What interests you MOST in a comic?

[xakko]

With the whole Philly consetting the board abuzz with talk of new lineups, new creative teams, the return and departure of characters, and which artist is exclusive to which company, I was curious as to what the most important aspect of a comic was to you, the fans.

Is it the characters themselves? Do you buy a book because your favorite character is in it? Do you shy away from one because you don't like how your favorite is treated, or just dislike the characters in general?

Is it the story... whether it's the overreaching theme, ongoing plots, a particular arc, or even a massive crossover that grabs your fancy.

Closely linked to, but separate from the story is the writer/plotter. Do you follow Writer X from title to title just because you want to see what they will do. Whether a Hollywood Hotshot or a Industry Legend, is the name what really matters?

And what about the artist? This seemed a big aspect of the 90's, but looking around ity seems just as applicable now. Is the person drawing the book your primary motivation for buying?

Finally, we have Other. Maybe you collect based on the editor, or to try to turn a profit, or have a compulsion to buy any title with the color purple on the cover. Please explain.

Also, please be civil - this isn't to start a flame war, it's to get your own opinions of what draws you to the book, not why someone else is an idiot for liking this character or that artist. Remember the no creator-comparison rule, and count that for artists. You can say the characters and talent that you like, or even dislike. Just remember you aren't going to change people's minds about what they like.

[xakko]

My thread, I go first.

To me, it is almost all about the characters. That's why I came back when they resurrected my favorite. That's why I read the novels and enjoy good fanfiction.

I'd like to say story is next, but there is talent out there that can draw me to a title. I'm a big fan of Alex Ross, and enjoy a lot of his stuff. If he were to do a title with, say, Alan Moore or Neil Gaiman, the names themselves would probably lead me to buy it, no questions asked, but that's the exception.

I do tend to try to collect nearly everything my favorite characters show up in

[Ryan K]

For me, characters is probably #1. But only in the case of X-characters. I'll buy any x-stuff no questons asked. Buying x-books just gives me the most pleasure personally when buying comics.

Anything else and I'd say writer is #1. I'll definately look into pretty much anything written by Chris Claremont, Peter David, Neil Gaiman, Alan Moore, Warren Ellis, Kurt Busiek, Grant Morrison, Frank Miller, etc. Though if it's not Marvel I tend to wait for the trade.

[slively]

So basically you two are saying you'll read really crappy stories about your favorite characters? I would think that would piss you off and make it nearly impossible to tolerate. Kirk...what if the writer decides to write a story about Jubilee in which she is a junkie undergoing a sex change? :p

Just curious...

[ibrakeforchinwe]

I need a good story.

If the story isnt that great, then the art better be damn good and vice versa.

I don't care who the writer is as long as they are good. I love Claremont, but I wouldnt ever say I love every single thing he ever wrote.

[Ryan K]

So basically you two are saying you'll read really crappy stories about your favorite characters? I would think that would piss you off and make it nearly impossible to tolerate. Kirk...what if the writer decides to write a story about Jubilee in which she is a junkie undergoing a sex change? :p

Just curious...

I wouldn't like it. But I'd buy it.

I have a ton of time, money, and energy devoted to the x-books. I enjoy knowing what's going on in all the little corners. It just makes me happy. And that's all comic books are. Happines at $3 a pop.

So while I wouldn't enjoy reading that particular Jubilee story. I wouldn't enjoy missing it either.

Yes. I understand that sounds like a collector's or completist's mentality, but oh well. I don't care.

[slively]

I wouldn't like it. But I'd buy it.

I have a ton of time, money, and energy devoted to the x-books. I enjoy knowing what's going on in all the little corners. It just makes me happy. And that's all comic books are. Happines at $3 a pop.

So while I wouldn't enjoy reading that particular Jubilee story. I wouldn't enjoy missing it either.

Yes. I understand that sounds like a collector's or completist's mentality, but oh well. I don't care.

Actually that sounds like a very happy mentality! Nicely put. If it makes you happy, then that's all that counts. :)

[Bryan Rios]

For me, it would also be characters in the number one spot. If it has all characters I don't like, why would I buy it? But then this is where writer becomes number 2. If it's a writer that I don't like on a book with characters I don't like... I'm definitely going to stay as far away from the book as I can. Though if it's a writer I like, then I'll give it a try. Iif it's a book with characters I like, I'd most likely buy it no matter who the writer is. And finally, I'd definitely buy the book if it had characters I like and a writer I like.

Art isn't such a big thing for me. It just has to look decent. But I do want a good story most of the time. So both of them would tie for number three with me.

