Are there certain *types* of "super" characters you're fond of?

[west3man]

For me, a cold-based or "ice" character is automatically going to stand out in a crowd. I don't know why, exactly. Maybe it has something to do with watching Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends as a child... I don't know. They're just so versatile. I even like some of the bootleg versions.

The Blizzard, Killer Frost, Iceman (of course), even Jack Frost... I'm sure there are others in the comic book universes.

Imagine how pleased I was when I saw The Incredibles and Frozone showed up near the end, freezing the hell out of that robot, making ice slides, ice walls, slippery ice, snow to cushion Dash's fall... Very cool stuff.

--------------------------------------
Speedsters also are pretty cool, in my book. Speed-effects can be pretty cool, even if speedsters are sometimes one-dimensional as characters... or poorly used in stories. Again, I don't know what the reason is. I've always liked running fast and seeing others run fast.

Must be that '80's action-drama thing.
---------------------------------------
So, what kinds of "super" characters do it for you? Why?

[howyadoin]

So, what kinds of "super" characters do it for you? Why?With me it's not so much what types of powers they have as it it is their reaction to the powers. I really like characaters who have trouble dealing with them, or who feel uncomfortable about them.

A big part of the attraction when it comes to Spider-Man, I guess.

[west3man]

With me it's not so much what types of powers they have as it it is their reaction to the powers. I really like characaters who have trouble dealing with them, or who feel uncomfortable about them.

A big part of the attraction when it comes to Spider-Man, I guess.
Hmm... (Hopefully this isn't offensive, but) that seems so simple, I don't know why it also seems like something I've never considered before - as a "type," I mean.

I LOVED "The Greatest American Hero" despite some of the goofiness BECAUSE of the difficulties he had with his powers. It was something he had to work at.

I know Spider-man's on a somewhat different frequency, but I *think* there's a similarity.

[The Fury]

I have a liking for any type of Robot heroes and villians. More on the villian side.

Such Characters as Machine Man and Vision for the main purpose about how they wanted to be human but never could. Even the Iron Giant in some ways.

And Villian/enemies like the Omnidroid (from the Incredibles), that 'Amazo' thing from the JL cartoon (don't know if it's actually in the DCU, don't read it much), and obviously the Fury. Any robot that can adapts to fight and kill better.

[Ed Cunard]

Powers, specifically: stretchies. Plastic Man and Reed Richards really get my juices flowing. So much possibility! (Especially with Jack Cole or Kyle Baker handling Plas).

Also, characters who just fly. Nothing else. Like Angel or Hawkman. Neat.

[west3man]

I have a liking for any type of Robot heroes and villians. More on the villian side.

Such Characters as Machine Man and Vision for the main purpose about how they wanted to be human but never could. Even the Iron Giant in some ways.

And Villian/enemies like the Omnidroid (from the Incredibles), that 'Amazo' thing from the JL cartoon (don't know if it's actually in the DCU, don't read it much), and obviously the Fury. Any robot that can adapts to fight and kill better.
Hmmm

*tries to relate*

Pinocchio... Spock... Data...

*nods*

[west3man]

Powers, specifically: stretchies. Plastic Man and Reed Richards really get my juices flowing. So much possibility! (Especially with Jack Cole or Kyle Baker handling Plas).

Also, characters who just fly. Nothing else. Like Angel or Hawkman. Neat.
Do you prefer wings or does it matter how they fly?

I like "natural" wings more than mechanical or ... I don't know... "fake" wings. My vocab. is failing me. I find them more visually appealing and I can appreciate their flight more, in some ways, than a Superman-type who propels himself purely through thought or force of will.

I still dig the Supes-types, but they kinda need other powers or better costumes or something to be as visually appealing... for me.

Any other powers or traits that go along with a flier help because flying is becoming so very common, these days. Still, it remains one of my favorite powers... as evidenced by the number of times I've dreamed I could fly.

Boys and girls, if you've NEVER considered the value of being able to control your dreams... Just think about the rules of the Matrix... and you're Neo. Damn cool.

[Ed Cunard]

Wings. You know, just typing "ten characters" would be less lame.

[The Fury]

Pinocchio... Spock... Data...

Pinocchio? Spock? Not really.

Data? yeah, sure.

[FunkyGreenJerusalem]

Female superheroes in mini-skirts?

It's odd, maybe, but I don't think I'm attracted to any particualr sort of power in particular.

Maybe one's that damage the character when they use them, cause that normally makes for an intresting story - like The Sentry or whatisname in Sleeper.

[west3man]

Wings. You know, just typing "ten characters" would be less lame.
Sorry, if I got over-excited.

[Ed Cunard]

Sorry, if I got over-excited.

Don't worry. Wait until I get started on Cole's PLASTIC MAN, and watch me explode with joy.

[Fabian]

Characters that could be considered both villain or heroes. Machiavelli type characters like Dr. Doom, Magneto, Lucifer and the Shade. It's even better if they have some sort of class elitism going for them. Always fond of those but most people can't relate to someone who is arrogant

[Sanagi]

I guess I like superheroes who have versatile powers, or powers with interesting potential, like Green Lantern, Multiple Man, or the Power Pack. I like to see the hero apply different strategies to different situations.

That's probably because I'm a Johnny. (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=mtgcom/daily/mr11b)

Personality-wise, out of a cast I tend to like the smart one(Data), or the innocent one(Wolfsbane, Data again), or the "dark" one(Illyana), depending on other factors of course. I also like characters who defy expectations(Kilowog).

[Jonathan Bogart]

Powers, specifically: stretchies. Plastic Man and Reed Richards really get my juices flowing. So much possibility! (Especially with Jack Cole or Kyle Baker handling Plas).

Also, characters who just fly. Nothing else. Like Angel or Hawkman. Neat.
Damn, you took mine.

Oh, and shrinking. Especially when, like the Atom, they can manipulate size and weight to do pretty much whatever they want. I've always been fascinated by the idea of people in a non-proportional environment. (Like Gulliver!)

[west3man]

As a child, I was particularly fond of characters who were around my age. Power Pack was a real favorite. I think it was partly because they were around my age and partly because they were around my age AND ACTED LIKE IT.

Often, younger characters are INCREDIBLY SMART... that way the writer can take the easy way out and not have to write a kid AS a kid. That's how it seems, sometimes, anyway.

[Indy24LA]

I really like female heros with an attitude, like Huntress, Emma Frost, and Power Girl. As for male heros, I like the ones that are flawed, kinda like a Hawkeye juxtaposed to a Captain America. Not the perfect guy and maybe he makes a mistake or two, but he'll end up saving the day when no one else can.

[Ed Cunard]

As a child, I was particularly fond of characters who were around my age. Power Pack was a real favorite. I think it was partly because they were around my age and partly because they were around my age AND ACTED LIKE IT.

So you're really into Professor X now?



















I'm kidding.







Grandpa.

[west3man]

So you're really into Professor X now?

I'm kidding.

Grandpa.
Whipper-snapper.

Also, bastid.

[Fabian]

But JSA rocks

[Ed Cunard]

Whipper-snapper.

Also, bastid.

He's the only old one I could think of off the top of my head.

But, while we're on your high school lab partner... I definitely think that the telepaths, telekinetics and other psychic-type characters are the bees knees. Lots of potential there.

[Fabian]

He's the only old one I could think of off the top of my head.

But, while we're on your high school lab partner... I definitely think that the telepaths, telekinetics and other psychic-type characters are the bees knees. Lots of potential there.
I've always hated those characters. I hope I don't get locked up in your comic book basement

[Tom]

Shape-shifters and telepaths are big ones, hence the Martian fetish. But I always said if I could wish for one superpower it would be superspeed. So versatile when applied correctly.

Then there are those sunny days when I still look up in the sky and wonder what it would be like to fly, but we all do that, right?

[west3man]

He's the only old one I could think of off the top of my head. Fabian's got your back.

But, while we're on your high school lab partner... I definitely think that the telepaths, telekinetics and other psychic-type characters are the bees knees. Lots of potential there. I like'em, too.

[Ed Cunard]

Then there are those sunny days when I still look up in the sky and wonder what it would be like to fly, but we all do that, right?

I think even the non-geeks among us do that.

I used to have strange flying dreams when I was younger. It wasn't Superman flying, per se, but me just jumping, landing on air, and jumping some more.

Also, while not a "type," I like it--depending on who's writing it--when powers become more than just a better way to punch someone, but become either reflective on the nature of the character, or a metaphor for something else.

Wow. I'm soooo geeking out today.

