved it, even if it wasn't the greatest ending. It seemed a little more serious, like Scott was finally starting to grow up. There were still a few loose ends that weren't quite explained fully, but I'm actually ok with that. And then there will be a film soon, which I am very cautiously optimistic about (huge Spaced fan. It practically defined moving towards adulthood for me).
I'd love to hear some other opinions.
I found Scott Pilgrim #6 quite disappointing, but then I don't really know what it could have done. It was an ending, and they're very difficult to write, as the reader is already disengaging from the fiction by then, since they know its going to end.
I'd already figured out the likely endings: Scott and ramona get together. Scott and Kim get together. etc. Scott decides to spend a bit of time on his own growing up. etc.
One of them happened. The end.
Above that though, this one seemed to be missing any particulalry good non-sequitur fantasy elements that made the rest of the series. No bizarre band thing (the 0.4 second song, playing without instruments), no jarring magical realist elements (the introduction of subspace, the vegan academy) just re-use of the same old stuff. No surprises really.
So, it wasn't terrible, and the end to a great series, just nothing spectacular.
Just a head's up for all you webcomic fans - Dark Horse will be releasing a 3-issue miniseries of Axe Cop, starting this December!
So I just caught up with Walking Dead and I'm the happiest with the series that I've been in a while. I got bored for the rinse and repeat of them being on the road and now they are a little stable again, meaning Kirkman can flex his "soap opera" muscles and put on a little drama, romance, tragedy and character development without super high stakes.
I'll be catching up with Invincible today or tomorrow... love having a few days off.
Ya, Walking Dead has been exceptionally good lately. It makes me much more pumped for the television series.
The sense of safety etc. in volume 12 has got me as tense and edgy as the characters. And you just KNOW it won't last forever. Everything will get worse. Again. People will die. I will find myself caring increasingly less about the new characters brought in to replace them. The cycle will repeat. And yet I will masochistically keep reading it.
Who is the real monster? It's us, readers! Mindlessly shuffling to the comic shop month after month to get the latest issue: WE'RE THE WALKING DEAD!
Heck yeah, so long as we keep buying this comic the protagonists will keep suffering... ever watch Last Action Hero? Arnie plays a movie version of himself and when he realizes that he is just a character in a movie he goes on a rant about how his wife dying and everything that happened to him was just for peoples entertainment.
Caught up with Invincible too, just had the issues pilling up. Kirkman has been crossing that book over but he also likes to jump into stories midway so I never know if I'm missing something that is in another issue. It always feels that way.
I'm so-so on invincible... right now it feels like DBZ with a major need to out-do the shock of the previous issue.
So I was pretty impressed with the premiere of The Walking Dead TV show and decided to finally get into the comic. It was always on my radar since it's by Kirkman and everyone says great things about it. So I ordered The Walking Dead Compendium (http://www.amazon.com/Walking-Dead-Compendium-One/dp/1607060760/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1289447926&sr=8-12) which includes the first 48 issues for around $40. Pretty great deal for anyone wanting to get into the series. Looking forward to reading it.
This thread rarely gets any love. Why is that? Well, I reviewed an older comic from Image. Ch-ch-check it: Killer of Demons (http://frp.unlimited2.net/highlight-on-killer-of-demons/)
Yep, I just bumped this thread. Got somethin' to say about it? Deal. ^_^
Okay...I'm a big fan of Buffy The Vampire Slayer and Godzilla, but I am really not digging either of their comic book series. SPOILERS BELOW!
Buffy Season 8 from Dark Horse was just "okay" for me...It didn't really feel like the TV series to me either. Plus Joss wrote in things that seemed to be just there for shock value (like Buffy having sex with another girl just for the heck of it). I followed along as the series went, really hoping it would improve...But alas...
Now Buffy Season 9 is disappointing me too...It also doesn't feel like the TV series and the first issue felt entirely like a waste of paper...Buffy having a hangover, remembering her housewarming party at her new apartment in San Francisco where she partied and acted generally ridiculous. The issue ends with lame joke on Buffy's student loans...ARGH! Is some imposter posing as Joss Whedon writing these issues, because the writing pales in comparison to his work on the TV series?
For a time I was also collecting the Angel series, but that was so bad I dropped it after issue #3.
The new Godzilla series from IDW is just crap (IMHO)! The art isn't terribly good (it's sloppy and sometimes hard to figure out what's going on) and the writing is leaving a lot to be desired. Issue #6 scene: A Native American on a horse at Mt. Rushmore witnesses Godzilla destroying said monument with his death breath..."An unstoppable juggernaut destroying sacred monuments. The irony." The unnamed observer says.
How is that Ironic? Arrgh! I'm dropping both of these books, they've been nothing but disappointments.
Dana
Yeah, I read a little bit of Buffy Season 8 and found it quite lackluster, which is unfortunate.
In other news though, Unwritten, by Mike Carey at Vertigo, is awesome!
I quite liked Buffy season 8, but it went seriously off the rails at the end.
