MANHUNTER: News, interviews and discussion (Marc Andreyko says "Hi!") *Spoilers*

[Mia]

I just finished reading issues 1-4 of Manhunter by Marc Andreyko, and I have to say without a doubt that this was some of the best reading I have ever done in a very, very, very long time.

The story involves a high profile public defender in L.A. who after witnessing a psychotic get off scot free. Decides to take the law into her own hands. Contrary to what you may have heard this book is a bit more than just the female version of the Punnisher. The protagonist Kate is educated and very smart. And yes she has a bit of a bad attitude. The dialogue is very witty and crisp. Those of you reading Birds of Prey, Daredevil, Catwoman or are fans of Emma Frost (AXM) should really enjoy this book.

If you people are not wasting your hard earned money or precious dollars on this book, you have no idea what you are missing.

[outlander78]

The fifth issue is strong as well. Manhunter is a great series - I hope more people try it out. The fifth issue starts a new story arc, and the first four issues are not required to enjoy it.

[Karl J. Barnes]

I picked up number 1 for a lark and was greatly surprised how fast, I was drawn into the story. No one dimensional characters here! Shadow Thief is a seeriously twisted character, maybe he'll be Manhunter's Joker.

[Mia]

The fifth issue is strong as well. Manhunter is a great series - I hope more people try it out. The fifth issue starts a new story arc, and the first four issues are not required to enjoy it.

The shop I bought them from was sold out of #5 (due to the IC tie in). But I told my regular dealer to get it for me and add it to my pull list for now on.

[Arvandor]

I'm really enjoying this series as well.

In fact, if I enjoy #5 as much as the first four, I'm going to take up pimping this series big time. I WILL NOT let this series disappear into Cancellation Hell!

[Captain Jim]

There was a similar thread to this several weeks ago. I said it then and I'll repeat it now. I'm liking this book a LOT.

[Deathstroke]

I read issue #5 today at work and I loved it.

Can't wait to see if they keep the thread going about J'onn recognizing the thought pattern.

[GUTB]

Honestly, I have soft spot for this book. It lacks pretentiousness. The main character is tough, witty but not arrogant. She's not even remotely BoP class, and that actually highlights the utter foolish recklessness of doing what she's doing. I like Kate because she's out of her league, she knows this, but does it anyway and the smoking habit? Screw it, she's going to die young anyway.

Now it needs a better artist.

[Captain Jim]

I dunno. I kind of like the art. His renditions of the snake-guy (I forget his name) are positively creepy.

[uatu13]

Sorry to say it but I can smell the stink of cancellation all over this book before it even started. I wish this wasn't the current state of things, but new characters rarely get the chance to survive nowadays, and I always end up shelling out $3 a month just to end up with an abruptly cancelled story. I'll have to leave this one to pick up later as a set.

[GUTB]

Well, let's take a look at the numbers:

(129) MANHUNTER
08/ 2004: Manhunter #1 -- 25,517
09/ 2004: Manhunter #2 -- 20,281 (-20.5%)
10/ 2004: Manhunter #3 -- 19,186 (- 4.9%)
11/ 2004: Manhunter #4 -- 15,808 (-17.6%)

Big fat loser. But this ties into the fact that the internet is full of BS, and that what the internet fan likes will often be opposite to what everyone else likes.

[Deathstroke]

Sorry to say it but I can smell the stink of cancellation all over this book before it even started. I wish this wasn't the current state of things, but new characters rarely get the chance to survive nowadays, and I always end up shelling out $3 a month just to end up with an abruptly cancelled story. I'll have to leave this one to pick up later as a set.

It's not the point of whether it will be cancelled or not. We're discussing whether or not we like what we are reading.

[Arvandor]

Which is exactly why I'm going to start pimping this book big style - here, Newsarama, hell even Comicon.

I'm going to do everything I can to raise awareness of this book. I WILL NOT allow it to be cancelled!

[JeffreyWKramer]

Well, let's take a look at the numbers:

(129) MANHUNTER
08/ 2004: Manhunter #1 -- 25,517
09/ 2004: Manhunter #2 -- 20,281 (-20.5%)
10/ 2004: Manhunter #3 -- 19,186 (- 4.9%)
11/ 2004: Manhunter #4 -- 15,808 (-17.6%)

Big fat loser. But this ties into the fact that the internet is full of BS, and that what the internet fan likes will often be opposite to what everyone else likes.

Actually, what it ties into is the fact that new books mostly fail, and badly. In this case, toss in the fact that this book received virtually zero publicity, and is being released at the same time as a very similar book (BLOODHOUND), and you have an unfortunate sales failure, despite the book itself being quite good.

There is plenty of BS on the net, though, that is true. Your posts are an excellent example.

I still prefer BLOODHOUND over MANHUNTER, but MANHUNTER is not a bad book at all.

[JeffreyWKramer]

Which is exactly why I'm going to start pimping this book big style - here, Newsarama, hell even Comicon.

I'm going to do everything I can to raise awareness of this book. I WILL NOT allow it to be cancelled!


Pimp away. And good luck. Toss in a few plugs for BLOODHOUND and PLASTIC MAN while you're at it, okay?

[Karl J. Barnes]

I dunno. I kind of like the art. His renditions of the snake-guy (I forget his name) are positively creepy.

Copperhead and yes, it looked delightfully evil.

[Captain Jim]

Well, let's take a look at the numbers:

(129) MANHUNTER
08/ 2004: Manhunter #1 -- 25,517
09/ 2004: Manhunter #2 -- 20,281 (-20.5%)
10/ 2004: Manhunter #3 -- 19,186 (- 4.9%)
11/ 2004: Manhunter #4 -- 15,808 (-17.6%)

Big fat loser. But this ties into the fact that the internet is full of BS, and that what the internet fan likes will often be opposite to what everyone else likes.

These numbers don't prove a thing. As a former retailer, I can tell you that you almost always lower the orders significantly on a #2, and more still on a #3. Why the big drop from #3 to #4? Usually the fourth issue is the first one on which you have any prior sales figures to guide you.

So, if you're trying to say that the numbers in general aren't all that impressive, you may have a point. On the other hand, if you're pointing to the fact that the numbers are decreasing each month (which is what I inferred), you do not.

On the other hand, DC has sometimes been known to keep quality books around, even if the numbers aren't all that impressive. Or at least give them plenty of time to try to build a following. This may turn out to be such a book. We'll see. I certainly support it.

[Apathy Boy]

The first issue was kind of "eh," but I've been enjoying this series more as it's progressed. (I agree with Jeffrey that BLOODHOUND is a much better book, though. But hell, BLOODHOUND's better than every book out there, so that's not a knock against MANHUNTER.)

I just hate that we have to harp on the likely cancellation of this title. And it drives me nuts that some people won't even try a book because it's likely to get cancelled. Don't bemoan the fact that a comic you love got cancelled, folks; just count yourself lucky that you got some quality reading while it lasted.

Having said that, Dan DiDio seems to be a fan of MANHUNTER, so that may buy it a little extra time.

[Arvandor]

Finally read #5. Another good one. I enjoyed the banter between Kate and Dylan in the first few pages, but the fight was the scene was the highlight. Fight scenes do seem to be something Manhunter does well.
I'm enjoying this series. A lot.

My only problem (besides possible cancellation) is the future direction of this book. Kate has declared her intentions to kill as many of them as she can, and to show no mercy. But I have to wonder if she will ever be allowed to really kill anyone.
Copperhead is already back from the dead (I can't tell if that resurrection is permanent, but probably) and there was no way DC were going to allow her to kill Shadow Thief. At least, not until and unless the series becomes a genuine success.
I'm just concerned that DC will handcuff this title, and limit the kinds of stories Andreyko wants to write, and never allow Kate to accomplish any kind of bad guy bodycount. Which would be a shame.

A vigilante killer, who never kills anyone, would kind of defeat the purpose. Wouldn't you say?

[Tom]

Well, let's take a look at the numbers:

(129) MANHUNTER
08/ 2004: Manhunter #1 -- 25,517
09/ 2004: Manhunter #2 -- 20,281 (-20.5%)
10/ 2004: Manhunter #3 -- 19,186 (- 4.9%)
11/ 2004: Manhunter #4 -- 15,808 (-17.6%)

Big fat loser. But this ties into the fact that the internet is full of BS, and that what the internet fan likes will often be opposite to what everyone else likes.
It says a lot about you that you define BS as "the opposite of what everyone else likes."

[ChildOfTheDarkholde]

Another fan here!!!!
What an absolute fantastic read: A strong yet flawed woman who isn't perfect or a "hero" in the traditional sense, but who is focused and set of doing what she thinks is right.

The book doesn't feel like most books nowadays, padded and unnecessarily stretched out plotlines just so they can be collected...this book actually has slef-contained plots and yet they follow a sorta sequential arc of interconnected events.
And it has so much action...Kate kicks all kinds of **ss.

I am also gonna plug the book as much as I can...and I am SOOO glad that this is a DC book, apparently DC has more patience with low-selling,critically acclaimed comics...

[Sharcque]

This book absolutely rocks!!!! Top 3 for me right now.... :)

[Dave Cote]

Yeah its my favorite monthly title right now. I know sometimes sales figures can look depressing but I believe that they in no way refelct the quality of a title.It's sad how low sales have dropped in comics.Bi=ut most of the people I know who buy only get what they know(Batman,X-Men etc.).Its sad that people won't try new things because they miss alot of quality stuff .IMO some of the best stuff didn't last more than 2 years.

[Arvandor]

Manhunter #6 was another good one.

Some of the bad guys get together and decide to have Shadow Thief killed before he can talk, hiring Calculator to get the job done. We also finally get a glimpse into Kate's past, and learn some of the reasons why she hates bad guys so much. Finally, a very fun battle between Manhunter and Shrapnel. She even manages to throw in some one-liners, and step up a rung or two in the 'dangerous vigilantes' league.

But I'm really starting to worry now. Once again she fails to finish a bad guy off permanently. Six issues and only one fatality. Considering what this series was set up to be, and the kind of 'hero' Manhunter is, one kill is not enough. not even nearly.

Apart from that, still loving it.

[Karl J. Barnes]

Manhunter #6 was another good one.

Some of the bad guys get together and decide to have Shadow Thief killed before he can talk, hiring Calculator to get the job done. We also finally get a glimpse into Kate's past, and learn some of the reasons why she hates bad guys so much. Finally, a very fun battle between Manhunter and Shrapnel. She even manages to throw in some one-liners, and step up a rung or two in the 'dangerous vigilantes' league.

But I'm really starting to worry now. Once again she fails to finish a bad guy off permanently. Six issues and only one fatality. Considering what this series was set up to be, and the kind of 'hero' Manhunter is, one kill is not enough. not even nearly.

Apart from that, still loving it.

I agree that I was expecting a few more villain deaths, but the respite from killing might be a build up a wholesale slaugther/bloodbath. To me, there seem to be some hints that the final battle between Manhunter and Calculator's goons will be bloody.

[ChildOfTheDarkholde]

Manhunter #6 was another good one.

Some of the bad guys get together and decide to have Shadow Thief killed before he can talk, hiring Calculator to get the job done. We also finally get a glimpse into Kate's past, and learn some of the reasons why she hates bad guys so much. Finally, a very fun battle between Manhunter and Shrapnel. She even manages to throw in some one-liners, and step up a rung or two in the 'dangerous vigilantes' league.

But I'm really starting to worry now. Once again she fails to finish a bad guy off permanently. Six issues and only one fatality. Considering what this series was set up to be, and the kind of 'hero' Manhunter is, one kill is not enough. not even nearly.

Apart from that, still loving it.


ACK...u need to put spoilers tags or something.... :D

In any case, I loved the last issue


Love how the writer slowly gives nice bits of characterization that enrich Kate as a human being BUT he doesn't skimp on the action!

[RustyShackleford]

Yes, Manhunter has had a great run so far. #6 made the top of my reading stack this week, and I hadn't been to the comic book store in a while!


Copperhead is already back from the dead (I can't tell if that resurrection is permanent, but probably)...

I was under the impression that Shadow Thief was animating Copperhead's corpse. I could be wrong, though. But didn't he wind up back in his grave at the end of #5?

[marc andreyko]

heya, gang-

i'm glad you're enjoying Manhunter (and if you wanna help extend its life, get 1-2 friends to get the book!) i wanted to answer a few questions/ concerns here:

1) don't worry. there will be more dead villains. soon. like issue #9 soon. how's that?

