[Spike Spiegel]

"I've seen enough hentai..." part deux. Kitty just can't catch a break. :(

Wolverine & the X-Men #7 preview (Comic Book Resources)

[LiQuid!]

Is WatXM just going to stay Bachalo and Bradshaw rotating, or am I going to have to start worrying for the art on it pretty soon?

[The Take Out Bandit]

Just read Manhattan Projects.

Art is like Frank Quietly, Mike Judge, and Geoff Darrow had a baby. But the latent Darrow talents are just emerging. The wonky figure drawing of Judge and Quietly are there in full force. :P

Story could go either way. Hope it turns out good.

[WascallyWabbit]

Heya, GAF! I just recently got into comics. Been reading The Walking Dead lately. Are there any others you guys could recommend for me? Thanks.

If you're into horror (just guessing by TWD) you should try out Locke and Key

If you really like the TWD but want something lighter in tone, Invincible (also by Kirkman) is my fav superhero book right now

[krypt0nian]

Crazy fun? Were we reading the same book? I'd have to agree with Sims, the book was a dismal failure. I just read #6 today so it's fairly fresh in my mind, but it was muddled, boring and silly to the point of being actually funny. That line about "You're the world's greatest super-humans!" was just ridiculous. Who speaks like that? Why would someone just exclaim that? It was a story with absolutely no stakes. There was never a sense of danger for a second. Compare the way Darkseid is presented here to Final Crisis. In FC he is this monumental God of anti-life and despair. He sucks the goodness out of the world, his very presence is menacing, as soon as he shows up the world is lost, he is the ultimate in high stakes. In Justice League he is this big dude who shows up, gets in a fight and loses. It was not even an anticlimax since the story hadn't built up to his arrival in any meaningful way. He just is, then he isn't. And the art fell apart by the end too. The first issue was indeed gorgeous but by the end it was muddled and hard to read, full of lines and scratches signifying nothing and only serving to confuse and obfuscate what was going on. I would agree slightly with Uzumeri that the best part of the book was the interactions between the characters, and I really liked the take on Wonder Woman especially, the fish-out-of-water take on her was fun and I liked how alien she seemed. But the characters were in service of a story that meant literally nothing. I've spoken about Final Crisis on here before, but love or loathe it you can at least see that it's about something, Morrison had a point and a theme he was leading to that actually made the story reasonate. But with Justice League I could not tell you what it was about other than baddies show up, goodies react and hit them until they stop. I can deal with that for an issue, maybe, but making it 6 of them was just a waste of everyone's time. Especially eggregious, considering the medium, was how limited the story was. It was all set in these nondescript environments, the destruction of which meant nothing. There was no human cost, no struggle, no actual heroism on display. You've got this medium where you can do anything, go anywhere and you choose to do this with it? When I finished #6 today, I was actually a little disgusted with it and with myself for keeping on buying it too. I broke my own cardinal rule, which was I kept on buying a comic I knew full well was a piece of shit. Thankfully I had Action Comics to wash the taste out, and Ultimate Spidey to follow up as a tasty desert. Some comics are amazing. This was not.

And like I said, you agree with Sims and I definitely don't. We're definitely reading the same book.

[Jedeye Sniv]

And like I said, you agree with Sims and I definitely don't. We're definitely reading the same book.

But one of us is definitely wrong though.

You are :P

[Lombaszko]

Heya, GAF! I just recently got into comics. Been reading The Walking Dead lately. Are there any others you guys could recommend for me? Thanks.

If you're interested in slightly twisted, well written violence I can't recommend Swamp Thing or Animal Man enough.

I had to drop a few books from my subscription the other day.
Aquaman- I like the art and character but the story has felt like an after school special on why you shouldn't have prejudice against people. Which is fine for the teenage audience the book might be directed at, but I sort of already know that.

Doctor Who- This is one that had to go mostly because of price. It's a $3.99 book and I just need to make room for Batman Incorporated in a couple months and possibly Earth 2.

Green Lantern- A tough one to drop for sure since I had been following since Blackest Night but the teases have been too much for me lately. They have been talking about "The First Lantern" since around War of the Green Lanterns and I still haven't seen anything about him. I don't mind a build up to an event but after six issues with the new title it just doesn't excite me in the way some of the others do. I think if this book were 100% Sinestro, I'd like it more. I just think with Hal I've seen his entire arc and it feels exactly like the status quo from the pre New 52 book. A lot of the other books I've been reading feel fresh and exciting so I'd rather focus on those.

