Blue Beetle! Canceled?

[MutoMikey]

Recently, I picked up Blue Beetle vol. 1 and the next few issues after that. I think it's great! Jaime Reyes isn't really tied to any 'legacy' which is really a nice change of pace. And I think the costume is really original and just plain cool to look at. Cully Hamner's art is great as well.

Though I'm not completely caught up, I do plan on staying with the series. Which brings about my question...

I read somewhere that DC (didio) is thinking about canceling the book. Is there any truth to that? I really hope not...

[Gene M.]

Recently, I picked up Blue Beetle vol. 1 and the next few issues after that. I think it's great! Jaime Reyes isn't really tied to any 'legacy' which is really a nice change of pace. And I think the costume is really original and just plain cool to look at. Cully Hamner's art is great as well.

Though I'm not completely caught up, I do plan on staying with the series. Which brings about my question...

I read somewhere that DC (didio) is thinking about canceling the book. Is there any truth to that? I really hope not...
Newsarama just ran an interview with john Rogers discussing his plans for the next 12 issues, so it's safe for at least that long.

[Jack Zodiac]

All the talk of it being cancelled was following the announcement that DC was finally cancelling Firestorm. After that, everyone speculated that some of these other third-party mantle-wearers with low selling titles would be getting canned, hence rumors and speculation that great books like Blue Beetle and The Atom are getting cancelled when Jaime's got a starring role in the next issue of Brave and the Bold and Ryan's gonna' be a big figure in DC's Countdown.

I wouldn't worry about either title getting canned any time soon. They're both selling consistently over twenty thousand copies an issue and they're both getting better and better. Especially Blue Beetle. Today's issue was awesome.

[The Scribe]

I wouldn't worry about either title getting canned any time soon. They're both selling consistently over twenty thousand copies an issue and they're both getting better and better. Especially Blue Beetle. Today's issue was awesome.

I can't wait to get a copy this Saturday. :cool:

The title of this thread almost gave me a heart attack. :(

Try not to do that in the future. ;)

[Captain Jim]

In January sales, Atom ranked 109 and Blue Beetle ranked 115. Nothing over 100 is ever really considered healthy. Still, that doesn't mean either one will disappear immediately. DC will keep a poor-selling title around for awhile if they are motivated to do so, in hopes of the book catching on and sales improving.

On the positive side, these are books they really seem to want to push, so I don't think they're going anywhere immediately. On the negative side, sales usually *don't* build up in time, they usally get worse and worse (on poor selling books).

Personally speaking, I tried the first several issues of each and found them both boring as all get out.

[Aaron King]

I was really bored with the first storyline in Blue Beetle as well, but the book picked up around issue nine and has been great since Rogers and Albuquerque took over. Give it another look.

[jerrymcl89]

Blue Beetle needs to sell better to avoid cancellation. But I think people like the book, and it's not yet at cancellation levels, and DC will probably wait to see if tie-ins to "Countdown" can boost the sales of these lower-tier books. So I suspect it will be at least six months before BB gets any bad news (and hopefully a lot longer than that, since I like the book).

[Jack Zodiac]

So long as it keeps sales around the twenty thousand area, it should be fine. Plenty of books sell less than that and stick around, and some of them have been going for a while. It's just now been a year since the book launched, and it's been doing decent enough.

Still, I think they should bring Cully back. His art kicked ass for this book.

[TCJohnson]

People, people, we don't need saving. The numbers are doing what they do on every non Supes/Bat book, PLUS the distorting effect of 52. Our relative position among other DC titles remains the same, and at the very least we'll get our first arc out, and then we'll see. I'd like to do 25, so then at least I have bragging rights over the 24 issue Ted run.

When you need to write letters, I'l be the first to start making t-shirts. On the other hand, if you like the book, feel free to pimp. It never hurts.

The writer will let us know when it is time to worry.

[Captain Jim]

Where did that quote come from?

[TCJohnson]

http://www.comicbloc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=44236

[TheWraith]

Sorry, I don't see this title going the distance. Not long term.

[jerrymcl89]

Sorry, I don't see this title going the distance. Not long term.