Spoiler
I didn't have a problem with Buffy/Satsu. I did however have a problem with Willow wondering what Buffy was like in bed. It's like someone had forgotten that Willow was "the sister Buffy never had", and the whole scene gave me an incest vibe that majorly squicked me out. I could've lived with it had they not made the huge mistake of revealing the existence of vampires to the world- and having the world be on the side of the vampires. No, just no. And the less said about the ridiculous ending arc, the better.
Season 9 is supposed to be a "back to basics" season, so I'll give it a shot. But it seems to be off schedule Issue #1 came out like 8-10 weeks ago, and no #2 yet.
Agree on "The Unwritten"- after "Locke and Key" its probably my favorite comic out there.
Quote from: bredon7777 on October 31, 2011, 03:20:56 AM
But it seems to be off schedule Issue #1 came out like 8-10 weeks ago, and no #2 yet.
Actually, I'm pretty sure issue 2 is already out. Issue three is scheduled for November 9.
Yes, I can't say enough how awesome Locke & Key is! Great comic. Unwritten too.
I keep hearing good things about Locke & Key...perhaps I should try it soon.
Is anyone reading the The Secret Talent of Luther Strode from Image? It's a pretty fun story so far.
I've read the first two arcs of Locke and Key. I like them. Pretty scary at times, pretty strange at other times. The art is very good.
Another lawsuit, but this one is interesting: Robert Kirkman vs. Tony Moore over "The Walking Dead" (http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=36911)
Been a while since this thread saw any life, but I thought it a good place to relate that Neil Gaiman is writing a new Sandman mini-series, among other Vertigo news coming out of Comic Con.
Obligatory link: http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=39735 (http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=39735)
Quote from: Talavar on July 13, 2012, 03:13:45 AM
Been a while since this thread saw any life, but I thought it a good place to relate that Neil Gaiman is writing a new Sandman mini-series, among other Vertigo news coming out of Comic Con.
Obligatory link: http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=39735 (http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=39735)
I'm looking forward to it. I think I've enjoyed his Sandman shorts and minis more than the main series.
Did anybody pick up Punk Rock Jesus #1?
Scalped, the greatest comic series of all time has come to its natural conclusion this week. That was one heck of a ride. Kudos to Jason Aaron and R.M. Guera.
Has anyone been reading Valiant comics?
Archer & Armstrong, Harbinger, X-O Manowar and Bloodshot have come out so far (I think Ninjak is also going to be released.).
I've never read a Valiant comic before, but these books now are pretty darn good. I'm a fan.. it makes me want to visit the back issue bins to see what I could pick up on old stories.
Harbinger is really good. I couldn't get in to Manowar or Bloodshot, though. They weren't bad, they just weren't for me. I haven't tried Archer + Armstrong yet.
The latest Harbinger is so good.
They're releasing the X-O Manowar trade for only 10 bucks, which is a solid business plan. Even though I have the issues (and boy, do I have issues!), I'm going to buy the trade, too. You can't go wrong for only 10 bucks.
Will the Harbinger trade also be 10 bucks?
I been meaning to post here about the IDW Ghostbusters series (coulda sworn I already did, but oh well). Anyway if you're a big Ghostbusters fan and you haven't read it, you really gotta. It's gotta be the most authentic recreation of the tone, humor and characterization of the films ever made outside of the 2009 video game (which it references on a regular basis, along with about a million other things from all walks of the franchise). It's consistently my favorite book I pick up.
Currently, and for the past year if not more everything gets me more excited if it's not from the big two (I still read from their crop and enjoy some to mind you), especially if it's under the IDW, Top Cow, or Dynamite banner. Also I am HUGE on the latest Lady Death Boundless run. Tick New Series was also in my top five but...where did it go?
@Silver Shocker: Read all of the IDW Ghostbusters stuff, minis and full series. Every bit of it has been fantastic and I cosign your suggestion. In fact I think I saw in this seasons solicits that they're releasing a collection of the previous mini's and 1-shots, as well as the NOW comics run for late bloomers. Seriously invigorating stuff, I'll say my favorite of the entire was Displaced Aggression.
Yep, there's a 100-page reprint that's coming out this month, supposedly on the 24th. I'm planning to get that as I missed all the comics before the ongoing and I'm curious to see how they hold up.
I went on a spending binge and bought up all of Locke & Key by Joe Hill.
My god, is that story engaging. I can't wait to see how it ends.
I'll take me a niece big slice of that new Cyberforce pie anytime it's ready. Loved everything related to this so far under the udder (Hunter-Killer, Cyberforce, Fusion, Velocity, Artifacts, ect). Not one let down yet.
http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=preview&id=13884 (http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=preview&id=13884)
Also really stoked about the groovy new guest star in Prophecy#4
http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=preview&id=13911 (http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=preview&id=13911)
No one has been reading Punk Rock Jesus? For shame!
For those who haven't noticed yet, Astro City is now being put out by Vertigo after the Wildstorm imprint was folded. Looks like it might be an ongoing but am unsure at this moment.
Quote from: Deaths Jester on September 06, 2013, 02:24:46 PM
For those who haven't noticed yet, Astro City is now being put out by Vertigo after the Wildstorm imprint was folded. Looks like it might be an ongoing but am unsure at this moment.
