Batman Issue 702: Analysis (plus a special bonus feature)

I don't normally do these things it's always nice to read your comments but really this two part-er was incredible. I'm doing this with the issue directly in front of me. We open to Clark informing everyone of the situation, while Bruce instead just considers them the same problem in a bigger package this is a good window into their minds, Bruce thinks of the worlds as rather black and white even when the operative word is "worlds". Then into the narration, we automatically realize that the last words of the world's greatest detective are directed towards his closest friend a man who "can hear glaciers melting" and "the turf wars of dust-mites". The imagery on the spread following is great we see Bruce forging the Radion bullet. And we see withing the bat symbol Bruce's eyes, a gun, and Martha's fallen pearls. The idea of course will be echoed across the issue that he is preparing to do the one thing that brought about the tragic loss of his parents. Morrison is using this narration in a way that is nigh poetic. Bruce is speaking to Wally about how the bullet is literally not only the thing but the idea of a bullet it is in it's own way mythic. This is very much a commentary on these incredible things that Bruce is now facing these aliens and god's are our fiction and mythic ideas as much as they are his. The idea of an element that kills cosmic gods is both outrageous and much above the level of thing Bruce tends to deal with. At this point it is not only the missing chapter to R.I.P. but it has deeply linked R.I.P. and Final Crisis. Back to the subject of this commentary on the mythic ideas of The New Gods. It is a great finish to it with the statement that it is the same bullet that has killed the most famous men in history, it is this idea that it is not the bullet that is truly the thought but it is truly the death. It has nothing to do with the projectile but everything to do with the fact that Bruce has never needed a bullet because he has never intended to kill. This is powerful to me. The fight scene with kraken and his commentary on the several weapons of his villains all being unified within her strikes shows a tad bit of romanticism between him and this moment, he has lived it before. On his knees captured by the villain and so far he has always escaped. Now one of the most powerful part of this book for me was the moment with Jim on the rooftop it is a flashback and at first glance "Why did you have to choose an enemy that's old as Time and bigger than all of us, Batman?" " same reason you did, Jim. I figured I could take him" this is an apparent conversation about Darkseid but my interpretation is that this is a question of why he fights Crime or Evil. Because Jim isn't fighting Darkseid they both are fighting this idea that is so much older. Batman is now standing before Darkseid, our villain. Batman decides to tell his opponent how rare of a moment it is that he is holding a gun at all. And this New Myth that Bruce mentions of course is a close allusion to Rorshach's response to the world in Watchmen. A fun close comparison showing you that batman at all times is a speaker for man from the masses. Incredible job with shot of Batman close to being sanctioned. This great montage like sequence while the explanation of how the Omega Sanction works does a great job of explaining something that was fairly ambiguous at first. It creates a history around Batman for centuries it builds a mythos that did not previously exist. It makes one a wandering god. The the short reference to Neil Gaimans "Whatever Happened To The Caped Crusader" was quite incredibly placed amongst thebats flying, the pearls and the Thomas Wayne/ Barbatos wall. This book was built as a well constructed tip of the hat to those of us that have been paying attention. There are no coincidences with the bat-mythos and this is very fun. Another incredible reference I saw was the gate which read "Willowood Asylum" and in my research came across a wonderful development. Thanks to the wonderful Timothy Calahan, https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaDtsI0sCGlWfVEwEiaAw1_zOoG8hWZtYGSEcImT3xFkjyFvspVnAosQ9tZS8mszsjQC3JJFKay0HseCRFO_42NnU4iDRFzSp9y_gJBz2TY232GMUKMFeCq2sDR_7NmmeIUTTumOjtm3w/s320/World's+Finest+Comics+223-S%26B%2BDeadman.cbr+-+Page+16.jpg We then move to the Tape recorder from which or narration comes here again addressing Superman, with Rip Hunter and Red Robin. We now see Bruce with a green glow and Kirby Crackle. And his Funeral where he (a younger version) stands behind them telling them he isn't dead. And the hill where he and his Parents are all buried. And now Appearing amongst the Crackle tearing off his costume outside of a cave. He walks into the cave with bats scattering. He is seen by the old Anthro who is sketching the Anti-life equation and he falls with what looks like Martha Wayne's Pears which confuses me. Not only does everything the sanction touch turn to Myth but even Bruce is comparing himself to the Hero Theseus. In the end Bruce is every hero you have ever had. Not just you but Morrison is expressing the fact that Bruce will always be human and always be greatest human. He undoes his belt, leaves his final message on the recorder that being that when Bruce decided to walk this path he should have known that it never ends. This is why not a single news channel covered the death of Batman even when we were presented his charred body. This is because There is no way to kill Batman. Morrison can't do it and neither can Darkseid. This is possibly the greatest issue Morrison has written of Batman not including the fact that Tony Daniel was spot on with art duties. This was just everything You could have asked for.