[FunkyGreenJerusalem]

As a child, I was particularly fond of characters who were around my age. Power Pack was a real favorite. I think it was partly because they were around my age and partly because they were around my age AND ACTED LIKE IT.


And they were mormons.

A big plus in my book.

I just wish Marvel had listend to my cries for a Max book featuring them and Lockjaw.
Would've been banned in most places but a hit on the net.

Shape-shifters and telepaths are big ones, hence the Martian fetish. But I always said if I could wish for one superpower it would be superspeed.

Really?
Your ex told me it felt like that wish had been granted.

(someone had to make that joke.)

The idea of telepaths freak me out.
I swear when I'm 50 I'll be homeless and wrapping Al-foil around my head to stop them reading my thoughts.
not that I ever think of anything intresting (see above attempted joke).

[JeffreyWKramer]

There are some sorts of characters I tend to *not* like - size-changers, for example. I've always thought guys like Ant Man and Giant Man got sort of short-changed in the powers department. Just not my thing, I guess. I've never personally wanted to be tiny or be a bigger target.

Beyond that, though, I don't know that there are really power sets which I really prefer. My favorite characters include Wildcat, Captain America, Zot, Hal Jordan, the original version of Karate Kid, Dr. Strange and Ben Grimm, after all - pretty disparate bunch of powers. For me, it's more a matter of attitude. I like characters who stand for something (patriotic heroes or those with a specific cause), those who have a strong sense of honor and responsibility, and those who are demonstrate incredible levels of guts, even above and beyond the norm for superheroes.

[Slam_Bradley]

No powers...detectives. Seriously. Post new look, pre-Millerized Batman. Wes Dodds Sandman. Slam Bradley...ok, not a super-hero, but you get the idea.

[Jonathan Bogart]

There are some sorts of characters I tend to *not* like - size-changers, for example. I've always thought guys like Ant Man and Giant Man got sort of short-changed in the powers department. Just not my thing, I guess. I've never personally wanted to be tiny or be a bigger target.
See, for me it's not about being a "target" (I never think about the battle-usefulness of powers, one reason the appeal of the Rumbles board is opaque to me), it's exploring the world from an entirely different perspective.

Now that I think about it, my favorite powers are all a commentary on the limitations of the human body. Stretching, flight, size-changing, even super-speed and super-strength to a degree: it's about changing the body to mimic the abilities of the mind.

Damn. I just got myself interested in superheroes again.

[FunkyGreenJerusalem]

See, for me it's not about being a "target" (I never think about the battle-usefulness of powers, one reason the appeal of the Rumbles board is opaque to me), it's exploring the world from an entirely different perspective.

Now that I think about it, my favorite powers are all a commentary on the limitations of the human body. Stretching, flight, size-changing, even super-speed and super-strength to a degree: it's about changing the body to mimic the abilities of the mind.

Damn. I just got myself interested in superheroes again.

My problem with size-changing characters is that I've never really seen an artist take advantage of them in terms to what they would allow you to do with perspective and such.
They could be in some of the most visually imaginiative books out there, but they aren't.
So they suck.

[DocAbsurd]

Three major types:

1) Malleable, like Plastic Man, Elongated Man, Mr Fantastic. Throw in Metamorpho and the Metal Men for good measure. You can also include shape-shifters in this category.

2) Characters of amalgamation origins, like Amazo, Ultra, the Composite Superman. Once more, throw in Metamaorpho and the Metal Men for even better measure.

3) Speed-based characters. I'm not necessarily impatient, but damn I'd like to get there now.

And while not exactly on the power preference side, I do like teams over individuals. The dynamics of conflicting personalities and abilities always makes for stronger stories and better defined characters.



Doc "Strength in Numbers" Absurd

[west3man]

This is quickly becoming one of my favorite threads. I hope someone else is enjoying this ... even half as much as I am.

[FunkyGreenJerusalem]

. I'm not necessarily impatient, but damn I'd like to get there now.


See, I wish I'd waited to now instead of blowing my bad sex joke early, on tom.

(see, I was to fast with the joke about being to fast. It's a laugh a minute here folks).

[Jonathan Bogart]

My problem with size-changing characters is that I've really seen an artist take advantage of them in terms to what they would allow you to do with perspective and such.
They could be in some of the most visually imaginiative books out there, but they aren't.
So they suck.
I assume you meant to type "never really seen an artist...."

And my response is, well, so? The idea of a guy shrinking is totally different from the limitations of the disappearing-up-its-own-ass superhero publishing industry. The artists (or, more appropriately, the corporate owners and editors) suck, not the characters or the ideas.

[Reptisaurus!]

My problem with size-changing characters is that I've really seen an artist take advantage of them in terms to what they would allow you to do with perspective and such.
They could be in some of the most visually imaginiative books out there, but they aren't.
So they suck.

Gil Kane. Sixties "Atom" series. Trust me.

[FunkyGreenJerusalem]

I assume you meant to type "never really seen an artist...."

And my response is, well, so? The idea of a guy shrinking is totally different from the limitations of the disappearing-up-its-own-ass superhero publishing industry. The artists (or, more appropriately, the corporate owners and editors) suck, not the characters or the ideas.

yeah meant never.

Just did the "they suck" as a joke.
Couldn't really think of a way to wrap the post up, so I thought I just go for the LCD style of posting.

[G. Wayne]

Do you prefer wings or does it matter how they fly?

I like "natural" wings more than mechanical or ... I don't know... "fake" wings. My vocab. is failing me. I find them more visually appealing and I can appreciate their flight more, in some ways, than a Superman-type who propels himself purely through thought or force of will.

I still dig the Supes-types, but they kinda need other powers or better costumes or something to be as visually appealing... for me.

Any other powers or traits that go along with a flier help because flying is becoming so very common, these days. Still, it remains one of my favorite powers... as evidenced by the number of times I've dreamed I could fly.

Boys and girls, if you've NEVER considered the value of being able to control your dreams... Just think about the rules of the Matrix... and you're Neo. Damn cool.

are you talking about matrix level reality control, or just having lucid dreams?

i've had lucid dreams where i've had a variety powers, flight, telekinesis, teleportation, super-strength, a venom-esque symbiote. all very cool, but it usually doesn't work smoothly. for as much as i'd like to be able to throw a fireball, i've never actually done or seen it in real life, so its kinda hard to visualize. i almost have teleportation down though. :D

edit: typos, yeesh...

[Mike Smash!]

I've always really liked Archer superheroes like Green Arrow and Hawkeye. Dunno why. Maybe it's because they stand out, especially when they're holding their own against people with laser guns and the trick arrow thing is one I like. It's like having a bad of gadgets and tricks.

And stretchy shapeshifters like Elongated Man, Chameleon, Reed Richards and Plastic Man. It's just a cool visual and wouldn't I love to be able to stretch my arms or turn myself into a car or a parachute.

[G. Wayne]

and about powers, mostly the "secretive" types. something that it's not obvious at first that the character is capable of it.specifically telekinesis and powering-up (a la the hulk or dbz).

i've been fascinated by the idea of someone walking around in public, and although no one knows it by looking at them, the character could easily, um, deal with the crowd anyway he/she chose.

[hulahulk]

Super strength - Hulk got this going for me. But not all bricks are cool. Hulk is the best in this department.
Wise cracking Spiderman types - yeah, humor isn't really a superpower, or is it?
Cosmically enhanced uber-types - there's something sweet about being able to fly at light speed -and- be able to blow up planets with but a thought -and- not have to eat, breathe, sleep, and live 10,000,000 years, etc.

[Grant]

I don't think I have a favorite power. Like howy said it's how they use them. I think personalities matter to me. I like the Spider-man, Invincible type super hero where it's a normal guy just trying to balance his life with his superhero career. I also dig kind of the been there seen it kind of working joe superhero like Hellboy, the Thing or Savage Dragon.

Not crazy about the brooders. It'd be nice if Batman had a sense of humour again.

[west3man]

are you talking about matrix level reality control, or just having lucid dreams? Matrix-level.

I'm not PERFECT with it, meaning sometimes I still forget I'm dreaming or am scared or whatever, but when I'm on, I'm ON.

Flight, various other abilities, people doing what I want them to do, super-heroes... Fun stuff. I don't do it anywhere near as much as I used to, but I still can. I like knowing that I can... If I found out I couldn't do it anymore, I'd suddenly wish I'd done it more often.

i've had lucid dreams where i've had a variety powers, flight, telekinesis, teleportation, super-strength, a venom-esque symbiote. all very cool, but it usually don't work smoothly, as for as much as i'd like to be able to through a fireball, i've never actually done or seen it in real life, so its kinda hard to visualize. i almost have teleportation down though. :DSounds like you're more advanced than I am... or you've tried more stuff.