2) and Copperhead is d-e-a-d. Shadow Thief was using his shadow powers to reanimate the corpse, but Copperhead was decomposing (hence Kate's "that smell---!" comment and the sploorch when she punched him in the chest. ewwwww.)

thanks again!
marc

[Captain Blitz]

I think it was quite clear that he´s dead, since it looked like Shadow Thief was just "wearing" Copperhead´s skin. ;)

Great series, I hope it last´s beyond issue 12.

[Spiderchick1974]

heya, gang-

i'm glad you're enjoying Manhunter (and if you wanna help extend its life, get 1-2 friends to get the book!) i wanted to answer a few questions/ concerns here:

1) don't worry. there will be more dead villains. soon. like issue #9 soon. how's that?

2) and Copperhead is d-e-a-d. Shadow Thief was using his shadow powers to reanimate the corpse, but Copperhead was decomposing (hence Kate's "that smell---!" comment and the sploorch when she punched him in the chest. ewwwww.)

thanks again!
marc


WOW,thanks for taking the time to dwell amongst us mere mortals!!! (LOL)
Seriously, thank YOU for writing such a good book.

Hopefully we will make it a huge success....

[Captain Jim]

Hey Marc,

I'm absolutely loving this book. Don't think I've seen your name before this; have you done other comics writing?

[Expletive Deleted]

I really recommend his Torso (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/1582401748/ref=pd_sim_b_4/103-6856167-4757400?%5Fencoding=UTF8&v=glance), with Brian Bendis.

[marc andreyko]

so, you like my torso, huh? well, thanks and, yes, i have been working out.... what? oh, that torso. yeah, i'm pretty proud of that one!

and, as far as other books go, i'm writing Casefiles: Sam & Twitch for Image, CastleVania for IDW (as well as anothe rproject with them and Steve Sadowski) and some other hush-hush stuff on the horizon...

thanks for supporting Manhunter!

marc

[UniqueFrequency]

so, you like my torso, huh? well, thanks and, yes, i have been working out.... what? oh, that torso. yeah, i'm pretty proud of that one!


heh that was funny. i'm ashamed to say i haven't picked up Torso yet, but i enjoyed what i read of Sam & Twitch (even if the first arc was a little confusing) and i'm totally all over Manhunter as well!

[Mon-el]

Hey Marc,

I agree Manhunter is a great book. I picked it up like I always try to pick up new things. Well, Issue 1 had me and its been a fun ride ever since. And currently its made its way into my Top 10 of the month. I literally just got done reading thru Issue 6, and I have a couple of questions just to throw out at you.

1. Batman:

Is it possible that we can get you on Batman? After reading The Riddler joke with the JlA and The Joking Batman and Hawkman. Id like to see you write a Batman Title so that we can get away from the same blah, blah, blah storylines. Love the wit, BTW.

2. IC

When the first Issue came out and since then theirs been a lot of focal point has come from Identity Crisis. Such as Calculater, Copperhead, Shade and the Tie-ins on Several covers.

My questions:

Was it mandated from Dido that the series would be focused so heavily on IC when starting out to find its fan base?

Will we eventually be moving away IC anytime soon and focus on more villians that Kate Spencer will have to go after?

[ChildOfTheDarkholde]

so, you like my torso, huh? well, thanks and, yes, i have been working out.... what? oh, that torso. yeah, i'm pretty proud of that one!
marc


That other stuff better be something with Jessica Drew in it... ;)

[Deathstroke]

Issue #7 was another great read.

I can't wait to see who's coming to L.A. now.

You've got the subpoenaing of the heroes, Kate's family issues, and the battle with the villain. All the required elements that's for sure.

[Mia]

1. Batman:

Is it possible that we can get you on Batman? After reading The Riddler joke with the JlA and The Joking Batman and Hawkman. Id like to see you write a Batman Title so that we can get away from the same blah, blah, blah storylines. Love the wit, BTW.



Pretty please? Whose spouse do I have to flatter, whose baby do I have to kiss? Who do I have to bribe to make this happen? PM me and let me know!!!

[kcekada]

It's a relief to see that Manhunter is in the solicitations for May. Nice cover also.

I think this is the kind of series that may not have an obvious "collectible" factor, which is why the masses are ignoring it. Seems that most people who have tried it...liked it. A trade of the first 5 issues would probably be a boon to the series.

Manhunter, much like CHASE, is a character who works well within the confines of her series. I can't see her ever becoming a team character...so if this book doesn't make it, I doubt we'll see her anywhere else.

On the other hand, I'm sure that Marc' future is assured. Still, I hope that the buzz for Manhunter helps the book and that Marc writes it for a good long time.

Hmmm...a guest appearance by CHASE would be incredibly cool...though it probably wouldn't do spit to attract new readers.

[ANGRY VIKING]

I've said it elsewhere on these boards, but I love gritty realism in my comics, and Manhunter hits the spot. I originally picked it up for my wife and she loved it, so I read it and was hooked. It one of the highlights of my Wed.
I just love how non-P.C. this book is, something I would not expect from DC
I love how Kate goes after super-villians, not the mob like some Punisher rip-off. I just hope that DC gives Marc some leeway on victims. Nothing like a good housecleaning! And she smokes!!,how often do you see that in the mainstream media. Thanks for the great stories Marc, hope it's a nice long run.

[marc andreyko]

....a guest appearance by Chase, you say?......hmmmmmm........

[JeffreyWKramer]

....a guest appearance by Chase, you say?......hmmmmmm........

Always a very good thing. With BLOODHOUND sadly on the way out, MANHUNTER moves up a couple slots on my must-read list.

[Wormella]

The one thing that does strike me as odd is that it's a real city, I'm used to Gotham, Metropolis.

I do really like the book though, I'd never have picked it up without suggestions form you guys.

[steeler80]

Same here. I went to comic shop and only one of the regular titles I buy was out so I picked up Manhunter #6 because of the good things I'd heard on this board. I really liked it and picked up #7 yesterday. If it stays as good as these first two issues, then it's going to be on my list for quite some time. Even in an issue where there's not that much "superhero" type action, the story had me turning pages and waiting for the next issue. Good stuff.

[Captain Jim]

You need to hunt down those back issues, too. ;) As I've said before, this is the best book that most of you aren't buying.

[Captain Jim]

I read the new issue last night and enjoyed it as usual. Nice follow-up to Identity Crisis (whether you liked that story or not). The only thing that struck me as odd, Marc, was that Kate never objected to any of the crazy, irrelevent stuff that the defense brought up in cross examination. Not a big deal, but it did kind of bug me.

[Karl J. Barnes]

I read the new issue last night and enjoyed it as usual. Nice follow-up to Identity Crisis (whether you liked that story or not). The only thing that struck me as odd, Marc, was that Kate never objected to any of the crazy, irrelevent stuff that the defense brought up in cross examination. Not a big deal, but it did kind of bug me.

Especially about Superman and his secret identity. Kate should jumped all of that or Superman should have said something.

[Arvandor]

Good interview (http://www.comicon.com/cgi-bin/pulse.cgi?http%3A//www.comicon.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi%3Fubb%3Dget_topic%26f%3D36%26t%3D00 3521) with Marc Andreyko and Joan Hilty at The Pulse

[Obscure Heroism]

Hey, Mr. Andryeko....Keep up the good work.

[marc andreyko]

thanks for the kind words about the book! (sorry i haven't been here in awhile--- computer difficulties...:(!) and, don't forget, Manhunter #8 is out on wednesday!!!

marc

[Satana Hellstrom]

Is that the one with the arrows flying all around Kate or the one with Phobia on the cover?
(BTW...great book, Marc!)

[marc andreyko]

it's the arrows one (But wait 'til you see the Phobia one! it's killer, too! and the cover for #12 made me fall outta my chair!)

marc

[kcekada]

I've really been amazed with the previews of the upcoming covers.

I was sad when Jae Lee stopped doing them, but Jesus's covers are great and getting progressively better.

[Brian Thomer]

Manhunter never fails to deliver month in and month out. I anticipate it every month.

[drwho5]

I just finished reading issues 1-4 of Manhunter by Marc Andreyko, and I have to say without a doubt that this was some of the best reading I have ever done in a very, very, very long time.

The story involves a high profile public defender in L.A. who after witnessing a psychotic get off scot free. Decides to take the law into her own hands. Contrary to what you may have heard this book is a bit more than just the female version of the Punnisher. The protagonist Kate is educated and very smart. And yes she has a bit of a bad attitude. The dialogue is very witty and crisp. Those of you reading Birds of Prey, Daredevil, Catwoman or are fans of Emma Frost (AXM) should really enjoy this book.

If you people are not wasting your hard earned money or precious dollars on this book, you have no idea what you are missing.

I agree 100%. If this book is canceled as predicted by several other posts, I would suggest the following as possible reasons why:

1. Current Manhunter is a considerable digression from previous incarnations.
2. Fickle and ignorant readers afraid of anything new. (Monolith anyone?)
3. Title is drowning in a sea of excellent books.

Whatya think?

[marc andreyko]

hey, we're not dead yet!!!!

marc

[Karl J. Barnes]

hey, we're not dead yet!!!!

marc


Thank GOD! And I hope that this title doesn't ever die. The art and the writing is just too intriguing to let wither and die.

[kcekada]

1. Current Manhunter is a considerable digression from previous incarnations.
2. Fickle and ignorant readers afraid of anything new. (Monolith anyone?)
3. Title is drowning in a sea of excellent books.




All true. However, reasons 1 and 2 show just how ignorant and short-sighted comics fans can be.

What amazes me is that there are readers still leaving this title (according the Diamond numbers). If you made it past issue 3 or 4, why in the Hell would you stop now?! The book is getting better and better. Don't people recognize quality comics?

[Forsaken_One]

It might not be people leaving. I don't know what kind of hype this had when it started but it might be that the stores ordered more than they needed of the first few, then cut back on orders when they didn't sell. I mean, Diamond tracks stores, not individual sales.

[spoon_jenkins]

I decided to sample Manhunter, so I bought #4 recently.

I didn't like it. Kate Spencer doesn't come across as a sympathetic character I want to root for. I don't consider myself a bleeding heart on crime. I think the death penalty should be legal, but I don't favor sentencing lots and lots of people to death. I find Kate's personality and ideology unpalatable. Based on this issue, at least, Manhunter seems too ideology-driven for me to enjoy based on other aspects unless I was ideologically closer to Kate.

I'm not completely ruling out buying another issue, but if #4 is fairly representative, it's not likely I will.

[Arvandor]

I'm not enjoying 'Trial by Fire'.


I REALLY enjoyed the first five issues (and even issue 6, for the most part). Those five issues had me thinking this series was going to be something special.

But Trial by Fire is really exposing Marc's weaknesses and inexperience as a writer. The courtroom are ridiculous, with legal arguments that are so laughably bad that they just destroy all suspension of disbelief.

And his portrayal of the JLA is so completely foreign from any JLA that I'm familiar with that I don't recognize them at all. He doesn't seem to have any grasp of their characters and personalities in any way.

But worst of all, Kate has STILL not killed anybody. What the Hell?! Allowing Shrapnel and Cheshire to get away is bad enough, but WHY THE HELL did she not blow Shadow Thief's head off. She had him in her sights. Why didn't she whack him?

As I said in a previous post, a series about a vigilante killer who doesn't actually kill anybody kind of defeats the whole purpose.


It's a good thing Kate Spencer is such a fascinating character, and that the fight scenes are so good, otherwise I might be inclined to drop it.

[Mia]

And his portrayal of the JLA is so completely foreign from any JLA that I'm familiar with that I don't recognize them at all. He doesn't seem to have any grasp of their characters and personalities in any way.

.


I haven't read the latest issue. But I like his take on the JLA. He writes them like real people as opposed to automotons. Heck if he was on the book I'd be persuaded to pick it up on a regular basis.

[UniqueFrequency]

i'm actually slowly beginning to lose my interest in the title.

the fact that kate could take on cheshire and live is just too much of a stretch for me

i'll hang in for the rest of the arc though

[Loren]

For those interested, I have a legal look at the latest issue up at Suspension of Disbelief (http://comicfacts.blogspot.com/2005/03/manhunter-8-trial-of-shadow-thief-part.html).

Loren

[Captain Jim]

Kate Spencer doesn't come across as a sympathetic character I want to root for. I don't consider myself a bleeding heart on crime. I think the death penalty should be legal, but I don't favor sentencing lots and lots of people to death. I find Kate's personality and ideology unpalatable.

Hmm, to each their own, I guess. I certainly don't find Kate "likable" in the sense that, say, Superman is likable. What I find her is realistic (personality-wise, in particular). For instance, she's a lousy mother, even though I believe she genuinely loves her son. I don't admire that, but I do find it a lot more believable than if she were the perfect-mother type. (This just an example, of course.)