Tell me what you think of this review and any suggestion of other books. My friend Steven Said he would start posting his reviews here and of Course Aris does he quick reviews on his blog every week. Now I'm gonna post a quick R.I.P. Missing chapter script I wrote for fun. It takes place between when Bruce "dies" and when Dick decides to be Batman. It will be posted later tonight. Cheers!

Starman! Each burns as bright!

Xylon: So hello everyone this discussion is all about Starman , personally one of my favorite characters, and definitely my favorite legacy in Comics! This will take only a little bit I'm sure but what do you think of Starman and his different incarnations, Aris?

Aris: Lol.I missed the boat completely with the modern Robinson version. Haven't read one issue.

I love the Golden Age character. Had a great costume. The gravity rod is awesome.

Xylon: Haha really now? That's an issue man, ahaha i love Ted though. Did you ever see the one form the seventies?

Aris: No. There was one in the 70's? I may need to read that...or maybe I did and totally forgot. I read All-Star Squadron and JSA.

Recently DC unveiled a "blue" character with the name? I have to say Justice League has been so bad for so long I ran from Cry for Justice like it had the coodies!!!

Xylon: Well the "blue one" is Mikaal Tomas he was in the Robinson series.
The order goes as such:
Starman I - Ted Knight is the original starman from the forties.

Starman II - The mystery Starman of the fifties.

Starman III - Mikaal Tomas is alien from the same string of planets as shadow lass, but he has a sonic stone in his cest which creates blasts.

Starman IV - Prince Gavyn The alien who is prince of his empire and has the shepherd's looking starstaff. he was the one in the DCU which made no sense to me.

Starman V - Will Peyton the man who got shot with the beam which made him star man he was the Starman with the ullet in the black white and red costume.

Starman VI - Davey Knight The holder of Ted Knights legacy and Jack Knights Brother. He dies within weeks of becoming Starman.


Starman VII - Jack Knight. The best Starman, hands down the reluctant Starman who knew when he was needed and how he was needed.

Stargirl - Courtney Whitmore is his successor. She currently owns the StarRod. Jack's StarRod.

Starman VIII - Thom Kallor. The gravity powered boy from the future who grew up and got lost in Kingdom Come's universe. And eventually came to our earth in the schizophrenic state.

Clearly this is the one hero with the largest legacy. One that is fun because not every Starman traces back to the original. Did you ever read the JSA stuff from before they re-started the series?

Aris: Thats great. Yeah I loved the 70's era one with the shephard staff. That was a great costume too.

Quite a varied and interesting legacy.

I love Courtney in JSA. although I dropped the book when Johns left. It quickly lost it's heart when Wilmingham and Sturges came on board. The characters are only recognizable because they look the same.

Xylon: Agreed. I loved the whole of the old JSA series and the new one when johns was on it. I wish he would come back and play with that whole "i'm billy batson's father and welcome to the rock of finality"
But yeah I think it would be great if Courtney got her own series. I would love that. The great thing is that to see Jack in any book you need Robinson's permission. I would love him to write an annual (even though the book is canceled) where all of the star men and women have to traverse time to defeat one common threat. it would be great. but yeah. What do you think about the idea of the inventive superhero, the one that really makes things. Ted Knight is a physicist and that's cool to me.



Well guys, this is one time where th bulk of this character is in the one ongoing so there wasn't much to talk about. But tell us who your favorite Starman was. Comment, share, tweet, and just plain follow our blog here. So yeah guys we will have a new post in just a few days I'm sure. Stay Tuned True Believers!