I believe it is an ongoing again, with 3 or 4 issues out so far.
So according to the September solicits for IDW Ghostbusters #20 will be the final issue, described as the conclusion to IDW's Ghostbusters run. I'm going to wait and see if there's another book after that but if this is it I'm a bit surprised considering the current arc (which #20 concludes) is part of the franchise's anniversary. It was playing up connections to the original films with certain characters appearing in it and the threat involved, as well as the arc, "Mass Hysteria" being named after a notable Venkmen line. It came off as a bit of a jumping on point, and each issue had a recap page introducing all the characters. If this really is the end of the book, I think that's alright. The book had a nice long run, and I enjoyed it, but my fondness for it has faded a bit over time.
I meant to post this sooner, but the newest news for the Ghosbusters comic is that in October there will a 4 issue Ghostbusters/TMNT mini series! (http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=54061) Oh yes. Written by the writers of both books and drawn by GB's artist Dan Shoening it's an 80's nostalgia crossover for my generation.
I'm not even close to caught up on IDW's TMNT comic but assuming the mini has little to do with the plots from that book I'll definitely be getting this. Otherwise I might wait for the trade.
Good to know and thanks for the heads-up. That'll be on my list. I think I'm on the opposite end of the spectrum from you with IDW. I read everything TMNT they released but with Ghostbusters I only read the mini's and 1-shots and stopped just before the ongoing. I did of course pick up the later event tie-ins though (Infestation, X-Files and so on). That's my series with them I need to catch up in trade.
Current favorite indy book is Aphrodite IX. Actually it's my favorite book period. Or now it's Aphrodite IX-Cyberforce...this month. The new title thereafter will be IXth Generation. I of course suggest the read. There aren't really too many essential tie-ins as the book covers background in story and in the end caps. Helpful ones would be to of course read the whole run itself. The after-reboot Cyberforce ties in directly. Some knowledge of the series Artifacts and what events transpired as a result of Top Cow's company reboot will come into play, though again this will all be covered in the book itself .They'll even bother to actually give you a science class at the end of each issue explaining the every technology and physics used in each issue, so yeah you can get away with the series itself and Matt Hawkins will get your back.
Quote from: SickAlice on July 25, 2014, 04:49:11 PM
Good to know and thanks for the heads-up. That'll be on my list. I think I'm on the opposite end of the spectrum from you with IDW. I read everything TMNT they released but with Ghostbusters I only read the mini's and 1-shots and stopped just before the ongoing. I did of course pick up the later event tie-ins though (Infestation, X-Files and so on). That's my series with them I need to catch up in trade.
Well I can tell you this: the creators said in this article (http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=54317) that the villain will be an appropriate TMNT villain, now with some kind of "ghost powers" and the only Ghostbusters characters in it other than the main four will be Janine and Kyle Griffin from the old 9os "Extreme Ghostbusters" cartoon, who was introduced into the comics a few years back and IMO is much better here than in that cartoon. There might be some cameos here and there. Splinter's being left out, April and Casey's making it in, "that's all they have time for", which I'm taking to mean that it's going to be a fairly simple get-in-get-out story. They also said they came up with a bunch of bits and exchanges they couldn't fit in.
Most importantly for TMNT readers, they've said that, like the other minis, it will set up future plot points for the ongoing.
If you liked the other Ghostbusters comics, I think you will like the ongoing even more. I read the 100-page sampler reprint from a few years back and I found most of the other books weren't nearly as good. The writers do have their own takes on the characters that are slightly off (but not necessarily bad IMO), there are a LOT of fanservice easter eggs moments for fans of the video games, movies and cartoons (many of the toys make it into background cameos). The latest issue was especially glorious for its nostalgic references and throwbacks. And the humor, tone and characterization is good for Ghostbusters. Venkman consistently gets the best lines.
I made it to the comic shop. But my monthly issue pull is too high (it's getting ridiculous honestly, I should start making cuts) so I ad to pass on GB. It's still on high priority when I have the monies and time.
Pleased with the way the whole Kick-@$$! story wrapped. I was expecting get at least a little hornswaggled there but I don't think they could've ended it any more properly than they did. I wouldn't give it an award or anything but it didn't disappoint or leave me with anything hokey. I also noticed Bendis has a new Icon title called United States Of Murder. I scoffed at it just because I want him to work on Scarlet instead. Is that shallow of me? Yeah, most likely but I feel it anyways. I think Scarlet was the best thing he's written in years. I hated that it vaporized but originally figured he is stretched really thin over the Marvel franchises and comics as it is so it makes sense he wouldn't have the time. But then I see him on a different indy book? Bendis you've cheated on Scarlet you pig! :banghead:
Quote from: SickAlice on August 09, 2014, 04:14:35 AM
I made it to the comic shop. But my monthly issue pull is too high (it's getting ridiculous honestly, I should start making cuts) so I ad to pass on GB. It's still on high priority when I have the monies and time.
Last year my pull list was so insanely high I was rocking 8 + books every few weeks and fell so behind in several books I actually read multiple issues of each in bulk. I later ended up dropping a few books I wasn't in love with and I now have the opposite problem - I barely have any new books to read :P I'm fairly confident that will change soon as I have some Marvel stuff coming up that will fill out my weeks nicely.
