We’ve got loads of stuff and I’ve been persona non grata for too long so let’s get right to it.
A Creative Change at the Speed of Light
When you’re young, change seems like a constant – for DC’s Flash, it is – a change in men under the mask and, coming early next year, a change in writers.
Welcome the new chronicler of Newsarama
The intro of this article, “Originally, it seemed like a slam-dunk of putting the former writing team of the Flash television series,” makes me laugh. It seemed like a slam duck to who exactly?
Oh, I’m just funning you DC.
It is probably not a bad idea to change the writers since things were not working out so well. I find the idea of ignoring (more or less) the first eight issues a bit of a dubious choice. We did not love the introduction of Bart as Flash so DC’s going to give it a second shot? I guess we’ll see.
I am also not sure of Guggenheim’s stated approach, “My instinct is not to dwell too much on Bart’s getting older. Rather, I want to focus on him being the Flash. He’s the Flash now and we all have to get used to that — including Bart.” I think there is a huge potential for drama coming out of the idea that Bart has gotten older, why not utilize it? Again though, I guess we’ll see.
At the end of the day, I think my biggest problem is Bart as Flash and I’m not sure what would need to happen to get me to accept him in the role. It is a shortcoming of mine.
Jim Lee Faces the Music
With the Wildstorm relaunch/revamp “Worldstorm” in full force, Newsarama thought it was time to check in with Jim Lee for a chat about the new Wildstorm Universe and its future, Wildcats, as well as All-Star Batman & Robin: The Boy Wonder and issues surrounding that title.
Jim mans up at Newsarama and takes questions in Part 1 and Part 2
I am a bit confused with the Wildcats timetable. The earliest they could resolicit it for was March, that I get. But Lee says it will still arrive before March. So, how does that work? Diamond just ships it to stores whenever it gets it from DC? I guess that makes sense, but it just does not seem”¦right to me, if that makes sense. A minor thing to get caught on, no doubt, but it gave me pause.
Anyway, as some in the talkbacks are saying, it was good of Lee to step up and take responsibility for the delays, saying that it is indeed his fault and that it was a matter of him overextending himself. That said, it does not make the delays disappear so I can understand how others in the talkback are not satisfied with, as on person put it, an interview and an apology.
There is an argument, somewhere in here, for DC getting a tighter rein on talent and/or soliciting titles with an eye towards the reality of a particular artist or write’s output. On the other hand, could anyone have predicted an 11 month delay on All-Star Batman? I’d say no. This is one of those situations where so many small mistakes, slip-ups, etc were made and they piled up so high that it is almost impossible (and infinitely sillier) to speculate about how it could have been avoided or fixed.
I’ve got to know, am I the only fan out there that, by in large, is rarely bothered by delays. I mean sometimes I have, “damn, I was really looking forward to that” feeling, but it never actually hurts me all that much. I read these talkbacks on occasion and it always seem as if Jim Lee, (or whoever) personally went to these people’s houses and punched their mom, kicked their cat, and ate all their food for good measure. I get anger, I get disappointment, I don’t understand rage. Then again, I’ve been suffering from lateness as of late so maybe me being forgiving of it is just an attempt to forgive myself.
Ahh, sweet, sweet projection. Thank you Dr. Freud.
It strikes me as sort of funny that Wildstorm is being “rebooted” or reworked or whatever and it is less than 10 years old. I think that it is rather reflective of today’s comic fan as much as anything else. There is a certain pressure for internal consistency that demands large moves like a revamp that were not necessarily around in Marvel’s first ten years and certainly not around in DC’s. I personally think the reboot thing is more annoying that a continuity that has some lapses and disjointment (watch me make up words whole cloth. Bravo for me!), but I recognize that I am in the minority on that score.
I wonder, with All-Star Batman, if it would have been better accepted if it had come out on a monthly basis. It obviously would not combat the “this isn’t Batman reactions” but for those who have complained it is moving too slowly it might’ve changed their mind. The long gaps between issues emphasize and exacerbate a slow pace and thus make it harder to accept. However, if the issues came out consistently, the “slowness” might not feel so bad. I don’t really know, it’s pure speculation about a title I don’t even read, but it is something that often occurs to me when I read about late books being criticized for being slow moving; is it internal (in other words, the actual pace of the story) or external (the shipping schedule) reality that make it feel slow or it an interaction of the two?
Next for Tad Williams? Water!
As part of what’s turning out to be an ongoing trend, another scribe is joining the list of book authors turned comic books writers. Tad Williams, best known as a fantasy novel writer, will take over Aquaman: Sword of Atlantis beginning with the Issue #50 in March.