Howl at the moon! Or the is Moon Knight Bat-s#!% Crazy Discussion

Xylon: Welcome everyone to our latest discussion on the industry and the characters within it, this my wonderful friend Aris and I are talking about the most sketchy superhero of all time, Mon Knight (also unintentionally the first Jewish superhero)And to start right in, what do you think Of this character Aris?



Aris: I have to be honest I haven't cared for the character since...well since the Bill Sienkiewicz run way back in the eighties which was pretty amazing and the Fist of Khonshu stuff. But I really do not like the character. I heard he was a monster hunter recently. Which to me is kind of silly. OK...maybe I enjoyed some of the West Coast Avengers stuff.

He is in Secret Avengers and I will probably enjoy that. But he is not the major reason.

The character has potential. I am not sure he has lived up to it or Marvel's direction with character has lived up to it for some time. Great Costume.

Xylon: Great costume indeed. I especially have a great appreciation for the fact that it is basically a batman rip off. but he is legitimately crazy so i would like to see him actually go there and be crazy. what's your take on the schizophrenia thing?

Aris: I like it. It can be issued to add intensity to the book. And make him uniquely unpredictable.

Which could be fun. And her has to be brutal. I mean really brutal. To they point where its almost criminal.

his villains have to be absolutely deviant and inhuman. And pace in the Egyptian mysticism. Build to something big and unexpected.

Xylon: I think it would be great if he could actually try and find himself as a person and realize that without Khonshu he would have no identity, his least stable aspect is the one that is his anchor.

Aris: That works. i am really getting into Moon Knight now.

In the middle of a Secret Avengers mission he should brutalize Antman...
And then go on the run.

Xylon: I think that would be incredible. :) i never read Fist what was that about?



Aris: It was basically a cleaner version of the character. Less crazy, more in tune with the mythical stuff. I remember enjoying the art and the fact that he was given some supernatural power.

In any incarnation I believe he should have that and his sacred weapons. So when he goes crazy he is dangerous to his super-powered friends or allies....never mind the people he is close to . So he become a recluse. Hunting down evil doers and sometimes on quests from the Eqyptian dieties.

Could be fun. Should be drawn by Rags Morales.

Xylon: He should meet the ones that came before him, somehow like a place where he can meet them them but accidentally absorbs them into his schizophrenia so he has multiple personalities that are all different moon knights.

Aris: I kinda like the idea that he is REALLY crazy. He is like a dangerous unpredictable Jack Bower (sp?) from 24 with enhanced physical attributes based on the Moon cycle.

I think you got hit with the book Xylon!!! great character. He did a brief stint with the Defenders too. Early on. Back in the Valkyrie days and faced off with Wonder Man of all things.

Man comics were crazy back in the day.

Xylon: Haha So is that your story him going and hunting villains? and what do you mean about me getting hit with the book

Aris: If you or some one would write Moon Knight like this I would buy it!

nah. My idea is a super hero who is nuts. And over the top violent. And his gods need him to straighten out quick..
And be their hero...nut outs gonna end up epic fail no matter what.



Xylon: I would write just about any character so someone would buy it. :)
I kinda like the idea that there were more before him. and because he's a paranoid schizophrenic when he hears about other moonknights and traces of history they left behind he becomes paranoid that it's just him from the future trying to ruin the past, it would be a great story to show him lashing out against himself and his own stability. I kinda like him being like mr. hyde from league of extraordinary gentlemen. he would be the one you found over the brutally massacred two bit villain.

Aris: I am curious to see how he fits into the team dynamic now that he is part of Secret Avengers. I don't see him as a plays nice with others type. Besides from Antman...I didn't get a unique vibe off any of the characters. Its more about the story and Moon Knight seems inserted for no real unique purpose.



Xylon: Well remember back in civil war when cap told him to sit it out, maybe steve is just realizing that he needs a wildcard for whatever it is they are doing now.

Aris: Wild. Yeah. He should have a crazy off with Deadpool.

Xylon: What' great is that he is quiet and brooding he doesn't have banter or wit. he could really pose as any hero in the city's streets and no one would know. especially daredevil.

Aris: Yeah imagine it they team up and Deadpool is wise cracking and Moon Knight is just there grinding bones to dust.

Xylon:I would like to see Moon Knight and werewolf by night hang out or more of the old horror characters from the eighties and nineties.