On the plus side, I'd had more time to get caught up in my trades, and I've been really enjoying that.
If they wouldn't keep releasing line wide #1's/All New I probably wouldn't have the problem. I also got hooked on the big twos alternate universe titles last year, something I avoided in the past (The current Ultimates stuff is really strong though). I used to prefer the TPB format. More manageable and usually comes with bonus material. But years ago I convinced myself to donate my comics after I finished reading them, age appropriate stuff to children's hospitals of welfare houses and mature material to the troops, so I tend to be hesitant about dropping the cash on them now. Maybe I'll luck out and Comicology or whoever will put up the digital format of GB for free sometime when I have wifi again, or buy em if their cheap enough.
*Reads Invincible 113, instantly becomes happy then come to a sudden realization on how bad things are gonna get from now on, laughs and realizes that's impossible.... THINGS MANAGES TO GET WORSE.
Make mine Kirkman!
Quote from: trebean on August 12, 2014, 12:52:00 PM
*Reads Invincible 113, instantly becomes happy then come to a sudden realization on how bad things are gonna get from now on, laughs and realizes that's impossible.... THINGS MANAGES TO GET WORSE.
Make mine Kirkman!
The series took a bit of a downturn after the Viltrumite War. But this current arc, holy-moly! So epic! :thumbup:
Meanwhile the Walking Dead has been un characteristically optimistic lately... Wonde go long that will last?
Quote from: detourne_me on August 15, 2014, 05:50:59 AM
Meanwhile the Walking Dead has been un characteristically optimistic lately... Wonde go long that will last?
Did you read the last issue? Things are gonna go down!!
It's really impressive how Kirkman tremendously raises the bar even when the bar has been set so high. His stories just get better and better.
Yeah. It was pretty great how ineffectual Negan was!
But I am a bit iffy about
Spoiler
talking zombies. I hope it's a new group of hunters that have learned how to blend into hordes. I really don't want to see evolving zombies. Also, what 5/6 years have passed in the time jump? How are there even still zombies walking?
I highly recommend The Names, based on reading the first issue this week.
Pete Milligan spins a tale of Wall Street, revenge and a rather bizarre conspiracy which will reveal itself to us as a young widow investigates her trader husband's apparent suicide.
Nice sketchy wobby art by Leandro Fernandez suits it to a T.
Check it out, Milligan fans and any other lovers of good alternative comics!
Any other Indy books peeps? My stack seems to be breaking down to Marvel and DC sans any TMNT related stuff, Mega Man and Artifacts (Aphrodite and Cyberforce are on megapause otherwise). I have been checking out the Chaos revival. I was never too into the old stuff but was highly intrigued by the Lady Death Boundless run. But she's neither with Chaos and in limbo otherwise so sort of moot. For the revival I'm mainly just going to hold my tongue because I can't really think of anything positive to say for it but that not said I do have a very large Indy book slot to fill.
Quote from: SickAlice on November 15, 2014, 01:13:05 AM
Any other Indy books peeps? My stack seems to be breaking down to Marvel and DC sans any TMNT related stuff, Mega Man and Artifacts (Aphrodite and Cyberforce are on megapause otherwise). I have been checking out the Chaos revival. I was never too into the old stuff but was highly intrigued by the Lady Death Boundless run. But she's neither with Chaos and in limbo otherwise so sort of moot. For the revival I'm mainly just going to hold my tongue because I can't really think of anything positive to say for it but that not said I do have a very large Indy book slot to fill.
Have you tried Valiant? I haven't really tried anything from the recent reboot, but that's because I'm still going through the old stuff. Let me tell you, if the reboot is anything like the original 90's material, then Valiant is more than worth a look. The one to start with would probably be Harbringer, which is basically a teen-roadtrip-flick, except the teens have superpowers, and they're on the run from a Japanese businessman who is also one of the most powerful superhumans on the face of the Earth. In the end, not only do they have to deal with Harada, (the buisnessman,) but their personal issues that come not only from having superpowers, but also from just being teens. I think Valiant's actually started publishing some of their 90's stuff in TPB's, so the first 6-7 issue arc of 90's Harbringer (which I highly recommend,) should be available. If you like that, then you can check out the new version. It does some things differently, but I've checked out a few issues, and the overall premise and spirit seems to be the same as the original. Just don't expect the fine details of the plot to measure up exactly with the original.
If you're interested in Valiant, just check the link below to learn more about them. The only thing to keep in mind is that three classic Valiant series -- Solar, Magnus: Robot Fighter, and Turok - are not part of the current revived line-up due to licensing issues. However, they are being published nowadays thanks to Dynamite Publishing; it's just that these new versions aren't part of the Valiant Universe, unfortunately. And here's the link:
http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Creator/ValiantComics?from=Main.ValiantComics
I've never really been into their books short of Quantum & Woody but when it was published by Acclaim. Dynamite period (speaking of the new Chaos) has been pretty unappealing to me as of late and sadly since not long ago they took up a good chunk of my monthly pull list. I'll give the revivals a second look in the previews but not sure. It sounds like 1.) you haven't really read the current ones and 2.) had the opposite feeling towards their original stuff than I so I don't know if I'll bite. Though thanks for the suggestion.