[GremlinClr]

i'm actually slowly beginning to lose my interest in the title.

the fact that kate could take on cheshire and live is just too much of a stretch for me

i'll hang in for the rest of the arc though

Ummm, Chesire handed Kate her ass. It was by shear luck she got away since she doesn't know how the equipment works. I mean your acting like Kate beats the snot out her and laughs as she does it.

[UniqueFrequency]

Ummm, Chesire handed Kate her ass. It was by shear luck she got away since she doesn't know how the equipment works. I mean your acting like Kate beats the snot out her and laughs as she does it.

no, but she did manage to take cheshire out without dying. let's remember how deadly cheshire is and that kate is essentially an amateur.

[marc andreyko]

arvador-

as for kate not killing anyone, see #9.

as for kate's reasons for not killing ST, see #9/10.

as for the ridiculousness of my legal knowledge and use, well, to each his own. this being a fictional world where superpowered folks exist, i have assumed that there will be legal difference from our system.

did/does my approach to the ST's trial not fit the "real" legal way it is done? yep. but, in a world of secret identities and vigilantes (and, in this case, no body), i took the stance that kate first needed to humanize the victim before going into the details of the crime. is a murder of a stranger more affecting than that of someone you feel you know? so, if that is wrong, i plead guilty. Manhunter will never be an exact legal replica of our trial system. and i will continue to tell stories in the way that is, i hope, most dramatically effective. if that doesn't work for you, all i can say is i'm sorry:(

one more thing: there are most definitely more witnesses to be called. will they get their chance to testify? we'll see....

marc

[GremlinClr]

no, but she did manage to take cheshire out without dying. let's remember how deadly cheshire is and that kate is essentially an amateur.

Yes, Chesire is very deadly. Are you telling me it's impossible for Kate TO GET EXTREMELY LUCKY and beat her? Almost dying in the process?

[Kaskratiski]

Marc...thanks so much for being kind enough to post here.
I am loving the book.
The fact that Kate isn't a sympathetic hero is exactly what makes her so compelling to me.
Let us know when she becomes a run-of-the-mill, girl scout, perfectly flawless heroine, so I can drop the book, ok?

I loved the battle between Cheshire and Kate ,and Marc found a perfect balance to end the fight in a realistic way that didn't interfere with the fact that Cheshire is probably one of DC's deadliest women.

Kate was lucky,sure, but she alsio was quick-thinking and resourceful....
The pain that Cheshire must've been in after the battle's denoument must've been excruciating enough to force her into retreat,and it was very believable.
And as for the JLA...I agree they sound more human than ever, as opposed to ideas and concepts...
I love Andreyko's writing and I want this book to be around for at least 100 issues!!!
(with Andreyko writing, please!)

[Corrina]

Hmm, to each their own, I guess. I certainly don't find Kate "likable" in the sense that, say, Superman is likable. What I find her is realistic (personality-wise, in particular). For instance, she's a lousy mother, even though I believe she genuinely loves her son. I don't admire that, but I do find it a lot more believable than if she were the perfect-mother type. (This just an example, of course.)


I don't mind she's a lousy mother--it's that I can't figure out *why* she's a lousy mother that prevents me from really enjoying this title.

For example, Holden Carver of "Sleeper" is a murderer a number of times over, not to mention a whole list of other faults, but I know why, which makes him interesting and worth following.

But I don't know why Kate acts the way she does to her son and even to the JLA in the beginning of the crossover. She goes out of her way to be unpleasant and bitchy to them for what seems no reason presented on the page. Maybe to make her look bad-ass, I guess? But as it was, I was puzzled and annoyed with Kate.

So I would say it's not that Kate has unlikeable or bitchy traits that bothers me. It's that I can't figure out where they're coming from.

[Karl J. Barnes]

I don't mind she's a lousy mother--it's that I can't figure out *why* she's a lousy mother that prevents me from really enjoying this title.

For example, Holden Carver of "Sleeper" is a murderer a number of times over, not to mention a whole list of other faults, but I know why, which makes him interesting and worth following.

But I don't know why Kate acts the way she does to her son and even to the JLA in the beginning of the crossover. She goes out of her way to be unpleasant and bitchy to them for what seems no reason presented on the page. Maybe to make her look bad-ass, I guess? But as it was, I was puzzled and annoyed with Kate.

So I would say it's not that Kate has unlikeable or bitchy traits that bothers me. It's that I can't figure out where they're coming from.


Well, we did kind of just bust into her life as readers, so maybe there will be more of an explaination. Her life has been one disaster after another, so heer "origin" story might come as soon as the there is a bit of calm in her stormy debut.

[UniqueFrequency]

Yes, Chesire is very deadly. Are you telling me it's impossible for Kate TO GET EXTREMELY LUCKY and beat her? Almost dying in the process?

no it's not impossible, it's just one of those things that's a little hard to swallow, y'know? what's the big fuss? i just said in my opinion it's weird that an newbie like kate went up against an assassin like cheshire and lived. that's all.

if i were cheshire and my nails got ripped off by some punk new to the superhero game, i'd be pissed off enough to just throw some dagger and kill her, know what i mean?

[spoon_jenkins]

The fact that Kate isn't a sympathetic hero is exactly what makes her so compelling to me.
Let us know when she becomes a run-of-the-mill, girl scout, perfectly flawless heroine, so I can drop the book, ok?

I think you misstate my problem with Kate in the issue I read (#4). I'm not drawn specifically to "girl scout" or "perfectly flawless" characters. My problem was that Kate came across a jerk to me.

There are more than two types of characters/people in existence. To use an extreme gross exagerration to state a point, if I was disliked a fictional work that used Adolf Hitler as its "hero", that does not mean that therefore I'm only interested in "perfectly flawless" heroes.

See, I think it's interesting/compelling when heroes have flaws and are realistic and relatable. My problem wasn't that Kate has flaws as a person, but that overall she's a "hero" I felt negatively about in the issue I read.

[Corrina]

Well, we did kind of just bust into her life as readers, so maybe there will be more of an explaination. Her life has been one disaster after another, so heer "origin" story might come as soon as the there is a bit of calm in her stormy debut.

I don't so much want an origin story as hints to what motivates her. And yes, it may be corrected but with money tight and with me not enjoying her character so far (despite some fine plotting, pacing and dialogue), sadly, I'll take a pass on Manhunter from now on.

Just my personal taste but I just wanted to offer a reason beyond "Kate isn't likeable."

[Loren]

as for the ridiculousness of my legal knowledge and use, well, to each his own. this being a fictional world where superpowered folks exist, i have assumed that there will be legal difference from our system.

And I believe you're right on that account. As I pointed out in another review, real courts don't have to deal with defendants who can turn into unstoppable monsters, so it stands to reason that a DCU court would have different rules for dealing with such a situation. If Sands is capable of turning himself into a living shadow, then the tube might be merited. If, on the other hand, he's dependant on the belt, then the tube is out of line.

A good example of how the law might be different in this trial is that the defense could adopt a strategy like the one seen in an "Astro City" story last year: how can the jury *really* know that Firestorm is dead? Sure, he blew up, but superheroes survive that kind of thing all the time (and in fact, Firestorm *did* survive getting all blowed up). And if there's no death, then there's no murder.

But aside from the defense's questions about Hawkman's reincarnation or Superman's ID (which were largely irrelevant), and the revelation of Ronnie's secret ID, none of the questions so far have really been unique to a superhero universe. In the case of Ronnie's identity, I approached that issue based on how I thought such questions might be handled in a superhero universe, and revealing it mid-trial presents both tactical and procedural problems that I pointed out.

Hawkman's testimony was the equivalent of calling a cop who busted the defendant on previous and unrelated crimes, but who had no connection to the murder being tried. That's not admissible testimony in real courts, and there's no reason why it would be any different if the defendant was a costumed supervillain.

Superman's testimony was like calling a co-worker to say that the victim was a nice guy. Ronnie's parents' testimony is no different than calling any murder victims' parents. It's pure character evidence, and the existence of vigilantes and secret identities aren't going to affect the rules of character evidence.

did/does my approach to the ST's trial not fit the "real" legal way it is done? yep.

I guess it goes without saying that I'm disappointed. Especially since you told The Pulse (http://www.comicon.com/cgi-bin/pulse.cgi?http%3A//www.comicon.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi%3Fubb%3Dget_topic%26f%3D36%26t%3D00 2174): "One of my friends' dad's is a federal judge, so he has offered his knowledge as a resource. And lots of law books have helped in the research process."

is a murder of a stranger more affecting than that of someone you feel you know? so, if that is wrong, i plead guilty.

But jurors aren't supposed to know the victim in a murder trial. Familiarity breeds bias. They're expected to be strangers; knowing the victim tends to get you kicked off the jury panel.

That doesn't mean that Kate can't try to humanize the nuclear-powered superhero. By all means, she should. But the best place for that is in her opening and closing statements. She can work some of it into witness testimony, but it can't be done by calling witnesses who only testify to the good character of the deceased. That's totally irrelevant to whether a crime took place. It's perfect fodder for the sentencing phase following a conviction; *that* is when you really try to humanize the victim. But Firestorm's superhero status is no reason for such a sweeping change in the rules of evidence during trial.

Manhunter will never be an exact legal replica of our trial system. and i will continue to tell stories in the way that is, i hope, most dramatically effective.

I don't expect exactness, because I know that drama demands changes. No legal movie or TV show ever follows trial procedure to the letter, because that would be boring. But the problems here aren't just in the details; whole witnesses and lines of questioning are completely improper, objectionable, and irrelevant. The jury's listened to two days of testimony and hasn't heard a word from any witness with any knowledge of a murder. Kate is fast on her way to losing this case on the facts, and even if she wins, there have been more than enough errors to merit a reversal. It's doesn't create just a problem for the story, either; it makes Kate look like a lousy lawyer. And federal prosecutors aren't lousy lawyers.

Loren

[GremlinClr]

And I believe you're right on that account. As I pointed out in another review, real courts don't have to deal with defendants who can turn into unstoppable monsters, so it stands to reason that a DCU court would have different rules for dealing with such a situation. If Sands is capable of turning himself into a living shadow, then the tube might be merited. If, on the other hand, he's dependant on the belt, then the tube is out of line.

A good example of how the law might be different in this trial is that the defense could adopt a strategy like the one seen in an "Astro City" story last year: how can the jury *really* know that Firestorm is dead? Sure, he blew up, but superheroes survive that kind of thing all the time (and in fact, Firestorm *did* survive getting all blowed up). And if there's no death, then there's no murder.

But aside from the defense's questions about Hawkman's reincarnation or Superman's ID (which were largely irrelevant), and the revelation of Ronnie's secret ID, none of the questions so far have really been unique to a superhero universe. In the case of Ronnie's identity, I approached that issue based on how I thought such questions might be handled in a superhero universe, and revealing it mid-trial presents both tactical and procedural problems that I pointed out.

Hawkman's testimony was the equivalent of calling a cop who busted the defendant on previous and unrelated crimes, but who had no connection to the murder being tried. That's not admissible testimony in real courts, and there's no reason why it would be any different if the defendant was a costumed supervillain.

Superman's testimony was like calling a co-worker to say that the victim was a nice guy. Ronnie's parents' testimony is no different than calling any murder victims' parents. It's pure character evidence, and the existence of vigilantes and secret identities aren't going to affect the rules of character evidence.



I guess it goes without saying that I'm disappointed. Especially since you told The Pulse (http://www.comicon.com/cgi-bin/pulse.cgi?http%3A//www.comicon.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi%3Fubb%3Dget_topic%26f%3D36%26t%3D00 2174): "One of my friends' dad's is a federal judge, so he has offered his knowledge as a resource. And lots of law books have helped in the research process."



But jurors aren't supposed to know the victim in a murder trial. Familiarity breeds bias. They're expected to be strangers; knowing the victim tends to get you kicked off the jury panel.

That doesn't mean that Kate can't try to humanize the nuclear-powered superhero. By all means, she should. But the best place for that is in her opening and closing statements. She can work some of it into witness testimony, but it can't be done by calling witnesses who only testify to the good character of the deceased. That's totally irrelevant to whether a crime took place. It's perfect fodder for the sentencing phase following a conviction; *that* is when you really try to humanize the victim. But Firestorm's superhero status is no reason for such a sweeping change in the rules of evidence during trial.



