What Did You Read - September 2008

[dancj]

New month new thread...

DMZ v3: Public Works - Good volume. Possibly the best one yet. Brian Wood runs a bit hot and cold for me, but DMZ is great!

Superman: Camelot Falls v1 and v2 - Aside from the fact that this should blatantly have been one book, this is a good story. I'm always a sucker for stories that stick characters we know in a dystopian/post apocalyptic future. I get the impression that Busiek had his "continuity cop" hat on a bit and that he was fixing some kind of contradiction with that Arion imposter, but when he does it this well that's fine. Great art from Carlos Pacheco too - though I'm not fond of the way he did Lois's hair.

Noble Causes v5: Betrayals - Another good volume. Great art again (except for the first and last issues which had different artists) and loads of stuff wrapped up from the previous volume.

Superman: Redemption - After the highly enjoyable Camelot Falls, this volume was a big disappointment. The first story flashing back to the beginning of Superman's career was passable, but the rest of the book was really not very good at all.

[Limited edition]

Silver Surfer in Thy name (tpb) - It's really boring, I think it's the worst book in my collection:mad:

Dmz v2: Body of a journalist (tpb) - 2 times better than the first one, i'm really enjoying this series.


EDIT: I know this is a stupid question, but this thread is to discuss what we read in september (not in August) right? sorry for the silly question but i'm new here...

[DF2506]

I finished Watchmen last month and...it was great! It was my first time reading it and I liked it quite a bit. I plan to re-read it again soon.

Other comic reading: my local comic shop has ordered the first Proof trade and I should get that this week or next. Can't wait to read it!

DF2506

[dancj]

Silver Surfer in Thy name (tpb) - It's really boring, I think it's the worst book in my collection:mad:
I like the concept and look of The Silver Surfer and the few episodes I caught of the 90's cartoon, but I don't think I've ever enjoyed a Silver Surfer comic.
Dmz v2: Body of a journalist (tpb) - 2 times better than the first one, i'm really enjoying this series.
I slightly prefered the first volume, but I thought the 3red was better than both and Brian Wood was on these boards the other day saying the best volume so far is the 4th one, so it's all good!
EDIT: I know this is a stupid question, but this thread is to discuss what we read in september (not in August) right? sorry for the silly question but i'm new here...
Well for me, the September is just when I posted the thread, but it covered all books I read since the last time I posted to one of these threads, so some of those will have been in August.

[Limited edition]

Well for me, the September is just when I posted the thread, but it covered all books I read since the last time I posted to one of these threads, so some of those will have been in August.

:wink: thanks

[torippu]

EDIT: I know this is a stupid question, but this thread is to discuss what we read in september (not in August) right? sorry for the silly question but i'm new here...
There are no stupid questions! Like Dan mentioned, feel free to post anywhere.

Welcome to the board!

[Limited edition]

There are no stupid questions! Like Dan mentioned, feel free to post anywhere.

Welcome to the board!

Thanks:biggrin:

[pmpknface]

Let's see...

I got a new box in yesterday and read CAP BRITIAN & MI: 13 - Ok, that was cool. I was not expecting some of that maddness. This could be a fun book!

I read both Avengers Initiative and Mighty too. I've enjoyed the Hank Pym backstory, and this last issue did get a bit weird. I gotta think that's gonna bite the Skrull in the @$$. I also totally love the 3D man. :)

Now... to get to everything else!

[Maukingbird]

I read the first issue of Fringe because I'm a J.J. Abrams junkie and am excited about the new show but I'm not actually even sure I know what the premise is, so I thought the book would help keep me caught up on things and give me a window into the lore they'll be building, as the book is being written by the show writers (including Joss' brother and Dr. Horrible co-creator Zack Whedon). The first issue opened up a REALLY fascinating concept, if it's actually what they'll be playing with on the series itself and isn't just exclusive to the comic. I'll be interested to see if future issues will be building on this one concept or introduce new ones. As for how it fits into the show, I guess I'll find out next week!

[torippu]

I read the first issue of Fringe because I'm a J.J. Abrams junkie and am excited about the new show but I'm not actually even sure I know what the premise is, so I thought the book would help keep me caught up on things and give me a window into the lore they'll be building, as the book is being written by the show writers (including Joss' brother and Dr. Horrible co-creator Zack Whedon). The first issue opened up a REALLY fascinating concept, if it's actually what they'll be playing with on the series itself and isn't just exclusive to the comic. I'll be interested to see if future issues will be building on this one concept or introduce new ones. As for how it fits into the show, I guess I'll find out next week!

I haven't really read too much about what FRINGE is supposed to be about. Downloaded the Pilot when it hit the web over the summer but have never gotten around to watching it. It may be a show that I'll put on my DVR but it got compared to X-Files. Is this true?

