Wednesday Comics is halfway done, what do you think so far?

[Gitaroo_Dude]

Just wanted to see how everyone feels about this summer's weekly now that we're at issue 6. I do think that it's true that over the course of the paper that the best stories continue to stand out while the rest of the pack is just kind of there. I think it'd be interesting to see everyone's impression on the different strips.

Batman: Still my favorite strip. I think Azzarello has had the most success with the weekly one page format. Each strip tells its own story while building on the larger one. And Risso kills it on the art. That dinner story especially was fantastic, he carries the story just on his subtle shifts in the characters.

Kamandi: Probably the biggest surprise for me. Didn't know anything about the character going into this, and I only knew Sook from a BPRD story. Also didn't care about it after the first 2 or 3 issues. But Week 4 really "clicked" for me, and I can really understand why everyone puts this at the top of their list now. Sook is a great talent. At this point, I'm kind of hoping he lands an ongoing with the character, with or without Gibbons on writing.

Superman: Pretty awful. I think there was a quote attributed to Cameron Stewart that captured the faults perfectly, noting that a mopey and angst-ridden Superman is the worst interpretation of the character. Not even enjoying Bermejo's art as much as I thought after reading his Joker last year.

Deadman: Good introduction to a character I wasn't familiar with at all, so in that regard it succeeds I guess in generating interest. The art really reminds me of Image's Jersey Gods, which is a good thing in my book. Though I think the story has kind of last momentum over the last 3 or so weeks.

Green Lantern: Quinones may be the best artist I've "discovered" while reading the weekly. Just love his characters and designs. Not sure what he has lined up in the future or what he's even done in the past, but I'd be on board for anything at this point. I'm enjoying what Busiek is doing too, though I wish there had been more scenes with Hal in action using the ring after 6 weeks.

Metamorpho: I'm having a difficult time with this strip. After the awesome first page, week's two and three really killed the momentum for me. And after picking up again with four and five, six almost dropped the ball again with half a page that was wasted on a board game. I can appreciate that, but I really just want more Allred art at this point. Not sure if Gaiman even needed to write this. Ranges from one of my favorites to some disappointing lows.

Teen Titans: Nothing to say really, this strip just sort of exists. Bleh.

Strange Adventures: Loving it. Kind of my first real introduction to Pope, and his art just exudes so much energy that I find it contaigious.

Supergirl: Not sure if this is the same Palmiotti who wrote the lousy first issue of Power Girl, but this may be the entertaining strip in the collection. Connor's art is just pure fun and joy to see. And I really liked that Aquaman strip this week, the humor was good without coming at the expense of easy and cheap Aquaman jokes. And if anyone can draw a more adorable cat or dog than Connor can, I'd love to see it. Streak staring down the mouse on the aircraft was one of the real highlights of the whole of Wednesday Comics for me.

Metal Men: Yeah, I'm pretty sad now that I've seen anything by Lopez and Nowlan up to this point. If Quinones isn't the best artist I've learned about while reading this, it's this team. That they can carry a strip being written by Didio is a testament to their talent. To be honest, I wouldn't mind them being on the Metal Men backup over MaGuire. :eek: Really, REALLY want to see them on something soon to continue enjoying their work.

Wonder Woman: I've decided I'm going to give this strip another try this weekend. I mean, the art is beautiful stuff, but it's just so hard to read and see. Easily the most frustrating strip, because the ambition is there and I really appreciate it, just that, for me, it's literally physically hard to read it. Could be the excuse I need to finally get glasses perhaps?

Sgt. Rock: Good, solid stuff. About all I can say.

Flash: Starting to think this may be one of the few strips that will need to be read in a collected format. I like that they're playing with time and his powers though, and the split between THREE (!) strips now with Grodd is pretty neat.

Demon and Catwoman: All I knew about the Demon was that he showed up in Gaiman's Sandman briefly, so his connection to Arthur and all that stuff was a surprise. I'm interested to see where the story is going.

Hawkman: There's something about Baker's art on this that, while I can't put my finger on it, puts me off. His characters strike me as 3D characters pulled out of a videogame for some bizzare reason. I like the story though, and the ending to the second page is one of my favorite parts of the whole anthology to this point.

[The Chief5425]

Short and sweet...

Batman: It's fine. Nothing special, but fine.

Kamandi: Wonderful take on a character that could be a big joke, love the Prince Valiant approach. If "Wednesday Comics" becomes a semi-regular occurence (I vote for an annual summer event) I hope at least one story is told in this prose-esque style.

Superman: We need neither a) another Superman As Eyore, It's Tough Being The Most Powerful And Most Beloved Figure On The Planet approach to the character, nor b) another recap of his origin. This waste of time gives us both.