I don't expect exactness, because I know that drama demands changes. No legal movie or TV show ever follows trial procedure to the letter, because that would be boring. But the problems here aren't just in the details; whole witnesses and lines of questioning are completely improper, objectionable, and irrelevant. The jury's listened to two days of testimony and hasn't heard a word from any witness with any knowledge of a murder. Kate is fast on her way to losing this case on the facts, and even if she wins, there have been more than enough errors to merit a reversal. It's doesn't create just a problem for the story, either; it makes Kate look like a lousy lawyer. And federal prosecutors aren't lousy lawyers.

Loren


You know in a work of fiction, pretty much however the writer says it goes, that's how it goes. If he says all judges wear clown suits and honk a horn instead of banging a gavel then that's how it works.

This is a different universe afterall.

[Arvandor]

Well, we did kind of just bust into her life as readers, so maybe there will be more of an explaination. Her life has been one disaster after another, so heer "origin" story might come as soon as the there is a bit of calm in her stormy debut.

That's another reason why I'm not enjoying this arc.

The whole thing feels like a waste of time, a stupid crossover that's been shoehorned in, taking up issue space that could have been better spent exploring Kate's personality, origin, and motivations.

In other words, 'Manhunted' should have been the second arc, not the third.

[Kaskratiski]

There isn't a single comic book that I anticipate more month after month than Manhunter.
marc, please...keep up the great work!
Love the book and wish it continued success!

[Captain Jim]

Well, we did kind of just bust into her life as readers, so maybe there will be more of an explaination. Her life has been one disaster after another, so heer "origin" story might come as soon as the there is a bit of calm in her stormy debut.

And while some readers are obviously perturbed that this book did not begin with, "This is the origin of the new Manhunter," speaking for myself, I much prefer getting to know her a bit at a time and trying to figure out her motivations and who she is. To me, this is good storytelling.

[RustyShackleford]

But worst of all, Kate has STILL not killed anybody. What the Hell?!

Killed Copperhead, issue 1.

[Forsaken_One]

The one thing that would make Manhunter the single best book ever in my opinion is if Ostrander's Suicide Squad was still around for her to interact with. How would the tough-as-nails lawyer (she's supposed to be one anyway) who's so frustrated with not being able to get supervillians into prison that she goes around killing them feel about a team specifically made out of supervillians that get out of prison/get reduced scentences if they finish a mission? Even the ones you put away don't stay there! Hah!

Sorry, I don't know why I typed that up, seeing as it has no real relevence to... anything. Ah well, click send!

[Mia]

Great issue!! How nice to finally read a comic book geared at adults that isn't simply replete with cuss words and sex. Marc you're priceless!

[Karl J. Barnes]

Great issue!! How nice to finally read a comic book geared at adults that isn't simply replete with cuss words and sex. Marc you're priceless!


Good point Mia. This is an adult superhero comic that doesn't degenerate into a cussin' T&A book,

[Brian Thomer]

I don't mind she's a lousy mother--it's that I can't figure out *why* she's a lousy mother that prevents me from really enjoying this title.

For example, Holden Carver of "Sleeper" is a murderer a number of times over, not to mention a whole list of other faults, but I know why, which makes him interesting and worth following.

But I don't know why Kate acts the way she does to her son and even to the JLA in the beginning of the crossover. She goes out of her way to be unpleasant and bitchy to them for what seems no reason presented on the page. Maybe to make her look bad-ass, I guess? But as it was, I was puzzled and annoyed with Kate.

So I would say it's not that Kate has unlikeable or bitchy traits that bothers me. It's that I can't figure out where they're coming from.

I think she acts bitchy because well... she's a bitch. Some people are just bitches and a-holes. Although, I think there is a reason why Kate is the way she is as we saw a glimpse into her childhood and as more of her past is revealed we'll see more of why she is the person she is. At the same time we're also seeing her become a better person. When we first saw her she was pretty bitter and selfish and she had a wall up around her, but I think we've already begun to see a few holes busted into that wall.

[Mia]

Yeah I think the reason she's a lousy mother will be revealed down the road. However most of us can see that while Kate is a lousy mother. There are still aspects of her that we can appreciate and understand. For example most of us can see that she does love her son and tries to care for him. She doesn't hit him, or ignore him. She's not out carousing while he's sitting alone at home.

By the way, I wonder if anyone who remembers the OJ Simpson trial, sees any similarities between Kate and Marcia Clarke (one of the prosecutors). I remember at the start of the trial Clarke was fighting for custody of her son(s). Her husband wanted to take them away, until the end of the trial, charging that she was too busy.


Good point Mia. This is an adult superhero comic that doesn't degenerate into a cussin' T&A book,

One thing I've noticed from perusing the DC message board is that the people who leave comments on the book are older proffessional people (I know this because I'm familiar with the posters). I am glad that this book has found a niche. I hope it grows in readership.

[Justin D.]

And while some readers are obviously perturbed that this book did not begin with, "This is the origin of the new Manhunter," speaking for myself, I much prefer getting to know her a bit at a time and trying to figure out her motivations and who she is. To me, this is good storytelling.

Same here. I like that there's a lot about Kate I don't know yet. Of course, since I've only read issue numbers 1-3 and 8, then some of you know more than me. Without giving too much away, has it been explained where her costume and staff comes from? I mean, was there just a costume and staff sitting in the evidence room? That seems a bit too simplistic for the book.

Oh, and Loren, while I understand where the aggrivation comes from, I think that exact legalese could very likely make the book lean toward boring. Or, at the very least, push away some readers. I'd think the court aspect of the book is more kin to Law and Order and less to A&E's American Justice, however well that comparison is made.

[kcekada]

While I don't find myself rooting for Kate, I enjoy reading/learning her story. She obviously has issues...and not just parenting issues, but that's okay. As someone else said, it's realistic.

Regarding the fight with Cheshire...Kate didn't do very well. She's not a great combatant...her only edge his her quick thinking. That makes her a refreshing character. It she's going to be in the biz long-term, she's going to need some guidance and training...or more armor/weapons.

[Loren]

Oh, and Loren, while I understand where the aggrivation comes from, I think that exact legalese could very likely make the book lean toward boring.

Exact legalese would definitely make the book lean boring. But the problems with this trial aren't just piddly Latin phrases; they're sweeping misunderstandings of how a real criminal trial actually works.

Or, at the very least, push away some readers. I'd think the court aspect of the book is more kin to Law and Order and less to A&E's American Justice, however well that comparison is made.

Actually, I think the "Law & Order" comparison is a good one, and that's at the heart of my aggravation with this story. "Law & Order" episodes don't have Jack McCoy calling character witnesses for the victim during the trial (unless the character is actually at issue). They wouldn't elicit testimony like that which came from Hawkman. And they *do* call witnesses who actually know something about a crime.

In two days of testimony and four witnesses, I'm not sure if Kate has produced a single bit of legal and relevant testimony. Well...maybe the revelation about Ronnie's ID, but even that should have been disclosed before the trial began.

I'm expecting "Law & Order"-level courtroom drama. "Trial by Fire" just doesn't meet that standard.

Loren

[Karl J. Barnes]

While I don't find myself rooting for Kate, I enjoy reading/learning her story. She obviously has issues...and not just parenting issues, but that's okay. As someone else said, it's realistic.

Regarding the fight with Cheshire...Kate didn't do very well. She's not a great combatant...her only edge his her quick thinking. That makes her a refreshing character. It she's going to be in the biz long-term, she's going to need some guidance and training...or more armor/weapons.

Looks like she needs to go to Ted Grant or Richard Dragon and learn some moves,huh?

[Captain Jim]

Without giving too much away, has it been explained where her costume and staff comes from?

No, it has not.

[Captain Jim]

Okay, I just got around to reading the newest issue last night, and I'm prepared to say that the second arc is not as good as the first. I'm not sure an IC follow-up was what this book really needed at this point, but it's very possible that this was dictated by editorial. In any case, I am far from ready to give up on this book just because the second arc isn't as strong as the first.

It kind of seemed like this issue had too much going on, without adequate space being devoted to any of it. I don't have a problem with Ronnie Raymond's parents being put on the stand, per se. I get the point of trying to make Firestorm seem more human. But I don't really see how that would be the big coup it's being made out to be.

[Justin D.]

No, it has not.

Hmm, that may be a big deal. With an upcoming story arc involving past Manhunters, then it may hopefully be revealed there. If not, then it definitely needs to be told soon after. A costume and weapon that specific aren't just found lying around, and if they are, they're noticed when they're gone.

[Deathstroke]

I liked this issue.

I love how they show that Kate isn't an instant badass, but instead is taking her lumps.

I did like how she temporarily defeated Chesire.

[Arvandor]

::REPOSTED FROM GEOFFJOHNS.COM::


well, i know you regulars aren't the crowd i should be talking to (since you support the book already), BUT i have a very URGENT REQUEST:

if you want Manhunter to continue, the sales need to go up. No, we're not cancelled yet, but if things continue they way they are saleswise.... you know the drill.

The thing that is really frustrating is we have been getting great reviews and word-of-mouth. People who try the book start picking it up regularly. Stores are selling out....BUT, apparently, lots of stores are only ordering copies for pull customers, some stores aren't ordering any, or, most confusing of all, selling out, but NOT REORDERING!!!

so, this is not a death notice. in fact, there is some great Manhunter stuff planned for the months ahead (both in the regular book and other places...heh-heh-heh) and the TPB in the fall should be a big help!

but, i'm asking you guys 'cuz i love these characters and want to write Manhunter for a long time to come. your support has been so moving and gratifying....so, if you wanna help, get your pals to try MH! my buy back offer still stands!

we don't need sales to increase 5,000 copies in a month (not that we wouldn't love that), but DC needs to see some upward motion on the sales charts -- 50 here, a hundred there. every copy helps!

so, please forgive my crude pleas and accept my thanks for all you've done already.

[Gail Simone]

Buy Manhunter.

I'm not saying this because there's a danger of it being cancelled. I don't think readers should feel obligated to 'save' books. I'm posting this because I think it's a damn great book and I believe you'll truly enjoy it if you give it a chance. I'm doing you a favor, here. :)

Sincerely, the book is smart and fun. It tells the tale of a very flawed but powerful woman who is an attorney by day and a very dangerous vigilante at night. The tone is delightful, the dialogue crisp and the plots are very entertaining. The lead character is unlike any in mainstream comics right now, and the art's excellent.

I'm not approaching this by saying, THIS BOOK SHOULD LIVE! I'm simply saying, THIS IS A BOOK YOU WILL ENJOY. A LOT. You'll be glad you bought it, and you'll want the next issue.

Marc Andreyko is doing something very cool--when many books seem to be losing steam, he's making his book better every issue. The guest stars and villains are a blast, and you really do care about the characters. It's easy to pick up any single issue and start right away--the character is new so there's not a ton of backstuff to learn.

It's just a very entertaining book that always makes me smile. If you like my stuff at all, trust me on this one and try this book.

You'll thank me.

Best wishes,

Gail

[AlanScott606]

I already have it on my pull list. I was very surpised by the quality of this book and I am glad that I caught on to it as early as I did :D

[Beta Ray Bill]

One question though. Does this Manhunter (Kate Spencer) have anything to do with the Dan Richards and Paul Kirk Manhunters?

[Deathstroke]

Sorry Gail, your suggestion has no affect on me.

Because I was already buying the book!

It's fantastic!

[Captain Jim]

One question though. Does this Manhunter (Kate Spencer) have anything to do with the Dan Richards and Paul Kirk Manhunters?

Since they're going to start appearing in the storyline, I'd say it's likely that there's some connection. We'll have to wait to see what it is. :)

[Captain Jim]

See people, I've been telling you to buy this book. Now Gail is as well. What are you waiting for?

[tjarvis]

I don't know, my initial knee-jerk reaction was that the whole attorney by day, vigilante at night was just a weird fusion of Daredevil and Punisher. And I'm not really much for killer heroes.

I'm glad others are enjoying it though.

[Metamorpho]

I'll buy it if everyone will try 10 issues of John Byrne's Doom Patrol ;)

[Pil]

I don't know, my initial knee-jerk reaction was that the whole attorney by day, vigilante at night was just a weird fusion of Daredevil and Punisher. And I'm not really much for killer heroes.

I'm glad others are enjoying it though.

It could have been a really bad combo like you describe, but it's not. I'm not all that fond of killer heroes, but it works quite well.

[Beastfan07]

I'm getting the trade this fall and starting collecting now.

[Jared_Humpherys]

Are there any plans for some tpbs? I HATE backissue hunting.

[David O Burcham]

I absolutley LOVE Manhunter. Great book!

[Captain Jim]

Are there any plans for some tpbs? I HATE backissue hunting.