What is "the distance" ? Reaching Action or Detective numbers ? Reaching 100 ? I doubt I'll see an issue 30, but it's a good book, and I expect it to last a while longer. I think that is all any of us can hope for with most books.

[The Scribe]

Sorry, I don't see this title going the distance. Not long term.

:eek: :mad:

[Captain Jim]

http://www.comicbloc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=44236

Thanks for the info. I guess I agree with the guy, who said in his reply...

If the book was doing GREEN ARROW numbers I'd tend to agree, but BB is significantly below that and has been on a steady decline and we don't know where it's going to finally bottom out at...

So, it's like I said earlier: Is it in any immediate danger? Likely not. Are the sales healthy? No, I don't think so.

Still, I can understand Rogers' concern about the rumors. Too many times fans hear rumors about a book being cancelled and decide either 1) not to try it or 2) to drop it, based on the assumption that it won't continue long. And when enough people do this, it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.

[SUPERECWFAN1]

I got the 1st 3 issues of Blue Beetle and it wasn't my thing. So I dropped it. The Atom is just wasted oppertunity pretty much. They had a hot character coming off Identity Crisis and could have done a solo Atom series with us discovering what happened with Ray Palmer. Instead that was shot to hell.

Right now their supposed to be doing a search for Ray Palmer in the Atom book. Likely he'll be killed off to enforce this new Atom. Odds it will last ? I give Reyes longer as a character to last than this new Atom. I'm sorry , but I can't see Ryan lasting long.

[Jack Zodiac]

Considering the character's going to be pushed during Countdown, which is damn near garunteed to be as popular as 52, and the book itself, Atom, has gotten critical acclaim outside of the mainstream comic press, in Entertainment Weekly, and that Gail Simone's being recognized as a rising star at DC... I'd say the book's got a pretty damn good shot at lasting a while.

[sschroeder]

Originally Posted by John Rogers
People, people, we don't need saving. The numbers are doing what they do on every non Supes/Bat book, PLUS the distorting effect of 52. The writer will let us know when it is time to worry.

Is it possible that the actual "distorting effect" of 52 is that people buy four issues of that every month and so have less cash for Blue Beetle?

[TheWraith]

Sorry, I don't see the new Atom series lasting long term either, despite Gail Simone writing it.

[Will.S]

The book could certainly fall into cancelation if the sales don't go any higher but I think it's become a very good book after the average first arc and I really wouldn't want it to get canceled.

Giffen and Rogers just spent a bit too much time establishing the characters and the setting but it's full steam ahead now, especially with John Rogers writing solo and Roberto Albuquerque doing the art.

[SUPERECWFAN1]

Considering the character's going to be pushed during Countdown, which is damn near garunteed to be as popular as 52, and the book itself, Atom, has gotten critical acclaim outside of the mainstream comic press, in Entertainment Weekly, and that Gail Simone's being recognized as a rising star at DC... I'd say the book's got a pretty damn good shot at lasting a while.

Sorry, I don't see the new Atom series lasting long term either, despite Gail Simone writing it.

Didio is gonna push and promote the series best he can. Its all he has left. Countdown he can hope attracts fans to the new Atom. Because if it doesn't I see him being replaced in a few years time by Palmer again.

[Jack Zodiac]

Not that it would matter. A new series is a new series, and it doesn't matter who's the star, most new books just don't last. Or if they do, it's out of obligation despite horrible sales, like Hawkgirl, Aquaman, and Wonder Woman. It doesn't matter if it's Ryan Choi or Ray Palmer in the suit, if The Atom isn't going to make it as a book, it isn't going to make it.

[SUPERECWFAN1]

Not that it would matter. A new series is a new series, and it doesn't matter who's the star, most new books just don't last. Or if they do, it's out of obligation despite horrible sales, like Hawkgirl, Aquaman, and Wonder Woman. It doesn't matter if it's Ryan Choi or Ray Palmer in the suit, if The Atom isn't going to make it as a book, it isn't going to make it.

A lot of people don't want anyone having the mantle accept those who were the heroes 1st. Palmer is as identified as The Atom as Hal Jordan is Green Lantern. Its hard to replace a character who existed for 30 years .