Deadman: I like this. Not just another posess-the-baddie story, something different for Boston.

Green Lantern: Anything in the vein of "New Frontier" gets the Chiefly stamp of approval.

Metamorpho: I love me some Gaiman, but he seems too busy with the fake mail in offers and the board games. Might be fine if he had more time and room, but this sucker needs to be wrapped up in six pages/weeks.

Teen Titans: I second your meh. Though the Son Of Doctor Light thing might be interesting.

Strange Adventures: Nice art, I like the Exotic Alien Woman approach to...Alanna? I've forgotten Adam's wife's name.

Supergirl: Cute.

Metal Men: Not a fan, but this isn't too bad.

Wonder Woman: It's one page a week of a series I'm already paying for and I'm actually not taking the time or trouble to read it. Trying to figure out the word balloon order just gives me a headache.

Sgt. Rock: Six weeks of Rock tied to a chair and tortured. Could we please have something happen here?

Flash: Like it a lot, hope this story gets referenced in regular continuity some day. If Johns ever gets another issue of Barry's book out, that is.

Demon and Catwoman: Like it. I think future editions of Wednesday Comics should include at least one story like this, unconventional team-ups.

Hawkman: Maybe some day somebody will be able to write a story about Hawkman that makes me care about the character. This one ain't it.

Exit question. Assuming they do this again, who would you want to be featured in future runs of Wednesday Comics? I vote for Ryan Choi Atom and one of the other Terran Green Lanterns.

[Captain Jim]

I've been liking this a lot. It makes great bathroom reading (no, that's a complement, not a put down). Finally something original in comic book format, and yet it evokes warm memories from the past. I love having such an outlet for the iconic versions of all these characters, with interesting stories that don't get bogged down in past continuity.

Some are outstanding - Batman, Kamandi, Metal Men
One is just okay - Teen Titans
One is unreadable - Wonder Woman
The remainder are all good, solid stories.

This might get old after a while if it were an onging, but I'd love to see it as an annual summer event (except start it in June next time).

[Karl O'Neill]

Heh Good Thread. But I am not in the form of writing an essay about it.

I will say that I am still buying it, Still reading it, Still enjoying and loving it.

I agree with captain jim.

It makes for great toilet reading, As most of the strips are quick reads. And no, This is not an insult to the comic.

As it stands, It is still one of the most innovative things on the shelfs.

Peace

A+

[mgs]

Current Feelings....

Batman: Good stuff, a little detective in there. Used to (in a good way) the art.

Kamandi: REALLY amazed how much I like this, art and story!

Superman: Disliked the art at first, but now it's grown on me. Story, I'm just along for the ride.

Deadman: Eh, good action stuff, but never a Deadman fan, so it's okay.

Green Lantern: Good stuff.

Metamorpho: A little wacky, but at least you can tell they're having fun with this new format.

Teen Titans: Art and story are a little stale...but it's okay.

Strange Adventures: EXCELLENT Pope story!

Supergirl: Incredible!! Short but sweet, some of Amanda's best!

Metal Men: Slow moving at first, now seems to have some momentum.

Wonder Woman: Barely readable now, those first issues were hard to read. But I'm gaining a slight respect for what he's doing with the comic. You can't argue that it IS unique and that, while hard to read, it's doing something that, can't really be done in comics or strips, the way the others are playing it. It's taken till now for me to become interested.

Sgt. Rock: Waste of creators' and my time. Seriously?! The whole time, the strip has been one soldier just sitting there, about 4 panels per issue, really?? IS anyone actually trying with this?

Flash: Interesting,doing the dual stories, but ultimately, I'm not that interested.

Demon and Catwoman: Okay, I guess. Wish there was more.

Hawkman: Though story and art are good, I dislike/don't get the character.

[nepenthes]

I can feel myself losing interest, last week I stood in front of the rack deliberating whether to buy it. The problem is that by now there's only a couple of pages I'm actually interested in following: Hawkman, Batman, Adam Strange....Wonder Woman and Kamandi on a lower level.

Out of the remainder I can only manage to read read Metamorpho, Sgt Rock, Demon and Superman (this is dreck).

The rest of the pages actually make my eyes glaze over - Titans, Metal Men, Green Lantern, Deadman. That I can't make myself interested to enough to finish a one page comic is pretty bad

[matt levin]

"Wednesday Comics is halfway done, what do you think so far? "

YAY!!!!!!

[Batman, Superman, Kamandi, Metamorpho, Supergirl, Strange Adventures, Flash (and this's the ONLY Flash comic I've read in decades!), Demon/Catwoman, even Hawkman (and this's just about the ONLY Hawkman I've ever read).

