Did You Love Huntress: Year One? Get a Review Copy and Post Your Review on Amazon [Archive]

JumpingJupiter

02-04-2009, 03:42 PM

http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n94/ulysses01/comics/huntresspromo.jpg

Holy Huntress, Batman! Ivory Madison’s Huntress: Year One in trade paperback debuted Tuesday on Amazon!

Ivory asked me to help her out with the book promotions, and I’m calling on all of the other Huntress fans to help Ivory out as well!

If you’re a Huntress: Year One fan, get your email account ready. The first 10 people from this message board who email huntress@redroom.com and include (a) their real name, (b) their mailing address, and (c) the name of the message board will receive a review copy of Huntress (about an $18 value). The trade paperback also has an exclusive cast list and intro by Huntress creator Paul Levitz.

Help out by posting a review on Amazon.com, and on the boards, and our blogs . . . and wherever else. Unless you hated it. Then maybe take a nap instead of posting.

BAM! Here’s How to Write a Brilliant Amazon Review

1. Power up Amazon.com. If you’re an Amazon newbie, you’ll need to create an account and purchase something in order to write a review. (Don’t know what to buy? I have a suggestion—it does make a great gift!)

2. Dial H for Huntress at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1401221262?ie=UTF8&tag=rrhuntress-20 and click “create your own review.”

3. Activate your reviewing superpowers. Write what you love about Huntress, and publish your review.

If you are one of the lucky people to receive a review copy, enjoy your gift, and please let the world know that you did.

And don’t forget to say hello to Ivory and get it signed if you’re at New York Comic Con next week or at WonderCon in San Francisco next month!

JumpingJupiter

02-05-2009, 12:39 PM

*bumpity bump!*

celticguy

02-05-2009, 01:02 PM

I hated it so I will not be posting.

WorstThingUS

02-05-2009, 01:45 PM

I hated it so I will not be posting.

You have the power to post and with that comes the responsibility to do so and prevent others from getting this incredibly disappointing story.

pressdarlings

02-05-2009, 02:09 PM

You have the power to post and with that comes the responsibility to do so and prevent others from getting this incredibly disappointing story.

Care to elaborate? Been meaning to pick it up. What are the strengths and weaknesses?

JumpingJupiter

02-05-2009, 02:26 PM

Care to elaborate? Been meaning to pick it up. What are the strengths and weaknesses?

Here's a bunch of reviews. Should help you decide if it's for you or not.

http://www.amazon.com/Huntress-Year-One-Ivory-Madison/review/product/1401221262/ref=dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1

http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=user_review&id=118

http://forum.newsarama.com/showthread.php?t=158440

http://ifanboy.com/reviews/YoSoyJu/dc_comics/huntress_year_one/3_(of_6)

http://comics.ign.com/articles/874/874167p1.html

http://ifanboy.com/reviews/TehDave/dc_comics/huntress_year_one/5_(of_6)

celticguy

02-05-2009, 02:28 PM

I found it lacking in story. It retells the creation of Huntress but a one issue story is stretched in a 6 issue one without really adding anything.

I think Huntress is one of the best untapped characters out there but this was just a miss.

WorstThingUS

02-05-2009, 02:29 PM

Care to elaborate? Been meaning to pick it up. What are the strengths and weaknesses?

Starts off strong but then goes off the rails with waaaay too much feminist preaching, horrifically contrived romantic subplot and out-of-character behavior by established characters we know well. Just read Cry For Blood again.

pressdarlings

02-05-2009, 02:33 PM

Here's a bunch of reviews. Should help you decide if it's for you or not.

http://www.amazon.com/Huntress-Year-One-Ivory-Madison/review/product/1401221262/ref=dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1

http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=user_review&id=118

http://forum.newsarama.com/showthread.php?t=158440

http://ifanboy.com/reviews/YoSoyJu/dc_comics/huntress_year_one/3_(of_6)

http://comics.ign.com/articles/874/874167p1.html

http://ifanboy.com/reviews/TehDave/dc_comics/huntress_year_one/5_(of_6)

The Dark Knight meets The Godfather, aye?

nepenthes

02-05-2009, 02:34 PM

There's a bit of weird writing in it but overall its unique and very thoughtful and definitely worth getting if you're into Huntress or just interesting comics. Most of the flaws stem from Madison being unused to writing comics I guess, sometimes it's more like an illustrated novel, sometimes a bit rushed and a few of the developments are a little clumsy. I also thought it was unnecessary for Huntress to thwart such a major threat in her origin story, it should've been something smaller scale imo. I don't want to give it away but it's simlair to Batman saving Gotham from Ra's in his first adventre in BB, over the top. The main strenghts are charactersation of Helena (sorry I can't be more specific) and the way Madison presents and ties story themes together, religion, feminism, family, revenge, vigilantism, all of that. Let's just say I'd be dissapointed if she doesn't write any more comics soon, judging from this start she could become something very cool.