[JeffreyWKramer]

Gil Kane. Sixties "Atom" series. Trust me.

Kane did wonderful things on THE ATOM. I'm still not particularly fond of shrinking characters, but one can't fault Kane's art on that series in any way.

[howyadoin]

I like the Spider-man, Invincible type super hero where it's a normal guy just trying to balance his life with his superhero career.You should read Superfolks, by Robert Mayer.

[JeffreyWKramer]

You should read Superfolks, by Robert Mayer.

Great book. I read it back in high school. I wish I had a copy.

I know they re-relased it as a limited printing or something awhile back, but has it since received a general-release reprinting?

[howyadoin]

Great book. I read it back in high school. I wish I had a copy. Don't know what happened to mine, but it's only in the past few years that I realized other people were even aware of it, much less the influence it had.
I know they re-relased it as a limited printing or something awhile back, but has it since received a general-release reprinting?I'm honestly not sure. I bought the limited edition with the Busiek intro. I think there was talk of a general release, but no idea if it ever happened.

[Jonathan Bogart]

I know they re-relased it as a limited printing or something awhile back, but has it since received a general-release reprinting?
I've seen several copies at several different comic shops around here. Think I might have seen a few in the "graphic novel" section of the Virgin Megastore too. It's about the same size and shape as a comic-book trade paperback.

[Paul Newell]

that 'Amazo' thing from the JL cartoon (don't know if it's actually in the DCU, don't read it much),

Amazo is firmly in the DCU, he was one of my favourite JLA villains and is actually the third villain the JLA fought, with his creator Professor Ivo, in Brave and the Bold #30.

[howyadoin]

I've seen several copies at several different comic shops around here. Think I might have seen a few in the "graphic novel" section of the Virgin Megastore too. It's about the same size and shape as a comic-book trade paperback.That's the one I've got, from About Comics. Supposedly the print run was only 2100 copies.

[JeffreyWKramer]

Don't know what happened to mine, but it's only in the past few years that I realized other people were even aware of it, much less the influence it had.
I'm honestly not sure. I bought the limited edition with the Busiek intro. I think there was talk of a general release, but no idea if it ever happened.


Turns out there is one.... and with a Grant Morrison intro!

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0312339925/qid=1111792822/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_1/103-3790454-2758244?v=glance&s=books

Okay, that's on my short-list to buy.

[west3man]

Ohhh. COPY-CATS

I dig characters like Rogue who steal or duplicate your powers. Gideon was a GREAT one, even if he did look slightly ridiculous. That issue of New Warriors with him... classic, in MY book, anyway.

This includes Amazo-types, although I don't care for the creatures that can just SEE YOU and then duplicate your powers.

I love it. When Rogue was a character in Street Fighter... I had MUCH FUN stealing the ability to make fireballs or whatever the other guy could do.

Characters that can hold more than one ability at a time are particularly cool. Waaay back when, that included those that kinda took on the appearance of the people whose powers are being duplicated - not like Rogue, but in an amalgamated... puzzle-like way. Yuck.

But yeah, I dig'em.

[FunkyGreenJerusalem]

Ohhh. COPY-CATS

I dig characters like Rogue who steal or duplicate your powers. Gideon was a GREAT one, even if he did look slightly ridiculous. That issue of New Warriors with him... classic, in MY book, anyway.

This includes Amazo-types, although I don't care for the creatures that can just SEE YOU and then duplicate your powers.

I love it. When Rogue was a character in Street Fighter... I had MUCH FUN stealing the ability to make fireballs or whatever the other guy could do.

Characters that can hold more than one ability at a time are particularly cool. Waaay back when, that included those that kinda took on the appearance of the people whose powers are being duplicated - not like Rogue, but in an amalgamated... puzzle-like way. Yuck.

But yeah, I dig'em.

I've only just realised, but Rogue is almost a statement/figure head for the half the superheroes out there in terms of her powers ie just rips them off from someone else.

And I thought it was Morriosn who gave deeper meaning to the x-men.

[Puma]

characters that are anti-heroes: Constantine, Lucifer, other characters that are usually 'good' but then hit a moral low-ground and either embrace it or struggle against it.

and those that find themselves in non-human forms while still retaining their internal human-ness: Thing, Beast, Concrete, etc.

[Jonathan Bogart]

Characters that can hold more than one ability at a time are particularly cool.
How 'bout characters that can only have one ability at once? Ultra-Boy was a great idea. All of Superman's powers, but only one at a time.

[west3man]

How 'bout characters that can only have one ability at once? Ultra-Boy was a great idea. All of Superman's powers, but only one at a time.
That can work, too. Skilled writers can work wonders.

[Fabian]

characters that are anti-heroes: Constantine, Lucifer, other characters that are usually 'good' but then hit a moral low-ground and either embrace it or struggle against it.
A reason for liking Puma revealed.

I also like characters that can manipulate other characters through political means, so by force doesn't count. The one with silver tongues too

[Puma]

A reason for liking Puma revealed.

I also like characters that can manipulate other characters through political means, so by force doesn't count. The one with silver tongues too

what? you didn't like me before? I'm not sharing my ice with you anymore *pouts*

[Fabian]

what? you didn't like me before? I'm not sharing my ice with you anymore *pouts*
No I liked you before, just pointing out one of the many reasons for liking you is that we have the same love for comic character types. We never talked comics, you're not on late at night when I tell Cronin how wrong he is for liking certain comics and not loving gems

[Puma]

No I liked you before, just pointing out one of the many reasons for liking you is that we have the same love for comic character types. We never talked comics, you're not on late at night when I tell Cronin how wrong he is for liking certain comics and not loving gems
darn my need for sleep! and I was just joshing, maybe at SDCC we can discuss comics

[FunkyGreenJerusalem]

I like characters who were big in there day and took E and had it off with a heap of hot girls, only to get addicted to nano-heroin, and then had an issue about them having sex with another hot girl only to have it turn out she was a granny in disguise.

So if it ain't Automatic Kafka, I'm not into it.

(and oh the sick irony of people complaining that it was a bit hard to understand what it was all about when it had kafka in the title)

darn my need for sleep! and I was just joshing, maybe at SDCC we can discuss comics

that's not what meeting up at SDCC is about.

[west3man]

Umm... this isn't "super" or anything, but ...

I HATE "Gilligan" characters. Someone mentioned some exceptions to me, recently, but otherwise, I'd have killed Gilligan the first week on the island.

Any character, "super" or otherwise, like that should fear the sound of the size-13 or 14's coming his way.

A comedy's not a comedy when I've gotta kill a bitch.

[Fabian]

darn my need for sleep! and I was just joshing, maybe at SDCC we can discuss comics
People in 3D are much more agreeable and far as I know, there aren't any Ricers at SDCC. Wait, Trix will be there so we must bring him in the convo too. I can discuss my hatred for Phoenix and all things Jean Grey

[thetechnocrat]

I'm a fan of the spider-man type. A flawed (i.e. everyman) individual trying to make the best of their situation.

Also I'm a fan of types like Holden Carver. People who are in a hopeless situation just trying to find a way out and protect their friends.

[west3man]

This can apply to pretty much any character, depending on who's doing the writing, but a character who's power-level depends on his/her emotional state will set off my love for the 80's drama. It IS a power-up kinda thing, but I felt this way long before I'd ever heard of DB (DragonBall, not DarkBlade ;) ).

Think of moments like Superman doing his super-shout when he couldn't save Lois... then flying up into the air to do something amazing... or any character pushing the limits of their powers because of great emotional distress or being fed the hell up... I LOVES IT.

Banner gettin' pissed and doing this isn't quite the same thing, but it's close enough:

http://www.gammabase.com/hulkdatabase/hulk372-skin.gif


Yeah. That's his skin.

[Puma]

that's not what meeting up at SDCC is about.

its what I did last year at the barbecue, actually I listened to Fly, Cei-u and Mac while the young'uns were getting wasted near the water...

and when have you made it to SDCC? hmmm?

[Puma]

People in 3D are much more agreeable and far as I know, there aren't any Ricers at SDCC. Wait, Trix will be there so we must bring him in the convo too. I can discuss my hatred for Phoenix and all things Jean Grey


can I bring up my growing dislike of Wolverine?

[FunkyGreenJerusalem]

Umm... this isn't "super" or anything, but ...