Aris: Even better. Werewolf would be there dumbfounded....disgusted by Moon Knights violence. And he's a monster!



Xylon: Agreed. I also think I like him being like a silent Deadpool, chaotic and at times very intricate. I would love to see him take out a whole a drug deal with like an obnoxiously intricate set up of wires and bullets and shit. it would just show that mix of crazy and brilliance. people call him marvels Batman but i think he is almost supersane, like the Joker.

Aris:Works for me.

Xylon: So my next, what is you like about the costume?

Aris: Simple and elegant like Daredevil's...only scarier. I like the one color and even though its white he is invisible in the dark.

Its perfect for the urban night vigilante!

It needs no tweaks
Perfection.

Xylon: I like the way his predecessor looked in S.H.I.E.L.D. #1

Aris: ( not a fan of revisionist Marvel history. Hate that there were other Iron Fists too.

Xylon:

Ask a Question, Get an Answer Week #3

Weekly Feature where me and Xylon ask a question and we look to fandom and pros for answers/ Stay tuned, every now and then you may see a familiar name,

Question of the week: Favorite Super-hero costume ever?

Answers

Nick St. Amant: Golden Age Sandman, Jack Knight-era Starman...you get my drift...:-p

Nick St. Amant: oh, Rorschach, too. Gotta love the inkblot bask!

Noel Luperon: Ultimate Thor; from campy to awesome.

Stephen Ganschow: Obviously...we ALL know it's BLUR from Smallville...! JK.....!::stop hating me in your minds!::

Damion Hendricks: Classic Namor with the pants and the vest.

Chris Striker Dalpe: Ultimate Thor, Midnighter and Red Robin.

Aristides Iliopoulos: Classic Namor to me is the green undies and nay ankle wings. I am a fan of the Golden Age. For me it's Hourman. Love the yellow, black and red...with the hood.

Carlos Pedro: Spider-man.

Nick St. Amant: I'll second Midnighter and Spider-man. To add to that: The Flash (Barry Allen/Wally West version), Ultimate Captain America (WW2 version), and Kick-Ass (it has a gaudy charm to it).

Jon Carroll: Gonna go with DC's Captain Marvel. Great colors, nice iconography and the half cape brings it all together.

Mark Morales: The Hal Jordan Green Lantern costume. Simple and Sleek. The original Billy Batson Capt. Marvel is great too!

Michael Rea: Night Crawler and original Colossus.

Lets talk about Death baby....

Xylon: Welcome back everyone we decided to capitalize on the discussion of Death of The Endless. Disclaimer: I am a sandman fanatic, to such a level where I did a 3D project on sandman when I was in seventh grade. And seeing as she will be in Paul Cornell's Action Comics very soon our friend Jon suggested we talk about her. Haha what's weird is that going into this without going into sandman is the hardest thing for me to do ever, it's like writing about Rorshach without writing about Watchmen. I love sandman so much and I'm inlove with death. Did you like her character? Her first story with Urania Blackwell really throws you into what the endless are so much more than sandman's first story really.

Aris: I love the character as she appeared in Sandman. I did not read the Death series. I think there is a lot of potential with the Endless in the DCU. And if used wisely could play a very interesting and personal part of the story Cornell is crafting. I think he is reconstructing Luthor. And now that he has a fascination both personal and scientific for the power of the Black Lantern Death seems an interesting character to put in the story for sure.

I like the idea that the continuity counts in her Vertigo persona as well. By their very nature the Endless should be able to move between worlds and be in all types of stories with out blowing the minds of fans.

Xylon: What most people don't realize is that vertigo is a dc setting just an imprint for other standards. Constantine hangs out with Zatanna, books of magic went from sand man to Abrakadabra from flash's rogues gallery, sandman had superman and batman at his funeral and in his first story interacted with Martian Manhunter and mister miracle. The world is the same it's just a different set of standards for the reader where as marvel max is different. And there are vertigo books outside of regular DCU like the Invisibles and American Virgin but sandman is not like that. And before we go into what she does for Luthor what does she do for the universe as a whole. when she was introduced she helped someone die who did not know how, it was a story of death as release rather than loss, and i liked how Gaiman showed the many ways death can be existent. you?

Aris: yeah. that was great. But regarding vertigo. For the most part until recently that doorway between worlds or "standards" has been one way. And maybe not the exact iteration of the character at large in the DCU. Or in the case of Supes and Bats. Symbolic.