Quote from: SickAlice on November 15, 2014, 09:40:27 PM
I've never really been into their books short of Quantum & Woody but when it was published by Acclaim. Dynamite period (speaking of the new Chaos) has been pretty unappealing to me as of late and sadly since not long ago they took up a good chunk of my monthly pull list. I'll give the revivals a second look in the previews but not sure. It sounds like 1.) you haven't really read the current ones and 2.) had the opposite feeling towards their original stuff than I so I don't know if I'll bite. Though thanks for the suggestion.
That's fine. I'm curious, though; what
did you think of Valiant, if I may ask?
QuoteHave you tried Valiant? I haven't really tried anything from the recent reboot, but that's because I'm still going through the old stuff. Let me tell you, if the reboot is anything like the original 90's material, then Valiant is more than worth a look.
I can't recommend the Valiant reboot highly enough. They publish a comparatively tiny universe to Marvel or DC but the trade off is that the quality of the books is excellent across the board ... personal favourites are XO Manowar, Eternal Warrior, Harbingers and Archer & Armstrong. Really, really good stuff.
Here's a random few that I'm reading at the moment:
IMAGE: The Fuse, Wytches, The Fade Out, Spread, God Hates Astronauts, Genius, '68, Southern Bastards, Ten Grand, Trees, The Wicked + The Divine, Manifest Destiny
VERTIGO: The Names
ICON: Men of Wrath
ONI: Letter 44, Brides of Helheim
DYNAMITE: Chastity, Captain Victory & The Galactic Rangers, Nightbreed, Flash Gordon
AVATAR: God Is Dead, Uber
MONKEYBRAIN: The Fallen
BOOM: The Woods
Here's a list my favorite books outside of Marvel/ DC
The Names
The Woods - Met the writer, great guy!
The Kitchen
Wytches
Outcast
The October Faction
Think Tank. That's the one I keep forgetting to check out. Wytches, October Faction and God Hates Astronauts have all caught my eye a bit. Nightbreed? As in Clive Barker? I didn't even know there was a current run, I would have been there at #1. Love that film something fierce. I have the Chastity run so far, just haven't pulled it from the pile yet considering the bad taste the rest of Chaos left me with. I was going to drop the whole experience as is, I was mainly there for Purgatory and I'm just not liking the story.
@kkhohoho: Not sure what you mean? I didn't like their books, short of Q&W which I loved. XO Manowar and what not just aren't my season. I wouldn't say they were bad productions in any way mind you, just not the kind of characters I enjoy reading. I've never been able to feel for Solar either and can't explain why not. And I go way back with him. When I actually bought into the collecting side of comics as well the reading for a spell some of my first where those old Golden Key ones. I found them at a garage sale or something yet despite how valuable the issues themselves were to me I couldn't get myself to care about the character. *shrug* I have a lot strange aversions to either really beloved icons and/or treasured cult classics that others normally adore. Or I suppose the bottom line is I'm picky. Not to be confused with an effete snob of course (slides the plate of Florentine away from the laptop as if you were able to see it)! >.> Still it seems you peeps are giving them much adieu and I'm normally on board with your opinions so I'll try and grab some samples when FFVTTR business slows here and see if the new brand of Valiant rubs differently on me. I just know while I don't have an attitude with the big two exactly I get a little itchy if I don't have some variety in there, specifically some non-superhero books.
Quote from: SickAlice on November 17, 2014, 05:52:30 AM
Think Tank. That's the one I keep forgetting to check out. Wytches, October Faction and God Hates Astronauts have all caught my eye a bit. Nightbreed? As in Clive Barker? I didn't even know there was a current run, I would have been there at #1. Love that film something fierce. I have the Chastity run so far, just haven't pulled it from the pile yet considering the bad taste the rest of Chaos left me with. I was going to drop the whole experience as is, I was mainly there for Purgatory and I'm just not liking the story.
@kkhohoho: Not sure what you mean? I didn't like their books, short of Q&W which I loved. XO Manowar and what not just aren't my season. I wouldn't say they were bad productions in any way mind you, just not the kind of characters I enjoy reading. I've never been able to feel for Solar either and can't explain why not. And I go way back with him. When I actually bought into the collecting side of comics as well the reading for a spell some of my first where those old Golden Key ones. I found them at a garage sale or something yet despite how valuable the issues themselves were to me I couldn't get myself to care about the character. *shrug* I have a lot strange aversions to either really beloved icons and/or treasured cult classics that others normally adore. Or I suppose the bottom line is I'm picky. Not to be confused with an effete snob of course (slides the plate of Florentine away from the laptop as if you were able to see it)! >.> Still it seems you peeps are giving them much adieu and I'm normally on board with your opinions so I'll try and grab some samples when FFVTTR business slows here and see if the new brand of Valiant rubs differently on me. I just know while I don't have an attitude with the big two exactly I get a little itchy if I don't have some variety in there, specifically some non-superhero books.
