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Post by Stephen Crosby on Jan 12, 2017 18:10:39 GMT -5
Action Comics #1 by Tobias Christopher -
I'll be honest, Tobias almost lost me with the opening. Another rehash of the most famous origin of all-time is not something I want to spend time on. Fortunately, he follows this up with a prose recreation of the most famous cover of all-time, and I loved it. And while I still would have preferred something else, I understand the opening in terms of a family theme that runs strong through this story. The relationships are well-established with only a few sentences. I particularly enjoyed the scene between Jon and Connor, and the Kent Family flashback tale. One quibble about description, too much hair was described as shaggy, and in Connor's case it shouldn't have been used at all. Why go to the trouble of describing his original Superboy look, but not using the fade?
Hawkman #1 by D. Golightly -
Loved this story! The guest stars grabbed me right away, as did the title character's initial appearance. Too many times have I read stories that describe Hawkman's wings as real, so I couldn't help but cheer as they were described properly separate. Oh, and the action was described pretty well too, and I especially loved how the Nth metal was used to explain how Hawkman could have a chance against his adversary. Speaking of adversaries, we get a nice scene to introduce a foe I don't believe I've heard of before and was quite effective in educating me. Cannot wait to read what happens after that cliffhanger.
Batman #1 by D. Golightly -
I deduct a point for the line about old Philip Marlowe films, but still a good read. The opening was a little disjointed, followed with some nice tension, and a great back-and-forth between Bruce and Dick. It's always important for readers to understand that these are different people with a different approach to things. Another point had to be deducted as DamiAn's name was misspelled, but the great character work of Harvey Bullock almost makes up for it.
Right out the gate, DC2K had three enjoyable stories. But wait, weren't four stories released? Well, I can't very well review that, can I? Well, maybe just the logo, which is stellar.
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Post by D. Golightly on Jan 13, 2017 13:26:19 GMT -5
Action Comics #1 by Tobias Christopher - I'll be honest, Tobias almost lost me with the opening. Another rehash of the most famous origin of all-time is not something I want to spend time on. Fortunately, he follows this up with a prose recreation of the most famous cover of all-time, and I loved it. And while I still would have preferred something else, I understand the opening in terms of a family theme that runs strong through this story. The relationships are well-established with only a few sentences. I particularly enjoyed the scene between Jon and Connor, and the Kent Family flashback tale. One quibble about description, too much hair was described as shaggy, and in Connor's case it shouldn't have been used at all. Why go to the trouble of describing his original Superboy look, but not using the fade? Hawkman #1 by D. Golightly - Loved this story! The guest stars grabbed me right away, as did the title character's initial appearance. Too many times have I read stories that describe Hawkman's wings as real, so I couldn't help but cheer as they were described properly separate. Oh, and the action was described pretty well too, and I especially loved how the Nth metal was used to explain how Hawkman could have a chance against his adversary. Speaking of adversaries, we get a nice scene to introduce a foe I don't believe I've heard of before and was quite effective in educating me. Cannot wait to read what happens after that cliffhanger. Batman #1 by D. Golightly - I deduct a point for the line about old Philip Marlowe films, but still a good read. The opening was a little disjointed, followed with some nice tension, and a great back-and-forth between Bruce and Dick. It's always important for readers to understand that these are different people with a different approach to things. Another point had to be deducted as DamiAn's name was misspelled, but the great character work of Harvey Bullock almost makes up for it. Right out the gate, DC2K had three enjoyable stories. But wait, weren't four stories released? Well, I can't very well review that, can I? Well, maybe just the logo, which is stellar. I felt the same way about Action Comics #1's opening scene, but noticed that Tobias dropped in that bit about Kal-El having a family some day. In a sense, I'm actually quite glad that Tobias did that, because based on his pitch, his entire run is all about family. Not so much legacy, although there will be some of that coming quite soon, but more about what it means to be a part of this incredible family in the present day. Legacy evokes thoughts of past and present, but Tobias is firmly rooted in the now. Thanks for the kind words on Hawkman #1! I had fun writing the character because I never had any interest in writing Hawkman previouslu. I had this basic of idea of, "What if Hawkman was being hunted? Given his power set and his skills, wouldn't he be incredibly hard to capture?" Eventually I'll get to Katar's perspective on things, but for now I'm enjoying looking at him through the eyes of friends and foes alike. Why the point deduction for Marlowe? You've lost me there. Also...my damn spell check doesn't like the spelling of Damian's name for some reason. My bad on that one. Probably because I was using three different writing programs to write that first issue of Batman.
