Current Worst

[Mr. Palmer]

We always talk about what our current favorites are, but what do you consider to be the worst book that Vertigo is currently publishing?

[will_butler]

I don't buy comics that I don't enjoy, so it's hard to say, but if Un-Men didn't get dramatically better after the first issue, that's probably the one.

Will

[Mr. Palmer]

UN-MEN is a funny squirrel. I can dig it, but mostly due to its SWAMP THING connection.

I'd probably say LOVELESS. I like the book, but it has some wild flashbacks and its schedule is all over the place. It makes it hard to keep up with what's going down.

Personally, I dig all the books I buy. I don't read FABLES nor 100 BULLETS, and have only started on HELLBLAZER.

It is a hard question...

[Agent_Torpor]

The only Vertigo issues i've bought that I really felt cheated on were "American Virgin".

Just didn't like the story and the art just struck me as a bit too amateurish. No likey.

There were also a few "Exterminators" issues I didn't like, but I have no problem with the title as a whole, however.

[brundlefly]

I don't buy comics that I don't enjoy, so it's hard to say

Me, too. I really like all the Vertigo books that I read and I can't really speak to the quality of the ones that I don't. Ex: I don't currently follow either Army @ Love or the Young Liars, but I don't know enough about either of them (besides their premises) to be able to label them the "worst."

[Mr. Palmer]

...the art just struck me as a bit too amateurish.

I loved Cloonan's artwork.

[PamGrierOverdrive]

I tried getting into Vinyl Underground, Loveless, American Virgin, Exterminators, Fables, Northlanders and The Un-Men, but I wasn't bowled over by any of them. But I am thinking of giving Northlanders another chance with its upcoming trade, despite the fact that I initially railed against it (I'm just in the mood to read a viking comic).

[Ryan Day]

I thought the first issue of Un-Men was pretty lame and generic, a sort of attempt to be proto-Vertigo. (To be honest, I wish they'd give up on trying to revive old DC properties; Vertigo's creator-owned books are usually far more interesting.)

[Mr. Palmer]

It was the second issue of UN-MEN that really hooked me.

[DubipR]

I too was unimpressed with the Un-Men. I gave it some issues but I never got into the characters when I was reading Swamp Thing.

At least I gave it shot

[Agent_Torpor]

I loved Cloonan's artwork.

Not me. The whole reason I even bought those issues was for the cover art, which was awesome. Name escapes me right now, though.

[ultramandingo]

.....frank quitely ? he suckered me in to reading bite club .
howsabout the worst book vertigo has ever published ?

[noh-varr]

Is it just me or is this forum very negative? We just seem to talk on end about books as they get canceled, or constantly bring them up. Am I just imaging the negativity? I feel we are barely discussing any of the actual books Vertigo brings out unless they are already done (Sandman, Preacher, etc) and it's a bit disconcerting. Where is the excitement for the new books? Where is the page after page discussion of the newest book? Every single superhero book gets long threads, what is Vertigo doing wrong? It can't be lack of back story/history, look at the Lost thread and people yack about that constantly and that is new material. I just want to know, so ranting a bit, I apologize. But if it's not just me who thinks this is happening tell me why.

[Mladen]

Is it just me or is this forum very negative? We just seem to talk on end about books as they get canceled, or constantly bring them up. Am I just imaging the negativity? I feel we are barely discussing any of the actual books Vertigo brings out unless they are already done (Sandman, Preacher, etc) and it's a bit disconcerting. Where is the excitement for the new books? Where is the page after page discussion of the newest book? Every single superhero book gets long threads, what is Vertigo doing wrong? It can't be lack of back story/history, look at the Lost thread and people yack about that constantly and that is new material. I just want to know, so ranting a bit, I apologize. But if it's not just me who thinks this is happening tell me why.

could just be a result of the fact that a lot of vertigo readers may just not be the type of people who wants to go online and discuss a book in a forum? Especially in forums where the main readership seems to be superhero fans?

As for the lack of ongoing discussion issue-to-issue, I think comparing DC and Vertigo, you'll find a difference in the issues-to-trades ratio. Its a product of the fact that a lot of the title's target readers won't pick it up unless if its in trade (i know thats certainly the case with myself). Like a novel, it takes a bit longer for a buzz to build, and by that time its been cancelled. I don't discuss issue to issue because I don't read them until they're in trade, and I don't go to forums on Vertigo books because I don't like major plot points spoiled for me (Example: I'm yet to read the last issue of Y the Last Man, because I'm waiting for a trade... its freaking hard to not have the ending spoiled for you when you go to blogs and threads).

