Post by ericzane on Aug 17, 2014 18:33:25 GMT -5
So I took the time to read the entire series from issue 11 onward. The others were missing. Even read when they took on The Avengers West Coast. I think it's safe to say this team and this title is one of the seminal works of Marvel 2000. So I think because of the missing issues I may be at a bit of a disadvantage here. But I caught up.
Dan's writing certainly gets stronger as the series progresses. The core of the title addressing hard questions and themes certainly is something that resonates throughout the series. That's the greatest strength of this series. The battles occur on more than one battlefield.
My main problem with this series is the lack of character evolution. I can't look at any of the main cast and really say they've changed much over the course of the series. None of them have seemed to be significantly changed by any of the events they've been through. There are some reasons I think that has happened. Dan seems to get caught more in the idea or question he's trying to push on than the actual characters in the story. Also it's pretty obvious that Dan has his favorites in the cast. Dani, Nova and Taki pretty much dominate things. Rahne and Adam were getting shine for a while then they faded away too. It seems like everyone else is just window dressing. And in a series that already doesn't progress characters much that isn't a good thing.
Far as villains go, Dan is to be applauded for the variety of the rogues gallery he has built for his team. They come from all walks of life and each serves their role well. I think that's both a strength and weakness for Dan in his writing. It works for the villains because it ensures variety and plots differ. But the same approach applied to his cast has sadly made all of them stagnant and alot of them underused. Don't get me wrong. He gives them all their own voice when he does use them but they just don't change. And with some of the stuff they've been through I would like to see some change. Some larger characterization.
Overall though this is a good title. The action is spot on and pretty damn consistent in its intensity. The plots are strong in that they carry themes and ideas. I just want more change and alot more even division of spotlight for the cast. If you're not going to use them then let them go to someone who'll show them love. Other than that, excellent title.
Dan's writing certainly gets stronger as the series progresses. The core of the title addressing hard questions and themes certainly is something that resonates throughout the series. That's the greatest strength of this series. The battles occur on more than one battlefield.
My main problem with this series is the lack of character evolution. I can't look at any of the main cast and really say they've changed much over the course of the series. None of them have seemed to be significantly changed by any of the events they've been through. There are some reasons I think that has happened. Dan seems to get caught more in the idea or question he's trying to push on than the actual characters in the story. Also it's pretty obvious that Dan has his favorites in the cast. Dani, Nova and Taki pretty much dominate things. Rahne and Adam were getting shine for a while then they faded away too. It seems like everyone else is just window dressing. And in a series that already doesn't progress characters much that isn't a good thing.
Far as villains go, Dan is to be applauded for the variety of the rogues gallery he has built for his team. They come from all walks of life and each serves their role well. I think that's both a strength and weakness for Dan in his writing. It works for the villains because it ensures variety and plots differ. But the same approach applied to his cast has sadly made all of them stagnant and alot of them underused. Don't get me wrong. He gives them all their own voice when he does use them but they just don't change. And with some of the stuff they've been through I would like to see some change. Some larger characterization.
Overall though this is a good title. The action is spot on and pretty damn consistent in its intensity. The plots are strong in that they carry themes and ideas. I just want more change and alot more even division of spotlight for the cast. If you're not going to use them then let them go to someone who'll show them love. Other than that, excellent title.