[Rock, GL, Metal Men -- okay (Rock's beautiful to look at but, as mentioned above, a wee bit -slow-), but not why I get Wed. Comics.

[Titans, Wonder Woman - not for me.]

[Ilash]

I find Wonder Woman nearly impossible to read and Teen Titans is very underwhelming but beyond those two, I really couldn't be happier with Wednesday comics. The standout strips for me though are Batman, Flash, Deadman, Supergirl, Metamorpho and Metal Men but aside for the above two, they're all very good.

Here's hoping they come back nexyt year with Wednesday Comics 2!

[DamianL]

Any idea if this has a TPB planned this year, I'd definitely be interested (having never bought a single issue in my life..:redface: )


D

[victor_lanza]

Would love to see this as an annual event. So many DC characters that could thrive in this format.

[Bicycle-Repairman]

Hawkman: There's something about Baker's art on this that, while I can't put my finger on it, puts me off. His characters strike me as 3D characters pulled out of a videogame for some bizzare reason.

Baker created the artwork using a computer and built 3D CG models of the characters. He talks about his working methods in this CBR interview:

http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=22516

[benday-dot]

I just finished reading issue #6. Yes, this is a good time to take stock.

Overall, the arrival of Wednesday comics represents my most exciting comic book moment reach week. Some books I find myself buying just because I have been buying them for some time... and well, it's just become part of the routine. Of course I keep going with such titles because they do still hold my interest, but with Wednesday comics it is my genuine enthusiasm that is held in thrall.

This, week number #6; however, was probably the weekest for me. Everything, except maybe Superman seemed to slow down a bit.

My top five or six keep fluctuating.

I loved the Batman and Kamandi this week especially. Fantastic art and story lines for both. Kamandi is the most consistently wonderful. But Risso really shined this week.

The Flash also continues to draw my kudos... but now we have what 4 Flashes/Barry Allen's... how! The art is awesome, but I struggle with following the story. Maybe when it's all over it will all become crystal clear.

Metamorpho... that snakes and ladders idea was pretty sweet, but really wasn't much to swoon over upon execution. This Allred/Gaiman plot seems like its more two supreme comic book pros getting a chance to work some dormant creative "muscles" and goof around just because they can. The art's nice, its fun and I think if it can really get some of the story to rival the experimentation level it can still be one of the best.

Strange Adventures is one you can count on to be upper echelon each week. It slowed down a bit back on earth, I thought, but that's all surely just a necessary half-point interlude to a fantastic and enjoyable strip.

Hawkman... I think this one is really going to start cooking with gas. I dig Baker's art chops on this one.

The rest:

I had been fond of Demon/Catwoman. I still love the Mignola-ish art, but ever since Catwoman "vanished" this strip has faded some for me.

Deadman is another one I am digging the art on. I think this could very soon vault to the upper levels. I liked this weeks quite a lot.

Superman... I actually like the art and colouring, unlike smoe other folks. It was getting a bit slow there, but I by no means despise this weekly bit of Supes.

Supergirl... doesn't terribly excite me, but doesn't turn me off either. Aquaman was damn annoying this week, but Supergirl herself you can really only love.

Metal-Men... its all about some cute puns.... and JL-GL!

Green Lantern... no doing much for me.

Sgt. Rock... The slowest moving strip of the lot. Kubert is in my top five all time artists, so I'm loving it for the art alone... still I'd like to see my idol draw a little more action than what we've so far seen.

Wonder Woman... The best so far this week, and yes it's imaginative, but I fear I will never fully get terribly excited about the tiny panels with their murky sequentialism.

Teen Titan's... I only read it because I paid for it.

[Captain Jim]

Any idea if this has a TPB planned this year, I'd definitely be interested (having never bought a single issue in my life..:redface: )

They're talking about it. I believe they're thinking about a treasury sized collection.

[RoyHarper#1]

Overall I am enjoying it. When I first heard it described, I thought it was going to be sub par, but they are very high quality. Most of the art has been spectacular, I feel like it is too short though. 1 page of batman, is not enough. I guess that was the idea though, to leave us wanting more. It is a interesting presentation, and it is well done, I think if it was a $1.99, I would feel like I was getting a deal, but at the current price ,,,I do not know. So I have mixed feelings about it.

[mgs]

The rest of the pages actually make my eyes glaze over - Titans, Metal Men, Green Lantern, Deadman. That I can't make myself interested to enough to finish a one page comic is pretty bad


I find Wonder Woman nearly impossible to read

Sometimes, like with GN's people don't realize that taking time away from reading a comic is necessary. Try reading a strip (page) a day. You don't have to cram them all in one sitting.

