The Shield #1 Discussion and Spoilers

[Melfice]

No, I have not bought the comic yet, but I plan to once I found out who the writer was for the new ongoing series. Eric Trautmann is doing a great job on JSA vs. Kobra mini-series and has my interest in The Shield.

The one-shot left me wanting more, and the preview on DC's site looks good. My pull list does not have any books like The Shield atm...so it will be a nice change of pace. Did anyone pick the first issue up? If so, how was it and stuff?

http://www.dccomics.com/dcu/comics/?cm=12864

[jsf]

It was great. The story was solid -- tying nicely in to the DCU (picking up threads from 52 and WW3), with a good cliffhanger (I didn't expect it). And the art was awesome. For me this was DC's book of the week.

And Inferno was enjoyable as well. Very "noirish".

I don't think anyone who picked this up would be disappointed.

[Den]

Out of the Red Circle one shots by JMS, my favorite was The Web, but the one with the Shield was intriguing as well so I picked this first issue up.

This time around the writer is Eric Trautmann, and I admit I'm not familiar with his work. However, he delivers the goods. He finds the 'voice' for Lt. Joe Higgins aka the Shield pretty fast, and indeed, unlike the one shot, which seemed to revolve AROUND Joe showing the folks in his life and how they see him, we get a better look into what's going on in Joe's head as he goes about his mission assigned to him by the U.S. Army.

A "flagsuit" hero who still is part of the Armed Forces probably not an easy thing to write in times like these. Even using fictional nations, you have to walk that fine line between having our hero dedicated to his country, his job, and his fellow soldiers without making him jingoistic or overcompensating and having him come across as hating the government he takes orders from. It's only the first issue, but I'd say for the most part the Shield comes across as thoughtful and very aware of what he represents without falling too far to either extreme.

One thing I enjoyed was the smile and sense of fun the Shield had as he hit sky in the first pages. Mix that with the dedication and compassion shown in the book (in small ways) and I think Joe Higgins is the sort of guy I would want to read about.

I've tackled the writing, let me get to the art. My god, it's beautiful. It's very wide screen, allowing plenty of room for the internal monologue of the character without seeming cramped at all. Marco Rudy tightens it up in later shots, but seems to have a really good flow for telling stories with pictures. When there is action, the screen widens, when there is person to person chatter, it closes in and then back again. He seems to handle both explosions and facial expressions well, and that's kind of the A to Z of comic book art right there imo.

The art team of Rudy, Gray, and Lyon made this a stellar first issue visually speaking.


My only gripe with the book is the same thing that some folks will love. We get a guest star at the end of it (Not hard to guess who if you have looked at the solicits for the issues after this) and I just felt it was too soon for that. I know that this book will need every push it can get to really break out. Many a fine series has withered on the shelf and died much too young so guest stars can help them, but it still felt too soon to me to have one.

Still, the guest star chosen made sense and isn't exactly a mega star himself.


Overall, I'd give the first issue of Shield an 8 out of 10. It probably won't be for everyone.

I didn't enjoy the Inferno back feature as much, and the fact it had a case of 'last page guest star' as well made me sigh. Jerwa's story has a slightly X-Files feel to it, which I'm sure many will enjoy but it just isn't my cuppa. The art of it seemed either too dark or too fuzzy depending on if flames were in the scene. It might fit the mood of noir, but after the crisp lines of the first feature, it came across looking as a bit sloppy to me.

Given my own preferences are likely biasing me, and the few pages it has don't give it much chance to try to shine yet, I'll say the Inferno back up feature gets a 5/10 from me.

[galactica]

I agree with what you guys are saying. The writing and the art was very good. I like little touches like when the family see the Shield and shut their door but their house is so battered that you can still see one of the children through the holes in the door.

The co-feature was nice too. You really get a sense of the confusion the character is going through.

I was really looking forward to this issue and after I read it I'm now really looking forward to the next. Hope people give it a chance.

[Melfice]

Thanks for the feedback everyone. I'm going to buy my book tonight, and post my impressions afterwards :)

[Lupek]

I thought this was a lot of fun and the best of the Red Circle one shots (although I thought Inferno had the best artwork).