Wonder Woman- I am enjoying this book but, like Green Lantern, it doesn't excite me every month the way Batman or The Flash do.

I have, however, added All-Star Western because that book is fantastic and it makes me want to go pick up back issues of Jonah Hex. I don't usually like back-up features either but they have been working in this and fit the theme of the West.

[Jedeye Sniv]

Heya, GAF! I just recently got into comics. Been reading The Walking Dead lately. Are there any others you guys could recommend for me? Thanks.

Hey GAF! I start started watch TV. What TV should I watch?

:P

Snark aside, this is an insanely hard question to answer. What kinda stuff are you into? Got an interest in capes? Arty or mainstream? Porn for cowards with the boobs and stuff or keeping it classy?

Keeping it on the indie side, you may like Y The Last Man. It's a similarly themed apocalyptic road trip book but it has an end and is tight all the way through. A great read and a good 'beginner' level book.

[Jedeye Sniv]

If you're interested in slightly twisted, well written violence I can't recommend Swamp Thing or Animal Man enough.

Bear in mind that the trades aren't out for this yet (if this dude is referring to the new series). But when they do come out jump on them, they're both fantastic.

The old series (written by Alan Moore and Grant Morrison) are both great too but they're a little aged, so may be worth getting into when you're used to the medium a little more.

And my last tip is to stay away from single issues for a good long time. Reading them is like starting smoking - I'd never suggest it as a good idea for newbies. It's just too expensive and too wrapped up in fanboyism and weirdness. But when the stories are done and collected they make fantastic reads in nice volumes.

[Lombaszko]

And my last tip is to stay away from single issues for a good long time. Reading them is like starting smoking - I'd never suggest it as a good idea for newbies. It's just too expensive and too wrapped up in fanboyism and weirdness. But when the stories are done and collected they make fantastic reads in nice volumes.

That's a good point, although you know all the cool kids read single issues behind the school dumpster.

If you're reading digital, month old issues from DC drop $1 and I'm sure you can find issues 1-6 on eBay for slightly cheaper then retail.

I do agree that if you don't want to completely jump in then wait until May to pick up the trades.

When's the next issue of Morrison's Batman story coming out?

May 23, hopefully there are no delays.

[Tizoc]

Action Comics was good this week IMO. When's the next issue of Morrison's Batman story coming out?

Can anyone recommend me a comic/graphic novel with a great deep story?

Have you red Rex Mundi?

Preacher is good but has lots of blood and gore.

Oh and there's also Transmetropolitan-

Trust me it's good, among Ellis' best work.

[krypt0nian]

But one of us is definitely wrong though. You are :P

*grin* I'd much rather err on the side of fun and enjoyment.

[Jedeye Sniv]

*grin* I'd much rather err on the side of fun and enjoyment.

Well in that case I have some issues of Justice League: Rise of Arsenal that you are just going to love! :D

[krypt0nian]

Well in that case I have some issues of Justice League: Rise of Arsenal that you are just going to love! :D

I could get a hamster and use it as bedding. See? John's JLA run is far far better than that. ;)

[Garryk]

Heya, GAF! I just recently got into comics. Been reading The Walking Dead lately. Are there any others you guys could recommend for me? Thanks.

Stuff that is in trade (and still going) that I would recommend to anyone without knowing their preferences:

American Vampire by Scott Snyder (currently 3 trades out)
Daredevil by Mark Waid (1 trade)
Uncanny X-Force by Rick Remender (4 trades)

[Spike Spiegel]

Detective Comics and (lol) Batwoman are getting fill-in artists for three issue stints, beginning with #s 10 and 9 respectively.

[krypt0nian]

Detective Comics and (lol) Batwoman are getting fill-in artists for three issue stints, beginning with #s 10 and 9 respectively.

Ok.

[Jedeye Sniv]

I could get a hamster and use it as bedding. See? Johns' JLA run is far far better than that. ;)

There is nothing in Johns' JL as insanely brilliant as insane druggy Roy Harper using a decaying cat as a weapon. Johns only wishes he had that level of imagination.