DC dropped a ball on this. They had numerous storylines that could have played out with Palmer. Instead it wasn't handled well and he was sent packing .

[diana's prince]

I miss Ray...and Ted...

[Brian "Vash" Ashby]

If they cancel Blue beetle they need to go out with a Bang

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g75/TheHuzzah/bb.gif

[CYOTI]

A lot of people don't want anyone having the mantle accept those who were the heroes 1st. Palmer is as identified as The Atom as Hal Jordan is Green Lantern. Newsflash, Alan Scott was the first GL and the first Atom was of course Al Pratt.

DC dropped a ball on this. They had numerous storylines that could have played out with Palmer. Instead it wasn't handled well and he was sent packing . I think you fail to realize that DC is just not interested in Ray Palmer and are more interested in creating entirely new characters. Trying to appease a small part of the old fanbase who have limited financial power isn't in the interests of businesses like DC comics.

[SUPERECWFAN1]

Newsflash, Alan Scott was the first GL and the first Atom was of course Al Pratt.

I'll give you Alan Scott....but ask many people about The Atom and many will likely mention Ray Palmer before they even say a word about Al Pratt.

I think you fail to realize that DC is just not interested in Ray Palmer and are more interested in creating entirely new characters. Trying to appease a small part of the old fanbase who have limited financial power isn't in the interests of businesses like DC comics.

Uhh you do realize that its not like these new characters are setting sales bonfires do you ? That the last rumored spot for The Atom according to ICV2's Feb. numbers is 19,000 in sales. So its not like the new fanbase is exactly wowing things as the title is near the cancellation mark.

[TCJohnson]

I'll give you Alan Scott....but ask many people about The Atom and many will likely mention Ray Palmer before they even say a word about Al Pratt.


Actually, let's face it...most people will say "I dunno"

[Jack Zodiac]

Right, because characters like The Atom, and Elongated Man, and even Aquaman... people just don't give a !@#$ about them as characters because they were never popular enough to be as recognizable as Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman. Yeah, Aquaman might have name-recognition, but if you drop the names Orin, Poseidonis, or even Arthur Curry, not a lot of people would be able to attach them to the character. Unlike Aquaman, though, Elongated Man and The Atom don't even have very strong name-recognition, so forget about people giving a flying rat's ass about the names Ray Palmer or Ralph Dibny. DC will not try to sell a book to the handful of people who are diehard fans of the original character because those fans are far and few between.

Why waste a title on something old and bogged down in continuity that not everyone will read when you can launch something shiny and new that has a chance at attracting people unfamiliar with the characters?

I love Ray, I've enjoyed his adventures in impossible micro-science, his stint on the League was fun, and his background time with character like Ronnie Raymond and teams like the Titans were enough for me to continue enjoying his character outside of a solo title. If DC had launched an Atom series with him as the star, I would've been all over it, as would quite a few other people, but that book wouldn't be any better off than the current book, and thinking otherwise is pretty !@#$ing wishful.

[SUPERECWFAN1]

Actually, let's face it...most people will say "I dunno"

Thats true if ya walk into a lotta places with people who don't follow comics. But go into a comic shop. Ask about the Atom and a lot I'm sure most will go Ray Palmer ?

[Jack Zodiac]

Thats true if ya walk into a lotta places with people who don't follow comics. But go into a comic shop. Ask about the Atom and a lot I'm sure most will go Ray Palmer ?

Maybe if they're over forty. Otherwise, the only people who'd recognize The Atom as Ray Palmer would be people who read and bothered remembering Identity Crisis, and I doubt that would be a strong enough draw for those people to buy a book about the character.

Fact of the matter is, slap whoever you want in a new title, but it'll still face the same trouble all new titles do. Bad timing, wrong creative team, wrong direction, all it takes is one mistake and the book's !@#$ed. Like Jim said earlier, historically, a low-selling book consistently sells poorly. First issues always sell pretty well, but the sharp decline begins with issue two, and it just keeps on going unless you have the perfect story at the right time with the right character and creative team.