[xakko]

So basically you two are saying you'll read really crappy stories about your favorite characters? I would think that would piss you off and make it nearly impossible to tolerate. Kirk...what if the writer decides to write a story about Jubilee in which she is a junkie undergoing a sex change? :p

Just curious...

unless you preview every single comic before you buy, chances are that eventually you are going to read some bad stories- even the best titles and talent sometimes miss the mark

so I'm with Ryan- if I'm emotionally connected to a character, I try to get everything with them. Sometimes it works, sometimes not.

That being said, I don't collect Ultimate X-Men, and part of that is I don't like what they did with Colossus. Part of it's the gay thing (more because it excludes the possibility of a match with Kitty than anything else), but mostly because I like Piotr to be the noble soul, and "mob enforcer", while a logical step for someone of his talents, doesn't mesh well with me. The two elements that attracted me most to the character don't exist in the Ultimate Universe, so I don't pick it up.

[SleepWalker]

Without being able to pin it down to one thing: I think the story AND writer (you can't have one without the other) are generally the most important draw to a book. A good writer with a good story can do amazing things for a book. He/She can take characters that I previously could have cared less about and make them intriguing and possible favorites. There are a dozen other examples that can be applied here too.

But a bad writer can keep me completely away from a favorite character (Example: Akira Yoshida + Kitty Pryde mini), so I obviously can't say that it's just the characters that I pick up books for.

[Twigglet]

Writers definitly, a good writer writes a good story, and also writes the haracters well. Art is important, but I'd rather read a great written story, by a mediocre artistst, than a mediocre writer and a great artist.

For example Whedon did the cure plotline well in my opinion, the actual story by it's self isn't anythign great, but it was written superbly.

The Golgotha story in X-men sounds interesting (All the X-men change there personalities or something for 24 hours due to an alien creature) but was written well.

My favorite character is Jubilee, but I wouldn't buy a book just because of her, if I'm gonna spend money I'll save it for something I enjoy.

[comic_lover]

With the whole Philly consetting the board abuzz with talk of new lineups, new creative teams, the return and departure of characters, and which artist is exclusive to which company, I was curious as to what the most important aspect of a comic was to you, the fans.

Is it the characters themselves? Do you buy a book because your favorite character is in it? Do you shy away from one because you don't like how your favorite is treated, or just dislike the characters in general?

Is it the story... whether it's the overreaching theme, ongoing plots, a particular arc, or even a massive crossover that grabs your fancy.

Closely linked to, but separate from the story is the writer/plotter. Do you follow Writer X from title to title just because you want to see what they will do. Whether a Hollywood Hotshot or a Industry Legend, is the name what really matters?

And what about the artist? This seemed a big aspect of the 90's, but looking around ity seems just as applicable now. Is the person drawing the book your primary motivation for buying?

Finally, we have Other. Maybe you collect based on the editor, or to try to turn a profit, or have a compulsion to buy any title with the color purple on the cover. Please explain.

Also, please be civil - this isn't to start a flame war, it's to get your own opinions of what draws you to the book, not why someone else is an idiot for liking this character or that artist. Remember the no creator-comparison rule, and count that for artists. You can say the characters and talent that you like, or even dislike. Just remember you aren't going to change people's minds about what they like. The complete picture.Characters,Writers,Pencils,Inks,Letters,Co lors,all of it.That's why comic books are such a beautiful medium.When you have all of these artists come together and create something memorable it's an amazing group effort.Look at some of the most incredible comics of all time - and then look at how much had to go right.All of it.That in itself blows my mind.Truly amazing.

[Beast]

1. Character - If Beast is in anything, I'll read it. Even if he's horribly mangled by the writer or mutilated to fit the writers needs. I won't be happy about it, but I'll read it. I prefer him to be written well, in a way that respects the continuity of the character. After all he's one of the original five with probably the most diverse history, what with the addition of the Avengers and Defenders under his belt, etc. Though a character I dislike is likely to push me away from a book. Such as District X (Bishop), Cable/Deadpool (Cable & Deadpool), or Wolverine (Wolverine).

2. Writer - If any of my favorite writers are on a book, I'm more apt to pick it up. Christ Claremont, Tony Bedard, Brian K. Vaughan, etc. For the most part, these writers always manage to entertain me. I'm not likely to follow their work outside the X-Sphere though. Mostly because I don't have the emotional attechment there. If it's a writer like Akira Yoshida or Grant Morrison, I'm likely to not give the book a read. I've felt the pain already once or twice, I'm not a masochist.

3. Story - A good story will always keep me around, even if it's not the best story in the world. As long as I'm being entertained, I'm not going to complain too much if the book isn't the 'Best thing since sliced bread'. Though there is a chance I will not follow a book if it's a storyline I don't have intrest in. Such as not getting District X, Cable/Deadpool, or Wolverine. But that has more to do with the characters.

4. Artist - This is really not a big deal for me. I love a good consistant artist, but as long as I can actually tell what is going on during the panels, I don't considering the artist a big deal. There has only been two occassions where I have felt down about a comics art. Kaare Andrews who filled in for two issues of Ultimate X-Men, duering the Hellfire & Brimstone arc. And Chris Bachelo during the horrible AOA: 10th Anniversary. Though the fact the script there was awful, probably helped hurt the book more.

[jetter_cheeze]

It's a mix between writer and story. I could like almost any writer, as long as they write a good story. For me a lot of the comic has to do with story and content. Is there something there that i can take on its own yet still find a bit familiar, or is it something totally different yet can still entertain me? Either of these two senarios, when done properly, can make or break a comic for me.

For example, i like the zombie story in Walking Dead, so i am a little willing to try other Zombie titles such as dead world. I also like Morrison stories, and like something like seven soldiers, but stray away from seaguy and doom patrol. Some work, some don't.

And i'll only read grendel stories done by Wagner. he's the man when it comes to Grendel. (ok, it has a lot to do with the fact he created the whole series and characters, but details, details.)

[Crimson]

1. Character - If Beast is in anything, I'll read it. Even if he's horribly mangled by the writer or mutilated to fit the writers needs. I won't be happy about it, but I'll read it. I prefer him to be written well, in a way that respects the continuity of the character. After all he's one of the original five with probably the most diverse history, what with the addition of the Avengers and Defenders under his belt, etc. Though a character I dislike is likely to push me away from a book. Such as District X (Bishop), Cable/Deadpool (Cable & Deadpool), or Wolverine (Wolverine).

2. Writer - If any of my favorite writers are on a book, I'm more apt to pick it up. Christ Claremont, Tony Bedard, Brian K. Vaughan, etc. For the most part, these writers always manage to entertain me. I'm not likely to follow their work outside the X-Sphere though. Mostly because I don't have the emotional attechment there. If it's a writer like Akira Yoshida or Grant Morrison, I'm likely to not give the book a read. I've felt the pain already once or twice, I'm not a masochist.

3. Story - A good story will always keep me around, even if it's not the best story in the world. As long as I'm being entertained, I'm not going to complain too much if the book isn't the 'Best thing since sliced bread'. Though there is a chance I will not follow a book if it's a storyline I don't have intrest in. Such as not getting District X, Cable/Deadpool, or Wolverine. But that has more to do with the characters.

4. Artist - This is really not a big deal for me. I love a good consistant artist, but as long as I can actually tell what is going on during the panels, I don't considering the artist a big deal. There has only been two occassions where I have felt down about a comics art. Kaare Andrews who filled in for two issues of Ultimate X-Men, duering the Hellfire & Brimstone arc. And Chris Bachelo during the horrible AOA: 10th Anniversary. Though the fact the script there was awful, probably helped hurt the book more.


I totally agree... I love all 4 but this is my order as well. Its EXTREMLY rare that I'll buy a book cause of who is writing it, not who is in it althought Dan Slotts The Thing might change that.

However a bad writer can turn me away from a character I likes book.

[twilight]

How the characters interact with each other.

[atoningunifex]

There's a difference between what amkes you buy something and what makes you enjoy something.

I'm sure half the people on CBR could easily admit to buying a book solely for a character's presence. And god knows most people on the X-Boards would admit to buying a book even when they hate every aspect of it.

But, for me, enjoyment of a book comes when there's an even mix of all the elements. Characters I'm interested, a writer who is writing to his or her potential, an artist who is more than the latest clone hack, a story that grips.

I'm buying a couple of X-Books at the moment and I'm not overly enjoying them. They have writers I like, artists I like, characters I like and yet somehow they aren't gelling storywise.

But Livewires, Young Avengers and Runaways are all comics I'm enjoying because everything is working together in them.

[jeangreydp]

It's the character for me.

I'm with Ryan on this one- I've said it before and I'll say it again I will read ANYTHING with Jean in it. Even if the title was "Jean does the laundry for 32 pages"

And mostly with X-books it's the interaction and how well fleshed out the characters are that engage me. I prefer character driven stories, over action. I mean, I like to read the action, but stand alone issues that are all character development are where it's at! I love that stuff, like Uncanny #460, perfect example.

For me it's all about the characters, and then second would be writers.

[slively]

There's a difference between what amkes you buy something and what makes you enjoy something.

I'm sure half the people on CBR could easily admit to buying a book solely for a character's presence. And god knows most people on the X-Boards would admit to buying a book even when they hate every aspect of it.

But, for me, enjoyment of a book comes when there's an even mix of all the elements. Characters I'm interested, a writer who is writing to his or her potential, an artist who is more than the latest clone hack, a story that grips.

I'm buying a couple of X-Books at the moment and I'm not overly enjoying them. They have writers I like, artists I like, characters I like and yet somehow they aren't gelling storywise..


This is an interesting comment. It's an amazing thing when everything clicks and sometimes the success is the result of an intangible. Like charisma...some people just inherently have it and it draws others to them, but it's not something we can quite put our finger on. But tell me a good story and I will read it...and I will keep coming back.

[bagheera]

While I enjoy most of the X-books, character is foremost for me. I will buy anything with Wolverine in it. On the second tier, I like Cyclops, Jean, Beast and Nightcrawler. The extensive breadth of the relationships leads one to read more and more books, I suppose, but I prefer the original two teams.

Writer and artist are both important, but it's rare that both are bad at the same time. I can enjoy a mediocre story if the art is great and visa versa.

I have trouble understanding people who drop series because the last couple issues weren't any good. I don't know if it's good or terrible until I read it and I'm not willing to take the chance on missing out on a good issue...........or even bad continuity.

I like my series complete.

[Predator]

I'd have to say writer. Usually those with good track records tend to produce good stories on pretty much any book they are on.

[Flight]

Wether Havok's in it or not.

[Blackbird24]

I voted Character but story is just as important to me.

[Mister Mets]

I went with story (assuming the art is at least consummate), although I moast prepare books with all of the above.

[streator]

story... i admit being more inclined to pick up books that have creative teams i enjoy on them, but in the end the story is the most important/enjoyable aspect for me as 'good' writers/good artists can write both good and bad stories and 'bad' writers/artists can write both bad and good stories from time to time.

[Dizzy D]

A mixture of all:

- Artist: Not often, but I will buy stuff from Travis Charest, Bill Sienkiewicz, Chris Bachalo (the reason I bought AoA, even though I didn't like the writing) and Mark Texeira (my main reason for buying Hercules, Tieri is mixed for me: some of his stuff I really really like, other things I just don't care for. Weapon X was a great example of that. I loved half the series, but didn't like the other half.) I haven't dropped a single title because I didn't like the art though, so artist is just a very small part in making a book appealing to me.

- Character: If it has Dr. Strange, Longshot, Multiple Man, Mr. Majestic or Jack Marlowe, I will *usually* buy it. (Other characters I need a bit more to consider buying it) But if it doesn't appeal to me, I will drop the title. Example: The recent Strange-limited series and probably the upcoming Wildcats series, but I'm willing to give Robinson a [small] chance.

Story: Hard to say, it gets so mixed-up with writers. If there is story-arc going on that appeals to me, I will obviously buy the book. If I read in a preview a certain take on something, a certain plotline or something is worked out, I might consider picking it up. I read few previews though, so this is really, really low on my list for picking up stuff. Once I picked it up for whatever reason though (friend recommended it, something else about it interested me) and I do like the story, then story alone is enough to keep me in there.

Writer: The most important way for me to screen for comics that may appeal to me. The list is relatively short though: Neil Gaiman and Joe Casey (depending on the book). I like Alan Moore and Grant Morrison, but their output is too great for my wallet. *sad* Kirkman and Slott are the ones that interest me right now. A few years ago Ennis and Ellis would be on this list as well. The writer does need to convince me with the story to keep buying the book.

Other: Can't really think of anything.

[Shellhead]

1. Writer (and story, I find the two to be pretty much the same)
2. Artist
3. Character

A good writer will reveal new insights to the characters, or tell an interesting story, or have some cool dialogue worth quoting, or even just make me think. Most importantly, a good writer will make me care enough to keep buying each new issue.

But a good writer isn't enough, because the comic book is a visual medium. There are artists who are so bad that it is actually confusing to look at their pictures while trying to read the comic. There are artists who are so sloppy that it hurts to look at their material. And there are artists who exaggerate certain physical characteristics in a way that annoys me, like giving all females gigantic breasts, or drawing heads disproportionately small. If the artist is poor enough, I won't buy a comic by a good writer. For example, I enjoy Kurt Busiek's writing, but I was unable to buy recent JLA issues because of the pencils of Ron Garney.

Character comes last, because a bad writer like Chuck Austen can make that character act completely out of character. And a bad artist can make that character either difficult to recognize or just really foolish or hideous.

But I'm not surprised to see so many people pick character first for this poll. These are the people who faithfully continue to buy X-titles regardless of quality, which often leads to Marvel cynically using their best writers and artists on other titles. Sometimes the best will insist to work on the X-Men, and we get a good run out of it. The rest of the time, we get crap, because some of you just keep buying and buying. A few months ago, I posed a question here: if Marvel published an issue of Uncanny X-Men that was nothing but blank pages, would you buy it? Well, at 25% of you said that you would buy it, even if it made you mad.

[Ant-Man]

I am the only one so far who has voted artist. No matter my love for the writer or characters, I will not buy a comic book with an artist I can't stand(see Kordey's X-Men for example). On the other hand. If one of my favorite artists like Ed McGuiness is drawing a book, I will buy it(see Superman/Batman for example).