[torippu]

Captain America #41 - One more issue to go and I can't wait to read this again when it is all collected. Very happy to hear Brubaker say that he has the book plotted out through issue 60 or 70. This is one run that I hope never ends!
Guardians of the Galaxy #4 - As stated already, this book is so good! Feeling the urge to pull out my Negation issues to cure my fix for Pelletier drawn sci-fi fun!
Wolverine #68 - More fun that I would have imagined. Bit disappointing that the next issu doesn't ship for 3 months. McNiven has taken his art to a whole new level.
The Walking Dead #51 - Crazy!!
Final Crisis: Rogues' Revenge #2 - For Johns & Kolins, you can go home again. Loving this story even though there hasn't really been much Flash in it yet.
Brit #8 - I like this book. The shipping schedule has killed some of my enthusiasm for it though.
Fear Agent #23 - If Remender has really been building to something big then it may be time for me to re-read from the beginning.
Amazing Spider-Man #568~569 - Slott is the best writer of the braintrust and JRJR is best when drawing Spidey - a great start to this arc.
Catwoman #82 - :frown: A really good run from Pfiefer and the Lopez boys.
Amazing Spider-Man Extra #1 - Really liked the Harry Osborn birthday story. The other stories were good set up for upcoming arcs of ASM.
Secret Invasion: Amazing Spider-Man #1 - OK start
Batman & The Outsiders #10 - it's a shame that Dixon's run was cut short and that his last issue was marred by subpar art (IMO).
Ms. Marvel #29 - Wow - this issue was boobtastic. Wasn't sure how Carol was able to stand up and/or stay flying in some of those panels.
Ultimate Spider-Man #125 - Getting better. Love the Beetle!
Birds of Prey #121 - Hmm, the jury is still out for this book. I kind of like Bedard's story but I am not sold on the new artist.
Kick-Ass #4 - Even with all of the gratuitous violence and cursing, I am still reading this book and interested to get the next issue. Why?
Mighty Avengers #17 - Hmm, I want to like Pham's art. His first issue was really good but each subsequent issue hasn't been as good.

[De Carabas]

The Good
Tales of the Fear Agent TP-- I liked it so-so. Of course, Remender's stuff was the best, but it was fun to see Heath roaming the stars getting knee-deep in trouble.
Marvel Adventures Avengers vol. 6: Mighty Marvels digest-- Much better than last volume.
Witchblade vol. 4: Eternal TP--Good, but not as good as the three that precede it. Chalk that up to uneven art and my seriously not warming to the new character.
Maintenance vol. 3 TP-- Not as funny as the previous two volumes, but did a bring a smile or three.

The Bad (as in Bad-assedly Awesome)
Fear Agent vol. 4: Hatchet Job TP-- More awesomeness. It seems cliche to say that something is good because it is unpredictable, but this is a book that is both good and unpredictable.
Halo & Sprocket vol. 2: Natural Creatures TP--My only complaint is that I want more!
Nova vol. 2: Knowhere TP--This should have been in the Annihilation Conquest HC instead of the Wraith mini, because this was awesome!
Thor Visionaries/Legends: Walter Simonson vol. 1-3--I've been reluctant to start these, because I've always been afraid that nostalgia was influencing everyone that said they are required reading. Well, I can now say, completely free of any childhood nostalgia, that these are required reading... on the Reading List of Awesomeness! I was afraid that vol. 3 would lag after the BIG events of vol. 2, but Simonson still keeps the book interesting. Eager to start vol. 4, as it contains the frequently referenced Balder limited series.

The OMG U-G-L-Y
Aztek, The Ultimate Man--A horrible disappointment (because I was looking forward to it) that only ended up being a waste of time and money. Tried twice and still can't finish it.
Justice League International vol. 2 HC-- Guys, I am sooo very sorry, but I did not like this. I can see my fanboy license being revoked right now.
Scud the Disposable Assassin: The Whole Shebang TP-- Heard good things, took a chance, didn't work out. I think my brother will love it though. So I'm out one good reading experience, but up by one early X-mas present. ;)

EM

[pmpknface]

I just read Black Panther, part 2 of the SI x-over. This think is BRUTAL!!!

[torippu]

The OMG U-G-L-Y
Justice League International vol. 2 HC-- Guys, I am sooo very sorry, but I did not like this. I can see my fanboy license being revoked right now.

EM

BLASPHEMY!

Augie, as the esteemed moderator of this board, I believe that it is your sworn duty to take away Eric's fanboy cred. :biggrin:

Of course, I type this realizing that I haven't read these books in close to 20 years and hope that I don't come to the same conclusion!

[dancj]

Iron Man: Civil War - This was a bit dissapointing considering how key Iron Man is to Civil war - but then I guess all the important stuff is already in Civil War.

Faker - This was decent. Mike Carey doing Peter Milligan. I found the ending a little lacking but overall I'd recommend it.