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Post by Tobias Christopher on Jan 13, 2017 14:30:22 GMT -5
Action Comics #1 by Tobias Christopher - I'll be honest, Tobias almost lost me with the opening. Another rehash of the most famous origin of all-time is not something I want to spend time on. Fortunately, he follows this up with a prose recreation of the most famous cover of all-time, and I loved it. And while I still would have preferred something else, I understand the opening in terms of a family theme that runs strong through this story. The relationships are well-established with only a few sentences. I particularly enjoyed the scene between Jon and Connor, and the Kent Family flashback tale. One quibble about description, too much hair was described as shaggy, and in Connor's case it shouldn't have been used at all. Why go to the trouble of describing his original Superboy look, but not using the fade? I wanted to go big with the first issue, so I went back to Krypton. As for the descriptions, I guess I went a bit overboard since sometimes I see characters visually in a certain way. Connor letting his hair grow out instead of having a fade was more of a "I just back from a world tour and didn't have to cut it lately" sort of deal. I was actually going for a cross of different Superboy looks over the years for him. #2 will (I hope) be a bit more action packed, since I'm only a few pages in.
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Post by Stephen Crosby on Jan 13, 2017 15:38:36 GMT -5
Why the point deduction for Marlowe? You've lost me there. Also...my damn spell check doesn't like the spelling of Damian's name for some reason. My bad on that one. Probably because I was using three different writing programs to write that first issue of Batman. The Marlowe comment got to me because I'd been binge-reading Starman, and one issue has a discussion specifically about this. Honestly, there is no way to remark that somebody's seen all the films adapted from Raymond Chandler's books, without arguing over who played the best Marlowe. Also, none of those films were made in the 50s. Yeah, auto-correct is the bane of my existence.
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Post by fairchild on Jan 14, 2017 12:05:55 GMT -5
Man...Stephen got the early jump on 3 reviews.
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Post by claypot on Feb 5, 2017 3:29:53 GMT -5
Here are my thoughts:
ACTION COMICS # 1-2: This how Superman Returns should have been, than just have Superman being a Peeping Tom and drinking beer. This is how Superman would be like as both a hero and a family man dealing with both jobs. I like to see how Jon will interact with Damian in a possible future story, now with this Super Sons comic coming out. I do also like the Family Album bonus stories at the end to the main stories. These were a callback to the Ruby-Spears Superman cartoon series that aired on CBS for just one season, before the Timm/Dini version brought him back. Keep it up, Tobias!
BATMAN # 1-2: I love Batman, and this series by the EiC is a great revival of The Dark Knight and his cast of allies and rogues. The first two issues really got my skin crawling with all the Joker clones in Part 1, until seeing The Clown Prince in #2. Even the Deadshot appearance brought me into this Batman series hearing Will Smith in my mind as the hitman. Can't wait for the next issue.
BATGIRL # 1- I like female writers and how they do female characters right, and we get the return of the Spoiler version of Batgirl without the whole "Crisis" and "OYL" screw job when Steph as Robin got killed by Black Mask in the "War Games" arc then got the fake death crap. This first issue is great and I would like to see more from this great writer.