That's fine. I just thought maybe you didn't like Valiant because it was too 'dark and edgy', or something like that.
Nah. I like dark and edgy stuff. I wouldn't haul all of the Bat family books home if that wasn't the case. I like most genres for that matter but a good mix in the lot. The only types of books I don't really get into are westerns, army/war is hell and those books by Zenescope that look like Victoria Secret ads with additional bust. Oh and Blue Water biography type ones. While it's really neat that they made a book about Barack Obama's dog and everything I just can't justify paying for it, lol.
QuoteNightbreed? As in Clive Barker? I didn't even know there was a current run, I would have been there at #1.
Yeah, it's written by Marc Andreyko ... same guy who writes Chastity and (formerly) Manhunter and Batwoman at DC. Talented guy. I recently read the old Nightbreed comics ... those are also pretty cool.
And the same writer from Batwoman (that's my fallback DC title). That ones a def and I'll have to pull the Chastity books from the pile and leaf through them then. Batwoman hasn't let me down yet.
I'm surprise that nobody haven't posted here in a while.
Anyway, my LCS just gave me a few issues of SAGA (23-25) and I'm in love with the series. Has anybody else been reading this book? I found the TPB with issues 1-18 online. This book is really a good read.
I'm a fan of Saga as well. It's a keeper.
Seconded on Saga, which I bought (along with a bunch of other e-books) in a recent Humble Bundle; it is quite wonderful.
Yeah, Saga is great, as is most of Brian K Vaughn's creator-owned stuff.
There are some really good sci-fi comics being released at the moment.
I read some of IDWs Magic the gathering comics.A lott of potential there,but not executed all that well.
Friend recommended me Vertigos Coffin Hill.I finished volume 1,and Im just okay with it.Is it worth continuing?
I heard about Coffin Hill, but haven't read it yet. Another good book to read is Graveyard Shift. It reminds me of those cop TV shows from the 80s-90s. It's pretty much a cap who's girlfriend became a vampire and they are after the vampire who turned her. It goes into much more detail than that and it's a good book. Issue 3 came out about 2 weeks ago, but you should still be about to pick up the books.
Also from IDW,Godzilla: Kingdom of Monsters was okay.Are other Godzilla series worth checking out?
IDW has announced a Back to the Future ongoing for the 30th anniversary. (http://www.comicbookresources.com/article/sdcc-exclusive-bob-gale-discusses-heading-back-to-the-future-at-idw) It's by the creative team of Ghostbusters, writer Eric Burnham and artist Dan Schoening, so that might mean IDW's done with regular Ghostbusters comics for the time (from my experience Schoening cannot do more than one ongoing to save his life, so it would at least need a different artist.) BttF writer Bob Gale and Transformers writer John Barber are also co-writing.
Love all the visuals recreated in the artwork.
Plug: A Kickstarter for a Nexus/The Moth comic strip newspaper (https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/steverude/rude-dude-nexus-and-the-moth-comic-strip-newspaper) (+ e-versions) by Steve Rude (of X-Men Children of the atom, Mister Miracle, Space Ghost, Superman/Batman fame), Mike Baron and Gary Martin. Ending in a few days.
Looking good if they do meet their goal!
(https://ksr-ugc.imgix.net/assets/004/188/279/bb16976aba583b59ade9f9fdbf9ac013_original.jpg?v=1437518029&w=680&fit=max&auto=format&q=92&s=69276f7d22b0db1db45a7832956a15ab)
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/steverude/rude-dude-nexus-and-the-moth-comic-strip-newspaper (https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/steverude/rude-dude-nexus-and-the-moth-comic-strip-newspaper)
I find myself reading a lot of IDW books lately. Right now my favorites are Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Jem. Yes, I'm a child of the 80's
NEXUS... AND... THE MOTH??
:eek2: :faint
Im hearing a lot about Wayward,so is it good?
I don't see it getting a lot of attention around the web but have to say Archie comics Worlds Unite has been a great read through and through so far. This is AvsX done right.
Slim pickins from the big two on my account. If it weren't for TMNT, GB Get Real and Sonic Boom I would just as well hold off on the LCS until next week. Nice to have mainstays.
I recently started Invincible and its REALLY,REALLY GREAT.I takes 4-5 paperbacks to really get rolling,but it pays off.
If you like supernatural titles you should pick up Wayward.Also pretty great.
Image has some good series now.
Without going into spoilers as this is the 11th part of a cross-over event (Worlds Unite which itself is a sequel to Worlds Collide) just the first spread page alone of Sonic The Hedgehog #275 is straight up one of the greatest moments in retro-gaming history. Even if anyone isn't enticed by the series (I wasn't but I found out I've really been missing out on a great series) this one is worth it if your just a nostalgic retro-gamer. Definitely shouldn't be left out of the collection.
I looked it up just now, and yeah, that is pretty cool.
Spoiler
I find it amusing that Chun-Li is just randomly doing a Whirlwind Kick in a mid air a fair distance from the bad guys. Can she straight up fly like that or what? I also found Bison just hovering there also kinda random and amusing, he kinda looks like he doesn't care about the fight.