I HATE "Gilligan" characters. Someone mentioned some exceptions to me, recently, but otherwise, I'd have killed Gilligan the first week on the island.

Any character, "super" or otherwise, like that should fear the sound of the size-13 or 14's coming his way.

A comedy's not a comedy when I've gotta kill a bitch.

You sure it wasn't when someone mentioned Gulliver type characters?

Which has nothing to do with Gilligan at all really.

and when have you made it to SDCC? hmmm?

One doesn't need to go to know what it's all about.

Booze, drugs and casual sex.

Thats what Alex and Fabian told me anyway.

[Puma]

Booze, drugs and casual sex.

Thats what Alex and Fabian told me anyway.

booze, drugs, and sex between two people doesn't represent everyone's experience

[FunkyGreenJerusalem]

booze, drugs, and sex between two people doesn't represent everyone's experience

I know, Fabian said some people had sex between three people!

[JeffreyWKramer]

some people had sex between three people!


Pfft. Amateurs.

[FunkyGreenJerusalem]

Pfft. Amateurs.

Hey man, I wasn't there.

Next year maybe*.

SDCC= Sex, Drugs CoCaine.



*me being the big orgy man round town and all.

[FunkyGreenJerusalem]

A comedy's not a comedy when I've gotta kill a bitch.

I only just saw that line.

That's the funniest thing I've read all month.

[Fabian]

its what I did last year at the barbecue, actually I listened to Fly, Cei-u and Mac while the young'uns were getting wasted near the water...
I'd like to clarify that my actions were the results or internal bleeding and blood loss and not alcohol. I was sacrificing for the greater good

can I bring up my growing dislike of Wolverine?
Of course, but do it in front of Kevin. He swears he can beat Superman. And I'll bring my ridiculing of fanboys who hate Gambit

And the sex wasn't casual

[FunkyGreenJerusalem]

And the sex wasn't casual

It was semi-formal?

[Pedalhome]

I'm all about the barbarian type characters. You know, the balls out in battle guys.

Conan
Thor
Turok
Tarzan
Kazar

[west3man]

I'm all about the barbarian type characters. You know, the balls out in battle guys.

Conan
Thor
Turok
Tarzan
Kazar
Strangely enough, I kinda dig those, too. Thundarr the Barbarian counts, right?

I dig the warrior characters... mostly in their own settings, though. They SOMETIMES work in other environments and time-periods, but ... not always.

[Fabian]

It was semi-formal?
Damn right, bow-ties and cuff-links


So far i haven't heard anyone say they like animal characters so whoever thought of the super pets has rightfully fired

[Puma]

I know, Fabian said some people had sex between three people!

and there was one person trying to have sex with eight

[FunkyGreenJerusalem]

and there was one person trying to have sex with eight

Ahh the Screaming Eagle.

I've heard partying with Howy is a hoot.
Never woulda imagined how much of one though.

[Fabian]

and there was one person trying to have sex with eight
All I know is the infamous moocher tried to have sex with 4, maybe 5 people, so did she count for the remaining 3?

[Puma]

All I know is the infamous moocher tried to have sex with 4, maybe 5 people, so did she count for the remaining 3?


but didn't that person 'want' the other three?

[FunkyGreenJerusalem]

All I know is the infamous moocher tried to have sex with 4, maybe 5 people, so did she count for the remaining 3?

"Tried"?

It's nice to know that CBR fanboys have standards at least.

(and am now glad I didn't go and get liqoured up there - bad things have happened before, but at least those ones you can hide).

[howyadoin]

"Tried"?

It's nice to know that CBR fanboys have standards at least.

(and am now glad I didn't go and get liqoured up there - bad things have happened before, but at least those ones you can hide).There are no secrets at SDCC. San Diego is not like Vegas.

[Jonathan Bogart]

So far i haven't heard anyone say they like animal characters so whoever thought of the super pets has rightfully fired
Uh, do you mean the person who came up with the Legion of Super-Pets was rightfully fired? That would be Mort Weisinger, and he wasn't so much fired as much as he died.

And you denigrate Comet, Streaky, and Beppo at your peril.

[Fabian]

"Tried"?

It's nice to know that CBR fanboys have standards at least.

(and am now glad I didn't go and get liqoured up there - bad things have happened before, but at least those ones you can hide).
One of them wanted it, but she didn't try with him. But there was plenty of "hiding" if that's whats keeping you

[Fabian]

Uh, do you mean the person who came up with the Legion of Super-Pets was rightfully fired? That would be Mort Weisinger, and he wasn't so much fired as much as he died.

And you denigrate Comet, Streaky, and Beppo at your peril.
Well whoever came up with so many super powered animals. Even Peter Porker was annoying

[FunkyGreenJerusalem]

One of them wanted it, but she didn't try with him. But there was plenty of "hiding" if that's whats keeping you

Hiding as in you all hid in fear from the wrath of a horny fan girl, or as in the stories that never made the board?

(remember this year fabe, you promised me photos)

There are no secrets at SDCC. San Diego is not like Vegas.

Vegas as in the city or as in the con there?

And you denigrate Comet, Streaky, and Beppo at your peril.

Did you feel gay and/or sad saying that?

Cause you sure sounded it/both.

[Jonathan Bogart]

Did you sound gay and/or sad saying that?

Cause you sure sounded it/both.
I thought I was sounding mock-belligerent. Have to work on that.

[Pedalhome]

Strangely enough, I kinda dig those, too. Thundarr the Barbarian counts, right?

I dig the warrior characters... mostly in their own settings, though. They SOMETIMES work in other environments and time-periods, but ... not always.

Of course Thundarr the Barbarian counts, he's a barbarian too.

I agree with your comment about warriors being in the right setting. This is why I'm not a bigger Thor fan. I've always felt that he's a little out of place in the old Avengers issues I've read. I mean the guy is a Norse god, he never really meshed with the 20th century in my mind. I enjoy his presence in the stories none the less, but it is not a casting call that I would have made. I feel that Thor belongs in the company of the other Norse deities in Asgard. That would make a cool comic series, Norse mythology illustrated tales.

[howyadoin]

Vegas as in the city or as in the con there?Vegas as in, "what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas."

[FunkyGreenJerusalem]

Vegas as in, "what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas."

Well then nothing happened there cause I ain't heard not dirt.

And If I don't know it, it ain't worth knowing.

[Solaris]

For me, a cold-based or "ice" character is automatically going to stand out in a crowd. I don't know why, exactly. Maybe it has something to do with watching Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends as a child... I don't know. They're just so versatile. I even like some of the bootleg versions.

The Blizzard, Killer Frost, Iceman (of course), even Jack Frost... I'm sure there are others in the comic book universes.

Imagine how pleased I was when I saw The Incredibles and Frozone showed up near the end, freezing the hell out of that robot, making ice slides, ice walls, slippery ice, snow to cushion Dash's fall... Very cool stuff.

--------------------------------------
Speedsters also are pretty cool, in my book. Speed-effects can be pretty cool, even if speedsters are sometimes one-dimensional as characters... or poorly used in stories. Again, I don't know what the reason is. I've always liked running fast and seeing others run fast.

Must be that '80's action-drama thing.
---------------------------------------
So, what kinds of "super" characters do it for you? Why?


I *loved* Frozone in that movie! And NO ONE, I repeat, NO ONE could do as fine a voice for the character as Samuel L. Jackson. He just flat out rocked.

Spoilers:

One of my favorite parts was the whole deal with "WHERE. IS. MY. SUPER. SUIT.???"
"WHY do you need to KNOW?"
"The world is in DANGER!"
"My EVENING's in DANGER!"
"WOMAN! You tell me where my Supersuit is!"

I just loved 'Zone and Honey to pieces for that bit of byplay... and the icing on the cake was 'Zone hopping on one foot as the robot goes by his window...

Not only that, he was a WAY COOL frozen guy! I LOVED it that he used speedskater moves as he was throwing ice ahead of him, and the bit with the snow saucer. Frozone was awesome, and a very very cool dude.

***

To answer your first question... I guess I look for three things:

1. Character---do I like the character of the person?

2. How cool is the stuff they do?

3. How *smart* are they in general, and in using their powers to the fullest extent? (And by "smart," I don't necessarily mean intelligence---often, it boils down to experience, common sense, and creativity.

Because of those three things, I tend to really enjoy characters who have moral courage, and who can do cool stuff, while being clever at it. Definitely the Parrs, and Zone, qualify, from the Incredibles. Great characters, pretty savvy when needed, and definitely cool powers that they used very very well.