Superman: 3-2-1 Action! - Another weak volume. I wish they'd managed to keep up the standard of Camelot Falls. At least I got to see some Steve Rude art (even if he was impersonating Kirby here, which doesn't look nearly as good as his usual art)

The Lost Ones - Light fluffy crap story from Steve Niles illustrated by artists who vary from poor to abysmal. Complete rubbish.

The Complete Nemesis the Warlock v1 (bathroom book) - Some classic stuff from the warped minds of Pat Mills and Kevin O'Neil. In places the story could possibly use a little more thought to pacing, but then maybe that would mess the the chaotic glory of it all! The ABC Warriors turning up was a nice surprise too!

Stormwatch PHD v2 - This book is definitely growing on me, though I prefered the Doug Mahnke art in the first volume.

Good as Lily - The only other Minx book I've read (Re-Gifters) is about a Korean-American schoolgirl. This one however is about a Korean-American schoolgirl (not a complaint - it just amused me). Good story, good art. I don't know how this line is selling, but it's good to see DC trying stuff like this.

[torippu]

Let's see...

I got a new box in yesterday and read CAP BRITIAN & MI: 13 - Ok, that was cool. I was not expecting some of that maddness. This could be a fun book!



I read this issue as well. Wasn't expecting what happened to John the Skrull! I really liked these 4 issues but am more excited about the book going forward. Also, really loving the art from Leonard Kirk.

Nova #16 - I love books where even though I didn't read the preceeding stories (i.e. Annihilation) I can still understand what is going on. Is the last page a swerve?
New Avengers #44 - Much better art from Tan this time around. Is this how the Skrulls were able to hide themselves from the heroes? Can't wait to read SI this week!

[lousith]

On Sunday i bought and read :

Kraven's Last Hunt (tbp) very good


Maximum Carnage (tpb) only read a bit off it so far with coursework and all but so far so good.

[pmpknface]

Glad to hear you enjoyed the Kraven story. One of my all time faves!

Trip - Yeah, we didn't see that coming on Nova #16. I still think it's a ruse to "pay back" Nova for helping him out earlier.

Just started the Ast. Wolf-Man tpb. Finished KID ETERNITY by Morrison today too. I have no idea what I read, but it was interesting. NEW WARRIORS #15 was the best issue yet, but still was only ok. SKAAR #3 was very cool. I'm enjoying this a lot!

[torippu]

On Sunday i bought and read :

Kraven's Last Hunt (tbp) very good


Maximum Carnage (tpb) only read a bit off it so far with coursework and all but so far so good.

Kraven's Last Hunt was the first set of Spider-Man issues that I bought and have been hooked ever since.

There is a TPB of MAXIMUM CARNAGE?

[torippu]

SKAAR #3 was very cool. I'm enjoying this a lot!

Are you enjoying the art? I flipped through the first couple of issues and Garney's stuff looked terrible. I know that they are coloring the art from his pencils but I'd really love for Marvel to bring back Bill Reinhold to ink his stuff - I loved their art on ASM!

[lousith]

There is a TPB of MAXIMUM CARNAGE?

Yep it cost me £12 roughly $20 i think.

[torippu]

Yep it cost me £12 roughly $20 i think.

Is is a new book/printing or something from 15 years ago? Interesting.

[lousith]

Is is a new book/printing or something from 15 years ago? Interesting.
On the inside cover it said 3rd Printing 2004

[kevhines]

Are you enjoying the art? I flipped through the first couple of issues and Garney's stuff looked terrible. I know that they are coloring the art from his pencils but I'd really love for Marvel to bring back Bill Reinhold to ink his stuff - I loved their art on ASM!

I enjoyed the art. Not quite as much as his art on his recent Wolverine arc. It felt a little busier. But I still really liked it. Between this and that Wolverine arc, this is the most I have enjoyed Garney's work since Captain American. Honest!

[kevhines]

Of course, I type this realizing that I haven't read these books [JLI] in close to 20 years and hope that I don't come to the same conclusion!

I re-read the entire run about 5 years ago and I still really loved it. Particularly the first few years... later it got a little too silly too often (though I still enjoyed it). Those early issues had a great balance of action/humor.

[pmpknface]

I enjoyed the art. Not quite as much as his art on his recent Wolverine arc. It felt a little busier. But I still really liked it. Between this and that Wolverine arc, this is the most I have enjoyed Garney's work since Captain American. Honest!
I'd agree with that. Also, the other 1/2 of the book (besides Garney) is Butch Guise doing a backup where he inks himself - and it's fantastic!

[pmpknface]

I re-read the entire run about 5 years ago and I still really loved it. Particularly the first few years... later it got a little too silly too often (though I still enjoyed it). Those early issues had a great balance of action/humor.
I actually got back in to comics around that time. That was the 1st arc that I hunted down! I liked some of the characters in it and thought it was fun.