I found it lacking in story. It retells the creation of Huntress but a one issue story is stretched in a 6 issue one without really adding anything.

I thought alot happened in the series saying it could've been one issue is a bit unfair imo. I actually wish some bits were fleshed out more and give room to breathe. Venice, hunting down Mandragora etc. True the oveall flow was a bit awkwards sometimes though.

Starts off strong but then goes off the rails with waaaay too much feminist preaching, horrifically contrived romantic subplot and out-of-character behavior by established characters we know well. Just read Cry For Blood again.

what was out of character?

I like that Catwoman was a smoker ha. She also nailed the description of Batman.

JumpingJupiter

02-05-2009, 02:34 PM

The Dark Knight meets The Godfather, aye?

Yes, it's more of a mafia crime story than a superhero story actually. Which is fitting for the character imo.

Other than on this site the feedback has been mostly positive. A few here are very vocal about their dislike. Some of criticism I find fair others I think are unreasonable, just like anything.

More reviews and stuff. -> https://docs.google.com/gview?a=v&attid=0.1&thid=11f448f0f9317447&mt=application%2Fpdf&pli=1

pressdarlings

02-05-2009, 02:44 PM

Yes, it's more of a mafia crime story than a superhero story actually. Which is fitting for the character imo.

Other than on this site the feedback has been mostly positive. A few here are very vocal about their dislike. Some of criticism I find fair others I think are unreasonable, just like anything.

More reviews and stuff. -> https://docs.google.com/gview?a=v&attid=0.1&thid=11f448f0f9317447&mt=application%2Fpdf&pli=1

I'm fine with all that. Actually makes me find it more intriguing. I'll be sure to check it out. I own Cry for Blood but haven't read it yet. So I'm going into this with very little knowledge of the Huntress.

JumpingJupiter

02-05-2009, 02:50 PM

I'm fine with all that. Actually makes me find it more intriguing. I'll be sure to check it out. I own Cry for Blood but haven't read it yet. So I'm going into this with very little knowledge of the Huntress.

Looking forward to reading your thoughts on this!

celticguy

02-05-2009, 02:54 PM

I thought alot happened in the series saying it could've been one issue is a bit unfair imo. I actually wish some bits were fleshed out more and give room to breathe. Venice, hunting down Mandragora etc. True the oveall flow was a bit awkwards sometimes though.

If you are going to retell a story that has been told many times give it some originality. It was all mafia all the time nothing special in it.

Mia

02-05-2009, 03:06 PM

I agree that the book started off strong but went off the rails as the story progressed.

What I liked:

1. The characterisation of Helena as a pious, dignified and intelligent woman. It's a remarkable and well needed change from the characterisation that has been placed on the character over the past five or so years.
2. The art work, especially in the first issue.
3. The fight scenes showing Helena/Huntress fighting and in action. It showed that she could kick some serious tail.
4. The cosmopolitan and international setting.

What I disliked:

1. The constant anger. Huntress was more angry than assertive. Yes she's angry in other books. But when other writers have tackled her (ie. Rucka, Dixon). Her anger was directed at injustice. She wasn't angry all the time. In Huntress year one she was a borderline shrew.
2. The pacing of the story. There were things in this book that did not need to be in there (ie. Monica's rape) and there were other things that needed to be expanded on that weren't (the romance with Tony)
3. The retconning out of Batman's first meeting of Helena at a Christmas party. That was seriously disapointing.
4. The forced symbolism of trying to imply that Batman & Catwoman are Huntress' parents. That was too hamfisted.

The story would have served much better if the author had just tried to play it straight. In all it was a good effort but it was just a let down. Huntress as I know her is dead. I've moved on to X-23. Who is way cooler.

nepenthes

02-05-2009, 03:11 PM

If you are going to retell a story that has been told many times give it some originality. It was all mafia all the time nothing special in it.

this is pretty vague. yes the book was a mafia tale, of course, but within that alot of stuff happened. also it's a bit strange to complain that Madison followed what was already set up in Huntress's origin, most people would call that respect for previous work and character. and she did put a deeper spin on the elements she used, in my observation

celticguy

02-05-2009, 03:15 PM

this is pretty vague. yes the book was a mafia tale, of course, but within that alot of stuff happened. also it's a bit strange to complain that Madison followed what was already set up in Huntress's origin, most people would call that respect for previous work and character. and she did put a deeper spin on the elements she used, in my observation

I am not going to type out the storyhere.

but if you are gonig to retell a familar origin make it your own. Addsomething the reader does nto see coming not just another tired Mafia story.

nepenthes

02-05-2009, 03:40 PM

JumpingJupiter

02-05-2009, 04:41 PM

What I disliked:

1. The constant anger. Huntress was more angry than assertive. Yes she's angry in other books. But when other writers have tackled her (ie. Rucka, Dixon). Her anger was directed at injustice. She wasn't angry all the time. In Huntress year one she was a borderline shrew.