People who sometimes relate the time to money thing of comics don't realize that they are an art form that can be read, and that whizzing through them is not always the right way to read them. Sometimes a second reading is necessary. Read them out of order, it doesn't matter. I have to remind myself sometimes.

Not saying this is nep and Ilash's problem, just pointing it out, again. For those who may need some help. :wink:


They're talking about it. I believe they're thinking about a treasury sized collection.
Didio pretty much confirmed a full sized or near full sized trade in his interviews at SDCC. :smile:

[Will.S]

While I haven't bought a single issue, I have browsed through them from week to week and had I bought them I could see myself getting burned out on the format if it were a 52 week type of thing. But on a limited 12 issue basis I could see it working as long as it ends well.

That being said, I don't think the book needs to have ongoing plots within the strips themselves. I think with the next iteration of Wednesday Comics they can have a strip that can run for only 4 issues and then have another entirely new comic occupy that space once the first one was done with a new creative team.

That way it's short and sweet, you'll get a different set of flavors, and don't already have a built in expectation by issue 6 or something. Like I would have cycled off the Teen Titans, Sgt. Rock, and Wonder Woman ones off and kept the others ongoing.

[Blackhawkk]

Dropped it after the 3rd week. After I got over the novelty of the thing I'd realized that there are a just a few strips that have captured my attention and is not worth the $4 for the whole thing.

[Ilash]

Sometimes, like with GN's people don't realize that taking time away from reading a comic is necessary. Try reading a strip (page) a day. You don't have to cram them all in one sitting.

People who sometimes relate the time to money thing of comics don't realize that they are an art form that can be read, and that whizzing through them is not always the right way to read them. Sometimes a second reading is necessary. Read them out of order, it doesn't matter. I have to remind myself sometimes.

Not saying this is nep and Ilash's problem, just pointing it out, again. For those who may need some help. :wink:


Didio pretty much confirmed a full sized or near full sized trade in his interviews at SDCC. :smile:

Nah, it's not so much that I can't read Wonder Woman as much as not really caring about it at all. I suffered through them for the first three weeks and I couldn't be bothered with it anymore.

Also, I have to mention that if we're going to have a Barry Allen Flash book, they should REALLY get the team from Wednesday Comics to do it. It's a perfect antidote for the out-of-characterness and over grimness of Flash Rebirth.

[Captain Jim]

I think if it was a $1.99, I would feel like I was getting a deal, but at the current price ,,,I do not know. So I have mixed feelings about it.

Didio said they had some people read through an issue and, on the average, it took them 30 minutes to read it. They figured 30 minutes entertainment was worth four bucks, which I can't argue with. (On the other hand, the cynic in me might say that a full half of that 30 minutes was trying to read through the Wonder Woman strip. :wink: )


Didio pretty much confirmed a full sized or near full sized trade in his interviews at SDCC. :smile:

He's the same one I heard mention treasury size as a possiblility. I think it's pretty definite that it will be oversized, whatever the final dimensions.

[AdamYJ]

I like it!

The whole thing is fun and it reminds me of reading the Sunday Funnies. Even the Wonder Woman one, which can be a little hard to figure out at times.

I have to say, I probably have more fun reading Wednesday Comics than most other books I get.

[Mia]

Well I only buy this because of Batman. I really love the art, it's stunning. I wish Azarello and Russo would be put on Batman permanently. The rest I just ignore. The Supergirl one is embarassing and reminded me why I dropped the regular book when Beddard took over. Just insipid beyond measure.

On a personal level I love the paper it's printed on, and the whole format reminds me of when I was younger and used to read comics which came with the paper.

[mgs]

While I haven't bought a single issue, I have browsed through them from week to week and had I bought them I could see myself getting burned out on the format if it were a 52 week type of thing. But on a limited 12 issue basis I could see it working as long as it ends well.
Again, I think it's impossible to get 'burned out' on comics considering you're not losing anything if you put it away for a little and read it at your leisure. Forcing yourself to read comics is a problem I think some people have with them.



Also, I have to mention that if we're going to have a Barry Allen Flash book, they should REALLY get the team from Wednesday Comics to do it. It's a perfect antidote for the out-of-characterness and over grimness of Flash Rebirth.
From what little I know of what's happening wih that title now, I think you might be right about this.



Didio said they had some people read through an issue and, on the average, it took them 30 minutes to read it. They figured 30 minutes entertainment was worth four bucks, which I can't argue with. (On the other hand, the cynic in me might say that a full half of that 30 minutes was trying to read through the Wonder Woman strip. :wink: )


He's the same one I heard mention treasury size as a possiblility. I think it's pretty definite that it will be oversized, whatever the final dimensions.
LOL!!! :biggrin: (re: the 30 min WW thing)

And yes, an original sized GN would be IMPRESSIVE!! O.O

[the4thpip]

I am enjoying pretty everything but Teen Titans.