[Alex]

Teen superheros.
I loved young justice, and i love teen titans, and i love the first issue of young avengers, and ultimate spiderman, and runaways.

[Sanagi]

Ohhh. COPY-CATS

I dig characters like Rogue who steal or duplicate your powers. Gideon was a GREAT one, even if he did look slightly ridiculous. That issue of New Warriors with him... classic, in MY book, anyway.

This includes Amazo-types, although I don't care for the creatures that can just SEE YOU and then duplicate your powers.

I love it. When Rogue was a character in Street Fighter... I had MUCH FUN stealing the ability to make fireballs or whatever the other guy could do.

Characters that can hold more than one ability at a time are particularly cool. Waaay back when, that included those that kinda took on the appearance of the people whose powers are being duplicated - not like Rogue, but in an amalgamated... puzzle-like way. Yuck.

But yeah, I dig'em.
There was an episode of X-Men Evolution(one of the better ones) where Rogue was going nuts from all the memories she absorbed, and then she accidentally stole Mystique's powers and started shifting into all the people she'd ever drained, and using their powers, seemingly at full strength. It was impressive.

The Amazo episode of the Justice League cartoon(pre-JLU) was one of the best in the series, and that's saying a lot.

[Solaris]

Powers, specifically: stretchies. Plastic Man and Reed Richards really get my juices flowing. So much possibility! (Especially with Jack Cole or Kyle Baker handling Plas).

Also, characters who just fly. Nothing else. Like Angel or Hawkman. Neat.

Increddibles spoiler:

I loved what they did with Helen Parr as Elastigirl. She was so versatile! I never knew a stretch character could be so cool, or that their powers could be used in so many ways. I've always seen Plastic Man as a goof, and Richards more as a scientist who just happens to have stretch powers... but Elastigirl? Wow. Gave me a whole new respect for that superpower. (It was pretty obvious that she had some fair superstrength to go w/it, too---otherwise, she couldn't have held the Winnabego up as they were flying it in on the rocket lander plane. And apparently she's got some decent physical resistance, since she not only didn't die from her plane being blown up by a missle, but also kept the kids safe inside a "mom bubble."

Still have to admit, though, one of my favorite parts of that movie was the "Hamster Ball from Hell," when Violet did her forcefield as a bubble around her and Dash, and Dash took off running and started rolling it over everything in sight. *sigh of bliss* I LOVE that movie!

[Sanagi]

Agreeing totally with all of Solaris' spoilery stuff above.

Another thing I like is seeing how a character's powers affect their daily life and how they do ordinary things. There's a moment in Tenchi Muyo where you see the front door of the Masaki home, and Ryouko just phases in through the wall, ignoring two human customs at once(taking shoes off upon entering, and entering by way of doors).

[Fenris]

I'm a sucker for two completely-different kinds of characters:

1) the cosmic/mystic types. The Spectre's probably my all-time favorite character; Doctor Fate is in the top five.

I'm speaking of the Silver Age versions here. It's partly because they're both really creepy- Spectre because of what he is and does, and Fate because he was an unfortunate man being literally possessed by this cold-bloodedly Good being.
And partly it's because they're so cosmic that they could have adventures that even the Silver-Age Superman never got close to.

2) Super-Animals. Yes, I love the Legion of Super-Pets. And the Space Canine Patrol Agents. There's something shamelessly corny and fun about the whole idea of super-animals, and that appeals to me.

(Now, an Elseworlds in which Krypto ended up wearing the Helm of Nabu would be something else again...)

[west3man]

Still one of my favorite threads. I don't know what to respond to first... and I'm SUPPOSED TO BE cleaning up.

[iwarrior]

I prefer street-level acrobatic characters in urban environments who are good with their fists and smarts best. Guys like Spidey,Daredevil,Bats,etc.

[Ayo]

I don't like too many superguys.

I really like Jesse Custer and characters like him--characters who have a single, and almost limitless power. However...the character cannot be completely omnipotent. That's totally lame and boring (like Dragon Ball Z, during which the characters clench all muscles, teeth and fists attempting to out-omnipotent each other).

For instance, Swamp Thing is pretty much invincible and unstoppable. But it's like a nearly mindless entity at this point. Things can take control of him and use him to wreak havoc. Dream the Sandman (though I'm still not a Sandman fan) is a god. But still not omnipotent, so there is wiggle room for something to happen.

Can't think of much else. I don't read many superguys anymore. Just not my thing. I'm more of a fan of supernatural than superpowers, per se.

For example, I love Jim Woodring's Frank and I love James Kochalka's Fantastic Butterflies and Kissers, but stuff like that is more about fantastic worlds/scenarios than about superpeople doing superstuff.

I guess to most accurately answer the thread's topic, put me down for myth and folklore.

[SteelTownr]

I go for Bricks.

The Hulk is my Main Man.

The first guy I made in City of Heroes was a Tanker and he is still my favorite to play.

I love Superman, but only out of context. He was great in the movies, but incredibly boring in the comics, the same goes for Thor. Anyone who can pull out a "Godblast" lacks, in my book.

I love guys like Batman and Captain America, who stand for something. Plus, they are tough, like Conan, who can sleep naked in the snow.

Wolverine does nothing for me, realistically, the Hulk should lay him out with a flick of his finger.

Mark B.

[howyadoin]

Now that I think about it, I guess I'm also a pretty big fan of the guys who keep getting up no matter what you throw at them. Especially if there's something at stake - I mean, Superman can't really feel pain, so that's boring as fuck. And as overexposed as Wolverine is, he may recover from his wounds, but they still hurt like a son-of-a-bitch.

Then there's Daredevil, of course. He could actually die any time, and comes close pretty often.

[Brad Curran]

I like smart asses. Daredevil, Nick Fury, Nightcrawler, Beast, the Thing, Plastic Man, Buffy, and Spider-Man are among my favorite superheroes, and they're always cracking jokes and one liners, even if some of them are also prone to bouts of extreme angst. Hell, Emma Frost even counts, as she gets all the funny lines in Morrison and Whedon's X-Men. Even a dry sense of humor, like Hellboy or Frank Miller's Batman, goes a long way for me.

I like, or at least don't hate, most super-characters, though. The only ones that I have a hard time dealing with are the deathly serious ones who have nothing to lighten their moods. That's why I had a hard time reading Stan Lee and John Buscema's Silver Surfer in the Essential trade; I loved the art, I could even get behind what Stan was doing with the stories, and I even have some affection for the concept. But it got really, really tedious reading Surfer's angsty philosophizing every issue without anything to lighten the mood. Okay, he's Space Jesus; he suffers for mankind's sins. He can't be among the stars or be with the woman he loves. Can someone at least crack a joke before I slit my wrists? They should have given him a wacky supporting cast. That would have helped it sell better.

[Brad Curran]

Now that I think about it, I guess I'm also a pretty big fan of the guys who keep getting up no matter what you throw at them. Especially if there's something at stake - I mean, Superman can't really feel pain, so that's boring as fuck. And as overexposed as Wolverine is, he may recover from his wounds, but they still hurt like a son-of-a-bitch.

Then there's Daredevil, of course. He could actually die any time, and comes close pretty often.

That's one of the reasons why I like Captain America (besides the shield and the fact that Kirby and Steranko drew him). He strikes me as the kind of character who will never, ever stop fighting as long as he draws breath. And of course, Spider-Man has the defining "never say die" moment in superhero comics, as far as I'm concerned. And there's also that Silver Age Daredevil issue where Namor nearly beats him to death and he still won't give up that resonates for me.

[howyadoin]

I like smart asses. Daredevil, Nick Fury, Nightcrawler, Beast, the Thing, Plastic Man, Buffy, and Spider-Man are among my favorite superheroes, and they're always cracking jokes and one liners, even if some of them are also prone to bouts of extreme angst.I think it's the jokes that make the angst work, in comparison. Look at the Spider-Man issues where Gwen was killed - when Pete's that serious, you know he's not fucking around.

[howyadoin]

That's one of the reasons why I like Captain America (besides the shield and the fact that Kirby and Steranko drew him). He strikes me as the kind of character who will never, ever stop fighting as long as he draws breath.That's why he'll always be the last man standing. I laughed when I saw Superman holding his shield on that JLA/Avengers cover.

[kmeyers]

Now that I think about it, I guess I'm also a pretty big fan of the guys who keep getting up no matter what you throw at them. Especially if there's something at stake - I mean, Superman can't really feel pain, so that's boring as fuck. And as overexposed as Wolverine is, he may recover from his wounds, but they still hurt like a son-of-a-bitch.

see...thats why I like wolverine. everytime he pops his claws, it hurts. but it heals...plus I think he has a cool hairdo.