[torippu]

Was Maximum Carnage before or after Maximum Clonage?

[De Carabas]

Was Maximum Carnage before or after Maximum Clonage?
Before. Proof that no bad idea can't be made even worse. :tongue:

EM

[torippu]

Before. Proof that no bad idea can't be made even worse. :tongue:

EM

Before? Well then there is a good possibility that I read Max Carnage. Maximum Clonage must have been released around the time I was in Japan ('95~'97) because I don't remember that storyline at all and had a year long gap in my Amazing, Web & Spectacular collections because I had stopped collecting all Spider-Man books due to the wretchedness of the books.

[torippu]

Secret Invasion #6 - Phooey on you Marvel Comics - each time I feel like I am really getting into the story, the issue ends! Did I read/interpret that correctly about The Wasp?
Nightwing #148 - Definitely enjoying this arc better than the last one. Rags' art is really good and that last page splash was top notch!
Booster Gold #11 ~ 12 - One of the disadvantages of no longer having a LCS is that I am more prone to impulse buys. I had been hearing good things about this book, knew that Johns had already left but decided to pick it up these issues for the Chuck Dixon writing. Needless to say, I was entertained and am considering tracking down the Johns/Katz issues and reading the Remender issues coming up.
Action Comics #858 ~ 863 - This the "Superman and the Legion of Super-Heroes" arc from Geoff Johns & Gary Frank. Once again, I think that Johns is the master at taking DC characters that I have no interest in (in this case both Supers and LSH) and writing a story that I find myself very interested in reading. The art was Frank was outstanding and I can't wait to get cracking on the Brainiac arc!
Venom Dark Origin #2 - Oh boy - can't wait until we get the symbiote stuff!

[torippu]

Ms. Marvel Annual #1 - The art didn't appeal to me and neither did the story. I'd much prefer that the Annuals be a continuuation of the main book's story (similar to how Bendis uses this format for New Avengers and Ultimate Spider-Man). Felt like a waste of money to me.
Amazing Spider-Man #570~571 - Need to track down the regular JRJR covers for these books but there is a reason why this arc is selling out - it is kicking all sorts of arss! For some reason, reading these issues got me thinking of the Erik Larsen drawn Return of the Sinister Six arc from ASM from many years ago. I really wish that I had those issues close by.

[pmpknface]

Secret Invasion #6 - Phooey on you Marvel Comics - each time I feel like I am really getting into the story, the issue ends! Did I read/interpret that correctly about The Wasp?

The end was CRAZY!!! All hell is breaking loose. Loved it! And yeah, what I'm getting is that Skrull-Hank gave Jan the "get bigger" as well as smaller formula I think way back in Mighty Avengers #1. That must have done something to her she isn't aware of. Hhmmmmm.......

[torippu]

Action Comics #864~868 - Finally made it though all of my Geoff Johns issues and one this is for sure - I enjoy this book much, much more when Gary Frank is penciling it. The fill-in issue that bridged the gap from the LSH arc and FC: Legion of Three Worlds did nothing for me. At the same time, the Toyman issue was interesting (guess that's a retcon for the character, eh?) but the Brainiac issues were top notch. Can't wait to get the issue shipping this week!
All-Star Superman TPB Vol. 1 - Is Grant Morrison really writing this book? I normally don't care for his stuff but absolutely loved these issues! Read the whole collection in one sitting today. For those of you not reading, this comes highly recommended.

[dancj]

Pride & Joy - I've got the comics already, but I just managed to pick the trade up cheap on eBay so I thought I'd read it again. It's still decent, but it's always going to be one of Ennis's lesser works for me.

Ultimate Spider-Man v11: Carnage - Decent stuff. It's nice to see this series take a bit of a darker turn. Just one problem though....*

Outsiders v3: Wanted - Possibly the best volume of Outsiders yet. Using a real life TV presenter as a character was a bit naf though.

Ultimate Spider-Man v12: Superstars - A few shorter stories instead of one long one. Nothing bad, but Bendis's stories need more space than this so none of them feel substantial enough. In fact reading USM volumes back to back has made me realise that even trades aren't big enough chunks for this series. I don't know how anyone can bear reading this monthly. One problem with this book though...*

Teen Titans/Outsiders: Insiders - Meh - A four issue fight scene followed by a couple of short follow-ups. The villains got into the fight and cerebral villains like this work much better orchestrating things from behind the scenes than getting involved in fights themselves. Really this book was much weaker than either team's solo books.

Ultimate Spider-Man v13: Hobgoblin - This was a good volume. A bit more emotional weight to the book than normal. One problem though....*

* I don't know if I'm the only person who has this problem, but reading Ultimate Spider-Man I find that roughly every 20 pages I read a page to suddenly realise that what I've read half of was a double page spread in which I've just skipped half the panels. I've got no problem with double page spreads if you've got a big picture that takes up all or most of the spread, but when a spread is made up of several panels I'm forced to either work out at whether I've got a double page spread every time I turn the page (which draws me out of the story) or suddenly realise I've been reading it wrong every so often which is incredibly irritating.