Even in this format, it seems DC has forgotten how to do that franchise right.

Other than that, a rare source of DC enjoyment for old farts like me.

[mofo]

Glad to see that I'm not the only one who has problems with the Wonder Woman strip (haven't read the last 2 issues of WC though, so I can't comment on it getting easier to read)

Supergirl is the best comic of the bunch though
I <3 streaky :3

[Will.S]

Again, I think it's impossible to get 'burned out' on comics considering you're not losing anything if you put it away for a little and read it at your leisure. Forcing yourself to read comics is a problem I think some people have with them.
Depends on whether you're enjoying all the strips in Wednesday Comics.

If you only enjoy 3 or 4 strips out of the 13 or 14 then I'd have to wonder if it's really worth buying for whatever duration the series is for.

[Ilash]

Glad to see that I'm not the only one who has problems with the Wonder Woman strip (haven't read the last 2 issues of WC though, so I can't comment on it getting easier to read)

Supergirl is the best comic of the bunch though
I <3 streaky :3

Oh man, I love the hell out of that strip. The last with Aquaman was hilarious but it's always an absurd amount of fun.

[Drcharles]

Its not Bad, now that Ive got over the newspaper format,
What I would like to know is will these stories be collected altogether in individual issues (comicbook format)
If so, I wouldn't mind getting just the Hawkman story

[SeritoNiN]

It's ok. More a novelty than anything it seems.

Cool concept but I've found myself not liking 60 to 75% of the stories.

Batman and Superman have my interest as does Metamorpho, Metal Men was good for the first 3 weeks and then got ridiculously stupid. Everything else does nothing for me.

I wish we could just get a true 52 style weekly again.

[Squashua]

Any idea if this has a TPB planned this year, I'd definitely be interested (having never bought a single issue in my life..:redface: )


D

I am also waiting for the TPB version, as I haven't bought a single issue of Wednesday Comics. I expect they'll produce one, but I'm wondering how DC will pull it off and what the print format will be like.

[the4thpip]

I am also waiting for the TPB version, as I haven't bought a single issue of Wednesday Comics. I expect they'll produce one, but I'm wondering how DC will pull it off and what the print format will be like.

Many of those strips are impossible to reproduce at standard comic size, so I would not hold my breath for trades.

Also, each story would only be 12 pages long if they did separate trades for each hero.

[noh-varr]

As of this week:

Batman: The very first strip is still my favorite page done thus far. But after that page of awesomeness the story has just become good. Now that Batman is up and around though I'm expecting more enjoyment from the story.

Kamandi: I use the art and word bubbles to get through the story the first time, and read it as a whole with all the text a second time since the art is so gorgeous I can't keep myself from being distracted to read all the text first time through. I'm enjoying the story and this is my first exposure to Kamandi, one of the reasons I still pick up the book.

Superman: I don't need an emo Superman. It looks pretty, but this isn't the Superman I would have presented to the world (through US Today) to make people care about the format. I don't need hardcore action and big fights, but a better character arc that isn't most weeks of Smallville would have been nice. Go look at All-Star Superman on how to do Clark Kent stories.

Deadman:I like it. It's a unique Deadman story and though I'm not always big on it when I first read through, I enjoy it later on. This week's page looked awesome btw.

Green Lantern: How can you make Green Lantern "I'm a space police officer of Earth" boring? Ask Busiek how, because he pulled it off. Nice art though.

Metamorpho: I love this story and how they are doing it. The random games, viewer mail, and a board game are just so much fun. It's a light action/adventure story and there's nothing wrong with that.

Teen Titans: Big bad guy no one has heard of who may be Dr Light's son (likely illegitimacy, because he's a rapist bum bum BUM) fights the Titans week after week. I would rather have had them do a Titans story ala the cartoon, the artwork fit the style enough.

Strange Adventures: The most interesting page each week is here. I can't gush enough about this story. Alanna is bad ass in it, I can't wait to read this page every time I pick up the next issue.

Supergirl: Cute, adorable, sweet, and just fun. I expected to hate this story and I just love it, it's so sweet it gives me cavities.

Metal Men: Meh, how many pages does it take to stop a robbery? And if he had a giant chemical guy JUST for the Metal Men why was he going to blow himself up?

Wonder Woman: It's beautiful to look at. Once I've read a page, it's pretty interesting. I hope the trade is on better quality paper so I can get through it easier.

Sgt. Rock: Interesting but a bit slow. Nice to look at and happy they tried to fit more non super heroes into the book.