[howyadoin]

see...thats why I like wolverine. everytime he pops his claws, it hurts. but it heals.Yeah, I remember when Claremont first revealed that. Wolverine and one of the X-chicks were in Genosha, and the Genegineer turned their powers off.

'Course, I love all that samurai stuff about him, too.

[kmeyers]

Yeah, I remember when Claremont first revealed that. Wolverine and one of the X-chicks were in Genosha, and the Genegineer turned their powers off.

'Course, I love all that samurai stuff about him, too.

well, that's when I caught wolvie fever was the Claremont/Miller mini...samurai goodness... wolverine kicks so much ass.

[Brad Curran]

I think it's the jokes that make the angst work, in comparison. Look at the Spider-Man issues where Gwen was killed - when Pete's that serious, you know he's not fucking around.

That's very true. Another use of that kind of contrast in character that I liked was in the Proteus story, where Wolverine was scared shitless of him. It added a level of tension akin to a horror movie because, hey, Wolverine was scared of this guy.

[Brad Curran]

I thought I was sounding mock-belligerent. Have to work on that.

I would have had more respect for you if you'd been deathly serious. This could be why you aren't big on nerd culture.

[west3man]

[spoilers]
Think about the sequence where Helen (was that her name... Elasti-Girl) was sipping tea with Edna. They were watching something. That explains the additional abilities you wondered about.

*pats himself on the back for avoiding spoilers so cleverly*

*waits for inevitable backlash*

[thik_3rd]

For me, a cold-based or "ice" character is automatically going to stand out in a crowd. I don't know why, exactly. Maybe it has something to do with watching Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends as a child... I don't know. They're just so versatile. I even like some of the bootleg versions.

The Blizzard, Killer Frost, Iceman (of course), even Jack Frost... I'm sure there are others in the comic book universes.

Imagine how pleased I was when I saw The Incredibles and Frozone showed up near the end, freezing the hell out of that robot, making ice slides, ice walls, slippery ice, snow to cushion Dash's fall... Very cool stuff.

i like ice-based powers myself. when i was little, i would put my toys in a cup of water and leave them in the freezer overnight. i used to live down south and it hardly ever snowed, and the very few times it did was something special. i think those are contributing factors.

[west3man]

see...thats why I like wolverine. everytime he pops his claws, it hurts. but it heals... I remember that, too. Cool stuff.

That kinda thing is what makes it so hard to part with certain issues. Little moments like that are gems, imo.

[west3man]

i like ice-based powers myself. when i was little, i would put my toys in a cup of water and leave them in the freezer overnight. i used to live down south and it hardly ever snowed, and the very few times it did was something special. i think those are contributing factors.
I'm from and live in the South, myself. I never considered the possibility that there was a connection.

Quick tangent: I just took about a dozen photos of a "block" of ice. I actually considered starting a thread about it. If the pictures from my camera turn out better than those from my phone, I may just do that.

Anyway, there's a leak in my fridge. I put a bowl under it to collect the water. Apparently, it was cold enough for that water to freeze. It did so in layers. The various layers had air bubbles that were stretched in little patterns that I found visually appealing.

That's all. Once I upload the other pix, evaluate'em, then re-evaluate if this is just a "West thing," I'll decide if it's worth posting.

[Cei-U!]

Several come to mind:

1. The Good Man in a Monster's Body. This is the guy (or, occasionally, gal) who has every reason to feel bitter toward the world and does the right thing anyway. Examples: The Thing, Metamorpho, Concrete, the furry Beast, Karkas, Robotman of the Doom Patrol.

2. The Swashbuckler. Nothing I enjoy more than a character who absolutely, positively loves his/her job and does it with style and panache. Examples: Nightcrawler, the Broome/Kane Green Lantern, the Lee/Colan Daredevil, Ditko's Blue Beetle.

3. The Masked Detective. No powers to speak of (unless you count utility belts and stylized cars), just brains, fists, guts and sometimes guns. Examples: The Shadow, The Green Hornet, Batman, Sandman, The Spirit.

4. Count me as another fan of Animal (but not funny animal) Super-Heroes. Something about that goofy shit just plain makes me happy. Examples: The Legion of Super-Pets, Bat-Hound, Detective Chimp, Ch'p of the GLC, even animal sidekicks like Hooty, Redwing or Zabu.

This is a *great* thread, west. Good job!

Cei-U!
I summon the faves!

[JadeDragon]

I agree, this has been a really fun thread to read. Im super sick right now, so it's been nice to have something to read to take my mind off my hacking and dripping. Really takes me back to remembering what sorts of comics have been my favorite through the years.

For me, I think I had an abnormal (or very healthy) fear of the BOMB growing up in the 70's. So I always gravitated to the two big green monsters that were born from man's tampering with atomic powers. Godzilla and Hulk.

I liked the idea that something so terrifying could result in a fantastic creature that defies the normal rules of science. One that fights back against the stupid mankind that opened pandoras box and used it against his neighbors.

From there it grew into a fascination with BIG characters. As a child I always had dreams and nightmares about giants and gigantic monsters. I remember one in particular where I was in my neighborhood and looked up to see a giant man walking through the forests nearby, his torso above the treeline. It was a magical feeling, seeing something that shouldnt exist and goes against everything I had learned about organic life. I wanted to see that in real life, and found the next best thing in Godzilla movies and comics. Hulk was a similar emerald giant fave.

So size characters were my traditional faves, although I have moved on to many other faves as well. On a similar note to what was said earlier, I loved Gil Kane's SWORD OF THE ATOM. When you take the hero and miniaturize him, suddenly the world is FULL of giants! Gil Kanes great art was a blast as well. This book was an interesting mix with another fave, the barbarian hero.

I thought Millar and Hitch did a good job illustrating Giant Man and the mentality a giant person might adopt in ULTIMATES. Hitch creates such a believable world that when the extraordinary appears, it really looks fantastic.

I think flight gets underrated and overused these days. I had a few flying lucid dreams, and that's about as cool a power as you can get. That feeling of a rare perspective. I think thats related to my love of giants, and seeing the world from above.

Cheerio!~~~JadeDragon

[west3man]

Below is an example of what I like the most about this thread. While it's great knowing WHAT people dig, the WHY can be absolutely fascinating - to me, anyway. It's also pretty interesting, to me, when people know or try to figure out the WHYs. I like the idea that there's an extra layer of depth to these things and that we have access to it.

I agree, this has been a really fun thread to read. Im super sick right now, so it's been nice to have something to read to take my mind off my hacking and dripping. Really takes me back to remembering what sorts of comics have been my favorite through the years.

For me, I think I had an abnormal (or very healthy) fear of the BOMB growing up in the 70's. So I always gravitated to the two big green monsters that were born from man's tampering with atomic powers. Godzilla and Hulk.

I liked the idea that something so terrifying could result in a fantastic creature that defies the normal rules of science. One that fights back against the stupid mankind that opened pandoras box and used it against his neighbors. [snip]

Cheerio!~~~JadeDragon

[west3man]

I think it's the jokes that make the angst work, in comparison. Look at the Spider-Man issues where Gwen was killed - when Pete's that serious, you know he's not fucking around.
As much as I enjoy Spidey, I have NEVER thought about it that way. I may have experienced just what you describe, but I don't recall ever being conscious of the contrast.

Now I'm thinking of other characters this may apply to. Probably the worst example I could've mentioned, but a character I've always been fond of, is Speedball (, The Masked Mavel).

Seeing him get serious, particularly when using his power in a new or highly effective and offensive way, makes a big impact.

Morph, from Exiles - same thing. Plastic Man, too. They joke even when things seem to be the worst. When something really pisses them off, like Morph getting pissed at his teammate for keeping something a secret and/or endangering their lives... or Plastic Man for getting hurt badly and being pissed at Batman for what he considered to be betrayal (I'm not completely convinced it was)... it can help make a situation that long-time comic readers have seen variations of over and over, again, feel like it really IS one of those moments after which "Nothing will EVER be the same!"

It's all about buy-in, baby.

Thanks for sharing that perspective. I kinda ran with it, but that was just my way of internalizing "the lesson."

Good stuff.

[ragnarok_2012]

I really dig ice powers. My main character on City of Heroes was an ice blaster by the name of Doc Snow.