[FanboyStranger]

In my opinion, the current crop of Vertigo books are all of a relative high standard compared to the rest of the DCU/Wildstorm fare. It's not like there's a Deadman stinking out the Vertigo joint right now. That said, neither Loveless nor Crossing Midnight have ever connected with me, and I can understand the hate towards Vinyl Underground, although the art's spot on and the overall story advanced a lot in the last issue. Granted, I'm the guy who maintains that Mutuk Wolfsbreath: Hard Boiled Shaman is a lost Vertigo gem...

[Mr. Palmer]

My apologies. I certainly wasn't trying to be negative; though I do see your point. I was only trying to stir a conversation. :)

[Dr. K]

Granted, I'm the guy who maintains that Mutuk Wolfsbreath: Hard Boiled Shaman is a lost Vertigo gem...

I loved Muktuk. I remember when it came out, it seemed like Vertigo could do no wrong.

Out of everything Vertigo is publishing right now, I'd pick Loveless as the weakest.

[PamGrierOverdrive]

.....frank quitely ? he suckered me in to reading bite club .
howsabout the worst book vertigo has ever published ?


Ha! That's one of my favorites. The sequel sucked though.

[noh-varr]

could just be a result of the fact that a lot of vertigo readers may just not be the type of people who wants to go online and discuss a book in a forum? Especially in forums where the main readership seems to be superhero fans?

As for the lack of ongoing discussion issue-to-issue, I think comparing DC and Vertigo, you'll find a difference in the issues-to-trades ratio. Its a product of the fact that a lot of the title's target readers won't pick it up unless if its in trade (i know thats certainly the case with myself). Like a novel, it takes a bit longer for a buzz to build, and by that time its been cancelled. I don't discuss issue to issue because I don't read them until they're in trade, and I don't go to forums on Vertigo books because I don't like major plot points spoiled for me (Example: I'm yet to read the last issue of Y the Last Man, because I'm waiting for a trade... its freaking hard to not have the ending spoiled for you when you go to blogs and threads).

But by that token we don't have any form of discussion about the trades either. Again this is NOT an attack or anything. I may be coming off a bit abrasive but a question I feel is worth answering tis all. I read the majority of my comics via trade so I understand the need to avoid spoilers.

Yeah it could be Vertigo is just not the best suited to be talked about on this forum, and if so oh well. I come here to check out the discussions about the few super hero books I still read and mostly the tv threads. But would be nice for some Vertigo love. :)

[ultramandingo]

........ yeah a book like fabels ( or Y) should have a major thead going , but always filzels out . mabey a flopies only thead - trade readers can read it half a year later - after the book has been axed due to lack of sales

[Mladen]

........ yeah a book like fabels ( or Y) should have a major thead going , but always filzels out . mabey a flopies only thead - trade readers can read it half a year later - after the book has been axed due to lack of sales

Trade-buyers SHOULD NOT be made to feel guilty about buying only their preferred product (don't know if this is how you feel, but by your tone I thought I'd just bring this up).
If the companies thought that trades were killing comics, then they'd stop offering them. As it stands, if you give us a choice, you can't complain when we choose the product which we prefer.

The truth is that those titles just don't sell as well as the flagship hero titles (and the current business model seems to demand that they SHOULD). They have more critical acclaim, and attract NEW types of reader though. You can probably judge the success of these books better in the roll-on sales effect on other books. For example, there was probably a noticeable burst in sales of constantly pressed items (Sandman and Preacher for example), at the same time as Fables or Y became really popular.

[PoisonedV]

I never really likes Fables too much.

[Libaax]

I havent read the new series of Vertigo except Northlanders,Scalped,Vinyl Underground.

I would say Vinyl Underground is the weakest. Its the FIRST vertigo title i have read that tried too much. Being hipster,cool Hellblazer like or other similer type comic in a very forced way.

The biggest dissapointment is by far Loveless. A hailed writer from the great 100 Bullets and several good artist like Frusin, Zezelj.

Should have been much better western than it is.

[dancj]

howsabout the worst book vertigo has ever published ?
That would be the Totems one-shot written by Tom Peyer.

Other contenders would be Battle Axes, the Kid Eternity ongoing and most of those one-shots that were given to DC characters back in the early days of Vertigo.