I hope no one catches that awful pun. I mean, even Newsarama wouldn’t stoop that low.
Oh, in case you didn’t notice, yeah, I’ve decided to pick on Newsarama a lot today. Why? Because sometimes that’s what happens when you are top dog (see also: Wizard Magazine).
Anyway, professional jealousy aside, let’s get to this story.
Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaawn.
Oh, I’m sorry, I suppose I should be a bit more mature about this.
So the thing is this, Tad Williams is a talented novelist, from what I understand. However, I’ve found The Next to be, generally speaking, bland. There is plenty of wacky, crazy ideas, but all of them seemed to land sort of inertly on the page.
Beyond that though, the real problem I have is that I’ve lost faith in the idea that DC “knows” what to do with Aquaman. He has more revamps, relaunches, and reimaginings than almost any DC character. Hawkman’s more confusing, for sure, but he’s had less attempts (and been more successful lately) to be made “relevant”. In the past five to ten years, we’ve had “classic” Aquaman who then became hook handed angry king Aquaman who begat classic Aquaman with WATER HAND ACTION! who then transitioned to sort of mayor of Sub Diego (still with a glorious water hand) and finally, OYL, became Conan of the water. Even Superman in his “every issue must be an event!” phase didn’t get jerked around this much.
So, I think I might just stop off this ride. All the round-and-round is making me sick.
Blue Beetle Curses the Heavens but His Creator Has Abandoned Him
When fans heard rumors about a new Blue Beetle in 2005, most wondered what creator could possibly hope to replace what Keith Giffen and J.M. DeMatteis did with the character in their ’80s Justice League stories. Ted Kord was indelibly linked to Giffen/DeMatteis, and his unexpected demise in the Countdown to Infinite Crisis special made some wonder if the new creator would be able to break through fans’ prejudice against any new Blue Beetle.
Imagine everyone’s surprise when we found out the writer who would be taking on the task of replacing the Blue Beetle associated with Giffen was none other than Giffen himself.
Yes, just imagine that, Newsarama. And then imagine yourself using an incredibly hackneyed writing device to open an article.
I like Giffen’s “goal” to make Jamie “ethnic” but have it just be a fact of life, not a big deal needing mention in the text every few pages or so. I think that is the best way to do it with non-WASP characters and I look forward to the day when we can have lots of Asian, African, Latino, Eastern European, etc etc characters that that fact is just part of their background not “who they are”.
Good God, that sentence was three lines long. I am a terrible, terrible writer.
Hawthorne Undoes
The news coming out of the 2006 San Diego Comic-Con was that the Un-men were returning in a new ongoing series, called fittingly enough, The Un-Men.
Originally created by Anton Arcane to pit against Swamp Thing, the motley group of deformed creatures came into their own in the American Freak miniseries years back. In their new ongoing series beginning May 2007, the Un-Men are living in secret in the Nevada desert until a private investigator, himself a freak of sorts, finds their hiding place.
Described as “a real good horror book” by Vertigo Editor Karen Berger, the series promises to have a unique crime/mystery angle to it. Written by John Whalen and drawn by Mike Hawthorne, Newsarama caught up with the artist to get a first-look and first-talk about the series.
Un-Men isn’t just an invitation to use other “un-“ words at Newsarama
This is an odd choice of a book. I really have no idea how it is going to fare. As one person points out in the talkbacks, The Un-Men’s “parent” book, that being Swamp Thing, recently got cancelled. If the parent cannot survive, can the child? I really don’t know. I’d like to say, “if it is quality, of course it will survive” but then we all know that that is not really true.
On the other hand, it is not as if the Un-Men are so intertwined with Swamp Thing that people will only view it as a spin-off. Comic “enthusiasts” know where they come from, but the average random customer might just see it as a horror book and not be frightened off by a preconceived attitude toward Swamp Thing and Swamp Thing related products. We shall see I suppose.
And now, a picture of a hand with a brain. Why? Because it is related to this story.
Also, because I can.
The One DC Book Mathan Doesn’t Read Hits One Hundred
Next week Birds of Prey reaches it’s milestone 100th issue, and features the gathering of an all new Birds-team. We talk with writer Gail Simone about reaching 100 issues and pry what info we can out of her about the new BoP line-up”¦
Gail Simone (metaphorically) thumbs her nose at poor Mathan on Newsarama
Ironically, by Mathan not reading this, he’s missing out on the first appearance of the female Judomaster. He loves Judomaster, male, female, or otherwise. He may cry when he reads this. I can’t promise that he will, but I think there is a good chance of it.