I tell you what else sucked about JL - those two 'mysterious' characters at the end:

"They're calling them super-heroes"

"Then I guess they'll call us... super-villains"

SERIOUSLY. DC's best selling book. The fuck?

Anyway, that's my final word on the subject, I promise. If you are enjoying it then that's cool I guess (even though I think there's a bit of confirmation bias going on there...).

Speaking of bad comics, I'm reading through the original Age of Apocalypse stories in order to make sense of all the references in UXF. These are some hilariously bad comics. But at the same time, it strikes me how very very similar a lot of the art is to modern Humberto Ramos. I had no idea how much of a 90s throwback he was. All the big teeth and muscles and hair going on there. Fucking Cyclops with the asymetrical douche-bro long hair makes me laugh on every page.

The lineup on these books is strangely familiar though - there's some Mark Waid, some Warren Ellis, Tony Daniel, Kubert bros, Steve Epting (who is unrecognisable), Fabien Nicieza, Ian Churchill.... crazy stuff. And it's all so shitty lmao.

[krypt0nian]

There is nothing in Johns' JL as insanely brilliant as insane druggy Roy Harper using a decaying cat as a weapon. Johns only wishes he had that level of imagination. I tell you what else sucked about JL - those two 'mysterious' characters at the end: "They're calling them super-heroes" "Then I guess they'll call us... super-villains" SERIOUSLY. DC's best selling book. The fuck? Anyway, that's my final word on the subject, I promise. If you are enjoying it then that's cool I guess (even though I think there's a bit of confirmation bias going on there...). Speaking of bad comics, I'm reading through the original Age of Apocalypse stories in order to make sense of all the references in UXF. These are some hilariously bad comics. But at the same time, it strikes me how very very similar a lot of the art is to modern Humberto Ramos. I had no idea how much of a 90s throwback he was. All the big teeth and muscles and hair going on there. Fucking Cyclops with the asymetrical douche-bro long hair makes me laugh on every page. The lineup on these books is strangely familiar though - there's some Mark Waid, some Warren Ellis, Tony Daniel, Kubert bros, Steve Epting (who is unrecognisable), Fabien Nicieza, Ian Churchill.... crazy stuff. And it's all so shitty lmao.

Not a big deal, but that's way unfair. There are plenty of New 52 books that I think are terribad. Justice League just isn't one of those. I guess I see it as revelling in some older storytelling tropes, that I can still enjoy. Sort of like rereading my beloved Legion issues by Shooter. Silly as fuck, but I never fail to be thrilled by them.

[Garryk]

So why has Marvel ditched all third-party advertising? All the ads in their books are for upcoming events, comics, and trades for sell. Do they think product awareness has a better ROI than selling ads?

[BenjaminBirdie]

So why has Marvel ditched all third-party advertising? All the ads in their books are for upcoming events, comics, and trades for sell. Do they think product awareness has a better ROI than selling ads?

I'm quite sure it's not by choice. People talk a lot about comics dying, but that right there is the surest evidence of it.

When they came for Comic Foundry, I did nothing.
When they came for EGM, I did nothing.
When they came for my comics, there was no one left.

[Spike Spiegel]

Gotta be the case, if they're not going to sell ad space to outside companies. Their typical ad content now is just promoting other Marvel comics, and ventures in movies/television/apparel/merchandising. Also, the number of ads has dropped significantly -- something I definitely don't mind. Promoting the brand instead of someone else's crap.

Speaking of Marvel, today's big news:

http://www.newsarama.com/comics/marv...ital-code.html

Marvel Doubles The Value of All Its Top-Selling Super Hero Comics The World’s Top Comic Publisher Announces Landmark Digital Initiative New York, NY—March 9, 2012— Marvel is proud to announce that, beginning June 2012, all Marvel super hero comics priced at $3.99 will include codes for free digital copies of those same issues on the Marvel Comics app for iOS and Android devices at no extra cost! That’s right, the most-talked-about comics in the industry—including Avengers, Captain America, Invincible Iron Man, Mighty Thor, Amazing Spider-Man. Wolverine & The X-Men and more—will come packed with a code to ensure fans have the most critically acclaimed stories with them anytime, anywhere. “We’re committed to bringing fans the best value in comics. By including codes for free digital copies in all our $3.99 super hero comics, we’re doing just that” said David Gabriel, SVP of Sales, Marvel Entertainment. “We’ve seen a tremendous response to the digital codes in Avenging Spider-Man, our Season One graphic novels and the Ultimate Comics line. The positive reactions from both retailers and fans make it clear that including these codes with our books drives customers into comic stores on a repeated basis.” Marvel made comic book history in 2011 by announcing all titles in the Ultimate Comics line would include codes for free digital copies on the Marvel Comics app , with unrivaled incentives for comic shop retailers. Then, in 2012, Marvel announced the acclaimed Season One graphic novels would also include similar codes making them the first graphic novels to ever include codes for free digital copies at no extra cost. “At Marvel, we’re always looking for ways to bring the worlds of print and digital media together to deliver the best comics experience for our fans,” said Peter Phillips, SVP & GM, Marvel Digital Media. “With this next step, fans will soon be able to buy their comics from their favorite retailers but also enjoy them on their mobile devices and tablets, all at no extra charge. Welcome to the Revolution.”

Meanwhile, Marvel's $2.99 comics go "self-cover" in April, will be thinner as a result.

[Garryk]

Speaking of Marvel, today's big news: http://www.newsarama.com/comics/marv...ital-code.html

So will everything be bagged now? Because that seems like it would be a cost increase for something that needs all the margin it can get. Of course I guess when the extra dollar was pure margin to start with it doesn't really matter.

EDIT: $2.99 paperstock change will alleviate some of that cost I guess.

[BenjaminBirdie]

Gotta be the case, if they're not going to sell ad space to outside companies.

Why do you assume it's by choice?

[BenjaminBirdie]

So will everything be bagged now? Because that seems like it would be a cost increase for something that needs all the margin it can get. Of course I guess when the extra dollar was pure margin to start with it doesn't really matter.

Ultimate Spider-Man had a code but wasn't bagged. I didn't look but I think they found a way to hide it without bagging.

[Spike Spiegel]

Why do you assume it's by choice?

*shrug*

Seems like if they were still that dependent upon selling ad revenue in their monthly floppies they'd be more aggressive and obnoxious about it. So either they've found a way to replace that revenue stream with another profitable source, that enables them to lower publishing costs and frees up that space to cross-promote the brand's offerings; or, it's as you said and nobody wants to buy ad space in comic books anymore and the industry is doomed. Either way, there's not much you or I can do about it.

EDIT: Bleeding Cool is reporting that Avengers vs X-Men #1 is going into a second print run already. First print advance orders were well over 200,000 copies, and now the print overrun has been allocated too.

[BenjaminBirdie]

*shrug* Seems like if they were still that dependent upon selling ad revenue in their monthly floppies they'd be more aggressive and obnoxious about it. So either they've found a way to replace that revenue stream with another profitable source, that enables them to lower publishing costs and frees up that space to cross-promote the brand's offerings; or, it's as you said and nobody wants to buy ad space in comic books anymore and the industry is doomed. Either way, there's not much you or I can do about it.

For sure, but I'm curious to know one way or the other.

[Guileless]

Whither the miniature sea horse and xray glasses industries?

[LiQuid!]

EDIT: Bleeding Cool is reporting that Avengers vs X-Men #1 is going into a second print run already. First print advance orders were well over 200,000 copies, and now the print overrun has been allocated too.

Uhmmmm... Isn't the entire reason it had such high orders because they're practically giving them to retailers for pennies when ordered in bulk? Without a 2nd print it seems like there are going to be a lot of unpurchased copies floating around out there.

[Jedeye Sniv]

Not a big deal, but that's way unfair. There are plenty of New 52 books that I think are terribad. Justice League just isn't one of those. I guess I see it as revelling in some older storytelling tropes, that I can still enjoy. Sort of like rereading my beloved Legion issues by Shooter. Silly as fuck, but I never fail to be thrilled by them.

I'm sorry man, I didn't mean to be uncool. No harm meant :)

But if you're up for it, what do you mean about those older storytelling tropes? I've been reading comics for about 20-odd years so I've got a good knowledge of the tropes in comics. If anything I think JL owes a lot to the era of extreme decompression in the early 2000 rather than the classic comics. For instance, older comics would have their villians explain their motivations at length, often in long soliloquy in their evil lair. There's not much in here that I'd associate with the older comics I grew up with. There's no sub-plots, there's the bare minimum of exposition (because not much happens to need explaining) and the plot moves slowly.