[SUPERECWFAN1]

I love Ray, I've enjoyed his adventures in impossible micro-science, his stint on the League was fun, and his background time with character like Ronnie Raymond and teams like the Titans were enough for me to continue enjoying his character outside of a solo title. If DC had launched an Atom series with him as the star, I would've been all over it, as would quite a few other people, but that book wouldn't be any better off than the current book, and thinking otherwise is pretty !@#$ing wishful.

How do we know how well a Palmer series would have went considering how much of a role he had in Identity Crisis ? They had momentum to do something with the storylines involving Palmer following it and Infinite Crisis . They had things they could have done with him but didn't.

He's had 2 regular series before and a mini-series in the 80's. Its not outta the line he couldn't get a 30 issue run from a regular series now.

[Jack Zodiac]

How do we know how well a Palmer series would have went considering how much of a role he had in Identity Crisis ?

We don't. That's what I'm trying to tell you. Whether it's Ray in the suit or some new kid, whether it was one week after Identity Crisis or one year, it doesn't matter. Odds are, it wouldn't have taken off, and we would've had a similarly poor-selling title with the same old Atom in the suit. Here we have a book that's expanding on the mythos so that, at the very least, it has the draw of something new, new character without attachments to previous stories or continuity, to attract possible new readers; instead of another book launched in the aftermath of a "big event," with the same old character, bogged in continuity, and not drawing any new readers at all.

[SUPERECWFAN1]

Maybe if they're over forty. Otherwise, the only people who'd recognize The Atom as Ray Palmer would be people who read and bothered remembering Identity Crisis, and I doubt that would be a strong enough draw for those people to buy a book about the character.


Lets see....mega successful mini-series that sould over 100,000 copies a month vs a One Shot . Its not just the many over 40 crowd who would rememberer Palmer . Whoever read comics in the 90's would remember him as you posted earlier for his stints in the JLA and Teen Titans.

Fact of the matter is, slap whoever you want in a new title, but it'll still face the same trouble all new titles do. Bad timing, wrong creative team, wrong direction, all it takes is one mistake and the book's !@#$ed. Like Jim said earlier, historically, a low-selling book consistently sells poorly. First issues always sell pretty well, but the sharp decline begins with issue two, and it just keeps on going unless you have the perfect story at the right time with the right character and creative team.

Pretty much what you posted goes to this. Had they done a better opening storyline on where Palmer went and pushed it hard ...they could have had something. But a ball was dropped by DC and man did DC have some awesome books in 2005. Makes me sad on how 2006 went. ( I know I dropped Atom after the 1st issue anyhow )

[SUPERECWFAN1]

We don't. That's what I'm trying to tell you. Whether it's Ray in the suit or some new kid, whether it was one week after Identity Crisis or one year, it doesn't matter. Odds are, it wouldn't have taken off, and we would've had a similarly poor-selling title with the same old Atom in the suit. Here we have a book that's expanding on the mythos so that, at the very least, it has the draw of something new, new character without attachments to previous stories or continuity, to attract possible new readers; instead of another book launched in the aftermath of a "big event," with the same old character, bogged in continuity, and not drawing any new readers at all.

How much continuty did you need to follow Ray Palmer ? His ex-wife went batsh-t insane and killed someone and became the new Eclipso. Thats about it. You don't have to mention the Titans aging experince at all. He was a blank slate since nothing really has been done with him in a decade.

They had a perfect jumping on point for people. I wanted to see how Ray would handle this. When I heard the annoucement for a new series I was pretty intriqued to see his story unfold. I picked up the 1st issue with the new Atom and just wasn't into it. I didn't wanna read his story of the Atom , I wanted to see Palmer dealing with what Loring had done and where he had went.

[CYOTI]

How do we know how well a Palmer series would have went considering how much of a role he had in Identity Crisis ? Because the previous book only lasted an embarrassing 18 issues and even back then they had a hot writer onboard and it still failed.

They had momentum to do something with the storylines involving Palmer following it and Infinite Crisis .
I'd argue that the present book still had incredible momentum behind it when it launched following Infinite Crisis, Identity Crisis and Brave New World.

[Jack Zodiac]

Lets see....mega successful mini-series that sould over 100,000 copies a month vs a One Shot . Its not just the many over 40 crowd who would rememberer Palmer . Whoever read comics in the 90's would remember him as you posted earlier for his stints in the JLA and Teen Titans.