Anyway, I do read the book and am quite a fan of it. Looking forward to #100 and the lineup shakeup that, given the preview pages here, may include Big Barda, Judomaster (!), and Huntress. Who knows if that’s temporary or what though. Still, a cool lineup.
Love Simone’s line about Supergirl, “Defies physics. You can see up her skirt from every position, somehow, even directly overhead.” I don’t get down for the “Supergirl dresses like a slut” discussions, but this is still a damn funny line.
What is more intriguing than news of Secret Six/BOP storyline or more Secret Six (on their own) is this line, “I actually did suggest a female Aztek but that idea was shot down in like two seconds for some reason.”
Could that reason be”¦AZTEK IS COMING BACK?!!!!! Either way, start the rumor now. Soon, DC will realize they’d be crazy not to bring the character back even if they were not initially planning to.
Warning: Gratuitous Aztek Picture Above
And then we’ll get a cool DC Direct figure too. Sure, we have the JLU figure and that’s sort of cool, but I demand a DC Direct one. DEMAND.
Simone the Rat
I recently had the opportunity to speak with Gail Simone regarding the new Secret Six mini series.
See her turn in all sorts of information about her (formerly) Secret Six at Silver Bullet Comic Books
When did it become acceptable in interviews to say things like, “I agree wholeheartedly,” as happens in this article? I see it in a lot of comic creator interviews lately and it always turns my stomach. “I can see that,” “Interesting,” “I never considered that,” these sorts of expressions are fine for interviewers. But ones of agreement, praise, or criticism should almost never be expressed in the first person.
Sorry for that digression into pet peeve-ville.
Anyway, this mini is almost wrapped, but Simone drops a couple of hints about the Six’s future, some of which we’ve already heard (Bird of Prey v. Secret Six, for one), as well as some other future projects that may or may not come down the pike. So it is still worth a glance if you like the Six.
Behold! The Butcher of Batgirl
You see, Beechen’s first arc on “Robin” culminated with Cassandra Cain turning away from being Batgirl and going pretty cuckoo and evil. This angered many longtime fans of the character, who decided to take it out on me for daring to write that the character shift was “surprising yet inevitable, and excellently handled.”
The story was torn apart on several levels, and two readers even offered to talk to me in person about how wrong I was at Wizard World Chicago (they never showed). I was astonished, but I could understand their hostility toward the character shift.
But if I thought I was a target, I couldn’t even imagine how “Robin” writer Adam Beechen felt about the fan’s boos mixed with the critical cheers for his run on the book. I couldn’t, that is, until I sat down with him and asked him.
How dare Comic Book Resources give this man”¦this monster press?!
I just want to call all Batgirl fans attention to this paragraph: “DC told me where they pictured Tim at the start of what would be my run as writer and told me about the first story arc they had in mind, where Cassandra was turning away from the side of law and justice. They left it to me, with input from Eddie, to plot it out from there.”
And this one: “You know, I never got into it with them as to the reasoning behind why they wanted to make this change. I wasn’t privy to those conversations. I guess, probably, as a new writer coming to a book, I didn’t want to rock the boat or ask a lot of questions. I just dove in and did it.
They didn’t present me with a rationale as to why Cassandra was going to change, or a motivating factor. That was left for me to come up with and them to approve. And we did that. But as far as to why the editors and writers and whoever else made the decision decided that was a good direction, I honestly couldn’t answer.”
Also, finally:“I wish I could have taken more time with it, and explored more about why she changed and more about the information that shook her life up. My inclination is to spread that information and build the story gradually. Initially the arc was going to be six issues, but the arc was compressed to four issues, so some of the information was compressed as a matter of necessity. Maybe too much.
If I could do it over again, I would get into it a little more so that, while it wouldn’t make fans of Batgirl happy, it would get in there and explain what happened a little bit better.
But it’s a fine line, because the name on the masthead is Robin, not The Blockbustin’ Batgirl, and you’ve got to keep Tim front-and-center in everything that goes on – particularly when you’re coming off something like OYL. So, how much time do you devote to Robin and how much to Batgirl in the course of this shortened, yet important arc? It was a question I really wrestled with.”
I hope that that makes it clear that Beechen is not out to get your favorite character. You don’t have to like his work, but can we give the “he RUINED Batgirl!” rap a break?
Well, it is worth a shot.
The adoption thing was also not his idea, for the record.