Flash: I stopped caring after the second Barry appeared, and now there's three. Maybe it will read better one after another.

Demon and Catwoman: Like it, but wish there was more interaction between the two characters. The first page was good, and the last two have gotten better. I do hope they do a weird team up in future ones though.

Hawkman: I don't like Hawkman one bit. I love this story. Even more so after Baker's interview the other week on why he picked the character. I want to see a man with giant wings fight dinosaurs with a mace too. For no reason but it looks cool, too.

[lazlo_toth]

I think it's a mixed bag; The Batman strip is good, as are the Metal Men, Hawkman, Metamorpho, and the Flash. Wonder Woman is a complete murky abortion IMO. The rest fall somewhere in between.

I can't help but think that if there were some way DC could have packaged this and sold it to major newspapers as a supplement to the Sunday Comics (kind of like how the Spirit was produced in the 40s) the response to it would be much bigger than it has been. I'm sure there would be an awful lot of people going out and buying the Sunday paper who weren't doing so before...

[noh-varr]

I think it's a mixed bag; The Batman strip is good, as are the Metal Men, Hawkman, Metamorpho, and the Flash. Wonder Woman is a complete murky abortion IMO. The rest fall somewhere in between.

I can't help but think that if there were some way DC could have packaged this and sold it to major newspapers as a supplement to the Sunday Comics (kind of like how the Spirit was produced in the 40s) the response to it would be much bigger than it has been. I'm sure there would be an awful lot of people going out and buying the Sunday paper who weren't doing so before...

I don't know how you could have pulled that off financially though. As Sunday papers cost a buck twenty five where I'm at, and that is for what we get already. Newspapers are bleeding money right now and couldn't afford any kind of deal to pick up something else, even if it could improve readership by a few hundred (since it would be multiple newspapers in your idea). It would be very cool to have done something like that, even if it was two pages a week instead. Heck they could have tried that for some advertising instead. I know they did that with the Superman story in US Today, but it was completely the wrong story to do it with. Hell the first Batman page should have been what went in the actual issue of US Today. Batman = profit and unlike the Superman strip is well written.

[MWGallaher]

And as we officially begin nearing the end with #7...
Batman: I really like the Azzarello/Risso team. My only complaint is that they get a smidgen less space to work with thanks to the WC logo.
Kamandi: I haven't seen anyone point out that Gibbons' story is lifted largely from the first two or three issues of Kirby's original series. What impresses me most is how they've created a version so faithful to Jack's without, err, aping him.
Superman: It's picking up steam, and I'm beginning to trust it. Looks like this will prove to be heavier on action than most of the strips, despite some slow early weeks.
Deadman: I preferred the tone of the first installment to the infernal fantasy, but it's making for some especially nice art, especially now in week 7.
Green Lantern: As a NASA guy, I'm digging the setting. Looks like this is about to break the sound barrier, but I've enjoyed the build-up just fine.
Metamorpho: Man, I've missed the real Metamorpho. This is it! Loads of fun.
Teen Titans: It becomes more and more baffling, technically. I'd prefer completely ignoring continuity than have curious nods to current continuity while the strip violates it (this week we have a nod to events in Final Crisis while Dick and Tim are still Nightwing and Robin?!). Maybe there will be some reason we needed to hear the history of a previous incarnation of Trident? I appreciate Chiarello's inclusion of something more in keeping with contemporary art trends to balance out the "old school" look, but I've got to agree with many who think this one's near the bottom of the WC barrel. At least I'm finding the art more coherent now.
Adam Strange: And now...Doctor Fate?! I'm starting to see why this is labeled "Strange Adventures" instead of "Adam Strange". Constantly feeding us from left field...how can anyone get tired of this?
Supergirl: This has been an unexpected winner for me. Aquaman's guest spot was greatly appreciated.
Metal Men: As a previous poster noted, the plot doesn't really hold together, but that, like the art, is being wonderfully faithful to the original Kanigher and Andru run! Lopez has made plenty tips of the hat to Andru, but I'm still unhappy with the apparently intentional change in color of Mercury.
Wonder Woman: I'm finding it worth the effort. This is really far more faithful to WW than many people realize: Kanigher wrote lots of (mutually contradictory) stories telling the origins of Wonder Woman's lasso, tiara, bracelets, etc.
Sgt. Rock: I wish Kubert were being a little more daring with the layouts. It feels too much like an ordinary-sized page, and having Rock tied to a chair for half the story hasn't helped.
Flash/Iris: I absolutely love the weird science angle! This is what I'd like an ongoing series to be like.
Demon and Catwoman: So far, not living up to its original promise, in my opinion. I dug the statuesque/Kirbyesque Morgaine this week, but Stelfreeze's art has seemed strangely flat, and the simple coloring hasn't helped.
Hawkman: Baker is really capitalizing on the format with the elements in his story. As a big Hawkman fan, I'm already biased. I don't like Baker's rendition of the helmet, but otherwise, it's a continuing WC champ.