I see what you mean, but to me it made sense that a much younger Helena would be more overall angry and impetuous. Rucka's Huntress was much older and mature and the story was about, among other things, Helena learning to control her feelings better. I feel Madison wrote the character to appropriately fit a Year One story. Her Huntress is young, immature and thus has much learn. I find it adds depth to the character, we see her in the past here and that highlights how she's undergone a progression to get to where she is now. I enjoyed that aspect a great deal.

pressdarlings

02-08-2009, 02:12 PM

I actually really, really dug it. I'll be posting my review on Amazon for kicks.

JumpingJupiter

02-08-2009, 03:15 PM

I actually really, really dug it. I'll be posting my review on Amazon for kicks.

Looking forward to reading your review!

union_jak

02-10-2009, 03:16 PM

Aww I love Huntress. I'd love to read this book and review it, but I'm in the UK.

JumpingJupiter

02-10-2009, 03:40 PM

Aww I love Huntress. I'd love to read this book and review it, but I'm in the UK.

You can't get this in the UK?

union_jak

02-11-2009, 09:08 AM

You can't get this in the UK?

Yeah, it'll come out eventually.

celticguy

02-11-2009, 09:36 AM

the basics were retained just like any good ongoing origin story. taking away her assassinated family, time on the farm, Sal etc would be like taking away Bruce's dead parents and world travels. but Madison used the building blocks to weave her own version imo, more importantly she got a little deeper into the themes than Cry for Blood does. which i should re-read.

I was fine with the basics of her parents getting killed and all but the whole mob thing with her inheritance and the church was such a cliche. Would have been nice if her first battle was not over money.

DubipR

02-11-2009, 09:50 AM

I found it lacking in story. It retells the creation of Huntress but a one issue story is stretched in a 6 issue one without really adding anything.

Agreed. Why ruin what Rucka did with his mini-series close to 9 years ago and did it with great storytelling and better artwork. To be honest, it was a waste of a mini.

Mia

02-11-2009, 10:24 AM

Agreed. Why ruin what Rucka did with his mini-series close to 9 years ago and did it with great storytelling and better artwork. To be honest, it was a waste of a mini.

I agree on your view that it was a waste. The story had such a great potential and it was missed. However HCFB did not involve Helena's first year as Huntress.

Alexx1

02-11-2009, 11:01 AM

While it was no where near as good as CFB, I don't think the mini was a waste. Madison left the character some good story if others writers decide to come in and expand upon (ie The Hand (I can't image someone or someones not wanting to settle a score with Ms. Bertinelli, her billion dollar fortune, her cousin Sal being alive, etc..).

I think the problem this mini faced was the writer had so much to say, so many ideas and not enough issues to fit them all into. So many things come off looking as rushed, or not coherent. Some things need to take more time to flush out (Helena and Tony's relationship. I mean supposedly this was her first love. Tony's quick Jekyll/Hyde change in personality, the various factions of THE Hand). As well as some other things like Huntress personality needing more . Except for issue one, Helena comes across as a one-dimensional character. Helena is far more complex and riviting to ever be shown as one dimensional. She's one of, if not the MOST complex and multi facaded characters in the DCU.

Some things in hindsight turn out to be a bit ridiculous, like Huntress and Bruce Wayne's fight, Batgirl written out of character, because Barbara was a far more intelligent and skilled superhero at the time and yet she can across looking very naive and inexperienced.

The first issue of this series was amazing and thoughtful, and very much Helena Bertinelli. The rest not so much. Some good and decent things, but over all I didn't really get a sense that Madison had a good grasp on Helena Bertinelli and The Huntress.

carabas

02-11-2009, 11:40 AM

I think the problem this mini faced was the writer had so much to say, so many ideas and not enough issues to fit them all into.I hink the problem is that she only had one thing to say. Pretty much everything in the mini boils down to "Men suck."

JumpingJupiter

02-11-2009, 02:27 PM

I read your comments, most of them are well articulated and sound reasonable so I go back and re-read, thinking I'm going to pick up on those things you criticize but I find myself enjoying it even more.

It's a matter of taste. I read this many times now and I like it more each time!