Yes, an initial trade of the first story arc has been announced, but I don't think it's been scheduled yet.

[Apathy Boy]

Are there any plans for some tpbs? I HATE backissue hunting.You're never going to get caught up with the series if you're waiting for DC to put out the trades, though. So you should just try the series now and hope the trades come eventually. MANHUNTER isn't a difficult series to follow if you join partway through (contrary to popular opinion, most series aren't).

The trade of the first five issues likely won't come out until September or October (http://www.newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=29967). By that time, the series will be up to issue #14 or 15.

[Rich L]

I HATE backissue hunting.


But...but...that's the FUN part!

And yes, buy MANHUNTER.

It rocks.

[Justin D.]

See people, I've been telling you to buy this book. Now Gail is as well. What are you waiting for?

Hey, I've been telling people to buy the book too ever since I bought the first three issues on a whim a few weeks ago. I picked up the last issue, and even though it was in the middle of a storyline, I figured out quickly what was going on. Although, I'm dying to know about the stuff that happened inbetween as issue three ended on a cliffhanger of sorts. Going to track down issues 4-7 soon though.

I wasn't interested in buying this book for the same reasons as tjarvis mentions above. A female daredevil who doesn't mind killing for justice didn't interest me. Then, I picked it up and saw it was more than that. From what I've seen, part of the great thing about the book is that it's not just about Manhunter, but about Kate, the woman who is Manhunter.

[Sharcque]

This book absolutely rocks!!! It's the 1st book I read whenever it comes in.

Have they revealed where she got the staff thingy she uses as a weapon yet? I can't remember if they have... :confused:

[Karl J. Barnes]

Hey, I've been telling people to buy the book too ever since I bought the first three issues on a whim a few weeks ago. I picked up the last issue, and even though it was in the middle of a storyline, I figured out quickly what was going on. Although, I'm dying to know about the stuff that happened inbetween as issue three ended on a cliffhanger of sorts. Going to track down issues 4-7 soon though.

I wasn't interested in buying this book for the same reasons as tjarvis mentions above. A female daredevil who doesn't mind killing for justice didn't interest me. Then, I picked it up and saw it was more than that. From what I've seen, part of the great thing about the book is that it's not just about Manhunter, but about Kate, the woman who is Manhunter.

Exactly. But since a comic titled Kate Spencer won't sell, they went with Manhunter. ;) Seriously, the Manhunter persona just enhances the flaws and strengths of Kate Spencer. A fascinating character study with superheroics thrown into the mix.

[Captain Jim]

This book absolutely rocks!!! It's the 1st book I read whenever it comes in.

Have they revealed where she got the staff thingy she uses as a weapon yet? I can't remember if they have... :confused:

No, they have not.

[married guy]

I'm a newbie here, but I read Marc Anrdeyko's interview and had to post.

If you like a good comic book read, please try MANHUNTER.

It really is an excellent title. The central character is well written and not a one-note must do good hero. She's a divorcee lawyer with a young son who also happens to be a costumed vigilante.

When the legal system fails, Manhunter takes the case.

The artwork is beautiful, the stories are fast paced and buck the trend of today with every title being aimed at the trade paperback market, and best of all, if you don't like it Marc will REFUND YOUR MONEY!

A trade collecting issues 1 - 5 is coming soon, and the ending of issue 1 will hook you for life!

Please give this title a go. It's well worth the effort and you'll be glad you did.

Thanks for listening to my little rant, I'm looking forward to posting here more often and hearing everyone's thoughts.

[Ant-Man]

I have bought a few issues of the new Manhunter, and while the art and writing is solid, the female Manhunter character Kate, does not interest me in the slightest. Sadly I just do not like the character enough to continue to buy the book :( .

[Jonah Weiland]

Big things a coming for the title:

http://www.comicbookresources.com/news/newsitem.cgi?id=5092

[married guy]

Anybody NOT reading this title is really missing out on something great.

Marc's got my support for keeps. Manhunter is a great read and I recommend it to anyone.

[Deaf65]

I do read that and I have not gotten bored with it yet. That book really entertains me. This Manhunter would not hesitate to kill so yes it make her a sorta of vigilante.

[married guy]

That's OK.
If you tell me what issues you've brought I'll buy 'em off you if you like.

[noodleboy]

A number of new supporting characters will be appearing in the pages of "Manhunter" including the star of a cancelled, fan favorite book. "We have a few new members planned," Andreyko said, " Including all of the heroes named Manhunter (although it will be very short visits for most of 'em), Kate's father, oh and a woman named Chase."


NICE!!!!

I already like the Manhunter series, this just sweetens the deal.

[marc andreyko]

hey, gang! Manhunter #9 is out tomorrow!!!

marc

[ForEverAncien]

hey, gang! Manhunter #9 is out tomorrow!!!

marc

My thanks for a great book..keep it up!

[Justin D.]

Chase would make a nice addition to the cast. Hell, I could think of all kinds of cool twists having her as a regular could cause. Chase befriend Kate, Chase on the hunt for Manhunter, legal issues between Kate as a prosecutor and Chase as an agent of the DEO, Kate using Chase to hunt down more criminals without Chase knowing...

Oh, and it's good to see that we'll have a stand-alone issue coming up soon where we learn where Kate got ahold of the costume and staff.

[married guy]

Oh, and it's good to see that we'll have a stand-alone issue coming up soon where we learn where Kate got ahold of the costume and staff.

We saw in issue one Kate swiped the costume & staff from the evidence locker.

[Karl J. Barnes]

hey, gang! Manhunter #9 is out tomorrow!!!

marc

Got it. Read it. Loved it. Great line of the comic:Psy-Shields in the costume. It was either that or satellite radio.

[UniqueFrequency]

i was afraid i was losing interest with #7-8, but #9 just brought me right back into the book. the fight was cool, but some explanation of who firehawk is and what she can do would have been nice...

great to see the villians being coordinated for a change! and did Manhunter finally kill her second villain in Monocle?!

[SonnyC79]

Terrific info and thanks for posting it. I got a lot from it. I just had my girlfriend read this and she see's different perspective now. So thanks

[Mia]

Not much happened in this issue. But at least I had a good time reading it, which is much more than I can say for most books I collect. I'm finding it really ironic how lately I am enjoying books not ivolving my favourite characters far more than books with my favourite characters.

What do I need to do to get Marc Andreyko on more books?

Just keep on doing what you're doing Marc!

[marc andreyko]

thanks, mia! i, too, would love to see me on more books!:) but, you say nothing much happened in #9?!?! you mean, other than:





-the appearance of kate's long thought dead father

- the seige of the courtroom (w/ appearances by firehawk, monocle, merlyn and phobia) AND the death of Monocle

- the drugging of chase lawler by the Manhunter stalker

and

- the reuniting of Shadow Thief with his costume as ST goes uber-postal.


yeah, i guess you're right. damn decompression.:)

marc

[Karl J. Barnes]

thanks, mia! i, too, would love to see me on more books!:) but, you say nothing much happened in #9?!?! you mean, other than:





-the appearance of kate's long thought dead father

- the seige of the courtroom (w/ appearances by firehawk, monocle, merlyn and phobia) AND the death of Monocle

- the drugging of chase lawler by the Manhunter stalker

and

- the reuniting of Shadow Thief with his costume as ST goes uber-postal.


yeah, i guess you're right. damn decompression.:)

marc

Maybe next time, you should have sock puppets for variety.

[UniqueFrequency]

- the seige of the courtroom (w/ appearances by firehawk, monocle, merlyn and phobia) AND the death of Monocle


i really loved this sequence. great to see that manhunter finally made her second kill!

[Loren]

I have a question about the end:

So has Sands had shadow powers all this time? For some reason, I thought his Neron-induced powers had been retconned away already.

[Justin D.]

Dammit, this was sold out at my store. I added it to my pull list today, but I just wish the store ordered enough copies so that you don't have to have it on a pull list in order to get it.

[Astonishing X-Fan]

It's kind of funny that if someone dies in a "big event" type book, everyone makes such a fuss over it, but in this book, someone dies and everyone's like "yay! Someone finally died!"

Just an observation. :p

[SonnyC79]

Well you've peaked my curiosity now. I may have to grab an issue or two to see what all the excitement is about. As long at its not too predictable and keeps me hanging in there. They'll have another reader

[Captain Jim]

I have a question about the end:

So has Sands had shadow powers all this time? For some reason, I thought his Neron-induced powers had been retconned away already.

answer: Yes, he has had shadow powers all this time.

[kcekada]

I don't remember the Neron connection.

It appears that Sands is powerless when separated from the suite. However, he certainly has a psychic connectio to it...similar to Venom I guess.

[kcekada]

but I just wish the store ordered enough copies so that you don't have to have it on a pull list in order to get it.


If it isn't Superman/Batman/Spider/X something, that just doesn't happen. For lower tier books like Manhunter, my retailer usually only orders just what customers request.

Someone over at the DC boards mentioned that he bought 10 extra copies and asked his shop to distribute these to people who may appreciate the book.

While most people can't afford to do this, it may be worth ordering an extra copy for the store...with the promise of buying it if no one else does. Then, if it isn't bought, give it to someone who could be a potential reader.

Readers of Birds of Prey may be a likely audience. But really, anyone who appreciates good storytelling should like this book.

[steeler80]

I went to pick up #9 and my comic shop didn't get the issue, not a SINGLE one. I'm going to have to go online and try to pick it up.

[titanfan]

Ok, reading this thread has sold me on this book. I'll give it a try. Hopefully it's not too late!

[josh straightedge]

I'm really liking this book. More people should know about this and pick it up. It's a great book, might be a bit dark for some but it's such a great read and the art really fits this book.

[married guy]

This title is awesome.

And the GREAT news is sales went UP for the month of March!

Sure, it was only by 200 odd issues, BUT IT'S A START!

I'm buying issues for anyone interested in Australia, and I've got a couple I haven't sent off yet.

Anyone who hasn't tried this title really should give it a shot. The lead character isn't just another comic book bimbo with big tits and a gun. She's a 3 dimensional character who has her faults, but is working to become better. (like all of us) The action is awesome, and the premise behind the story is brilliant.

I'll say it again, TRY MANHUNTER! You'll be glad you did.

[Captain Jim]

I went to pick up #9 and my comic shop didn't get the issue, not a SINGLE one.

That's inexcusable. :mad:

[FallenAngels]

Manhunter is probably one of the best solo books on the stand, and I must admit I find it such a pleasure to see a central female character presented differently to the usual grain of flexed muscular balloon stuffed 'babes', usually draped across 'hero' books (although I will admit they can be enjoyable too) Smoking, ill tempered district attorney's with bad parenting skills, that's where it's at. Got to say it became one of my complete faves after the Ramsey-in-hospital scenes- totally pulled on the heart-strings, sensitive that I am.

Anyway, I'm really interested in the Kate's stalker / Kate's father plots, I like that sort of lingering eerieness- and the Manhunted arc sounds like it will be a great one.

[marc andreyko]

steeler80-

what?!?!? what is the name of this so-called shop? will they buy the book if i send 'em some free copies to read for themselves (or sell or give away to new readerrs)?

sometimes i feel like i'm trying to iceskate uphill.....

marc

[Captain Jim]

When I was in the comics retail business, when it came to a great book like Manhunter that not enough people were reading, here's what I'd do. When a new issue came out and regular customers whom I thought would enjoy it weren't picking it up, I'd say, "Here, take a copy of this home and read it. If you like it, you can pay me for it. If you don't like it, just bring it back." Only on rare occasions did a book come back and usually they were hooked.

[kcekada]

what?!?!? what is the name of this so-called shop? will they buy the book if i send 'em some free copies to read for themselves (or sell or give away to new readerrs)?

sometimes i feel like i'm trying to iceskate uphill.....


I'm afraid that this is common with many of the smaller shops (and I'd guess there are more small shops that big shops).

My retailer doesn't even order number ones of DC books with unknown quantities. He wouldn't have ordered Breach if I hadn't requested it. He orders an extra copy of Manhunter (besides mine), and it's been selling. I keep telling the regulars that they should give it a try (don't know if any of them have taken my advice).

[Captain Jim]

And he'll *always* be small doing business like that. :rolleyes: I'm sorry, but there is no excuse for any shop--no matter what the size--not ordering at least two copies of any DC or Marvel title. You can't sell what you don't have.

[steeler80]

I usually go to my comic shop with a friend but didn't get to go last week. My friend asked about Manhunter and was told that the shop didn't get any copies. But what was meant was that the shop had ordered copies but they just hadn't come in.