[The Crime Dentist]

On the whole I like it, it's a really cool format - but if you're going to position something as the comics section of a newspaper, don't have it cost more than twice as much as a whole paper. DC needs to get the price down a bit, imo. Still, the printing is nice and you can't knock the talent roster they got for that price.

My take on each series:

Batman: This is okay...reminds me of Loeb & Sale's Batman stuff. But it's kind of by the book though so far.

Kamandi:***** Definitely one of the breakout stars here, Sook's art is spectacular, and the caption style of storytelling is a really cool throwback. One of the top 3 strips.

Superman:*** A lot of people seem to be down about this one, but I think it's great to look at. Wonderful palette being used.

Green Lantern: *** Awesome retro art, not so awesome retro story. Busiek's a guy who I would have though would adapt really well to this format, being big on the old-school super condensed storytelling of the 60s, but his plot is dragging on here a bit.

Wonder Woman: NR For some reason I can't bring myself to read it, something about the layout. I'll probably sit down and go through it all when it's finished.

Teen Titans: NR Not really my thing, so I haven't been reading it much. I think it's weird that it's using a bunch of obscure DC continuity too, everything else is pretty much self-contained.

Super Girl: **** Cute art, fun story. This one hits the mark for what it's trying to do.

Metamorpho: ***** I love this! Another of the top 3, imo. Lots of fun, quirky, imaginative layouts. Gaiman & Allred are going to town here.

Deadman: ** Possibly the worst of the bunch. Perfectly readable, so it's not terrible or anything, but the story doesn't grab me at all and the art's mostly just there.

The Demon & Catwoman: ** Another one that's kind of forgettable. Hasn't really jumped out, but at least it keeps the story moving.

The Flash: *** I guess this is kinda fun, but fairly middling overall vis-a-vis the rest of the collection.

Sgt. Rock: *** Great art from a master, but man, could this story move any slower? What happened this week: somebody handed Rock a gun and then somebody else dropped a potato. That's it. Come on guys, give some thought to the format here.

Adam Strange: ***** Paul Pope rules! He's getting a lot out of his page, and this has to be the coolest rendering of Strange I've seen yet, as kind of a self-doubter who wonders if he's crazy, and the zeta beam as a stand-in for spiritual experience. Might be the best strip in the whole thing.

Metal Men: **** Wow, great art, and Didio keeps the storytelling straightforward. Fun strip, one of the highlights.

Hawkman: **** Baker's art is gorgeous, and I like that he's clearly telling a 3-act story here. I'll be curious to see where this ends up.

[mgs]

Current Feelings....revisited!

Pt.II

Batman: Remains solid. Just wish there were more to the page.

Kamandi: Still going strong. Love the art and story.

Superman: Story and art okay, but not enough in the page.

Deadman: relatively unchanged opinon.

Green Lantern: Last ones seem very silly. Story and plot too silly.

Metamorpho: Moves along but I still have no interest in this character even with the great writing.

Teen Titans: nothing there for me anymore. even with story moving along, the art is nothing great and it's standard form that one would see in a 'regular' serial comic.

Strange Adventures: basically same. EXCELLENT job by the two on story and art!

Supergirl: Amanda definitely still strong, but plot kinda the weak point.

Metal Men: kinda get the characters now, like plastic man, but with metal qualities and there's six of them! So why do they seem so weak?

Wonder Woman: Still manages to confuse the reader with how the strips should be read, but very good. Story moves fast and the art very unique. Art seems bigger, less congestion.

Sgt. Rock: Great creators! Making the slowest, dullest, most straightforward comic, strip, in the whole thing. Zzzzzz...........

Flash: Wow! Total 360! Love this! The last few ones have been AMAZING!!! I think it helps to no longer split the page too.

Demon and Catwoman: Loved it a lot more in the beginning. Now, kinda bored with this.

Hawkman: Very interesting read from Baker. Wish there were more visuals.

[Bevbos]

Haven't posted yet, but seems appropriate to do so at the penultimate issue... with the potential that, of course, the last issue might change everything.

Batman: Pretty uninteresting; I don't really understand the love for it. The art's killer, of course, but the story is as standard as it gets. Feels kind of slow, uneventful. Honestly, I have to go back and re-read the whole thing in one sitting to really grasp the story, because there's little there to care about, character or plot-wise. I don't know what's going on, but I haven't been given a reason to. A bit plodding... each strip does not necessarily pack a punch.