I get the punchy-punchy and all, and if you dig that that's cool, but the complete absence of an actual antagonist in the JL arc was what blew my mind the most. Darkseid is the barest semblance of a character in this story. I have no idea what he's there for, what he wants, who he is or anything. All I know is that he's bad, and seemingly very easy to beat.

It's like, if he had turned up in #1 and beat all the heroes and subjugated Earth quickly and then the heroes would have to regroup and work as a team to beat him then it would be a halfway decent story. But wait... that's Final Crisis :D

But anyway, I didn't mean to be offensive, sorry!

[Spike Spiegel]

Uhmmmm... Isn't the entire reason it had such high orders because they're practically giving them to retailers for pennies when ordered in bulk? Without a 2nd print it seems like there are going to be a lot of unpurchased copies floating around out there.

Not exactly pennies, but they are getting a substantial discount when they order over a certain number of copies. It's something Marvel and DC frequently do to push their big event sellers; the real question is, are stores upping orders on related series as well?

[woodypop]

There is nothing in Johns' JL as insanely brilliant as insane druggy Roy Harper using a decaying cat as a weapon. Johns only wishes he had that level of imagination. I tell you what else sucked about JL - those two 'mysterious' characters at the end: "They're calling them super-heroes" "Then I guess they'll call us... super-villains" SERIOUSLY. DC's best selling book. The fuck?

Yeah, some of the dialogue had me groaning and rolling my eyes. I don't think this arc was terrible, but it was nowhere near the outta-the-park home-run it should have been. JLA is DC's flagship book starring its biggest guns, written and drawn by two of the industry's top creators. Instead of an amazing first outing, it was merely above average. It did the job, had some good moments. But overall it left me disappointed.

(I SO wished they had distinctly paired off the characters to handle separate objectives, like in the days of old. *sigh*)

Speaking of bad comics, I'm reading through the original Age of Apocalypse stories in order to make sense of all the references in UXF. These are some hilariously bad comics. But at the same time, it strikes me how very very similar a lot of the art is to modern Humberto Ramos. I had no idea how much of a 90s throwback he was. All the big teeth and muscles and hair going on there. Fucking Cyclops with the asymetrical douche-bro long hair makes me laugh on every page. The lineup on these books is strangely familiar though - there's some Mark Waid, some Warren Ellis, Tony Daniel, Kubert bros, Steve Epting (who is unrecognisable), Fabien Nicieza, Ian Churchill.... crazy stuff. And it's all so shitty lmao.

Generation Next was my favorite part of the AoA storyline, even double-dipped for the gold cover collected edition. Loved Bachalo's work back then!

[Jedeye Sniv]

Yeah, some of the dialogue had me groaning and rolling my eyes. I don't think this arc was terrible, but it was nowhere near the outta-the-park home-run it should have been. JLA is DC's flagship book starring its biggest guns, written and drawn by two of the industry's top creators. Instead of an amazing first outing, it was merely above average. It did the job, had some good moments. But overall it left me disappointed. (I SO wished they had distinctly paired off the characters to handle separate objectives, like in the days of old. *sigh*) Generation Next was my favorite part of the AoA storyline, even double-dipped for the gold cover collected edition. Loved Bachalo's work back then!

Yeah, it's actually really interesting to see Bachalo in this period. I'd only really seen him on Sandman/Shade and then his modern work. So here he is moving into his modern, hyperdynamic style while still having some of the stiffness and crosshatching of his vertigo work. Best art of the series definitely.

[ViewtifulJC]

This June - history will be made for the Marvel Universe.

SPIDER-MEN #1
Written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS
Art by SARA PICHELLI
Cover by JIM CHEUNG
ON SALE THIS JUNE!


Crossover? As long as it doesn't effect Slott's run, do whatever you like, Bendis.

[The Take Out Bandit]

This June - history will be made for the Marvel Universe. SPIDER-MEN #1 Written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS Art by SARA PICHELLI Cover by JIM CHEUNG ON SALE THIS JUNE! Crossover? As long as it doesn't effect Slott's run, do whatever you like, Bendis.