For some reason, #9 shipped a week late to my shop and came in this week. So I've finally got the issue (two actually as I'd already ordered a copy from Mile High ;) ). So sorry about the confusion (I didn't know what was going on either).

Good solid issue. I like the creepy subplot with "Grandpa" and I'm really looking forward to the next story arc. Hopefully this series will keep on going as the word gets out on it more and more.

[married guy]

I'm wondering.

How many have given this title a shot through word of mouth over the net?

How many will be back for the next issue?

[Sean Walsh]

How many have given this title a shot through word of mouth over the net?

*Sean raises hand*

How many will be back for the next issue?

*Sean raises hand*

:D

[outlander78]

So Manhunter #9 is sold out everywhere I've looked for it. As someone who bought #1-8 and planned to continue buying the series, this is a little frustrating for me. Online sites like My Comic Shop and East Coast Comics are sold out, and the only copy on ebay from North America is $1.88 + $7.00 shipping. Silly.

So - does anyone know of a good place to find this issue?

This is the first time I've run into the buying-for-orders phenomenon that makes getting recent (2 weeks!?) back issues a pain.

thanks,
Andrew

[noodleboy]

Mile High = $2.50 + $4.00 = $6.50 (too much for me)

Midtown = $2.13 + $4.75 = $6.88 (see above)

It looks like you should make a bigger purchase than just the one issue, but they do have them in stock.

[marc andreyko]

outlander-
what's your address? i'll send you a signed copy gratis.

seriously.

regards,
marc

[steeler80]

Outlander, like I was saying in the Manhunter thread, issue #9 was sent a week late to my comic store. I didn't know what the deal was until I got to talk to the owner.

[noodleboy]

outlander-
what's your address? i'll send you a signed copy gratis.

seriously.

regards,
marc

I'm gonna go out on a limb and say that is your best bet Outlander :)

[PanzerMega]

Word of mouth just got me to order issues 1-4 from an online retailer. Can't wait for them to get here.

[outlander78]

outlander-
what's your address? i'll send you a signed copy gratis.

seriously.

regards,
marc

Wow! :eek: And thanks! I've sent you a PM - CBR seems to be stuttering, so I hope it got through.

cheers,
Andrew

[outlander78]

Word of mouth just got me to order issues 1-4 from an online retailer. Can't wait for them to get here.

I hope I manage to avoid sounding like a sycophant after Marc's kind offer (doubtful), but I'm sure you'll enjoy them - the first few issues are the best examples of compact story telling I've read since Alan Grant's early issues on Detective (just past #600).

[Andrew345]

I have never read or heard of this series before I started reading this forum. So I decided to pick up issue #10 of Manhunter at the store and so far I am impressed and will buy the next issue. I have several questions though:

1. Who is Dylan and what is his relationship to Kate?
2. Why are Merlyn and Phobia trying to kill the Shadow Thief?
3. Who and what were the previous Manhunters? I tried to find out some background information but couldn't really find any.

I'm on a budget right now so I cant buy any back issues to try to find this stuff out so any info would be appreiciated. Thanks. :)

Andrew

[Joe Grendel]

I'm wondering.

How many have given this title a shot through word of mouth over the net?

How many will be back for the next issue?
I picked up the last three issues (all my shop had) based on this thread and will indeed pick up the next issue.

[Karl J. Barnes]

I have never read or heard of this series before I started reading this forum. So I decided to pick up issue #10 of Manhunter at the store and so far I am impressed and will buy the next issue. I have several questions though:

1. Who is Dylan and what is his relationship to Kate?
2. Why are Merlyn and Phobia trying to kill the Shadow Thief?
3. Who and what were the previous Manhunters? I tried to find out some background information but couldn't really find any.

I'm on a budget right now so I cant buy any back issues to try to find this stuff out so any info would be appreiciated. Thanks. :)

Andrew

1. Dylan is Kate's mechanic/weapons maker. He used to work for alot of super-villains, mainly those that dealt with super science.

2. They were there to silence Carl Sands, so he wouldn't talk about the rest of the villains,like where they hung out and all that.

3. Chase lawler, Mark Shaw and a few that I can't remember. The only one I know anything about is Mark Shaw, who became the Manhunter during DC's Millenium Crossover about fifteen years ago. He had his own title for a short time,if I remember correctly. And Lawler, well this is the first time that I have heard of him.

[Karl J. Barnes]

Again, another subperb issue with a mix of superheroics,super science, humor and ordinary life( talking of taking their son to an amusement park). This is defintely the sleeper hit in DC's stable.

[ChildOfTheDarkholde]

Words freaking fail me to express how much I like this book.
It is without a question, the only comic book that I anticipate each month with fervor and devotion.
You know how sometimes we buy books out of long-time love for a character, or because we are huge fans of certain creators or whatnot, even if we aren't crazy about the direction the book's taken?
MANHUNTER is nothing like that, I want to read this book bad, every month.
MANHUNTER is the one comic book that truly thrills me each and every month, the comic that makes me feel exactly how I felt as a kid reading those first-run issues of Spider-Woman (Jessica Drew) or George Perez' New teen Titans or Chris Claremont's X-Men: Excitement,anticipation, thrills, wonder...
(and to think I hadn't even heard of Andreyko before I picked up MANHUNTER # 1, and I had never read any book of the previous manhunters...)

All I know is that if DC really nurtures and stays with this book, Kate could become an important, and iconic character in comics.
IMO...
Congrats to Marc and everyone involved with this title...it's the best comic book read for my money, bar none.

[Loren]

All the reviews I've read so far have talked about the Manhunter-killer, and nothing has been said about the trial (although I thought this was the final issue of the trial arc). Is it wrapped up in this issue?

Loren

[Forsaken_One]

Loren: No.

Minor The courthouse is kinda blowed up and stuff, this deals with that. Doesn't go much farther into the future. Though Shadow Theif does make a damn good point to Manhunter about how her actions are undermining the authority and respect of the justice system.

[hondobrode]

First of all, I almost didn't pick up this first issue initially. I believe it started the same month another new DC came out, Bloodhound, and based on the excellent interviews I had read with Dan Jolley about that book, I was definitely getting that.

This struck me as a DC fem Punisher and Marc Andreyko's work was unfamiliar to me tho I vaguely remembered the name from Sam & Twitch IIRC, which actually worked against him as I can't stand anything to do with Spawn or McFarlane, but that's my personal hang up.

I did recognize Marc's name, to his credit, as being the almost-author of the stillborn DC relaunch of the T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents, and I was really pumped for that, so that's a plus to help counter the McFarlane thingy.

Anyway....

Yeah I bought it cause I am a sucker for trying new stuff and that awesome Jae Lee cover didn't hurt things any.

Oh yeah, this is when I was unemployed for a while and my money was real tight. I hadn't bought any comics for a couple of months but was getting just a little bit of stuff to reward myself. Even more amazing in hindsight that I picked it up.

This title sort of has the same vibe for me that Daredevil had back in the day when it was still really finding it's legs in the early 80's as young Frank Miller was getting acclimated to the character and building upon Matt while exploring more new ground and gradually getting to Elektra and The Hand. It's that early stage DD I'm feeling that similar vibe to.

It has been nagging on me that we don't know what the background of the battle staff is. If I were Kate, I would be going back and scamming some more stuff while I could from that locker. Also, when are we going to get to the inevitable scene of where TPTB see said staff no longer in their facility ? I'm betting they'll be coming to Kate and asking hard questions. What villain had this ? How did they make it ?

I too like that Kate the person is not perfect. Having her smoke is a great character bit, Marc.

I'm really looking forward to seeing how the Manhunter serial killer arc rounds out, esp with Paul Kirk, one of my fav characters.

Having Chase as a supporting character here should only help and is certainly a welcome addition.

The art on this title has been excellent too. I hope it stays at this level. It's great seeing Jesus Saiz getting such quick recognition and being on board with OMAC. Hopefully other potential artists for this title will keep that in mind and being encouraged that he got recognized off of this title.

[Loren]

Loren: No.

Minor The courthouse is kinda blowed up and stuff, this deals with that. Doesn't go much farther into the future. Though Shadow Theif does make a damn good point to Manhunter about how her actions are undermining the authority and respect of the justice system.

I guess that means the trial is over and through? And not merely postponed?

Loren

[steeler80]

If you've read through the whole thread, then you know that I thought my comic shop hadn't ordered #9 but it turns out that it just shipped a week late to the shop for some reason. By the time I found this out, I'd already put it in with another order I had at Mile High.

Anyway, it came in today and I'll send it to you for whatever the shipping is(I'll send it media mail so it shouldn't be much). So if you happened to miss the issue, this would be a good way to grab it.

[The Xenos]

Ok, so I've started picking up back issues a week at a time. Tried issue one, and it was quite good. Now after finishing #2 I wish I had picked up more.

-Xenos

[SuperManny]

I guess that means the trial is over and through? And not merely postponed?


It's pretty much over because Shadow Thief escapes. He also gains a new ability, apparently...

I recommend the title to you Loren, I know you'll like it. I'm not sure how much are you into the aggressive super-hero/heroine type-cast, but the whole attorney backdrop is great. The series will come out with a trade paperback collecting the first five issues next month or so.

I love this series. :D

[Swingkid570]

OK, if I hadn't been getting this series since it debuted, I would start now, simply on the strength of Marc's offer of a free-bee issue to Outlander. What an uber-mensch.

[Loren]

It's pretty much over because Shadow Thief escapes. He also gains a new ability, apparently...

Thanks.

I recommend the title to you Loren, I know you'll like it. I'm not sure how much are you into the aggressive super-hero/heroine type-cast, but the whole attorney backdrop is great.

Er...yeah. I'm afraid I gotta disagree on that last point. I like the idea of the attorney backdrop, just not what I've read of the execution.

The series will come out with a trade paperback collecting the first five issues next month or so.

I love this series. :D

I thought the trade wasn't coming out until late summer. In any case, I expect I'll give it a try.

Loren

[outlander78]

OK, if I hadn't been getting this series since it debuted, I would start now, simply on the strength of Marc's offer of a free-bee issue to Outlander. What an uber-mensch.

I should have thanked him publicly rather than privately. Marc did indeed send me a signed copy, which is now my most prized issue (formerly it was a Batman issue I had a letter printed in). Very, very kind indeed.

[Apathy Boy]

All the reviews I've read so far have talked about the Manhunter-killer, and nothing has been said about the trial (although I thought this was the final issue of the trial arc). Is it wrapped up in this issue?

Loren#10 was the first issue of this story arc that I've read, so I may have missed some of the details. But Kate says it's been declared a mistrial and explains that's why she didn't kill Sands - she wants to give the system a chance to bring him to justice before she does it herself. A neat little justification. Reminds me a lot of the Adrian Chase Vigilante, which is a good thing.

As for the "Manhunted" portion of the issue, squeaaaaaal! I knew that Mark Shaw was going to be part of the story, but I didn't think he would be a main focus of it. I'm very surprised to see the appearance of Dumas.
Man, not only is Marc Andreyko a gifted self-promoter, he's also read the excellent John Ostrander/Kim Yale MANHUNTER series. What's not to like about this book?

[bodie_3_7_ci5]

I'm so glad I came across this thread. You all have convinced me to pick up the first story arc of Manhunter. I'm going to pick it up tomorrow.

[K'Nort]

Cameron Chase was the partner in the early part of the Ostrander Martian Manhunter series, right?

[Atom_basher]

hey i was wondering are there any manhunter trades out, im really interested in this comic but its already 11 issues in can anyone help me out

[Loren]

None have been released yet, but a collection of #1-5 is due to be released around October, under the title "Manhunter: Street Justice."

Loren

[Atom_basher]

None have been released yet, but a collection of #1-5 is due to be released around October, under the title "Manhunter: Street Justice."

Loren

Thanks for the reply, it sucks that i have to wait until october

[Swingkid570]

Cameron Chase is the DEO agent who premiered in her own series "Chase" which lasted only 10 or 12 issues before getting mercilessly axed...

[Lex]

Cameron Chase is the DEO agent who premiered in her own series "Chase" which lasted only 10 or 12 issues before getting mercilessly axed...

And it was a friggin' great book too. Chase is one of my favorite characters from the 90's so when I heard that she was making appearances in Manhunter, I immediately bought the most recent issues to catch up since I dropped the book.

Unfortunately, the same problems I originally had with this book are still present so I have a lot of trouble enjoying it.

[Apathy Boy]

The latest issue kicked approximately seven shades of ass. The story's building supsense rather nicely. And I'm still stunned that Andreyko killed off Kirk DePaul. Dunno why I'm surprised, but I am.