I'm guessing that Bendis is the one to blame for this rather than Mark Bagley as I have the same problem with Powers as well.

[pmpknface]

I don't know if I'm the only person who has this problem, but reading Ultimate Spider-Man I find that roughly every 20 pages I read a page to suddenly realise that what I've read half of was a double page spread in which I've just skipped half the panels. I've got no problem with double page spreads if you've got a big picture that takes up all or most of the spread, but when a spread is made up of several panels I'm forced to either work out at whether I've got a double page spread every time I turn the page (which draws me out of the story) or suddenly realise I've been reading it wrong every so often which is incredibly irritating.

Yes, that happens to me, but I've gotten better at recognizing it.

[DF2506]

I read today:

The Stand: Captain Trips #1: Great artwork. The story is pretty much a straight adaptation of the Stand. I like that its following the story, but I wish the narration stood out a bit more. One of the things I really liked about the first Dark Tower mini-series (haven't read the second one yet) is that, while it did cover material we'd seen before, it did it in a different way. We got a different type of narration. With the Stand, so far, its like the writer just took King's words and transcribed them. Which is good and bad. Its good because the mini-series is sticking to the story, its bad because it doesn't make the comic stand out (lol). It makes me wonder: other then the art, why should a reader who read the Stand and/or saw the tv mini-series read the book? I think I'd like the book a lot better if the writer was telling the story is a more unique and interesting way. That said, I am interested in seeing the second issue (mostly because of the art). I don't know. I have mixed feelings here.

Atomic Robo: The Dogs of War #2: No mixed feelings here. This was excellent. Even better then #1 imo. The story and the artwork is really good on this series and I like the little extra back-up story too. Fun series and I can't wait to read more of it. I really should try to get my hands on the trade of the first mini-series!

DF2506

[torippu]

I read today:

Atomic Robo: The Dogs of War #2: No mixed feelings here. This was excellent. Even better then #1 imo. The story and the artwork is really good on this series and I like the little extra back-up story too. Fun series and I can't wait to read more of it. I really should try to get my hands on the trade of the first mini-series!

DF2506

Good to hear. I have heard nothing but good things about the first mini-series and have been thinking of getting that trade.

[pmpknface]

Read Ultimate Origins #4 - Man, that's some messed up stuff. This series got a lot better with the last ish.

Is it me, or are you guys tired of finding out info from the recap pages in Ult books BEFORE it happens? They did this a few times in Ultimates too.

[DF2506]

Good to hear. I have heard nothing but good things about the first mini-series and have been thinking of getting that trade.

The Dogs of War is really good so far. Really fun. Its set in World War 2 and has Atomic Robo going to help the troops. I think the first trade was set more in present day. Not sure. I haven't read that one, but I really want to. It seems like a fun series of mini-series.

Hmm. I wonder how the other Red 5 comics are. Might have to check into them more.

DF2506
" Remembers when the writer of Atomic Robo was writing 8-bit Thearter. "

[torippu]

*Finally* got my weekly shipment (from a week and half ago) on Friday and read all of the books over the weekend:

BPRD: The Warning #3 - Wow, this issue was so so good! Referencing plots/ideas from the beginning of the book, I may need to go back and re-read the series from the beginning again. Wonderful Guy Davis art - gonna be hard to wait until the next issue, especially after reading the previews on myspace comics.
Civil War House of M #1 - Why doesn't either Christos Gage or Andrea DiVito have a regular gig from Marvel? I love both of these creators. Good start to this mini-series.
Dynamo 5 #16 - Another good issue.
Ms. Marvel #30 - Not a good issue at all. Didn't seem like the rabid Super Skrull was the big bad that this arc had been building towards. The last two pages could be interesting set up for the next arc. We'll have to wait and see.
Ultimate Origins #4 - Yep - definitely the best issue of the mini so far. Is there going to be any sort of conclusion at the end of next issue? If not, then I am going to feel jerked around by Marvel (like I was with DC's use of mini-series during the lead up to Infinite Crisis) if this is just being used as a lead in to Ultimatum.

[pmpknface]

Ghost Rider Ann #2 - they dont' put these in the tpb, so I pick 'em up. Not a bad story, but the art wasn't my fav. The backup of GR racing Death was cool, back from GR's 1st series.

Herc - Great 1st issue to this arc. Cho is up to his neck in trouble. Love having Namora on this book too!!!

Ult FF / X-men Annual - Eh.... A very scatterbrained story.

Rex Mundi #13 - Cool! 1 Guy Davis story, and another one that dove-tails into an on-line story that I've gotta find out about. We're gearing up to the final arc of this tale and I can't wait! I've followed this book since Image #0 and decided to stick with it. On a smaller scale, this is like finishing Y or 100 Bullets for me.