Most of them are spelled out in a 4th wall manner (literal mention of breaking the 4th wall happens during the cross-over actually) and obey the physics of their classic game appearances. In most cases an in-joke is made when these things happen more as service to fans. Seriously epic stuff as an aged gamer goes, can't recommend this one enough.
A bit off-topic here, but I just finished the latest issue of the walking dead (fantastic as usual!) and saw a solicit by a new comic from Mark Millar and Rafael Albequrque. It's called Huck and I have a feeling it will be great, it's being billed as Captain AmerIca meets Forrest Gump, and I think it has a real Norman Rockwell vibe to it. It will be interesting to see Millar break from ultraviolence and obscenities.
Anyone read Men of Wrath?Jason Aaron does a spectacular job.Hands down,his best book.
Quote from: Spade on September 10, 2015, 01:12:43 PM
Anyone read Men of Wrath?Jason Aaron does a spectacular job.Hands down,his best book.
I read it, but wasn't that a Marvel book?
In theory,but it was under Icon imprint.So I guess if we count Vertigo as separate entity,we can count Icon as separate.
Top Cow is taking my money. Hawkins and Sejic are just nailing it.
Quote from: Spade on August 12, 2015, 04:47:24 AM
I recently started Invincible and its REALLY,REALLY GREAT.I takes 4-5 paperbacks to really get rolling,but it pays off.
Been meaning to respond to this one. Glad to hear you're enjoying it. Never been a fan of Invincible. It and its writer, Robert Kirkman, have always felt to me like an example of decent idea, shaky execution. I fell out of it years and have never felt any interest in getting back into it.
Oh,Killstrike you are hilarious.A comic that parodies the 90's comic trends,but is never mean about it.While trying to sell his #1,main character revives Killstrike from the comic.Killstike kinda looks like the lovechild of Cable and Domino with a soulpatch.And together they set off to find the MCs father,who is totally not Alan Moore.Confrontation with not-Rob Liefeld is the best scene in the book. :)
Spoiler
When accused that he "ruined comics" not-Rob points out that he did a great deal for creators rights and that the "intelligent" series nerds are gushing over are published by the company he started.
Moral of the whole story being that we may be cynical hipsters who dont read anything published post 1963,we were once kids who enjoyed reading about overly muscled guys with pouches and giant guns,AND THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THAT. :)
Read it if you haven't,seriously.
Jupiters legacy...I dont see what the fuss is about.in short,way too many subplots for 5 issues,there will be a sequel thou...And we saw it all before.Kids who cant live up to their parents legacy,heroes taking a more active approach,heroes taking over the US and sucking at running it...All very familiar.
Hey,I found the thread. 🙂
Rick and Morty vs Dungeons and Dragons. Its a thing. And it doesn't go like you would expect. Its basically a giant ad for D&D. Morty starts playing it because "gamers get laid". Damn,Zub,laying it on a bit thick? And then everyone already plays it because its apparently the coolest thing ever. And even Jerry is awesome in-game. Even Jerry,as everyone points out. Also,Dungeon Master (from the cartoon) is in it. Because nostalgia,I guess.
To summarize,it really wants to sell you D&D.
That sounds like Volume 1. Patrick Rothfuss co-wrote it with Zub. And it's got ALOT of easter eggs and cameos are in it. There are appearances from the kids of the D&D cartoons hidden in it. Matt Mercer, Satine Phoenix, and one of Pat Ro's characters, Driebus Beestinger, pop up too.
Volume 2 is all Zub, and the story is the world of D&D invading and changing the R&M world. It has one of my favorite covers with issue 2 (IIRC). It's a homage to the 5e Monster Manual, with Rick as the beholder.
QuoteVolume 2 is all Zub, and the story is the world of D&D invading and changing the R&M world.
Which is probably what you would expect from a crossover like this.
Anyway,I found it really funny how hard it tries to sell D&D as the coolest thing ever. Not that I have strong feelings towards D&D either way. I played a few video games,and thats about that.
There is an actual 'Rick&Morty Vs D&D' ttrpg set out. You can play as Jerry, Summer, Beth, or Morty playing D&D, with Rick being the DM. The game is based on running a dungeon designed by Rick. I haven't had the chance to run it (Damned COVID), but it's looks like it could be a blast. There is a YouTube video of a group running the game. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0OckneC0PT0) (Pretty funny stuff)
In case it's not apparent, I'm an avid D&D player, and RPGs are some of the coolest things ever (IMO).
Quote from: HarryTrotter on February 11, 2021, 08:50:00 PM
Hey,I found the thread. 🙂
Rick and Morty vs Dungeons and Dragons. Its a thing. And it doesn't go like you would expect. Its basically a giant ad for D&D. Morty starts playing it because "gamers get laid". Damn,Zub,laying it on a bit thick?
I see Morty's still being incredibly stupid. And ignoring that Jessica actually seems to kinda like him. Sigh.
QuoteAnd even Jerry is awesome in-game. Even Jerry,as everyone points out.
Actually that checks out. Jerry did seem to have some nerd cred in the show. In the S4 premiere, Jerry correctly identities a monstrous transformation as being similar to Akira (even pronouncing it with an accent) and I seem to recall some other comparable instances.