Kamandi: My third favorite strip, I think. My only complaint: started winding down a bit early. But that shocker with the girl!!! Can't complain about that. I would buy this as an ongoing, in the exact same style.

Superman: Great art, but as with Batman, the story is mediocre, and difficult to remember what's going on, as none of the characters or plot elements are all that interesting.

Deadman: A winner, in my opinion... the story moves along briskly, the characters are identifiable, every single issue has an identifiable beat that is hit. Not an out of the ballpark success, as the twist was a bit predictable, but I think will come out ahead at the end in terms of the overall presentation.

Green Lantern: Took about 8 issues to get going! Not enough action for this GL fan. Great art, though.

Metamorpho: A mixed bag. The single-page spreads really irked me, but I liked the movement and characterization otherwise. Still, feels a bit lightweight. It's just the humor thereof.

Teen Titans: Like the art, but what the heck is going on in this thing. Hasn't made sense to me since day #1.

Strange Adventures: My number #2 strip, I think. So great on so many levels. Pope's distinct art, every issue is a new beat AND almost always a new big twist, cool resolution of the villain's fate... really, I love this. In fact, this might be #1...

Supergirl: Really cute, fun stuff. No real complaints, I enjoy it. The humor we saw with the first Aquaman appearance I would have liked to have seen in every issue, since this is essentially a humor/feel good strip/page.

Metal Men: I just love the Metal Men, so I'm biased, but I've enjoyed this. I could have used MORE, that's all. More Metal Men, especially Tina. But, it really does read like vintage Metal Men, which is admittedly a taste not for everyone.

Wonder Woman: The boldest choices of all of them. Confusing at first, I've come to really love this feature. The art is wonderful and flowing, and Wonder Woman... this is a Wonder Woman (or girl, really) I would read about. A very compelling uber-narrative. Close to the top, but too hindered by the layout which is at times counter-intuitive and hinders the story flow... yet this counterintuitive layout is also what's interesting about the strip in many ways. I would read this as an ongoing for sure!!!

Sgt. Rock: "Great creators! Making the slowest, dullest, most straightforward comic, strip, in the whole thing. Zzzzzz..........." I just wanted to quote this verbatim, because, yes.

Flash: Very interesting, but too complicated for my peabrain. Great art, compelling dialogue, yet what the hell is happening. Might make more sense when I re-read the whole shebang.

Demon and Catwoman: Really far out choice for a page. Sometimes passable, but I think I like the core concept so much that it doesn't matter. Cool to see Ertigan written with iambic pentameter and not crappy rhymed couplets!

Hawkman: My #1 favorite? I think so. The second half, on dinosaur island, has lagged. But I don't think I've ever seen art like this before. And the pacing has been pitch-perfect. Of all the pages, reads like a Hollywood movie, and I mean that as a big compliment. I do hope it goes out on a bang though, because the last few have dragged a bit - Hawk should have been able to take out that T-Rex in one issue, given the earlier pacing of the page.

On the whole:

Basically forgettable but with pretty art

Batman
Superman
Green Lantern
Teen Titans
Sgt. Rock (not even especially pretty art)

Enjoyable, but not mind-bending

Metamorpho
Deadman
Metal Men
Supergirl
The Flash (almost mind-bending, but by "The Flash" standards, not really)
Demon & Catwoman

Top-Notch Undeniably Challenging and Great

Kamandi
Wonder Woman
Hawkman
Strange Adventures

I've really loved Wednesday Comics, btw. I'd like to see it done again with a different set of characters and creators (though I wouldn't mind a repeat of a few of them)

[dupersuper]

1)Kamandi: continues to look amazing, honestly didn't expect that sniper...

2)Metamorpho: still awesome

3)Superman: "Lois!!" I'm looking forward to next issue.

4)Hawkman: Aquaman rocks! Hawkman rocks! Sharks biting T-rexs' tails rock hard!!

5)Supergirl: still adorable fun

6)Green Lantern: 1 invasion, 1 lantern indeed

7)Strange Adventures: very cool; I'm glad the standard DCU zeta is a straightforward transporter beam though.

8)Flash: Barry phased his arm into debris to save Iris...OUCH! That was pretty bad-a$$

9)Batman: standard mystery, but solid and good art

10)Demon and Catwoman: solid, not amazing

11)Deadman: saw that coming, but still an ok story

12)Sgt. Rock: slow but pretty

13)Metal Men: a 'splosion...:cool:

14)Teen Titans: I agree the continuity is odd...I suppose it could fit between Final Crisis and Battle for the Cowl...but why?

15)Wonder Woman: the story's growing on me, and we finally got 1 nice big panel...still my least fave though