However, I'm gonna riot if the killer turns out to be the original Manhunter's allies, Asano Nitobe or Christine St. Clair.

Cameron Chase was the partner in the early part of the Ostrander Martian Manhunter series, right?As noted, Chase was the star of one of the most fondly remembered, quickly cancelled series of the '90s. She also appeared quite a bit in Ostrander's MARTIAN MANHUNTER series, but she was the DEO agent pursuing J'onn, not his partner.

(Private Investigator John Jones did have a partner, Karen Miller, but she was killed off in the first couple issues of the series by J'onn's evil brother.)

[siuntres]

There's a free mp3 audio interview w/ Marc about Manhunter, Torso, Caesfiles Sam & twitch, and lots more at www.wordballoon.com. come check it out, and tell me what you think.

John Siuntres
www.wordballoon.com

[hondobrode]

Thanks John ! Great interview with Marc. I have often thought it would be great to have audio interviews available but never knew anything like this existed.

I'll probably have to get an MP3 player now...

[Deathstroke]

Just read issue #11, and I tell you, this book is moving up my own personal chart of favorite titles each month.

Just a great story with fantastic art.

Please help keep the book around, buy it now!!!

[siuntres]

Thanks John ! Great interview with Marc. I have often thought it would be great to have audio interviews available but never knew anything like this existed.

I'll probably have to get an MP3 player now...

my pleasure, more interviews will be on the way

[SuperManny]

The latest issue kicked approximately seven shades of ass. The story's building supsense rather nicely. And I'm still stunned that Andreyko killed off Kirk DePaul. Dunno why I'm surprised, but I am.

However, I'm gonna riot if the killer turns out to be the original Manhunter's allies, Asano Nitobe or Christine St. Clair.


Well, I loved this issue, but I have to admit, I too was sad/shocked that Kirk DePaul was beheaded . It was a cool fight too, and I thought Andreyko nailed Manhunter's personality well. But the main reason I'm not totally upset is because I could see a writer fixing the situation pretty easily.....at least, I already came up with a way to change things back.

In any event, it was a bit of down time with Kate as Dumas progressed toward their encounter. I'm curious to see if Mark Shaw plays a big role and survives.

Looking forward to the next issue!

[green cape]

Hi everybody! First post here.

I've been following this series on the internet and I was going to wait for the trade to start reading. But It still hasn't been solicatated!

I'm going to pick up my first issue tommorow, but I was just wondering about the status on the trade.?

[K'Nort]

Hi everybody! First post here.

I've been following this series on the internet and I was going to wait for the trade to start reading. But It still hasn't been solicatated!

I'm going to pick up my first issue tommorow, but I was just wondering about the status on the trade.?

I only know shipping through October, but it looks like they may not be doing one. Trades are usually six issues' worth, and the series is already up to #12.


And welcome!

[Captain Jim]

No, unless plans have recently changed, it's been confirmed that they *ARE* doing one. marc andreyko drops in here from time to time; perhaps he can give us an update on this.

[Phil Kollar]

My guess is that they won't do one unless sales pick up, since it's such a small book, sales-wise.

[marc andreyko]

it's coming out in NOVEMBER. people!!!!:)

marc

p.s. and there may be a special surprise in it......

[Phil Kollar]

Good news! I'll have to give the series a thorough checking-out then.

[ChildOfTheDarkholde]

Man, issue # 12 comes out today!!!!
Anyone else as excited and looking forward to it as I am???
:D

http://www.tomburgos.com/BANNERSW.jpg

[jemini169]

When is the TPB scheduled to be released?

[bodie_3_7_ci5]

Man, issue # 12 comes out today!!!!
Anyone else as excited and looking forward to it as I am???
:D

http://www.tomburgos.com/BANNERSW.jpg


Hell yeah! I can't wait :D

[Captain Jim]

When is the TPB scheduled to be released?

See post #194, jemini.

[hondobrode]

It's a great series. Some series I pass up because of cash flow and you KNOW will be collected, but that's big names like Superman, Batman, etc. Smaller titles esp with new characters that need our direct support, like Manhunter, or the missed string of series including Bloodhound, Stormwatch, WIldcats, Chase, etc. will get the axe.

Support the new stuff instead of regurgitating the constant flow of "new-old". I like some of it too but c'mon. All of those series I just mentioned above were all great and deserved a longer life.

Manhunter in some ways kind of reminds me of DC's Daredevil, and yeah, it's really good.

[SuperManny]

Has anyone read the latest Manhunter and the super twist at the end? It's been awhile since I've been surprised by a comic book ending like that, so kudos to Marc! :D

Not going to reveal specifics, but it's good to see Andreyko introduce Chase to the series. Annnnd a relationship to Kate and the DEO agent as well! Josiah Power's appearance also fit well into the story, with some witty dialogue ;) Looks like we also learn more about Kate's technical sidekick.

I still want to see Kirk DePaul alive.....this is the ONLY hero I'm insisting to be brought back from the dead! I thought he had great story-telling potential! Here's hoping his genetic self-healing ablities kick in somehow :(

Anyway, hurry up and pick up the issue already!! :eek:

[GremlinClr]

Anyway, hurry up and pick up the issue already!! :eek:

CRAP!

I'm the only person that gets Manhunter in my shop and my copy didn't come. :mad:

[Xav]

I'm only up to issue 7 but wow...this is an all around great book. I cant beleive its not much more popular. Issue one doesn't give much of a backstory though where can I find more history on Kate?

[Forsaken_One]

IIRC Kate is a new character. Read Manhunter and you know all the history the rest of us do.

[grendel824]

Correct - Kate is new. The Manhunters have a looong history, and there have been a lot of them, but that's what the current storyline is about, it seems.

[Xav]

So the suit and weapons she uses comes from previous manhunters?

[grendel824]

Not that I know of... maybe the baton is Mark Shaw-related, I'm not sure. I thought she put her gear together from stuff taken from villains...

[Xav]

I saw her take the gear from a room but I don't remember seeing a reference to whose it was or how she knew how to use it.

[marc andreyko]

xav-

welcome to Manhunter! I'm glad you enjoy it! and all the questions about kate's costume will be answered in #15 entitled "costume drama".

thanks again,
marc

[Apathy Boy]

Has anyone read the latest Manhunter and the super twist at the end? It's been awhile since I've been surprised by a comic book ending like that, so kudos to Marc! :DYeah, that was a fun ending. I'm not convinced that he's actually the killer, though.

And the cover was certainly ... tangential.

[Deathstroke]

Manhunter is fast becoming one of my favorite titles. I'm really looking forward to this book each month.

The ending of the most recent issue was fantastic.

[Bored at 3:00AM]

Yeah, that was a fun ending. I'm not convinced that he's actually the killer, though.

And the cover was certainly ... tangential.

My feelings exactly. Making Mark Shaw the murderer is way too obvious and, well, lame, which is something this series has managed to avoid thus far. He's a solid character and I hope he doesn't get swept under the rug here or simply killed off to give the story some halfassed "importance". Just ship him back to limbo until someone comes around who actually wants to do something with him.

[K'Nort]

And the cover was certainly ... tangential.

But really funny. I thought.

[grendel824]

welcome to Manhunter! I'm glad you enjoy it! and all the questions about kate's costume will be answered in #15 entitled "costume drama".

thanks again,
marc

Grrr! Here's where I express my anger at you for invalidating my Manhunter pitch with your series. Except I can't be mad because it's good. And because you're an actual comics pro already and I didn't have a chance in hell of having my script looked at until I at least become a best-selling novelist (on my way there, I promise). But so help me if you start writing Suicide Squad in a year or so... I'll... I'll.... quit pushing Manhunter quite so heavily on my fellow patrons at the comic store I worked at! That'll show you to not do your job... or something.

[cactusmaac]

Dayum, I was surprised by how good this title is.

Definitely the best DCU writing since Ostrander was around.

I'll be getting the trade.

[Heraclevs]

:( I don't read Manhunter, so please believe me when I say that I'm not here to criticise the book.

What I will say, after skimming through a recent issue, is that unfortunately it is indicative of why I have given up on collecting comic books from DC, Marvel, or whomever.

I'm referring to the mos recent victim in the storyline. I first started reading comics in the early 1970's, and the 'original' character had a much-celebrated backup story run Detective. In fact, it's one I fondly remember. Now this version is gone. Right ont he heals of what happened to Blue Beetle.

Basically, the 2nd string characters I enjoy are being sacrificed to advance what is admittedly a good story. God story or bad, the characters I enjoy won't be around anymore.

I guess I'm not in DC's target audience anymore.


I've heard and read great things about Manhunter, and I wish the book greater circulation. Unfortunately, it will have to do so without me.

- Romans 9



I guess I'm not in DC's target audience anymore.

[marc andreyko]

well, y'see, i assume you're talking about the Kirk DePaul "Manhunter". he definitely IS NOT the cool Goodwin/Simonson one from the '70's that we all love.

he was a clone.

a clone with a nasty personality.

and killing him off was a more of a tribute to the Simonson/Goodwin Manhunter than anything else. (how? well, having a lame-o clone running around taints the legacy of the original who's story had a beginning, a middle, and an end -- all by Walt and the late, great Archie.)

so, i'm sorry you didn't actually read the book. but i wanted to letcha know i love THAT Manhunter, too.

marc

[Heraclevs]

:(

Thanks for your reply. The fact that I am in no place to judge your writing, the book, or the storyline in particular obviously got lost in my rambling post. I'm sorry for that. It isn't the book or it's content, or your writing, that upset me. What upset me was simply the loss of yet another DC character that I liked who wasn't one of the first stringers.

Yes, I meant Kirk DePaul, the clone of the much more noble (and much longer on the deceased list) Paul Kirk. I also agree that Kirk DePaul had a nasty personality, unlike the original. However, I did enjoy the fact that DC had a character in action wearing the suit (albeit altered out of respect to the Goodwin/Simonson character), even if he isn't a guy I'd probably buy a beer for.

My point was that I hated seeing him go, jerk though he was. Like Blue Beetle, Kirk DePaul was a 2nd string "hero" who I enjoyed. Now he's gone.

Admittedly, I haven't read your book, or ANY book, in quite some time. My current comic collecting ended more or less in 2000.... the one exception being 'Fantastic Four,' which I finally stopped getting in the Spring of 2004. I gave up on new comics for a variety of reasons, none of which are pertinent to this thread. I do read reviews and spoilers for a number of titles, including 'Manhunter,' to see if I could possibly be lured back in to the hobby. For a while it looked like the coming Crisis could be a candidate, but then I bought 'Countdown' and saw Ted Kord murdered. Then I saw the death of Kirk De Paul in 'Manhunter.' That's two in a row for me. I'm now keeping my eyes closed, hoping Guy Gardner doesn't end up as wormfood (again).

Sorry again if my complaint came across as directed at you as a writer or 'Manhunter' as a title.

[Pil]

I thought the original was from the sixties and only a peripheral character who appeared from time to time in series like Justice League. Which series did he occur in?

I only have the Manhunter series from the eighties (apart from the current series) and was planning to get the series from the nineties next time I order from Milehigh. If they are not prohibitively expensive I'd like to get some of the original Manhunter stories too. Any help on which issues to look for would be appreciated.

[hondobrode]

The Kirk DePaul Manhunter had a ton of things that could have been done with him , tho, IMHO. Jerk ? Yes, but I really liked him and esp his premise. I love the current Manhunter too and am a strong supporter of the title, but really wish that Kirk DePaul hadn't been killed. It's not that I'm against deaths in comics or even his death. It makes sense and wasn't pointless, but the fact that these all of these Manhunters were killed were for a variety of reasons :

A. It makes for a good story
B. It leaves Kate Spencer as the one and only Manhunter. That in itself is a good and non-confusing thing.
C. It provided Marc the opportunity of getting rid of a character it sounds like he did not like.

Kate is THE Manhunter, but wouldn't it have been cool if Kirk HADN'T been killed, and she was competing with this other looney Manhunter ? Think of the areas that could have been explored.

Like I said, death is a natural part of our lives. If it makes for a good story, then fine. This was a good story and that's fine. Good people sometimes die before they get to make the mark they should have or could have. Some die way past their prime. This IMO is a character that was killed and unfortunately I think he had some untapped mileage in him yet. It's ok that he died despite my own personal ideas of what could have been done, because hey, no one's safe, and I think that's being proven more and more in the current DCU.

It makes for good reading most of the time, this being no exception.

Can't wait to see what happens next.