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Post by emmawoods on Feb 5, 2017 10:41:57 GMT -5
I like female writers and how they do female characters right. R’uh R’oh, now I’m under pressure! X3 Thanking youse for the kind words, and hopefully I will keep up the good work. Given the nature of DC2K’s continuity jump off point, there is an opportunity for certain characters to enjoy a fresh start without tipping over the whole apple cart, Stephanie Brown being one of them. I wasn’t overly fond of her being pushed under the bus during her time as Robin, although it did eventually lead to an awesome Batgirl series, so the big, red reset button has been pushed and here we are. Some things are familiar, other things... less so, but Stephanie Brown is here to stay, even if the road is hazardous to travel. And now for my Thoughts and Feelings on February’s releases!! Obviously not including Batgirl, that would be cheating, and I only cheat when I don’t get caught. Action Comics #2 Full disclosure, I was undecided after reading the first issue, but the second instalment of this series has one me over. I love the approach you’ve taken in making a Superman title family centric, and the dynamic between the various members have been great. Connor is a highlight for me this issue, and I want to see more concerning his insecurities around his future, with neither Superboy nor Superman as identities to fall back on, where does that leave him and where can he go next? I am eager to see more. Batman #2 Mark Hamill!! I am, of course, now hoping that you either intended for your portrayal of the Joker to evoke that response, or you don’t mind that it did. His exchange with Batman (and Robin) in Arkham was the highlight of the issue for me, the contrasts in character bleeding off the page for my enjoyment. Bruce and Damian continue to be an engaging duo, and I enjoy Robin testing his parent at every opportunity. Referencing Batgirl will also, always earn you some additional cookie points. *nod* Doom Patrol #1 Full disclosure (this is getting to be a habit), I don’t know anything about the Doom Patrol. I can recognise them, I can point to them on a page and say, that’s the Doom Patrol (much like how I sat smugly in the cinema following the end credits of The Avengers, because I totally knew who that was, with his big, purple chin), but otherwise... no, I don’t know them. Which I was happy to find was not a hindrance. Travis Hiltz does a great job of making sure I know who everyone is, what they’re up to and why I should care. While I accept that they’re going to be gaping holes in my knowledge, it doesn’t feel like a hindrance, as nothing seemed to be floating about in a vacuum. Strong characters, intriguing premise, and I have a desire to read more. XD
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Post by travis on Feb 6, 2017 11:23:24 GMT -5
My turn:
Hawkman #1: I have mixed feelings about being dropped in the middle of things, wish there'd been an issue showing us the status quo before, so we could see what is being messed with, but I had fun reading this issue, so I guess it wasn't a huge problem.
I'm a sucker for a rooftop chase and this was nicely done. Can't remember BB and Zatanna ever teaming up before. You had a good handle on both characters, especially glad you resisted the urge to make BB too jokey. I hate how Kieth Griffen turned him and Booster into Abbott and Costello.
Is the Coin a new bad guy? His appearance didn't ring any bells. Nice to see you building up Hawkman's rogues gallery without it being all evil Thanagarians or Egypt-based. Love the Gentleman Ghost, so nice to see he'll be showing up.
and you write the Hawks as a happily married couple!
Nice start. I like the vibe of Hackman being a ancient warrior in a modern setting. Keep that up once he stops being crazy or possessed or whatever you have up your sleeve for this first story.
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Post by D. Golightly on Feb 6, 2017 12:04:57 GMT -5
Batman #2 Mark Hamill!! I am, of course, now hoping that you either intended for your portrayal of the Joker to evoke that response, or you don’t mind that it did. His exchange with Batman (and Robin) in Arkham was the highlight of the issue for me, the contrasts in character bleeding off the page for my enjoyment. Bruce and Damian continue to be an engaging duo, and I enjoy Robin testing his parent at every opportunity. Referencing Batgirl will also, always earn you some additional cookie points. Thanks for checking out the story! I actually was picturing the Batman: The Animated Series Joker when I wrote that scene, so I suppose Mark Hamill really was in there somewhere. Can't wait to for people to see where all this is going...