Me, I’m loving Robin so I might be being a bit of a Beechen apologist here (also while I liked Batgirl, I never made much of an effort to keep up with here and was thus largely unaffected by her turn). If that’s the case, I apologize. Personally, I thought that first arc was a good one although I was frustrated by a completely cohesive reason for Cassandra Cain’s backslide. Not enough that it ruined the book for me. In fact, if I was one for hyperbole, I’d probably proclaim this the best the book has been since the first half of Dixon’s run. Oh, what the hell! I’ll say it. This is the best Robin has been since the first half of Chuck Dixon’s run.
A Green Arrow By Any Other Name
Connor Hawke’s getting the spotlight in a November debuting six part miniseries from writer Chuck Dixon and artist Derec Donovan. Donovan told us some of his initial thoughts about working with one of DC Comics’ greatest archers in Connor Hawke: Dragon’s Blood.
Connor Hawke is at The Pulse. What other reason do you need to go there?
Eeeeeeeeee! Connor Hawke!
Sorry.
I have to say, right off the bat, that the random capitalization format of this interview bothered me immensely. Yes, that is incredibly nitpicky. No denying that. But it is the truth.
Donovan mentioned Rodolpho Dimaggio?! Man, do I miss Dimaggio. He was so excellent.
Artwise, I’m liking what I’m seeing on these inked pages. I think it is pretty clear that this is not the Jubilee artist I was dreading.
A Brief Trip to the Rumor Mill
Take a break from Midterm election coverage and dive into some news, rumours, and good old-fashioned rage
Play like you have behind the scenes info at Silver Rage
I don’t usually do the whole rumor thing in this column. I read All the Rage (where this is from) and Lying in the Gutters, to be sure, but I rarely feel the need to include that stuff here since it is often unreliable. However, there were a couple of items in this week’s Rage that I wanted to talk about so I’m violating my own rule.
Item the first runs under the header: The Next Big Thing and concerns DC’s next “event” following 52. If this is true, well, it is just further evidence that we never really learn from the past here in the comic book industry, do we? Yearly events, usually yielding lesser quality and interest with each installment? DC has not done that ever and certainly not twice within recent memory. I love event comics, but this sort of thing always gets me a touch nervous.
No, no particular reason I’d put pictures of these series up right underneath a mention of diminishing returns on “event” comics. What would make you think that?
Item the second is actually the first item in the column. In brief: Elseworlds are coming back! Yeah! I figured as much when the Gotham by Gaslight trade came out a few months back (it was the first, after all), but it is nice to have another reason to think so.
However, the bit about Byrne’s Generations 4 deserves a comment. Now, I don’t like Generations. Any of them. I don’t know why, I just don’t. But some folks did and that’s fine. All of that being said, this news tidbit is making me say something I never thought I would. DC, stop being so mean to John Byrne. Oooo, that feels weird. Anyway, reject the project, fine, cool. But don’t make the guy a joke, okay? Even if he is a bit of a monster at times and his best days seem largely behind him, he still deserves a modicum of respect, right? Let him know that DC just isn’t the place for him right now and end things there. Poor guy does not need a bunch of DC staffers chuckling every time he brings that well worn script by.
“Chase”ing Quality
Imagine what it’d really be like to live in the same world as Superman and Batman.
Think about it: Godlike aliens flying overhead; mysterious vigilantes in cities terrorized by freakish killers; the world almost ending almost every day”¦
It takes a special kind of person to stay on top of that action.
That person was Chase.
The next stop on “Tim Lacks Journalistic Integrity Tour” is Comic Book Resources
Yes, it is true, I’m a shill. I just loved Chase so much, I couldn’t not have this article in this week’s column. Even if doing so did require me to use a double negative in that sentence.
I wonder if the “Lyons restaurant” in question is a Lyons, New Jersey restaurant. If so, it is like I am J.H. Williams because I too work in Lyons. Although not a restaurant. Also, I have zero ability to draw.
Otherwise though, we are the same.
Anyway, if you have not read Chase yet, read this article. It’ll convince you to pick up the ten issues.
And then to pick up my Justice Experience series which is coming out very soon.
Basically as soon as I can figure out a way to manipulate reality to my liking. I’ll keep you informed.
BEWARE THE FUTURE’S AWESOME MIGHT
Plan your purchases as you take in my snark at Comic Book Resources
Absolute Batman: The Long Halloween– I really like the Long Halloween, but I can’t see myself buying this. That’s not to say you should not buy it for me, but it is unlikely to go on my pull list.
By the way, has DC gone nuts with these Absolutes or what? Are they about to become the Elseworlds (as in, way overdone) of now?
Detective Comics #828– Does Bruce Wayne even have any “old friends” left at this point?
Batman #663– Wait a sec”¦wasn’t this story solicited for an issue later this month?