[K'Nort]

B. It leaves Kate Spencer as the one and only Manhunter. That in itself is a good and non-confusing thing.

Thing is, I don't see what's confusing about having more than one Manhunter. Just like there was really nothing confusing about having more than one Green Lantern. It's realistic. Especially since the Manhunter isn't a meta. It both makes more sense and gives a richer sense to the character for it to be a heritage title passed on through the years than having someone like Superman/Batman wandering around unchanged since the 30s. And it gives new characters a built-in mentor and other source of information, which allows readers to learn the history of the character, and its past incarnations, as the current character does.

[hondobrode]

I'm with you on the whole lineage thing, but if it means it makes it more accessible to more readers and helps keep the title alive, I'm ok with it.

[SuperManny]

Like I said, death is a natural part of our lives. If it makes for a good story, then fine. This was a good story and that's fine. Good people sometimes die before they get to make the mark they should have or could have. Some die way past their prime. This IMO is a character that was killed and unfortunately I think he had some untapped mileage in him yet. It's ok that he died despite my own personal ideas of what could have been done, because hey, no one's safe, and I think that's being proven more and more in the current DCU.


"Untapped mileage". You pretty much described why I feel Kirk DePaul's death wasn't required at all. And I agree, sometimes I think death is necessary for the story to move on.

But the author of the title just posted above that he didn't like him and was happy to see him go! So chances are, he used this story as an excuse to kill him off!

and killing him off was a more of a tribute to the Simonson/Goodwin Manhunter than anything else. (how? well, having a lame-o clone running around taints the legacy of the original who's story had a beginning, a middle, and an end -- all by Walt and the late, great Archie.)

Marc, I'm actually bummed to read that you thought this latest incarnation of Goodwin/Simonson's Manhunter was not a tribute at all to the original creation! Yes he had a nasty personality, but (and I haven't read Goodwin's version yet) it's supposedly the same character genetic-wise and in the same costume. I'm sure the original wasn't exactly written a great guy either.

With that in mind, don't you think it was a bad idea to get rid of such a version that's running around in the DCU, which would probably inspire new readers to pick up some of the original material?

Maybe Kurt Busiek had this clone "approved" by one of the original creators, Walt Simonson?

:confused:

[Kurt Busiek]

Maybe Kurt Busiek had this clone "approved" by one of the original creators, Walt Simonson?

Yes, I did.

And we sold a lot of copies of the MANHUNTER SPECIAL EDITION, too -- it got resolicited a couple of times during our run.

kdb

[GeorgeG]

Kill all clones, I say. Superboy should be the next to go.

[marc andreyko]

ok, ok, ok-
let's clear up a few things: i was asked to address the Manhunter legacy issue by the powers that be at DC. i was also asked to make sure that there was only one Manhunter running around.

when i reread all the Manhunter stuff (Paul Kirk, Mark Shaw, Chase Lawler, Kirk DePaul, Dan Richards), i came up with a story that would streamline the continuity but not really uber-retcon anything. part of that story involved the deaths of many pre-existing Manhunters. DePaul's death was, in my mind, a necessity, so as not to have a pretender to Paul Kirk's throne running around. (i respect walt?Archie's version too much to even attempt to play with him.) so, yeah, i guess i chose to kill him.

did i personally contact kurt for an OK? no. i assumed editorial would let him know and work it out. so, this is for kurt: i'm sorry that you found out buy reading the issue. if i had known, i definitely would've contacted you. (and no offense was meant towards kurt at all. i'm a big fan of his work. in fact, i think "superman: secret identity" is the best superman story since alan moore's "whatever happened to the man of tomorrow?" -- and i told kurt that when i saw him at WizWorld LA #1).

so, does that answer everything?:)

marc

[Captain Jim]

Once again, the fans underestimate the degree to which editorial edicts impact the comics.

[Lex]

I was working on a long post detailing that Kurt did get Walt's permission to use Manhunter and defend why Kirk DePaul was a valid character and also mention my disgust with Marc's attitude toward the character.

But with Kurt's post and Marc's appology, the discussion is over so let's move on. I still hate that a character I really liked was killed, but that's part of comics.

I will say this: I'm currently giving Manhunter a second chance. This is due to Cameron Chase appearing. Marc is doing a great job with her. I was impressed that he knew her history enough to know that she lived in California before joining the DEO. It's great to see one of my favorite character appearing and being written well. So, I think I'll stick with the book for awhile.

Just stop killing characters I like. :)

[K'Nort]

Once again, the fans underestimate the degree to which editorial edicts impact the comics.

Once again, the editors underestimate the fans' intelligence and show themselves to be big poopyheads.

Still liking the book, however.

[grendel824]

Somehow I doubt Kurt was offended or bothered by the death of the character - he certainly knows the business and seems gracious and level-headed when it comes to using "his" characters. Every writer cannot be expected to track down everyone who might have an attachment to a character before altering them in some way, though it's always nice when that can happen (Kurt was extremely gracious in giving me permission to use an Iron Man supporting character of his in a pitch I used, which really made my day even though nothing came of it) as it can be inspirational and provide discourse that could help improve the story. Everything is done in service of the story, and I'm hard pressed to think of anything that can't be tweaked/fixed/undone if needed to serve another story (I'd still love to see the Kirk DePaul story for a JSA Classified arc, and don't see a real problem with it just because the character is dead). The only thing that could get in the way of stuff like that is ego, and IMO bother Kurt and Marc can be trusted to serve a story rather than their own preferences when it comes to characters they have an affinity for.

All that really matters was that a good story was told, and it looks like it was.

[Bored at 3:00AM]

As long as Mark Shaw goes out with some degree of coolness, I won't complain. Thus far, him being the killer was obvious from the get-go, so I hope there's a little more to this story than that...because it's been pretty predictable so far.

I mean, come on, did anyone not see this coming a mile off?

[GeorgeG]

I doubt DC would contact Kurt regarding Manhunter's death, since they didn't even bother telling him that The Power Company was canceled.

[Kurt Busiek]

I doubt DC would contact Kurt regarding Manhunter's death, since they didn't even bother telling him that The Power Company was canceled.

Buh?

Of course they told me it was cancelled -- that's how I knew to wrap it up and stuff.

Yeesh.

kdb

[GeorgeG]

Meaning, you weren't the first to know. Web sites had the info before you.

[Kurt Busiek]

Meaning, you weren't the first to know. Web sites had the info before you.

Which ones?

I knew it was in trouble around the time #4 came out. I knew it would be canceled with #18 before #11 came out. I knew about it the day the decision was made.

I couldn't have been the first to know unless I'd canceled it myself -- someone at DC decided it, and they told someone, and they told my editor, and he called me.

Are you mixing this up with some other book's cancellation?

kdb

[ForEverAncien]

Wow, that is a lot knows...but anyway to the past and current writers...my deepest appreication for the manhunters all around. :cool:


Which ones?

I knew it was in trouble around the time #4 came out. I knew it would be canceled with #18 before #11 came out. I knew about it the day the decision was made.

I couldn't have been the first to know unless I'd canceled it myself -- someone at DC decided it, and they told someone, and they told my editor, and he called me.

Are you mixing this up with some other book's cancellation?

kdb

[GeorgeG]

Nope. It was The Power Company, which was canceled w/ # 19. A web site reported it and your reaction when asked was that you had no idea at the time and you called whoever you called and got the news.

It really doesn't matter now, but my point was DC (or any publisher) usually wouldn't contact a creator of a character w/ news of something dramatic happening to that character.

Did anyone @ DC talk to you about Manhunter being killed?

[Kurt Busiek]

Nope. It was The Power Company, which was canceled w/ # 19. A web site reported it and your reaction when asked was that you had no idea at the time and you called whoever you called and got the news.

POWER COMPANY was cancelled with #18, and I knew long before any website could have. I did not have to call to get the news.

It really doesn't matter now, but my point was DC (or any publisher) usually wouldn't contact a creator of a character w/ news of something dramatic happening to that character.

Depends on the person, the character and the circumstances -- I got a call this morning from someone continuing a plot thread I'd left open, both to let me know it was happening and to see if it was okay, if it would be stepping on any plans I had.

Work-for-hire publishers aren't required to inform anyone, but it's not unheard of, either.

Did anyone @ DC talk to you about Manhunter being killed?

Not in this case, no. Last I'd talked to anyone at DC about Kirk dePaul was when I talked with a DC editor about using him in a JSA CLASSIFIED arc at some point.

kdb

[grendel824]

Not in this case, no. Last I'd talked to anyone at DC about Kirk dePaul was when I talked with a DC editor about using him in a JSA CLASSIFIED arc at some point.


So, would that story still be a possibility, or does dePaul's death put the kibosh on that? It certainly would'nt bother me to see a JSAC tale about a dead character, since it doesn't look like it needs to be bleeding-edge current continuity. If not, is it from lack of interest on your part or on DC's? I for one would still really like to see it. I love your take on Manhunter and I love Andreyko's as well - and seeing as how it's comics, I see no reason why we can't all have our cakes and eat them too...

[Kurt Busiek]

So, would that story still be a possibility, or does dePaul's death put the kibosh on that?

Depends on how fast his head grows back.

The story would be split between WWII and the present day. I don't think it would work as well split between WWII and "the recent past."

kdb

[SuperManny]

As long as Mark Shaw goes out with some degree of coolness, I won't complain. Thus far, him being the killer was obvious from the get-go, so I hope there's a little more to this story than that...because it's been pretty predictable so far.

I mean, come on, did anyone not see this coming a mile off?

In all honesty Bored.....I didn't. :)


so, does that answer everything? :)

Yes it does, thanks to you and Kurt for responding to these posts and the fans' queries!

What can I say, I'm a fan of the your book and Kirk DePaul, so I apologize in advance for opening any other can of worms.

For those of you out there who haven't picked up Manhunter, rush to the stores! :D

[hondobrode]

Depends on how fast his head grows back.

The story would be split between WWII and the present day. I don't think it would work as well split between WWII and "the recent past."

kdb

It would have to be in the recent past before said decapitation, of course.

Years ago DC published the Jonah Hex Spectacular, where they show the last Jonah Hex story. He's finally shot, stuffed, and mounted and put on display in a traveling wax museum display.

and yet his stories kept rolling on ! We know how he dies. We know WE are all going to die. It's the in between here and there that's really interesting.

I think the idea of a Manhunter from a concept that goes back a ways, had no control over his life until when we meet him, and the last of what ? 1,000 clones ? is an awesome idea.

I was exactly thinking "Put him in a JSA Classified" arc. That would be great. Show some Kate Spencer in there and it might stimulate others to pick up her title.

[K'Nort]

Years ago DC published the Jonah Hex Spectacular, where they show the last Jonah Hex story. He's finally shot, stuffed, and mounted and put on display in a traveling wax museum display.

Yikes! I'd forgotten all about that!

[Kurt Busiek]

It would have to be in the recent past before said decapitation, of course.

I don't think that would work terribly well for this story.

Years ago DC published the Jonah Hex Spectacular, where they show the last Jonah Hex story. He's finally shot, stuffed, and mounted and put on display in a traveling wax museum display.

Yeah, but that was in Jonah's future -- in the "present" of his adventures, it was fine. I think doing a story set in the recent past of the modern stuff would not play the same way.

kdb

[Calamas]

Aside from the fact that if DC told Andreyko they wanted one Manhunter, this would defeat that purpose.

[Kurt Busiek]

Aside from the fact that if DC told Andreyko they wanted one Manhunter, this would defeat that purpose.

Not necessarily -- we coulda renamed him. Had Power Company lasted, Mark Shaw and Dan Richards would have shown up, with Shaw in a new Privateer ID.

kdb

[grendel824]

Depends on how fast his head grows back.

The story would be split between WWII and the present day. I don't think it would work as well split between WWII and "the recent past."

kdb

Awww... well, I still hope we'll get to see it sometime - whether that requires his head growing back or making the story working as set partially in "the recent past" - but in the end I trust you to put out the stories you think will work and the ones you want to write, so I'll be happy with whatever you decide to do. As far as I'm concerned, we haven't been done wrong by anything with your name on it yet.

[Kurt Busiek]

As far as I'm concerned, we haven't been done wrong by anything with your name on it yet.

Clearly, you haven't read SPIDER-MAN/X-FACTOR: SHADOWGAMES.

kdb

[grendel824]

Clearly, you haven't read SPIDER-MAN/X-FACTOR: SHADOWGAMES.

kdb

You're right - I haven't, so I'll reserve further judgement until I find it... :p

[Brian Cronin]

Hey, Spider-Man/X-Factor: Shadowgames wasn't that bad!!

-Brian