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Post by D. Golightly on Feb 6, 2017 12:06:05 GMT -5
BATMAN # 1-2: I love Batman, and this series by the EiC is a great revival of The Dark Knight and his cast of allies and rogues. The first two issues really got my skin crawling with all the Joker clones in Part 1, until seeing The Clown Prince in #2. Even the Deadshot appearance brought me into this Batman series hearing Will Smith in my mind as the hitman. Can't wait for the next issue. Thanks for reading! Happy that you're intrigued. To clarify, the multiple Jokers weren't clones; just guys dressed up like the Joker. I'll start on the next issue this week!
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Post by D. Golightly on Feb 6, 2017 12:13:01 GMT -5
My turn: Hawkman #1: I have mixed feelings about being dropped in the middle of things, wish there'd been an issue showing us the status quo before, so we could see what is being messed with, but I had fun reading this issue, so I guess it wasn't a huge problem. I'm a sucker for a rooftop chase and this was nicely done. Can't remember BB and Zatanna ever teaming up before. You had a good handle on both characters, especially glad you resisted the urge to make BB too jokey. I hate how Kieth Griffen turned him and Booster into Abbott and Costello. Is the Coin a new bad guy? His appearance didn't ring any bells. Nice to see you building up Hawkman's rogues gallery without it being all evil Thanagarians or Egypt-based. Love the Gentleman Ghost, so nice to see he'll be showing up. and you write the Hawks as a happily married couple! Nice start. I like the vibe of Hackman being a ancient warrior in a modern setting. Keep that up once he stops being crazy or possessed or whatever you have up your sleeve for this first story. As always, I sincerely appreciate your thoughts! I can understand not wanting to be dropped into the middle of a story, but it will all be fleshed out in this first arc. I wanted to get the reader pulled in right away with some mystery. I also think that Blue Beetle is a much stronger character than just to be a punchline, so while his presence in the title is limited, while he's around I plan on pumping him up a little and making him less of a goof. The Coin isn't actually new - he had a Golden Age appearance, but I think it was only once. I just saw his name on a random list of Hawkman bad guys and thought, "A gimmick villain for Hawkman? Sure!" He's been paired up with Gentleman Ghost for this first arc to help give him a little weight as far as being a dangerous adversary. I just don't understand why couples need to be broken up in long term fiction. Peter/MJ, Clark/Lois, the Hawks...is it really necessary? I fully believe that a married couple can be just as interesting and provide similar angst to a single main character looking for love. Marshall and Lilly from How I Met Your Mother proves that point.
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Post by travis on Feb 6, 2017 22:42:48 GMT -5
Cool to learn about the Coin. It's always fun to check out wikipedia lists or rummage through my comic books, looking for characters. It's research, despite what my wife says.
As a happily married guy, it irks me how no one seems capable of writing them in comics. Glad to see you are fighting that trend.
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Post by Tobias Christopher on Feb 7, 2017 5:40:03 GMT -5
Lois and Clark will ALWAYS be together as long as I'm writing them at DC2K.
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Post by JD Mathis on Feb 7, 2017 9:57:20 GMT -5
Hawkman #1
When it comes to the Hawks title you have got me hooked just on the fact that you have kept them as a couple and not making them basically drift apart because of their complicated past even if they are going through a bit of a rough spot at the moment. I like seeing heroes being in happy relationships and not always having outside forces trying to destroy what makes them happy.
Also thank you for building Blue Beetle up from just being the one sided punchline with Booster Gold. I always believed he could be one of the greats if he was just given the chance. Seeing Beetle and Zantanna teaming up was a surprise and I look forward to more surprises in the future.
Before this issue I had no idea who the Coin was but now I was forced to go and look him up and see what he is all about. Two of my favorite Hawkman villains are Gentleman Ghost and Shadow Thief, so I am happy that at least one has showed up so far.
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Post by JD Mathis on Feb 7, 2017 9:59:25 GMT -5
Lois and Clark will ALWAYS be together as long as I'm writing them at DC2K. Please do just that. I for one am liking the fact that Superman has a family to come home to at the end of a long day of being one of the three pillars of the DC2kverse. It serves as a nice balancing act for him.
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