We don't know that. In the end, just as many people were disappointed by that one hundred thousand plus selling mini-series, so a spin-off relaunch of The Atom might've crashed and burned from the start. We don't know. All we know is that the current title, while not selling extremely well, is keeping consistent and getting a push in the next big event.

Day of Vengeance sold huge because it was part of Infinite Crisis. So did OMAC Project. Both of the spin-off titles from these series, however, did poorly. OMAC is cancelled, and Shadowpact is selling very poorly with no sign of any kind of editorial push for it in the future.

[Jack Zodiac]

How much continuty did you need to follow Ray Palmer ? His ex-wife went batsh-t insane and killed someone and became the new Eclipso. Thats about it. You don't have to mention the Titans aging experince at all. He was a blank slate since nothing really has been done with him in a decade.

They had a perfect jumping on point for people. I wanted to see how Ray would handle this. When I heard the annoucement for a new series I was pretty intriqued to see his story unfold. I picked up the 1st issue with the new Atom and just wasn't into it. I didn't wanna read his story of the Atom , I wanted to see Palmer dealing with what Loring had done and where he had went.

The fact that you'd need to know what happened in Identity Crisis at all would've been a horrible start, especially if they wanted to relaunch a book with a chance of lasting past its initial six-part arc where Ray deals with Jean's actions. Would I'd have liked to see why Ray just said "!@#$ it" to the world, his friends, and his ex-wife, and disappeared for over two years? Sure, but that would've only lasted so long. A mini-series, and not even a very long one at that.

[Mike Smash!]

A lot of people don't want anyone having the mantle accept those who were the heroes 1st. Palmer is as identified as The Atom as Hal Jordan is Green Lantern. Its hard to replace a character who existed for 30 years .

If you stick around long enough, people get over it.

Palmer and Jordan are replacements for Al Pratt and Alan Scott. I'd say that when they got rid of him, Wally West had successfully replaced Barry Allen as the Flash in most fans' eyes.

[SUPERECWFAN1]

Because the previous book only lasted an embarrassing 18 issues and even back then they had a hot writer onboard and it still failed.

Its a different time and place now. The character may have failed in the 80's on a 18 issue series but odds are if they put a "Name Creator " on it theres no telling how it could have went.


I'd argue that the present book still had incredible momentum behind it when it launched following Infinite Crisis, Identity Crisis and Brave New World.

Brave New World was a good One Shot. I think it was DC's best promotion since they were launching so many mini-series and characters.

[SUPERECWFAN1]

We don't know that. In the end, just as many people were disappointed by that one hundred thousand plus selling mini-series, so a spin-off relaunch of The Atom might've crashed and burned from the start. We don't know. All we know is that the current title, while not selling extremely well, is keeping consistent and getting a push in the next big event.

Its on the line though. Unless Countdown wows fans and lure them to the character the series will be canceled. At 15,000 below it is Firestorm and its already gotten the axe sad to say.

Day of Vengeance sold huge because it was part of Infinite Crisis. So did OMAC Project. Both of the spin-off titles from these series, however, did poorly. OMAC is cancelled, and Shadowpact is selling very poorly with no sign of any kind of editorial push for it in the future.

After Day of Vengence I didn't wanna see that team togethor anyhow. I wanted to see a Joe Kelly Blue Devil series so I'm not gonna cry over its fate. Those 2 mini-series were used to lead into the big Infinite Crisis. Why DC tried plotting books spinning off from them is beyond me. I had enough of the Omac's after they popped up in almost every DCU title at one point. (I think DC may have overdone the Omac concept and having a regular series was OVERKILL )

[SUPERECWFAN1]

The fact that you'd need to know what happened in Identity Crisis at all would've been a horrible start, especially if they wanted to relaunch a book with a chance of lasting past its initial six-part arc where Ray deals with Jean's actions. Would I'd have liked to see why Ray just said "!@#$ it" to the world, his friends, and his ex-wife, and disappeared for over two years? Sure, but that would've only lasted so long. A mini-series, and not even a very long one at that.

Your tying it into a popular event and someone who is a major character. I know DC's finally decided to do what happened with Palmer now in the series. I wish DC luck but this is something they should have done at the very start.