I really dig mind bullets AKA telekinesis

I love, love, love problem-solvers/tech guys, like Iron Man & Tom Strong (I loved his solution to the Modular Man crisis). It's one of my favorite things about Junta from the Crew, and Ultimate Captain America.

I love flawed characters....especially when they manage to overcome their flaws. I also love characters with flawed powers who make things work in spite of their shortcomings. Though ironically, when DC decided to give Hal Jordan flaws (in a ham-handed way) I really hated it. Still not sure how I can resolve those two (maybe it was the lack of snappy dialogue). Spidey is a great flawed character. White Tiger (III?) from the Crew is another.

I'm a fan of a good revamp. I loved Archangel. Without too much tweaking, he had powers that allowed him to hang with the X-Men. He was interesting. He had flaws. I dug the razor sharp, metal wings.

[Cody H]

I tend to gravitate towards the characters that can with that never say die attitude. Even when they are completely outclassed or beaten, they keep fighting. This is definetly part of Spider-Man's appeal to me, coupled with the witty banter of course. I really enjoy it when characters have to rely more on their will and resolve than their powers to overcome the odds.

So as far as powers go, I tend to like my super-types less powerful, being that they have to rely more things like will, resolve, and toughness. I still enjoy more high powered guys like Surfer, Green Lantern, or Flash, but they at least face challenging foes on a regular basis, or in the Flash case, foes who are written such that they appear challenging. Characters who don't have to work for the win don't interest me that much (Supes, I'm looking at you).

I guess it kinda goes back to my tendency to root for the underdog; makes the win that much more meaningful.

[Indigo Al]

I have a thing for sorcerers and witches in a superhero context.

But even more than that, I love characters like Magik, Raven, Daimon Hellstrom, Lilith Dracula's Daughter - characters who try to be good, but don't quite make it because of their dark parentage/lineage.

[Pól Rua]

Straight up headkickers.
Love 'em. The guys who'd consider Batman's use of gadgetry a little effete. Popular during the Golden Age, I'm talking about Wildcat, the pre-atomic punch Atom, pre-sonic cry Black Canary. Guys who decide that putting on tights and socking palookas on the jaw was a good idea without the benefit of atomic rays or radioactive vermin. I put the masked luchador crimefighters in here too. Dudes like El Santo and the Blue Demon. Guys whose solution, no matter the problem, is to wrestle it.
I also like low-level supertypes. People like Luke Cage and Hourman. You know, they're strong and tough, but they're not gonna be juggling oil tankers any time soon.
Combining the two, I like it when the hero can't fly. I love seeing El Santo cruising the streets in his roadster, or Wildcat on his motorcycle. I really marked out when I saw that Mister Incredible couldn't fly, f'rinstance.
Eerily enough, I can see someone like the Thing in there. Even though he's got bigtime nearly Hulk level strength now, he's always kept that palooka mindset. What Lenny Bruce once referred to as a 'forthright cat'.

[west3man]

Straight up headkickers.
Love 'em. The guys who'd consider Batman's use of gadgetry a little effete. Popular during the Golden Age, I'm talking about Wildcat, the pre-atomic punch Atom, pre-sonic cry Black Canary. Guys who decide that putting on tights and socking palookas on the jaw was a good idea without the benefit of atomic rays or radioactive vermin. I put the masked luchador crimefighters in here too. Dudes like El Santo and the Blue Demon. Guys whose solution, no matter the problem, is to wrestle it.
I also like low-level supertypes. People like Luke Cage and Hourman. You know, they're strong and tough, but they're not gonna be juggling oil tankers any time soon.
Combining the two, I like it when the hero can't fly. I love seeing El Santo cruising the streets in his roadster, or Wildcat on his motorcycle. I really marked out when I saw that Mister Incredible couldn't fly, f'rinstance.
Eerily enough, I can see someone like the Thing in there. Even though he's got bigtime nearly Hulk level strength now, he's always kept that palooka mindset. What Lenny Bruce once referred to as a 'forthright cat'. Have I MENTIONED that I love this thread?!

[west3man]

I've been thinking about my preference for ice-powers, trying to make some sense of it. (I realize there may be little in the way of rhyme or reason, but I wanted to give it the ol' college try.) I considered what other kind of characters I liked and looked for similarities and I came up with the last character(s) you'd ever think of putting in the same category as Iceman...

Energy-construct folks.

Yeah. I know the name's awful, but check me. What I always liked about Green Lantern (and Sinestro's) rings was the fact that they could create pretty much ANYTHING. Their potential was limited only by the imagination (and will-power, of course) of the user. Firestorm, Green Lantern, Sinestro, Quasar,... ICEMAN. Of course, there are things you CAN'T do with ice that you might be able to do with those other kinds of abilities but I think I've found the similarity my crooked mind made between them.

Iceman can only make ice, but he can do it in some really creative ways. Offensive weapons? Defensive tools? He's covered. Playtime? No problem.

Also, it just looks cool. Can't forget that. (No pun intended, btw.)

[Pól Rua]

How 'bout characters that can only have one ability at once? Ultra-Boy was a great idea. All of Superman's powers, but only one at a time.

Loved Ultra Boy. So much power, but with such a strong limitation. It's a great way to make a very powerful character really have to work/think.

[howyadoin]

Wildcat on his motorcycle.Damn near anybody on a bike, actually. Even if the artist can't draw a bike worth a fuck*.




*Soon to be a rant at Suspension of Disbelief, incidentally.

[Typo Lad]

I'm suprised no-one's mentioned one of my favorites...

Body-Swappers.

A subset of what I call 'Wish-fullfilment" fantasy characters, Captain Marvel is the main archeytpe. Ophan Billy Batson says a magic word and becomes an adult with god-given powers who looks like his dad.

Freddy Freeman goes from being a kid who needs crutches to one of Earth's Mightest Mortals.

Bruce Banner gets angry and the world knows.

Ron Raymond and Martin Stein merge to create the Nuclear Man.

There's just something intriniscly cool to me about not just having another identity, but another form to go with it.

[Cei-U!]

I'm suprised no-one's mentioned one of my favorites...

Body-Swappers.

A subset of what I call 'Wish-fullfilment" fantasy characters, Captain Marvel is the main archeytpe. Ophan Billy Batson says a magic word and becomes an adult with god-given powers who looks like his dad.

Freddy Freeman goes from being a kid who needs crutches to one of Earth's Mightest Mortals.

Bruce Banner gets angry and the world knows.

Ron Raymond and Martin Stein merge to create the Nuclear Man.

There's just something intriniscly cool to me about not just having another identity, but another form to go with it.

Yeah, that's a good'n. I think that's what appealed to me about Thor back in the day, too. The Asgard stuff was way cool but I always felt the book lost its footing when Blake was kept away for years at a time. No human element. Later I discovered the Marvel Family. That instant empowerment is about as visceral a fantasy as they come.

Given my avatar and reading tastes, I really ought to mention those heroes who command a superpowered being rather than being one themselves. But since that would include the pilots of giant robots and the Pokemon gang, maybe I won't.

Cei-U!
Cei-U!!!
Dammit, that *never* works!

[Typo Lad]

Dammit, that *never* works!

You have to be the seventh son of a seventh son, remember?

Which raises all sorts of questions about Jakeem's mom and or dad.

That said, I guess I just like "wish fulfilment" characters. People whos origin is berift (for the most part) of pathos and angst and it's as simple as "God-like Aliens give test pilot a ring that can do whatever he wishes" or "Slightly Dim sailor gets command of a djinn".

[red corellian]

hmm... I have two.

A. The massive big huge guys who just.. punch holes in the planet. Headon-tactics, pullverizing action, etc.

B. Wire dudes who drink a ton of coffee, are smartalecs, and can jump off the empire state building, websling onto a street lamp post, and land as easy as pie
("Spiderman and the Sinister Six"/Spiderman 2 game combo xD)

[heretic]

I have always had an _enourmous_ soft spot for heroines that were something other than the hero's girlfriend and/or kidnap bait (IOW the ones that were as effective or moreso than thier male colleagues).

I can live with ladylike so long as it does not translate into ineffective (recall the first Betsy/Sabretooth bout?), but in general Helpless Bits Of Fluff/Eye Candy repulse me and I greatly enjoy seeing the ladies handle matters on their own or bailing the menfolk out.

HTG

[Andy S.]

I gravitate to heroes who never quit, never surrender even in the face of almost certain defeat. Spider-man has this quality in buckets. After all, he really isn't the most powerful hero in the Marvel Universe, in fact he's nowhere near the top. But his intelligence and bravery make up for any lack of invinciblity he might have.