QuoteAlso,Dungeon Master (from the cartoon) is in it. Because nostalgia,I guess.
I don't think I've ever actually watched the cartoon, but that is pretty cool.
QuotePatrick Rothfuss co-wrote it with Zub. [...] Volume 2 is all Zub,
Zub also wrote the Baldur's Gate comics, I still gotta read those.
QuoteMatt Mercer, Satine Phoenix, and one of Pat Ro's characters, Driebus Beestinger, pop up too.
They're making like 5 new D&D or D&D adjacent video games right now (including, yes, indeed, a new Baldur's Gate) maybe they should get Matt Mercer and/or some of the other Critical Role people to voice in it. I'd probably do that if given the option.
TMNT 2012 with that Dungeon Master Owl voiced by Paul Reubens with the exact same voice as Bat-Mite could be a good comic, and I'm
pretty sure that character is indeed in the TMNT 2012 tie-in comics.
Zub wrote every D&D comic in the last 10 or so years. He's REALLY into it.
Yeah,Baldurs Gate 3 is happening. I wish I had the will to replay the first 2 games.
Which also brings me to my big gripe with D&D- the fluff is interesting,but the mechanics just suck. Spell memorization makes me not want to bother with spells. Armor class? Wearing armor reduces your chance of getting hit? How does that even work?
I'm going on the assumption you haven't played D&D. If I'm wrong, I apologize. Anyways.... here.... we.... go!!!
Quote from: HarryTrotter on February 12, 2021, 06:45:55 AM
Spell memorization makes me not want to bother with spells.
Okay, the Wizard class has to do spell memorization to 'burn' the spell into their mind. Now there are certain spell you don't have to memorize, called 'cantrips'. These spell are, however, the lowest level spells, but you can cast them all day long. They can be anything from illusion-type spells to damage dealing ones.
If you don't want to memorize spells, you can opt to take either the Warlock or Sorcerer class. Sorcerers are natural born spell casters and Warlocks make pacts with other-dimensional beings for their powers. They aren't able to cast as many spells per level as a Mage, but their spells come without having to study to earn them.
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Armor class? Wearing armor reduces your chance of getting hit? How does that even work?
Alrighty, armor class! How does it work? It tends to be described wrong. It doesn't prevent you from getting hit, it's more like it prevents you from taking damage. If you have a good DM, they can describe what happens when an opponent
biffs their attack roll.
Basically, a higher armor class means that if the attack roll fails, the blow can :
A: Completely misses, or you dodged out of the way. This result can come from a poor attack roll, or the fact that the AC is high from a good dexterity score. (All DM's discretion.)
B: You parried the blow with your weapon or shield. Or you Bruce Lee that
stuff bare-handed. (Noooooo, not the actual sword/mace/ax, but the weapon hand wielding it. You shove the arm out of the way, so the attack misses.)
C: The attack hits you, but your armor or shield, absorbs the blow and you shrug it off. If your DM wants to run a relatively realistic campaign, he could make you have to get your armor/shield repaired after so many battles.
Now it falls onto the DM if he wants to actually describe the effects of each miss, or he could ask you, or it could be understood that you both understand how it works, and you skip it to speed up combat.
I do combinations of all of those when I DM. On small brawls, such as bar fights or minion fights, we accept what happens to speed things along. On the big epic boss-type fights, I like to go A and B. When the players miss, I describe how the baddie blocks their blow (or dodges it.) And when the baddie misses them, they can tell me what they did. Sometimes things get mixed and I do the descriptions all around. It depends on the players, the mood, etc.
Anywho, hope the helps explain AC for you. And hope that also helps you re-think the magic-classes.
I never played the tabletop game. I played Baldurs gate 1 and 2,Planescape,Icewind Dale,maybe some other stuff...I don't remember if warlock was a thing in those,but casting spells was a chore. Good luck resting when everything is time-limited in those games. And I went thru BG as Kensai/Mage...
IIRC,everyone used the same system of remembering spells...paladins,priests,clerics,everyone... Granted,this was 3-4 editions ago,so idk,maybe that changed.
Rick and Morty vs Dungeons and Dragons 2. Im not sure if the shilling was harder or not this time around. Anyway Ricks old characters all came back for revenge,Jerry is into Blood Wars and we are left with a sequel hook. And personally,a strange desire to replay some CRPGs. (I might get back to Pathfinder: Kingmaker. Thats basically DnD 3.5. And I think you can play as a kensai. ) Anyway,it was okay.
Star Trek The Gorn Crisis. We get to see what Enterprise was doing during the Dominion war. They were negotiating with the Gorn,who were in a middle of their own civil war. This would be a pretty good episode,and Im always happy to see more of Gorns.
I finished Grendel Devils Odyssey. I doubt anyone here will read it,so...a reset button is pressed and the paladin is back on Earth 400+ years later. It's now ruled by Necrolords (the vampires again,I assume?). And Wagner promises us 3 sequel maxi- series. Eh,Im always cool with a post-apocalypse Grendel story,but I think we could have milked the Grendel in space idea for a few more issues.