[SUPERECWFAN1]

If you stick around long enough, people get over it.

Palmer and Jordan are replacements for Al Pratt and Alan Scott. I'd say that when they got rid of him, Wally West had successfully replaced Barry Allen as the Flash in most fans' eyes.

Yeah and thats why many aren't into the fast changes to Bart Allen. I wonder if the return of Barry Allen is true ?

[Jack Zodiac]

And I think it would've tripped out the gate. Potato, po!@#$o.

[CYOTI]

Its a different time and place now. The character may have failed in the 80's on a 18 issue series but odds are if they put a "Name Creator " on it theres no telling how it could have went.
They did put a big name creator on 80s version namely Roger Stern and lets not forget that Gil Kane was doing the art for the Sword of the Atom idea, which never managed to get off the ground before Stern killed it.

[CYOTI]

Day of Vengeance sold huge because it was part of Infinite Crisis. So did OMAC Project. Both of the spin-off titles from these series, however, did poorly. OMAC was designed from the beginning as a six issue limited so it really didn't get cancelled and frankly I'd argue that Checkmate not OMAC was the true spinoff title from OMAC Project given how most of the threads from OMAC project was picked up by Checkmate.

[SUPERECWFAN1]

They did put a big name creator on 80s version namely Roger Stern and lets not forget that Gil Kane was doing the art for the Sword of the Atom idea, which never managed to get off the ground before Stern killed it.

Just because the character had 1 series in the 80's doesn't mean it should tank that hero forever. If thats the case Marvel wouldn't have gave Iron Fist another shot (and one thats worked as its sold out every issue thus far) .

You retool , you hire a name creator from this era and you launch the series. Marvel has gave Iron Fist so many chances and that character managed to catch fire now.

[CYOTI]

I'd argue that they're doing exactly that with Ryan in All New Atom.

[SUPERECWFAN1]

I'd argue that they're doing exactly that with Ryan in All New Atom.

But Marvel didn't replace Danny Rand though. Even if he had failed 2 or 3 times before they went back after he took part in a huge mini-series and launched this series.

[lead sharp]

Another 12 issues?!?!?!?!

ROTFL

it'll be 8 then cancelled after 6.

The Creeper, Aztec, Hourman, (looks like) Firestorm and many many many more (a rare few make it past 50) allll gone because they sold to a niche and DC didn't make money off them. Not that I blame them they are running a business but I can't help thinking there were ways to keep these things going that they just didn't care enough about.

[Captain Jim]

A lot of people don't want anyone having the mantle accept those who were the heroes 1st. Palmer is as identified as The Atom as Hal Jordan is Green Lantern.

Newsflash, Alan Scott was the first GL and the first Atom was of course Al Pratt.

That's not really fair. The golden age heroes were on the scene for a relatively short period and then discontinued. It was like ten years later that the characters were revived, to a 99% new readership. And the revived versions were often quite different. Nowhere is this more true than with the Atom; the only thing the two characters have in common is the name. The original point is valid: people familiar with the characters tend to associate Ray Palmer with the concept of a hero named the Atom who shrinks in size.

[Justin D.]

I was on the fence about Blue Beetle for a few issues. I liked the first couple of issues, but it started to seriously lag after that with the introduction of the superpowered street gang. However, I read early on that John Rogers was going to take over as the sole writer of the book and thought I'd stick it out for a couple issues with him before dropping the book.

I'm glad I did that. Ever since Rogers took over solo-writing chores, the book has had a more coherent flavor. The characters are more connected to each other and the dialogue flows a bit smoother. The two-part story where Jaime and his friend Brenda meet Metron and Lonar of the New Gods is a good example of a well-rounded comic that manages to be fun without being light and fluffy at the same time. Here's an eight page sample of the second part of that story (http://www.dccomics.com/comics/?cm=6625) on DC's website.

Also, while I love Cully Hamner's art, he's doesn't seem cut out to do a monthly book. Rafael Albuquerque has more than adequately taken over as the regular penciller.

I hope Blue Beetle gets a big push in the upcoming year because I'd love to see it stick around. Besides, we really need some new characters who can hold books on their own. Blue Beetle seems like he can do it if people give him a shot.