I also bought a Shield trade that Archie put out some time ago the same day I bought this and there is some crazy stuff in there. At one point the Shield covers himself with gasoline, lights himself on fire and launches himself to attack a warship.

[Doc Goblin]

Man, Trautmann is a writer to watch. He's only going to get bigger and bigger. His work on Checkmate with Rucka was amazing. JSA vs Kobra blows the current Justice Society of America away. Now he's off to a great start with the Shield.

I'm loving the continuity and fictional country use of Bialya and Kahndaq

The Inferno co-feature didn't do much for me. Nothing against the art or writing. It's the character. I'm not sure I get what's going on with him or am that interest in the weird concept.

[Clockan]

this was surprisingly good. i wasnt expecting much from the first issue but i'll be reading much more of this series. originally i got the issue cause of marco rudy's art. also very solid. one thing i just gotta ask tho. what is with the gorilla on the cover? everything els fits in with the first issue except that damn gorilla.

[Free-Man]

this was surprisingly good. i wasnt expecting much from the first issue but i'll be reading much more of this series. originally i got the issue cause of marco rudy's art. also very solid. one thing i just gotta ask tho. what is with the gorilla on the cover? everything els fits in with the first issue except that damn gorilla.

It's probably Mallah or Grodd. The cover is most likely foreshadowing some future battle.

[mercuryeric]

My only gripe with the book is the same thing that some folks will love. We get a guest star at the end of it (Not hard to guess who if you have looked at the solicits for the issues after this) and I just felt it was too soon for that. I know that this book will need every push it can get to really break out. Many a fine series has withered on the shelf and died much too young so guest stars can help them, but it still felt too soon to me to have one.


I had a deliberate reason for using the character I chose, if that helps; with that character (name withheld to avoid spoilery-ness) having an outwardly similar series premise, I felt it was important to -- immediately -- highlight the differences between them.

To be brutally honest, I don't have a particular fondness for the character in question, but, in terms of the shared universe that is the DCU, I think the inclusion here is necessary and helpful.

(As to Inferno: it is a bit confusing, I acknowledge; the best way to sum it up is Jason Bourne on Fire, I think. I do hope you'll give it a chance; Brandon is a terrific superhero writer, and his plans for Inferno are quite engaging.)

Thanks for the kind words, all.

Best,

-Eric T.

[mercuryeric]

It's probably Mallah or Grodd. The cover is most likely foreshadowing some future battle.

ALL WILL BE REVEALED.

;)

-E

[Den]

I had a deliberate reason for using the character I chose, if that helps; with that character (name withheld to avoid spoilery-ness) having an outwardly similar series premise, I felt it was important to -- immediately -- highlight the differences between them.

To be brutally honest, I don't have a particular fondness for the character in question, but, in terms of the shared universe that is the DCU, I think the inclusion here is necessary and helpful.

(As to Inferno: it is a bit confusing, I acknowledge; the best way to sum it up is Jason Bourne on Fire, I think. I do hope you'll give it a chance; Brandon is a terrific superhero writer, and his plans for Inferno are quite engaging.)

Thanks for the kind words, all.

Best,

-Eric T.

First, it is always great when a comic book creator gets on the boards. We fans can be a fussy finicky lot and the internet can be brutal, so thanks for taking the time to address my concern. It's a pleasant surprise.

Seeing as the character in question has his own series, are you and (name of the writer for that character's series also hidden to avoid spoilerness) talking to each other about this guest appearance? And, out of curiosity, does this mean the Shield maybe making a guest appearance in that character's series?

As I said above, I think you're making Joe Higgins into a character I can admire, and want to read about, so if interaction with the guest star helps flesh him out even further , then more power to you despite my concerns :)

And yeah, no insult intended to Brandon . The backup feature means he has less room to work with so it is too soon to really see where he is going with this. However, the Shield's first issue here has definitely sticking with the comic , so I hope that in a few issues I will be enjoying Inferno as well. Crow can be quite delicious when it is flavored with reading pleasure.

Thanks again for posting

[Mundungus]

This book was awesome.

I mirror other sentiments about Higgins smile as he shot through the sky. It's what hooked me when I read the preview.