One my favorite all-time moments that tests Spiderman's heroism is the story arc at that kicked off JMS's run on Amazing Spider-man- where he faces Morlun. After fighting and knock-down-drag-out battle over 2 issues with a seemingly unstoppable villian, Spider-man is running out of options. He can't find the Avengers or the FF, or anybody who can help him. He can't run or hide, or Morlun starts hurting innocents. So, he fights. And fights. And fights. Spidey keeps trying to hurt Morlun to no avail. For the first time in a long while, Spidey actually thinks that this might be it for him. But even so, he never quits. He tells Morlun "I will not go down easily and I will not go down alone."

I love this stuff. How in the hero's darkest hour, he resists evil and fights until his last breath is spent. You see of lot of in the Lord of the Rings,, one of the reasons why i love that epic so much.

Why? I dunno. I guess that the never-surrender, fighting spirit is something to strive for as it doesn't come easily to me. I'm a somewhat cynical person and can get depressed/hopeless pretty quickly. It's not something I'm proud of.

[west3man]

Apparently, I REALLY need to eat something. I thought this: I gravitate to heroes who never quit, never surrender even in the face of almost certain defeat. said, "I gravitate to herPes... "

I'll read it, again, after I get a lil sumpin' in mah bellay.

[Andy S.]

Apparently, I REALLY need to eat something. I thought this: said, "I gravitate to herPes... "

I'll read it, again, after I get a lil sumpin' in mah bellay.


:eek: LOL.

That would have been funny if I actually did mistype that.....

[west3man]

:eek: LOL.

That would have been funny if I actually did mistype that.....
Well, the "o" and the "p" ARE right next to each other.

So, remember, kids, our heroes are just one bad "p" away from herpes.

[west3man]

I was going to say that I DISlike Mage-types (I hope that's the right word). Y'know, magic-wielders. However, that's not really true. What I don't like are worlds of magic without well-defined rules... without a frame of reference.

If the story-teller decides to feed us rules, as-needed, then fine. But they'd better do a mighty good job of it, otherwise, I don't have the tools that are necessary to gauge which feats are remarkable, which situations are dire, or anything in-between.

Constantine, anyone?

[Typo Lad]

Well, the "o" and the "p" ARE right next to each other.

So, remember, kids, our heroes are just one bad "p" away from herpes.

Which is why if you visit Oliver Queen, you should never - ever- use his toilet.

[I Must Break U]

I am a fan of any type of hero that has to deal with internal struggles, or heros that have psychological problems. I feel i can relate a lot more to them than some hero with a perfect freaking life!

[west3man]

I am a fan of any type of hero that has to deal with internal struggles, or heros that have psychological problems. I feel i can relate a lot more to them than some hero with a perfect freaking life!
Darnit. This reminded me of SOMEthing I liked, but I wasn't able to post, at the time. Of course, NOW I can't remember what it was.

Grr.

[Evil Sneak]

I've always been partial to heroes with Sun based powers. Like The Ray and Sunspot. Something about getting you powers from just sitting out in the sun really makes me smile, guess it's the lazy bum in me. Oddly enough I despise Superman, though that's mainly a character issue, as opposed to his powerset.

But the heroes that get me going the most are the ones who have Dark based powers like Cloak, Shroud, Obsidian (though I hate the character) and Darkstar (Soviet Super Soilder). Just being able to cover a room with darkness is just too damn cool. I think being able to observe people's deep rooted fear of the dark would be fascinating.

[mgs]

after reading about, I don't know how many times, for superheroes!!, I like ones that are generally stable, their powers can grow and such or change, whatever, fine, but when they start to totally change and evolve and stuff, forget it! Superheroes should have powers, but all this warping of powers is stupid! It's not like one day your cat has grown wings and can now sound like a dog.

[Nightcrawler]

Any energy blaster or unstable element (ala Sentry) is always real cool.

[west3man]

I've always been partial to heroes with Sun based powers. Like The Ray and Sunspot. Something about getting you powers from just sitting out in the sun really makes me smile, guess it's the lazy bum in me. Oddly enough I despise Superman, though that's mainly a character issue, as opposed to his powerset.

But the heroes that get me going the most are the ones who have Dark based powers like Cloak, Shroud, Obsidian (though I hate the character) and Darkstar (Soviet Super Soilder). Just being able to cover a room with darkness is just too damn cool. I think being able to observe people's deep rooted fear of the dark would be fascinating.
I've long had a fondness for characters whose powers manifest themselves in a way that makes the character turn black (not African-American).

Sunspot, The Ray, and other folks are already cool with me, from the get-go. Having cool powers, too? Icing.

[pennywisdom]

I care more about characterization than I do about powers, but this is definitely a cool thread.

My favorite "type" of villain are the ultra-intelligent ones. Guys who may or may not even have powers... their greatest asset is their wealth of gray matter. Lex Luthor, Brainiac, Joker, Riddler, Gorilla Grodd and most of Batman's rogues gallery would fall into this category. These kinds of villains just strike fear in a way that no "super-strong" bad guy ever could. Doomsday... Bane... Solomon Grundy.. those guys are creepy at best.

Speaking of Brainiac, the best version I've seen is the Brainiac that appeared in the Superman Animated Series during the 90's. That was simply a chilling character. He exuded badass.

[west3man]

I care more about characterization than I do about powers, but this is definitely a cool thread.

My favorite "type" of villain are the ultra-intelligent ones. Guys who may or may not even have powers... their greatest asset is their wealth of gray matter. Lex Luthor, Brainiac, Joker, Riddler, Gorilla Grodd and most of Batman's rogues gallery would fall into this category. These kinds of villains just strike fear in a way that no "super-strong" bad guy ever could. Doomsday... Bane... Solomon Grundy.. those guys are creepy at best.

Speaking of Brainiac, the best version I've seen is the Brainiac that appeared in the Superman Animated Series during the 90's. That was simply a chilling character. He exuded badass.
The monotone voice didn't hurt.

I watched the beginning of the pilot episode, again, recently. Not bad.

[Solaris]

I've always been partial to heroes with Sun based powers. Like The Ray and Sunspot. Something about getting you powers from just sitting out in the sun really makes me smile, guess it's the lazy bum in me. Oddly enough I despise Superman, though that's mainly a character issue, as opposed to his powerset.

...


See, that's the kind of powers I'd like to have: manipulating light and solar energy (not just visible light, but other stuff, including heat, gravity, pressure, hard radiation, radio waves, UV and infrared, etc.). And getting powered by sunbathing? A *definite* plus, in my book. You could even make a case for some time-related powers. AND, you'd never be cold, so long as you've got some energy stored. :) Fun fun fun. Actually, that's where my board name comes from: a character I created w/solar&light based powers. Solaris. See?

:)

[Will]

I've always had a soft spot for Flying characters or ones who can Teleport. :)

[Patient Boy]

I like guys with no super powers. Batman, Daredevil, Green Arrow...

For some reason it appeals to me.

EDIT: Okay, technically DD does have powers. I guess what I'm saying is I like the whole urban vigilante deal.

[west3man]

There aren't many of'em, but I kinda like characters whose powers are dependent upon the presence of another person. Apparently, a little of this goes a long way, as there aren't that many characters like this being created over a 10-20 year period.

Maybe it's just hard to come up with a new and interesting take on the theme.



Side-note: I wouldn't mind if there were more characters out there with similar powers. I can appreciate the lameness of a rip-off character, but sometimes it's kinda cool to see, let's say... Johnny Storm fight someone who wields hellfire and can actually BURN him.

[howyadoin]

There aren't many of'em, but I kinda like characters whose powers are dependent upon the presence of another person. Apparently, a little of this goes a long way, as there aren't that many characters like this being created over a 10-20 year period.

Maybe it's just hard to come up with a new and interesting take on the theme.I'm not sure what you're gettin' at here, west. Dependant in what way?

[Jonathan Bogart]

I'm not sure what you're gettin' at here, west. Dependant in what way?
The only thing that springs to mind is the Wonder Twins. "Form of ... a kangaroo! Shape of ... a hailstorm!"

Or Captain Triumph (the Golden-Age guy who had to touch a T-shaped birthmark and his dead brother would give him powers).

[Typo Lad]

Or Fenris.

Or Syphon and Dreadnaught.

[west3man]

Or Northstar and Aurora.

Sorry about that, btw. I meant to include an example or two.

[pennywisdom]

There aren't many of'em, but I kinda like characters whose powers are dependent upon the presence of another person.
I think the original Firestorm was like that.