ASM - I AM TOTALLY LOVING THIS STORY!!! It's had just about everything. Anit-Venom is much cooler than I figured he'd be. Plus it's been weekly 5 weeks in a row and will be back with a BIGGER issue after a few weeks off. Love the big FACE covers! Should end well! :)

[torippu]

Read Ultimate Origins #4 - Man, that's some messed up stuff. This series got a lot better with the last ish.

Is it me, or are you guys tired of finding out info from the recap pages in Ult books BEFORE it happens? They did this a few times in Ultimates too.

What did they spoil this time? I read the recap page before reading the big and didn't notice anything out of the ordinary.

[torippu]

ASM - I AM TOTALLY LOVING THIS STORY!!! It's had just about everything. Anit-Venom is much cooler than I figured he'd be. Plus it's been weekly 5 weeks in a row and will be back with a BIGGER issue after a few weeks off. Love the big FACE covers! Should end well! :)

Yes, NWTD has been great! Have you been getting both covers? I was really digging the first couple of JRJR covers and then #571 had a Spidey/Goblin cover and that scene was no where to be seen in the book.

[DF2506]

Yesterday, I read the new issue of Ultimate Spiderman and most of the new issue of Proof.

Ultimate Spiderman was really good. Lots of action and an interesting set-up for the future. Oh and the two word next issue description...:eek: Here we go again! :)

As for Proof, read the main story in the new issue. It was interesting, but it didn't grab me as much as the last issue. Although, being a fan of a certain character who appears at the end, I did like that cliffhanger! And the next issue, the Halloween issue, should be cool.

Still haven't seen hide nor hair of the Proof trade I had my comic guy order awhile back....

DF2506

[pmpknface]

Yes, NWTD has been great! Have you been getting both covers? I was really digging the first couple of JRJR covers and then #571 had a Spidey/Goblin cover and that scene was no where to be seen in the book.

No, for the most part I have the FACE covers. I liked the Ross Goblin, but for part 2 I got the normal cover. Parts 3-5 I have the FACE covers.

Yeah, never judge a book by it's cover! :tongue:

[pmpknface]

What did they spoil this time? I read the recap page before reading the big and didn't notice anything out of the ordinary.
I don't really remember at the moment and the book isn't with me. But it's something that we learn 2 pages after the recap page. There's just no need for that crap. I'll be reading the recap going, "when did that happen?" and of course - it didn't yet. Ugh...

[dancj]

Big catch-up...

Teen Titans/Outsiders: The Death and Return of Donna Troy - The first part of this (Graduation Day) was pretty rubbish TBH. The second half (The Return of Donna Troy) was... I'm not sure I could call it bad, but I've always found Phil Jimenez's writing to be quite dull and a bit of a slog. I think it's safe to say that his writing just isn't for me.

Ultimate Spider-Man v15: Silver Sable - I accidentally read this out of order. Perfectly decent volume, nothing special. Still getting tripped up by those double page spreads...

Outsiders v4: Crisis Intervention - The first half of this book was fine, but unspectacular. The 2nd half of this did nothing for me at all. The less interesting characters (plus Shift) got chucked of into Space for a story that never really worked. The rest of the team still working on Earth worked a lot better, but deary me the art towards the end of this book was terrible.

Ultimate Spider-Man v14: Warriors - I should have read this before vol 15, but it didn't really suffer from being out of order. Another decent volume.

Outsiders v5: The Good Fight - One year later... a new and much improved line-up (except for the loss of Shift who was the best character in the book), and more down to Earth storylines. Maybe this is the one book that actually did improve loads across the OYL gap! Definitely the best volume of Outsiders yet!

Teen Titans: Life and Death - Meh. The first half of the book didn't really do much for me, but then it got worse. The 2nd half of the book just feels like loads of scenes from various different books chopped up and put together in chronological order with no sense of flow to make it all stand together as a story. A bit of a mess really

[torippu]

Guardians of the Galaxy #5 - I don't really have anything to say about this book other than this book is so so so good!
Amazing Spider-Man #572 - Not as good as the previous issues. Bit disappointed that Spidey took down Bullseye so easily. The art from JRJr looked a bit rushed in places (which is to be expected with the schedule).
Mighty Avengers #18 - Greatly enjoyed this issue and I would have to say that I'm looking forward to checking out the Secret Warriors book from Bendis/Hickman now.
Birds of Prey #122 - I want to continue reading this book but the new setting and artist just aren't clicking with me right now.
Action Comics #869 - another decent issue - can't wait to get to the conclusion now.

[torippu]

Outsiders v4: Crisis Intervention - The first half of this book was fine, but unspectacular. The 2nd half of this did nothing for me at all. The less interesting characters (plus Shift) got chucked of into Space for a story that never really worked. The rest of the team still working on Earth worked a lot better, but deary me the art towards the end of this book was terrible.