[Cully Hamner]

Also, while I love Cully Hamner's art, he's doesn't seem cut out to do a monthly book. Rafael Albuquerque has more than adequately taken over as the regular penciller.

You're right, he has! I should point out, though, that the plan was always for me to do six issues, and then step aside for someone else.

[Jack Zodiac]

That plan sucked, sucked, and still sucks. Not that I don't like Albuquerque's art, but I liked yours better.

And when the hell's that Black Lightning: Year One comin' out, anyway?

[Cully Hamner]

Heh, heh, heh. Well, Justin said it: A monthly is just out of my reach, given the way mainstream comics are scheduled, usually. It may not seem like it, as I get classified as a slow artist a lot--based on past history, not an unreasonable assumption, I'll admit-- but between BB and Down, in 2006, I actually pencilled and inked approximately eight issues. Still not a speed demon, but that's pretty respectable. But monthly comics are just too chaotic for somebody like me. I'm too easily thrown out of the zone. So, arcs and special projects are a better fit.

Black Lightning: Year One is just getting going. I just got Jen Van Meter's final script a couple of weeks ago, the whole first issue is completely laid out, and I'm finishing the first page of art today, as a matter of fact. I think it's slated for the fall, sometime...

[Will.S]

Heh, heh, heh. Well, Justin said it: A monthly is just out of my reach, given the way mainstream comics are scheduled, usually. It may not seem like it, as I get classified as a slow artist a lot--based on past history, not an unreasonable assumption, I'll admit-- but between BB and Down, in 2006, I actually pencilled and inked approximately eight issues. Still not a speed demon, but that's pretty respectable. But monthly comics are just too chaotic for somebody like me. I'm too easily thrown out of the zone. So, arcs and special projects are a better fit.
Argh, sucks to hear Cully.

I really loved your work and I disliked it when someone who wasn't yourself filled in. Great design on BB and some of the other characters, Roberto Alburquerque's art thankfully doesn't stray all that far from your art but your contribution will be missed.

[Cully Hamner]

Nice of you to say, Will, and I appreciate it. Actually, the plan does call for me to fill in for Rafael now and again. Keith and I have also talked about doing a BB annual together at some point, too. Between that and the next year's worth of BB covers, I'll be around...

[Justin D.]

Cully, I'm glad to see you didn't take offense at what I said. You said you pencilled and inked about eight issues last year. Which one takes up more of your time? I'd assume it would be penciling. When's the last time you had someone else ink a published work of yours?

[Jack Zodiac]

Nice of you to say, Will, and I appreciate it. Actually, the plan does call for me to fill in for Rafael now and again. Keith and I have also talked about doing a BB annual together at some point, too. Between that and the next year's worth of BB covers, I'll be around...

Sweet, so you'll be doin' all of the covers for the next year? I'll take it! As long as Cully's in there somewhere, it's all gravy. And if you and Keith do wind up doing an annual, I'd jump on it in a second.

[Ryan Day]

The book has really picked up with Rogers as solo writer. I think Rogers & Giffen spent a bit too much time establishing the book's "real world" presence - the first 6 issues probably should have been condensed into three or four. I loved #7 - it was fun, funny, action-packed - all the more impressive since it was an "Infinite Crisis" flashback, and everything else I read of that crossover was a terminal bore.

The Lonar/Metron two-parter was probably the best of the series so far - just a perfect mix of sci-fi action and comedy. Rogers has a great knack for dialogue, and he's building a fun supporting cast.

The Reach storline hasn't been as good, but still entertaining. The Reach leader actually reminds me of a slightly-more-menacing Manga Kahn. That's totally a good sign.

[Jack Zodiac]

I like the way it's going so far, even if it's really only been one solid issue so far. What I like most is that Jaime has an enemy who knows who he is and has incredible resources, has the attention of the government and authorities and is considered "peaceful," and he's still telling them to shove it. I have a bad feeling we'll see the consequence of his family knowing about his role as a super power, but the way Rogers is writing it so far, I have faith he'll make it work.