Nightwing #129– I’m not sure why exactly, but it really bugs me that New York is Nightwing’s base of operations these days.
Superman/Batman: The Greatest Stories Ever Told– Hmm”¦it is a bit Superman/Batman (as in the current series) heavy, but I could imagine me buying this book.
Helmet of Fate: Zauriel #1– Look!
IT’S ZAURIEL!!!!!
The All New Atom #8– Umm”¦
Did Atom just bisect Doctor Doom?
Birds of Prey #103– Hey! Not Batgirl is back already! And is just me or does Big Barda’s hand (the open that isn’t in a fist) seem like it is a bit Plastic Man-y?
The Brave & The Bold #1– This has a great creative lineup, two nice looking (if a touch generic) covers, and teams up two characters with plenty of potential for dramatic interactions and”¦I find myself nonplussed. I’m sure I’ll pick it up, but, right now, I’m just not all that excited.
Firestorm the Nuclear Man #33– Yay for Dwayne McDuffie! And double yay for Mister Miracle (the Seven Soldiers one”¦yes, the dead one)!
The Flash: The Fastest Man Alive TP– I’m not sure I get it. Up in the interviews, it is made clear that this team was being replaced by Guggenheim because their issues did not click. Why go ahead and collect them then?
Connor Hawke: Dragon’s Blood #4– “The answer is”¦ monstrous”? Arrgh! Even the non-Green Arrow Green Arrow books have caught the “Must Fight Monsters” disease.
Still, it’s Connor Hawke so all is more or less forgiven already.
Green Arrow #71– Huh? How did Green Lantern get involved in this all of a sudden?
Ion #11– Because DC has yet to give you nearly enough Crises already.
Justice League of America #6– I’m morally opposed to variant covers and all that, but I’ve got to say this”¦
this is one cool variant cover. Not cool enough for me to shell out more than cover price for, but still cool.
Justice Society of America #3–
Is it just me or is Ma Hunkle’s niece (granddaughter?) showing a bit too much of her left upper inside thigh? I’m not judging, I’m just saying that it appears someone forgot to wear her bloomers underneath her costume.
JSA Classified #23– Two storylines in a row focusing on Doctor Mid-Nite? Excellent!
Martian Manhunter #7– I’ve tried, I really have. But,
I just don’t like that costume and I don’t think I ever will.
Manhunter #28– BATMAN!!!!
OMAC #8– Was this always a miniseries?
The Omega Men #5– More solicitations need to include the phrase “each as beautiful as she (or he) is lethal”. As in, “When it is all on the line at the beauty contest, how will Batman, Green Lantern, and Green Arrow fare when they come face to face with Hans, Mitre, and Lawrence, bodybuilders who are each as beautiful as they are lethal?” Tell me you would not buy that book? Actually, don’t, because, if you did, it would be a lie. And I’d hate to have our friendship fall apart over this.
Trials of Shazam #6– That poor girl/woman. If only there was a Goodwill in town where she could acquire shirts that were not strategically ripped to reveal just a hint of breast. Well, maybe with the Democrats taking back the Congress, this awful reality that so many poor, busty comic book ladies deal with on a day to day basis will become a thing of the past. At least we can hope.
Shazam: The Monster Society of Evil #1– Raise your hand if you thought this was never really going to come out. Yup, me too.
Wonder Woman #5– Is this for real?
Uncle Sam and the Freedom Fighters #8– Again, was this always a miniseries?
Ex Machina: Inside the Machine #1– Eh”¦this could be interesting, but I’d gladly take a new issue of Ex Machina over it. It seems that’s not in the cards for this particular month though (nor the one before it if I recall correctly).
Stormwatch PHD #4– What’s Black Alice during in the Wild-verse?
And why did she change her name to “Betty Gorgeous”? No one likes a braggart Alice”¦you should know better.
100 Bullets #81– Frank Miller eat your heart out!
American Virgin #12– This has been bugging me for months so I’m just going to come right out with it: Mel the mercenary used to be a woman! I hope that didn’t shock you, but the book’s been mercilessly unsubtle about it and I feel the need to acknowledge that, yes, we got it already.
World’s Finest Bookends–
I’m fine with these just as long as we all acknowledge that, given proper prep time, Batman could totally “end” those books better than Superman.
Elseworlds Series 4– Oh my god.
Is that Flash”¦with a mustache? And a pencil thin one at that?
Big Barda Bust– Who the heck stole her clothes?
And like that, it was done. Drop me a line at parallax2@juno.com or visit the message board thread and let me know all I’m doing wrong.
Un Gajje Abides