I started to read the Inferno back-up, but, I dunno, I just couldn't care. I normally don't give up that fast. I'll have to try it again.

But yeah, The Shield is definitely a keeper.

[Free-Man]

ALL WILL BE REVEALED.

;)

-E

Tease!:tongue:

But it was a wonderful first issue. I hope the book ends up being a hit.

[rogerio]

It was great. The story was solid -- tying nicely in to the DCU (picking up threads from 52 and WW3), with a good cliffhanger (I didn't expect it). And the art was awesome. For me this was DC's book of the week.

And Inferno was enjoyable as well. Very "noirish".

I don't think anyone who picked this up would be disappointed.
Yeah...The Shield remind me the Ultimate Captain America but I really liked this book.
Its a very nice surprise...:smile:

[mercuryeric]

First, it is always great when a comic book creator gets on the boards. We fans can be a fussy finicky lot and the internet can be brutal, so thanks for taking the time to address my concern. It's a pleasant surprise.

Seeing as the character in question has his own series, are you and (name of the writer for that character's series also hidden to avoid spoilerness) talking to each other about this guest appearance? And, out of curiosity, does this mean the Shield maybe making a guest appearance in that character's series?

As I said above, I think you're making Joe Higgins into a character I can admire, and want to read about, so if interaction with the guest star helps flesh him out even further , then more power to you despite my concerns :)

And yeah, no insult intended to Brandon . The backup feature means he has less room to work with so it is too soon to really see where he is going with this. However, the Shield's first issue here has definitely sticking with the comic , so I hope that in a few issues I will be enjoying Inferno as well. Crow can be quite delicious when it is flavored with reading pleasure.

Thanks again for posting

My pleasure. I try to be accessible where possible, so I'm happy to "surprise" you.

I'm not in direct contact with Keith, though if necessary I could probably arrange that. Thus far, it's not really been a concern, since my story is so self-contained and takes place over such a short period of time. As to The Shield appearing elsewhere, I honestly don't know -- I've been too busy to ask, to be perfectly honest.

In any event, glad you're digging on the book; it's much appreciated.

Best,

-E

[mercuryeric]

Tease!:tongue:

But it was a wonderful first issue. I hope the book ends up being a hit.

I could live with "hit." :)

-E

[Melfice]

I read the book tonight and it was a great issue to start the new ongoing series! I love the dialogue and the little things like the comic books The Shield gave the kids in the village. Btw, I wonder which Superman comic that was hahah.

The pacing was good, and I feel the art was a great fit for the book. Also, the cliffhanger was awesome that is for sure ;) I can't wait to see what happens next with Magog lol.

The second feature was not bad, and the cliffhanger looks interesting indeed. I like what I have seen so far enough to give the series a try for at least 4 to 6 months. But, I think I will be there until the end of the run because the groundwork is set for a fun unique read :biggrin:

"His first mission takes The Shield to the razed country of Bialya, destroyed by the rage of Black Adam in 52."

I really like how The Shield was tied into other DCU events as well. It was a nice touch to the story I thought. Thumbs up all the way

[Hawkman]

I bought this and JMS's one-shot with no real interest going in and was extremely pleased with my purchase. I knew next to nothing about The Shield before this, and I'm happy that while he does have a long legacy, DC is seemingly treating him as a brand new character. Seems like the best angle to take in introducing him (along with the other Red Circle characters) to the DCU, using yet revamping the ideas that helped to make the character popular when he was first created, while at the same time not trying to squeeze him into existing continuity.

Only thing is, I was pretty confused by the Inferno back-up. I'll probably have to read that one again later to see if I can make any more sense of it.

[Will.S]

Of what I've read, I liked the JMS written one shot (minus the Scott McDaniel art) and the ongoing by Eric Trautmann but I don't know if I can support it for $3.99.

As much as I like the idea of the back ups giving people additional content for their dollar this is one of those titles where it kind of backfires for me. Mostly because I have little interest in the Inferno character and I would be more open to getting the book at $2.99 for the Shield character.