Spiderman Incorporated? :|

Speaking of warmed over shit, what old event is going to get ARCHITECTED next?!

My money is on Atlantis Attacks.

[Mac the KNife]

616/Ultimate crossover if that creative team is any indication.

Unless they're bringing Ult. Peter Parker back or something.

[the chris]

This June - history will be made for the Marvel Universe. SPIDER-MEN #1 Written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS Art by SARA PICHELLI Cover by JIM CHEUNG ON SALE THIS JUNE! Crossover? As long as it doesn't effect Slott's run, do whatever you like, Bendis.

Wasn't there an evil Spider-Man in the Ultimate Universe? I remember seeing a Leinil Francis Yu panel of someone in a Spider-Man costume, but he had sharper teeth and seemed to be a bad guy.

[BlueScrote]

Detective Comics and (lol) Batwoman are getting fill-in artists for three issue stints, beginning with #s 10 and 9 respectively.

So Amy Reeder is being filled in for? The fill in artist for JH WIlliams is being filled in for? Am I understanding this correctly?

Wasn't there an evil Spider-Man in the Ultimate Universe? I remember seeing a Leinil Francis Yu panel of someone in a Spider-Man costume, but he had sharper teeth and seemed to be a bad guy.

I think that was the chameleon. Comics, everybody!

[LiQuid!]

http://www.comicbookresources.com/assets/images/articles/1331313411.jpg This June - history will be made for the Marvel Universe. SPIDER-MEN #1 Written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS Art by SARA PICHELLI Cover by JIM CHEUNG ON SALE THIS JUNE! Crossover? As long as it doesn't effect Slott's run, do whatever you like, Bendis.

My guess (hope) is that they are going to cross Miles Morales over into 616 and then keep him there so they can ditch the rest of that abysmal Ultimate line and not lose one of the best books in their lineup that is probably only being hurt by being under the Ultimate umbrella.

[Satch]

So Amy Reeder is being filled in for? The fill in artist for JH WIlliams is being filled in for? Am I understanding this correctly?

yeah Trevor McCarthy is filling in

[Parallax]

My guess (hope) is that they are going to cross Miles Morales over into 616 and then keep him there so they can ditch the rest of that abysmal Ultimate line and not lose one of the best books in their lineup that is probably only being hurt by being under the Ultimate umbrella.

theres too many damn spiders in the 616 already. his existence in the 616 steps on aranas toes.

[Nils]

So Amy Reeder is being filled in for? The fill in artist for JH WIlliams is being filled in for? Am I understanding this correctly? I think that was the chameleon. Comics, everybody!

Nah, he's talking about the weird asian telepath or whatever that was Spider-Man in Millar's Ultimates run. Don't see them shipping Morales off to 616 at all. They're still establishing his background.

[BenjaminBirdie]

Anyone else read Haunt? Casey rules and so does Fox. Seems like something I should be reading...

[Nesotenso]

A 616 and Ultimate universe crossover is highly unlikely this summer.

If this means Ultimate Peter Parker is back then I will start picking up the book again.

[woodypop]

re: Action Comics #7

Anyone else disappointed there was no full splash page when he donned the armor/costume? Sure, we readers have seen it before, but it was a first for him.

[BlueScrote]

I vaguely recall a quote by Quesada that the day that 616 and Ultimate crossover is the day the House of Ideas ran out of ideas. Can't for the life of me find the quote though.

[Mac the KNife]

I vaguely recall a quote by Quesada that the day that 616 and Ultimate crossover is the day the House of Ideas ran out of ideas. Can't for the life of me find the quote though.

I recall that quote as well, probably destined for the same fate as "Dead means dead".

[Parallax]

I recall that quote as well, probably destined for the same fate as "Dead means dead".

theyve trolled that line too with the uff crossover saga and both 1610 and 616 universe characters walking into 2149, although at different times. they like to play with the idea, just not act on it.

[Slayven]

Wasn't there an evil Spider-Man in the Ultimate Universe? I remember seeing a Leinil Francis Yu panel of someone in a Spider-Man costume, but he had sharper teeth and seemed to be a bad guy.

Osborn has his own Spiderman.

People keep forgetting that Kaine/Scarlet Spider is back.

[Nesotenso]

For Batwoman fans
http://www.comicsalliance.com/2012/0...evor-mccarthy/