[stealthwise]

Loveless.

And noh-varr, if you want more positive threads, start 'em up.

[jesse_custer]

This board is not overtly negative. When people start making anti-Preacher, anti-Sandman, and anti-Alan Moore threads, yeah, that's when we should start to worry.

[Mr. Palmer]

Ha! I liked BATTLE AXES! :D

[ultramandingo]

...........isnt that why the internet was created - so nerds and shut ins could bitch about stuff ? im going with the wachowski brothers f- ed up v for vendeta narowly beating out canoou reeves's hellblazer for my worst ever

[Mr. Palmer]

Double Ha! I liked both of those, too! :D :D

[Bolinhed]

I think SENTENCES: THE LIFE OF MF GRIMM was pretty lame.

[Mr. Palmer]

Triple... oh forget it.

[baconbutterburger]

Dmz is a big bore, and american virgin was disappointing.

[Mr. Palmer]

I think DMZ is the best book Vertigo currently has going...

[baconbutterburger]

Yeah i've read three trades now...I can't even recall any event that I found spectacular. And that's really all that can be asked of the book, a good plot, I mean the characters are completely worthless. 3 Trades and I still don't care for the Matty. Supporting characters come and go,it just bores me. It's got a premise... that's it.

Also, I almost forgot, the art and panelling is pretty bad. The art actually fits, but the panelling is too jumpy, there aren't nearly enough wide shots that allow you to get the feel for the city. I can't really think of much more, watching ocean's thirteen.

Just my opinion on it.

[dancj]

I think DMZ is excellent - which is surprising seeing as I haven't really enjoyed any other Brian Wood stuff I've read.

[aderechelsea]

- I bought 2 issues of Un-Men ... (bleargh) .. i don't even dare to give them away to someone.

- Vinyl Underground is not THAT horrible but still ... no reason to exist.

- Loveless has great art and Azzarello is writing it but the result is disappointing.

- the sequel of Bite Club was horrible in contrast to the first volume which i enjoyed much.

[Hollowpoint_Ninja]

I don't know about current Vertigo titles but I got the first volume of Preacher and I just couldnt get into it enough to make me want to fork out the cash for further volumes... and I loved Ennis/Dillon on the Punisher...:confused:

[baconbutterburger]

Why is DMZ good? It's so boring and 2 dimensional.

[stealthwise]

Why is DMZ good? It's so boring and 2 dimensional.

Care to expand on why? I quite like it. Matty's kind of a douche at times, but he has personality, and he goes with what he's feels is right, despite the cost. The series itself isn't politically deep, but does serve as an appropriate metaphor for the current divisive situation within the United States, and the anthropological viewpoint of the DMZ as a whole is quite interesting.

[dancj]

Why is DMZ good? It's so boring and 2 dimensional.
Because I find it interesting and enjoyable. I'm not too good at breaking down what I like and don't like about books, but I haven't found it to be any more two dimensional than any other book out there.

[baconbutterburger]

Nothing in that book outside of there lame journalism struggles is expanded upon. I think my main problem with the book is Matty being the main character. He gets in the way of exploring the situation in the DMZ, he causes an imbalance in the storytelling. We don't get enough from the DMZ occupants viewpoints.

[stealthwise]

Nothing in that book outside of there lame journalism struggles is expanded upon. I think my main problem with the book is Matty being the main character. He gets in the way of exploring the situation in the DMZ, he causes an imbalance in the storytelling. We don't get enough from the DMZ occupants viewpoints.

How much of the series have you actually read so far?

[baconbutterburger]

How much of the series have you actually read so far?

Three Trades.

[stealthwise]

Three Trades.

Fair enough. You didn't enjoy the issue that showcased the city itself and its inhabitants?

And there's a reason that people use viewpoint characters as well, but if you're not digging it, you're not digging it.

[baconbutterburger]

Fair enough. You didn't enjoy the issue that showcased the city itself and its inhabitants?

And there's a reason that people use viewpoint characters as well, but if you're not digging it, you're not digging it.

Yeah, recently everything I've been reading has had a large cast, so I guess it's just the limited number characters. Also I wish Matty would die.

I have no recollection of the issue about the city itself, but I recall when he was travelling around with the med student girl. It was a lot more interesting. Guess I'll read my other Brian wood book " Fight for Tommorow".

[Mladen]

Guess I'll read my other Brian wood book " Fight for Tommorow".

ugh.
okay, that one is pretty bad.

[Agent_Torpor]

Dmz is a big bore, and american virgin was disappointing.

THANK YOU! I never, ever understood the lavish praise foisted on DMZ. A decent book in spots, but nothing gripping or ass-clenching like Y: The Last Man or Preacher were.

[dancj]

THANK YOU! I never, ever understood the lavish praise foisted on DMZ. A decent book in spots, but nothing gripping or ass-clenching like Y: The Last Man or Preacher were.

I love the two DMZ trades I've read so far, but I've never understood the huge love people have for the fairly bland Y: The Last Man

[stealthwise]

Yeah, recently everything I've been reading has had a large cast, so I guess it's just the limited number characters. Also I wish Matty would die.

I have no recollection of the issue about the city itself, but I recall when he was travelling around with the med student girl. It was a lot more interesting. Guess I'll read my other Brian wood book " Fight for Tommorow".

"Friendly Fire," the fourth volume, is really, really good, and more what you're looking for.

[baconbutterburger]

Hmmm, I'm really considering giving the series another shot, even though I don't know you, your Adaptation picture is convincing.

Haha, Fight for Tommorow can't be that bad....I'm gonna read it tommorow.

[D1AMONDL1FE]

please keep this thread alive. im fairly new to comics and im finding negative reviews way more useful than praise - im buying a shitload of books right now and its good to know which ones i might as well wait to get.

ps american virgin was a piece of dung and fables is hugely overrated imo

[baconbutterburger]

Yeah this is a pretty tight thread, negative responses are much more detailed than positive ones. By the way Fables takes a while to pick up, a couple of trades that is, and if you still don't like it, then it's not for you.

[Mladen]

I agree with bacon's thoughts on Fables, I definately wasn't hugely impressed with the first volume (felt like the premise was just a gimmick to disguise a pretty average story at that point), but have loved every volume since, great series, a lot of fun.

Let us know what you think of Fight for Tomorrow when you're done reading it.

[Mladen]

Might make the most of the double-post by saying I have trouble enjoying 100 Bullets, even though it gets recommended to me a lot.
I think its more of a case of personally just being a bit sick of 'crime fiction', but was generally a bit underwhelmed by the first couple of volumes. Dunno if this is just me though, it seems to make a lot of 'favorite' lists.

[baconbutterburger]

100 bullets has a cool premise, but that cool factor wears off after a trade or two, but there are others that stir things up a bit. Still, I can easily go without reading that book.

[Agent_Torpor]

I love the two DMZ trades I've read so far, but I've never understood the huge love people have for the fairly bland Y: The Last Man

Yes, but is it ASS-CLENCHING in its goodness?

btw, i'm finding Northlanders to be as boring as a chick in Uggs.

[Mladen]

btw, i'm finding Northlanders to be as boring as a chick in Uggs.

I was wondering about that one... got the first iss, then decided to wait for trade...
could you elaborate on the 'boring' ness?

[Mr. Palmer]

I'll be the first to admit that NORTHLANDERS is moving a bit slow, but I can really dig the book. I think, after this first arc, it's really going to pick up speed.

[baconbutterburger]

I just finished Brian Wood's " Fight for Tommorow" Oh my scrotum, this book is terrible! I don't get it, how could he possibly think this is a good story... It gets interesting about 3/4 into the book and then in the last 3 pages it completely throws everything out the window and goes for this ridiculous ending that has two characters "love" magically dissipate in a single page. Plus you get the lame a$$, looking into the horizon last scene...My god this book is terrible. 1/10 for actually getting me interested, even if it was for just a half an issue. Waste my time...when I could be reading Catcher in the Rye...

[Mr. Palmer]

OT: I've always wanted to taste a butter burger. And I'm sure bacon adds a lot more flavor to it. Mmm.

You aren't from Wisconsin, are you?

[baconbutterburger]

No, Canada actually, so that'll be some good ol' Canadian bacon and butter from some fine Albertan cattle.

Edit: Wow, I just googled it and there really is a butter burger...wow that'll do a number on your heart. I was just making something that sounded good, but at the same time disgusting.

[baconbutterburger]

http://www.roadfood.com/photos/1850.jpg

I actually had no idea that it was a real thing haha. I just made it up to sound alluring, but at the same time disgusting. That thing looks like it'll clog every organ on it's way down!

[Mr. Palmer]

I've heard they're great to eat before a Packers game (hence my Wisconsin inquiry).