[B]Outsiders v5: The Good Fight - One year later... a new and much improved line-up (except for the loss of Shift who was the best character in the book), and more down to Earth storylines. Maybe this is the one book that actually did improve loads across the OYL gap! Definitely the best volume of Outsiders yet!


Yep - I remember the issues leading up to the OYL jump being not very good. I actually really liked the Outsiders pre-OYL, read a bit after the jump and then dropped the book around the time of the Outsiders/Checkmate crossover. One of these days, I may go back and pick up the last 9~10 issues of the book that I never got around to reading.

[torippu]

Captain America: Operation Rebirth TPB - Finally! I was out of the country when this was released and was very happy to pick up the trade when it was recently released. I can see why folks got very excited for this run - nice art from Garney, superhero-y Cap, the Red Skull, a very good read. Now that I've gone back to read this run, it may be time for me to re-read my Greunwald/Lim issues.
Justice League International HC Vol. 1 & 2 - Blasted through these 2 books this weekend and they are still as good as I remember them being (if not better as I am older and probably understand some the gags and jokes better than my 16 year old self). One impression - it may not have been as laugh out loud funny as I thought and the action is a little more serious than I remember it being, but it still kept me enthralled. I think I giggled each time the "nice" Guy Gardner showed up. Can't wait to read the subsequent collections to be released and would also be willing to plop some of my hard earned cash on a Justice League Europe collection (Bart Sears artwork - yay!) or two.

[De Carabas]

Batman Confidential #17-21--L-O-V-E-D it! If it gets collected, I am absolutely buying it again.

ClanDestine: Blood Relative PR HC--Very enoyable. Loved seeing the Destines again. Davis's writing has improved since the first go around with the Destine clan, too. The ending is a major deus ex machina though.

Dugout OGN--As a complete sucker for baseball stories, I enjoyed this one. Quirky and light, but entertaining.

Loveless vol. 1: A Kin of Homecoming TP--Loved it so much more on this second read-through. Going in knowing that flashbacks occur in the same panels as the primary sequence made a biiiiiig difference. The one thing that holds true from first to second reading is that Frusin rules!

Loveless vol. 2: Thicker Than Blackwater TP--My percentage of enjoyment exactly mirrors the percentage of story drawn by Frusin. The other artists just didn't come close to matching the tone or feel Frusin established. Also, the incredibly dark and muddy coloring made the aforementioned in-panel flashbacks unintelligible. In theory, I don't mind if different artists come in, but when an artist can't draw the main character in a consist fashion, it seriously detracts from the experience.

Loveless vol. 3: Blackwater Falls TP--No Frusin. No in-panel flashbacks. Missing damn-near every main character from volume 1. No satisfying story conclusion thanks to early cancellation. Oh well. Guess I'll go sulk now.

Superman: Kryptonite HC--A touch, an ever so slight touch, disappointing. It's not bad, and I'll probably read it again some time in the near future, but it was not...wow. Some quirky coloring/art choices kept distracting me, and some of Cooke's prose turns a bit purple. I also strongly recommend that anyone who reads this skip past Cooke's intro. A big part of my disappointment stems from his intro being too darn literal in describing the story, ruining many key moments and the overall tone of the story. I started looking for scenes that I shouldn't have seen coming, ruining some of the surprise.

Mighty Avengers #18--I have enjoyed the majority of the SI Avengers issues. I like the glimpses back into what we've missed or the alternate takes of scenes we've already seen. That said, IMO this issue was a waste. Oh well.

Witchblade: Shades of Gray TP--Since Marz took over, P & I have been following Witchblade. Two months ago, I see this solicited in Previews. "Written by Leah Moore and guest-starring Dorian Gray? That sounds cool." And that is exactly where I should have stopped. Ugh. Can even bring myself to finish it. Horrible Boob-blade art at its finest (or worst) bringing down an already mediocre script.

EM

[pmpknface]

Loveless vol. 3: Blackwater Falls TP
Superman: Kryptonite HC

MAN! I've got those 2 on tap too! Well, after Iron Fist Vol. 2, and whatever arrives today.

[kevhines]

Loveless vol. 1: A Kin of Homecoming TP--Loved it so much more on this second read-through. Going in knowing that flashbacks occur in the same panels as the primary sequence made a biiiiiig difference. The one thing that holds true from first to second reading is that Frusin rules!

Loveless vol. 2: Thicker Than Blackwater TP--My percentage of enjoyment exactly mirrors the percentage of story drawn by Frusin. The other artists just didn't come close to matching the tone or feel Frusin established. Also, the incredibly dark and muddy coloring made the aforementioned in-panel flashbacks unintelligible. In theory, I don't mind if different artists come in, but when an artist can't draw the main character in a consist fashion, it seriously detracts from the experience.