Alexx1

02-11-2009, 02:41 PM

WorstThingUS

02-11-2009, 02:45 PM

And Scott Beatty's Gotham Knights (somewhere in the 30ish numbered issues, she was being recurited by Checkmate here. She was BADASS!).

What did happen to that plot by the way? Wasn't she supposed to be Batman's spy on the inside?

Alexx1

02-11-2009, 02:58 PM

What did happen to that plot by the way? Wasn't she supposed to be Batman's spy on the inside?

It was dropped. Then Gail sorta ridded Helena of her Checkmate obligation in BOP which I think was a big mistake. Huntress and Checkmate had so much potential.

I often wonder if Rucka thought to use Helena in his Checkmate. That would have been SWEET! I bet you anything he did. I guess she couldnt have been in both books since they were team affliated.

Alexx1

02-11-2009, 03:00 PM

What did happen to that plot by the way? Wasn't she supposed to be Batman's spy on the inside?

It was dropped, never mentioned (at least in anything I've read about the character) until Gail sorta ridded Helena of her Checkmate obligation in BOP which I think was a big mistake. Huntress and Checkmate had so much potential.

I often wonder if Rucka thought to use Helena in his Checkmate. That would have been SWEET! I bet you anything he did. I guess she couldnt have been in both books since they were team affliated.

JumpingJupiter

02-11-2009, 03:18 PM

It's a bit more than simply a matter of taste. It being aware of the character.

JJ, if you haven't already, when you get some time you should read Huntress on series (19 issues of The Huntress). Check her out in No Man's Land (I think she was in Vol. 1, Vol 3 (as Batgirl) and Vol 4 (she was amazing in this volume. I don't think she was in Vol 2. I might be wrong)? And Scott Beatty's Gotham Knights (somewhere in the 30ish numbered issues, she was being recurited by Checkmate here. She was BADASS!). She's in a bunch of other stuff....but I think these are a few better protrayals or more my favorite ones. Oh and also Rucka's Batman Chronicles story with Question. I think that story and their interaction predates CFB.

And thanks for the PM about Promo dude!

ETA: From my own personal view point, Madison actually wrote Catwoman better than she did Huntress. I still like to see her writing another comic book. Just not Huntress oriented.

I do like Madison's Catwoman a great deal!

I own all of NML and I really like it. The idea of a groveling Huntress didn't turn my crank but I can see how it was important for the character to go through that and come out the other side a more full person. I enjoyed her stand off with the Joker a great deal too.And her interaction with Petit. I have CFB too and it's a great story! For me I don't see any disparities between those portrayals. Year One is a younger Huntress and to me that's clear. I enjoy seeing all the facets of the character at different points of her life. Actually, now that I think of it, I love those three Huntress stories because they're about Huntress learning something important and growing into something more.

Mia

02-11-2009, 03:20 PM

It was dropped. Then Gail sorta ridded Helena of her Checkmate obligation in BOP which I think was a big mistake. Huntress and Checkmate had so much potential.

I often wonder if Rucka thought to use Helena in his Checkmate. That would have been SWEET! I bet you anything he did. I guess she couldnt have been in both books since they were team affliated.

I met Greg at a con 3 years ago and spoke to him about wrting Huntress. He said that he had wanted to use her in Checkmate. But couldn't 'because she was in Birds of Prey'. Guess some office politics was involved there.

Alexx1

02-11-2009, 06:20 PM

I met Greg at a con 3 years ago and spoke to him about wrting Huntress. He said that he had wanted to use her in Checkmate. But couldn't 'because she was in Birds of Prey'. Guess some office politics was involved there.

Or maybe Gail just got hold of her first. I don't remember when BOP started vs when Checkmate started but I do remember an arc Sensi and Student that Huntress wasn't in. I know you and I differ with regards to Gail's handling of Huntress but I'm quite satisfied that Huntress was in BOP and do believe outside of Greg, Gail (minus a couple of things that I didn't get) writes her best and I'd like to see her writing more Huntress. I just wish maybe during the time Huntress wasn't in that BOP arc, Greg could have used her or something.

carabas

02-12-2009, 04:35 AM

Or maybe Gail just got hold of her first. I don't remember when BOP started vs when Checkmate started.Gail's run on Birds Of Prey started at least three years or so before Rucka's run on Checkmate. And Huntress was in it from the very first arc.

Alexx1

02-12-2009, 05:40 AM

Gail's run on Birds Of Prey started at least three years or so before Rucka's run on Checkmate. And Huntress was in it from the very first arc.

Thanks carabas. I've only read a few of Rucka checkmate issues and didn't know whose run started first. So it does in fact look like Gail simply got hold of her first! No office politics Mia!!! You must take that back!! :biggrin: