A different way to approach a DC Ultimates line

[stealthwise]

I'm sure this idea must have been brought up before, but I thought I'd ask everyone what they thought of it.

Darwyn Cooke's "New Frontier" was an excellent, critically acclaimed mini-series that gave us an idea of what superhero comics probably SHOULD be like right now. I'd love to see DC commit a small number of titles to expanding upon and adding to the mythology that Cooke explores. Sort of a cross between the Johnny DC books, an "Ultimate DC" set of comics, and regular DCU titles. That way continuity can sort itself out to accomodate a new set of titles (and hopefully not overrun the books later on, as every character should have a supporting cast and its own history, but not at the cost of impairing future stories or ruining readers' enjoyment), and there can be a number of books that everyone, from children to adults, can jump on board from scratch and appreciate.

My only criteria would be the following:

- The tone must be set somewhere between child to adult. That means an "all ages" setting in general, but told at a more complex level than your average Justice League Unlimited story. So, no rape, graphically rendered murders, explicit sexuality. I would think that common sense would reign here, but it's important to note that the books should be written and illustrated with both a strong commercial and creative sensibility. The aforementioned, along with dismemberment, incest, and other "shocking" developments, have been used far too long as crutches for lazy writers.

That caveat would be my only requirement really.

My initial lineup would look like this:

- New Frontier: Superman - by Mark Waid and Ty Templeton

- New Frontier: Green Lantern - by Darwyn Cooke (writer) and Steve Yeowell

- New Frontier: Justice League - written and drawn by Darwyn Cooke

- New Frontier: Batman - by Brian K Vaughan and Matt Wagner

- New Frontier: Martian Manhunter - by Gail Simone and John Byrne

[Person Man]

I can already hear Byrne trashing everyone else's book.

Really. I think he did it. No, the idea hasn't even been pitched yet. He's just that snippy.

[stealthwise]

I think that Byrne, despite his... questionable opinions on everything, would be great with Gail and a solid inker (maybe Nelson?), as they seem to have good chemistry together.

[BeastieRunner]

BKV and Batman. That's interesting.

[shaxper]

Though I've yet to read New Frontier, I thoroughly agree that more mainstream comics need to start catering to young adults again. Comics have lost nearly all of their nostalgic innocence and are alienating young potential new readers at the same time. I agree that comics CAN be mature adult character studies, full of graphic violence and mature content, but they don't all need to be that way. We need more of a Justice League Unlimited tone available in bulk through a variety of titles.

[stealthwise]

shaxper, it sounds like you'd really dig New Frontier. Rush out and grab it.


RUN!!!

[Tony Starkz]

I'm getting NF in the mail soon,yay

Golden Age was pretty good too

[Ontir]

In general, I think the idea is sound. I wouldn't hamstring writers by saying you CAN'T do something, rather that it has to be done in a prime-time, general audience, broadcast standards sort of way. Hint, rather than dissect violence.

As for Byrne, hasn't he just been shown the door by DC after a few issues of the Atom?

How about Kieth Giffen for New Frontiers: Legion of Super-Heroes?

[stealthwise]

In general, I think the idea is sound. I wouldn't hamstring writers by saying you CAN'T do something, rather that it has to be done in a prime-time, general audience, broadcast standards sort of way. Hint, rather than dissect violence.

As for Byrne, hasn't he just been shown the door by DC after a few issues of the Atom?

How about Kieth Giffen for New Frontiers: Legion of Super-Heroes?

I think Byrne's between projects, but just liked the Phoenix that he helped co-create, he'll rise again. I just think that Gail helps keep him reigned in and focused on his projects. He's not near his heyday, but his style would be perfect for the kinds of projects I'd have in mind.

Giffen as a plotter working with another writer on dialogue (probably Vaughan again), would work on Legion of Super-Heroes. :)