Loveless vol. 3: Blackwater Falls TP--No Frusin. No in-panel flashbacks. Missing damn-near every main character from volume 1. No satisfying story conclusion thanks to early cancellation. Oh well. Guess I'll go sulk now.


I just re-read volumes 1 and 2 and then read volume 3 this weekend (in fact I JUST finished volume 3 a minute ago.)

I re-read volume 1 when I bough volume 2 and remember it made a lot more sense the second time, and it felt super-clear and obvious this time. Some of that is I get so excited to have a new comic I read it too fast, and Azzarello needs slow reading.

I think volume 2 was my favorite volume though, as things really start moving - and the ending shocked me, and considering I read it before that is saying something!

I agree that Dell'Edera's art in place of Frusin's art is a tough sell. It just doesn't flow as magically, which is only highlighted by Frusin's cinematic covers. But I liked Zezelj's work on the stand alone tales. Its a little murky (as is his style) but it has its own kind of impact.

Volume 3 was great as well (for me). The Blackwater Falls storyline moved wonderfully, and its ending was spectacular. I wish the art (which felt fine) had been by Frusin because that would have elevated this storyline to incredibly high creepy levels.

There were flashbacks within panels. Not sure how many, but I clearly recall recently raped Ruth walking by herself with the two Cutter boys, all from the memories of current day Ruth.

Ruth terrifies me by the way. In a completely engaging way.

The 3 epilogue stories are interesting. Though I found the last one (about Foley) to be the weakest of the three, so it was unfortunate that it ended on that one. I really am sad we won't get to see the outcome of the John Cutter.

(I also re-read 100 Bullets 9-11, and read volume 12 of that series. 11 on re-reading was amazing. 12 felt good - but it felt like what it was. Getting the final pieces in place for the 13th volume).

I have not read anything by Azzarello that I have not like, and very little that I have not LOVED.

[De Carabas]

I agree that Dell'Edera's art in place of Frusin's art is a tough sell. It just doesn't flow as magically, which is only highlighted by Frusin's cinematic covers. But I liked Zezelj's work on the stand alone tales. Its a little murky (as is his style) but it has its own kind of impact.
I'm probably being a touch unfair. If the series had started with the other two, I might have been fine with it (the character faces being inconsistent did hurt a bit), but after seeing Frusin, and whoever colored the first volume, do such an incredible job, there was no where to go but Disappointmentville.

Volume 3 was great as well (for me). The Blackwater Falls storyline moved wonderfully, and its ending was spectacular. I wish the art (which felt fine) had been by Frusin because that would have elevated this storyline to incredibly high creepy levels.
I should have mentioned that I loved the ending to Ruth's & Blackwater's story. That was incredibly well done. My main irritation came from the single issues and the after-the-fact knowledge that the series got prematurely canceled. I would now be willing to trade every single one of the standalone issues for more of the Cutters and their main story.

There were flashbacks within panels. Not sure how many, but I clearly recall recently raped Ruth walking by herself with the two Cutter boys, all from the memories of current day Ruth.
That was actually the scene that made me realize that we weren't getting them any more. Now, it wasn't necessarily a crucial storytelling device, but it was a really neat and inventive one that a writer can only use with the most skilled artist. Once I realized we hadn't been getting them, I couldn't shake the thought from my head that the series may have started to change a bit from Azzarello's original conception after losing Frusin.

Ruth terrifies me by the way. In a completely engaging way.
Amen.

I have not read anything by Azzarello that I have not like, and very little that I have not LOVED.
Have you read Dr. Thirteen? If not, I highly recommend it and urge you to read it soon. Some of the references are somewhat contemporary and might lose impact as time passes, which would be a crime.

EM

[kevhines]

Have you read Dr. Thirteen? If not, I highly recommend it and urge you to read it soon. Some of the references are somewhat contemporary and might lose impact as time passes, which would be a crime.

Oh definitely, and even though my girlfriend spilled coffee on it I have re-read the collection 2 or 3 times since it came out.

Really fun book. I love how he played the skeptic in the DC Universe.

Speaking of how Azzarello's vision changed, I recently re-read an interview about Loveless, and it sounds nothing like the book that came out.

http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=5543

He talks of Ruth and Wes being on the run, but even 12 issues in they seemed pretty set in Blackwater for a while.

He also talks about Atticus Mann being a bounty hunter (ok that is true) hunting the Cutters (that never happened).

I wonder why that all changed?

[torippu]

Batman Confidential #17-21--L-O-V-E-D it! If it gets collected, I am absolutely buying it again.

EM

This is the Nicieza/Maguire Catwoman/Batgirl story, right? I really would like to read this arc but am wondering if I won't be able to find the issues cheap online or may have to hold out for a trade. What are the chances that DC will collect just these 5 issues?