[Ryan Day]

I like the idea that everyone seems to know Jaime's identity, but not everyone is supposed to know who else knows. The scene where Paco and Jaime try to explain to Brenda how they know her aunt without letting on about her aunt's "business" was great - a nice twist on the usual secret identity excuses.

On that note, I think Tia Amparo is much more effective as a semi-shadowy presence, mostly in the background, than the villain she seemed to be in the first arc.

[Cully Hamner]

Cully, I'm glad to see you didn't take offense at what I said. You said you pencilled and inked about eight issues last year. Which one takes up more of your time? I'd assume it would be penciling. When's the last time you had someone else ink a published work of yours?

What you said wasn't offensive, so I took no offense. ;)

For me, pencilling and inking have just become two halves of the same job, so I can't really quantify what takes more time. If I were pencilling for someone else to ink, my pencils would have to be much tighter than when I'm inking myself. So, my reasoning is "why do approximately the same amount of work and make about 60% as much as I would if I were using a pen rather than a pencil?" Inking myself, I remain more in control of the image, I get paid more, and it takes about the same amount of time and effort. Also, I scan my own pages, tweak those scans to my liking, add whatever effects I deem appropriate, upload the files via the internet, and never have to wait for a publisher to return my originals like in the old days.

The last inker I had on anything substantial was Dexter Vines on Batman: Tenses, and he did a magnificent job. The only other thing has been on a Captain America auction piece I did for Heroes Con last year that Karl Story inked. And I don't think Karl is capable of anything less than excellence, so it turned out well.

[Cully Hamner]

Sweet, so you'll be doin' all of the covers for the next year? I'll take it! As long as Cully's in there somewhere, it's all gravy. And if you and Keith do wind up doing an annual, I'd jump on it in a second.

Yup. I've already done five or six of them, as a matter of fact. Even did the colors.

I hope Keith and I do an annual. That'd be sweet. I'll let you know if something like that comes to pass...

[Cully Hamner]

I like the way it's going so far, even if it's really only been one solid issue so far. What I like most is that Jaime has an enemy who knows who he is and has incredible resources, has the attention of the government and authorities and is considered "peaceful," and he's still telling them to shove it. I have a bad feeling we'll see the consequence of his family knowing about his role as a super power, but the way Rogers is writing it so far, I have faith he'll make it work.

I think if there's a unifying factor as to why Jaime is so likable, it's John's work on the book. In fact, you guys should all go and nominate him and Keith for a Best Writer Harvey (http://www.harveyawards.org). And while you're at it, BB is eligible for Best New Series... :)

[Jack Zodiac]

Done and done, my friend! This series needs a lot more recognition than it's getting.

[Rattlehead]

So I take it you guys would reccomend the Blue Beetle:Shellshocked TPB?

[Cully Hamner]

So I take it you guys would reccomend the Blue Beetle:Shellshocked TPB?

You asking me? ;) Sure, I'd recommend it.

[Jack Zodiac]

So I take it you guys would reccomend the Blue Beetle:Shellshocked TPB?

I recommend at least getting the trade. I'd go so far as to tell you to catch up with the series right away because of how awesome it is now.

[Ryan Day]

So I take it you guys would reccomend the Blue Beetle:Shellshocked TPB?

Not entirely. The first issue is pretty good, but the next few are a bit sluggish, and some of the fill-in art isn't great.

I'd actually recommend #7, which kind of explains his origin, and #10-11, which is a great New Gods story. That'd give you the best impression of the series, I think, and show you why so many people enjoy the book.

[Justin D.]

So I take it you guys would reccomend the Blue Beetle:Shellshocked TPB?

Sure, it's a good read. The issues starting shortly after Shellshocked do get better. It wouldn't be a bad idea to start with issue seven, John Rogers' first solo issue, and move forward from there. I just reread the first seven pages of that issue linked to from Rogers' own blog (http://kfmonkey.blogspot.com/2006/09/blue-beetle-7.html). The second trade doesn't come out until June. Hopefully, there weill be a big push for it.

[The Batman]

Hopefully. This is a great title that definately deserves a wider audience. With everyone always complaining about everything being grim and gritty I don't get why a title that's genuinely fun and exciting doesn't have more readers.