[Desaad]

The one shot was poop on a stick compared to how great the ongoing started out. Seriously, Eric Trautmann has yet to write something not incredible. As good as THIS issue was, it's far exceeded by his great JSA/Kobra series (every issue is better than the previous).

[Clockan]

i really hope eric stays on this title for a long time.. i see it being crap without him

[RealWonderman]

I'm going to pick it up because his costume looks like a version of Wonder Woman's...I'll see where it goes from there! :biggrin:

[RealWonderman]

I'm going to pick it up because his costume looks like a version of Wonder Woman's...I'll see where it goes from there! :biggrin:

And do I need to get the one shot first, or can I start with 1 of the ongoing series?

[Den]

And do I need to get the one shot first, or can I start with 1 of the ongoing series?

While I liked JMS' one shot, the first issue of the regular series by Eric and crew is better still, and covers pretty much all you need to know to get going IMO.

[RealWonderman]

While I liked JMS' one shot, the first issue of the regular series by Eric and crew is better still, and covers pretty much all you need to know to get going IMO.

great to know! Thanks!!!!

[carabas]

I bought the four one-shots, and was severely underwhelmed by them. The Shield one was by far the best of the lot (seriously, between these and his first issue of Brave & The Bold, did JMS have a srtroke odr something? I don't even recognise one of my favourite writers aymore).

I bought #1 of the ongoing anyway, purely on the strength of mr Trautman's Checkmate work, and I was not disappointed at all.

And do I need to get the one shot first, or can I start with 1 of the ongoing series?

While I liked JMS' one shot, the first issue of the regular series by Eric and crew is better still, and covers pretty much all you need to know to get going IMO.
Eh... while #1 stands on its own pretty well, the one-shot does tell his origin story, details what the powers of the suit are, stuff like that.
Now, this may get repeated later on in the ongoing, but as it stands it does seem rather essential (or you can wiki it, of course).

[Melfice]

Yes, you don't "need" the one-shot but I think it will make the first issue of the ongoing series even better if you read it (having more background information). If I were you, I would just buy the one-shot and The Shield #1.

Either way, The Shield #1 is a great read no matter what you do. Just, having more story adds to the exp in my eyes :smile:

[Sanlear]

Yes, you don't "need" the one-shot but I think it will make the first issue of the ongoing series even better if you read it (having more background information). If I were you, I would just buy the one-shot and The Shield #1.

Either way, The Shield #1 is a great read no matter what you do. Just, having more story adds to the exp in my eyes :smile: I hadn't read the one-shot, but having just read the first issue, I'll be picking it up. I was impressed. Series is off to a good start.

[ljacone]

I enjoyed this issue a lot more after I read it a second time. On the first read through, I got a more negative, Anti-USA vibe. But upon re-reading it, I think a lot of that was more my preconceptions of what the title was going to be rather than what was there on the page. The second reading really warmed me up to the story.

I thought Trauttman did a good job of portraying the complexity of the relationship between the US and the Middle East without pandering to either a sabre-rattling screed nor a bleeding heart diatribe. The "special gear" was a great touch, and I really liked the internal monologue, which sort of reminded me a little bit of parts of The Deer Hunter or Full Metal Jacket.

The presence of the Special Guest Star didn't bother me. I look forward to seeing those two throw down. Although, I have to ask: any chance of The Shield mixing it up with Citizen Steel? Those two could wail on one another for days on end. Plus you could have the whole Solider vs. Civilian thing too.

The art was fantastic, and I especially enjoyed the contrast between the bright colored Shield Suit and the drab, dingy environment he was in. His HUD was GREAT.

I also liked the backup. I like how both of the backups are more dark and shadowy, whereas the leads are brighter, daylit stories. I am intrigued as to just who the heck the Inferno is (and why his face changes when he uses his powers), and what his connection is to the rest of the Red Circle.

Definitely looking forward to the next issue!

[Lupek]

I thought this was better than the JMS one shot and I liked the one shot. The artwork in both features were especially good. I like how certain panels were depicted as if seen through Joe's war suit. And while it is very cool to have a headlining patriotic type hero in DC, it's not as if we didn't get to hear an opposing viewpoint. So far (only 2 issues in), there is a nice balance between patriotism and the ugliness of war.