Death has been written by Gaiman with an interesting personality. I want to see what Cornell brings to her and how the interaction with Luthor works in his story.

Is she connected to Nekron? Does she approve of Nekron? If not why give him power in her domain? What happens when Luthor tries to take any part of that power?

Obviously Luthor won't die.

The Miracle Machine! Part One!

Our URl is a Final Crisis/Grant Morrison reference, and the new feature I'm doing for the blog is reference to the greatest super-team of all time, The Legion Of Super-Heroes. The miracle machine is a device created by the controllers, that gives you your wildest thoughts, it hears your thoughts. My mind is the Miracle Machine, to test the validity of this statement i will be asking people on Facebook to give me random characters from comics, and as long as they are within reason I will create a brilliant Pitch for a story with that character within 24 hours. So I asked Facebook and my friend Paul Price said I should create a pitch for "Metamorpho, The Elemental Man". Now I have read Wednesday Comics beautiful rendition of Rex Mason By Gaiman and Allred. And my approach was to think of the character from a completely different angle.

The Pitch: Rex Mason: The Elemental Man

Overview: Rex Mason was and will always be an adventurer, a man who was subjected to the powers of "The Orb Of Ra" which Ra the Egyptian Sun God used to make soldiers to fight an undying Serpent God, Apep. Rex is among many Metamorphae through out history. And A thousand years from the time which turned Rex Mason into The Elemental Man, a young boy named Jan Arrah is born on the planet Tromm, unknowing that he will become the last Survivor of his planet. Nativesof the planet Tromm have very similar abilities to that of the Metamorphae. Rex Mason is about to find out why. He is a man bound by his humanity and his abilities reflect it. He will soon find e has the ability to become more than just human.


Th story: Our story begins with Rex waking up from a nightmare, and finding himself in Human form, he is excited and slowly starts to revert back to his elemental state, these pages are silent, we see him at the edge of the bed, crying, with his head in his hands, the teras flow down his arms and then absorb back into him. We see him doing regular Metamorpho things the next morning, fighting crime, and it is then we see him decide to go sit on the cliff at dusk. As the sun sets he hears a voice. It is the voice of Ra. It tells him to let go, he jumps from the cliff and we now see him in a completely white room talking to floating mercurial blobs which tell him they are ra. They explain that Ra is an idea that was tapped into by many cultures Ra is not our sun it is the silent and collective other-dimensional structure of every star in the universe. It tells Rex of the fact that although Rex is one of many that have felt the powers of Ra's transmutation, he is the first that has come close to realizing it's potential. This seen ends with Rex being pulled apart atom by atom revealing a small universe inside of him. It is the power of every star in this pocket universe that allows for his powers and once he can break his mental blocks he can use the power for transmutation.

This is our opening scene it allows for a self discovery and reinvention of what Rex Mason is to the reader. We return to a place within three dimensional space, Rex finds himself restructuring on the beach of New Zealand. People begin to run away, he runs into an alley and looks up as he is touched on the shoulder by a young blond man, Jan Arrah, the Legions's Element Lad. And suddenly we see Rex he is in human form again. Completely human form, And element lad says to him "Is this how you wish people would see you Rex?". This is the end of Issue one.

The story moves on to have Jan and Rex work together along with the consciousness of Ra to let Rex master his new near limitless power. Ra begins to push the Elementals towards secrets of how they are connected. Ra transports them to a planet where an alien scientist is creating Sun-Eaters to attack Ra personally. Ra makes them stop this man so Ra can continue to exist unharmed. In the process Rex sacrifices the suns in his pocket universe so that Ra and Jan could survive. As the Sun Eaters attack his universe, Rex's atoms crackle from his body and Jan infuses them into every atom in planet they are on. The stars explode and destroy the Sun Eaters. And Jan finds one small dense sun where Rex's body was, Jan touches the sun and with the help of Ra they re-transmute every atom in Rex's body back into his form. He is reborn in this part and Him an d Jan part ways. Jan takes a time bubble from the planet back to his own time. Rex decides to make Ra transport him "wherever it is most exciting in this big universe of ours". He appears right on an alien ship and a man comes up to him and says "I'm Tommy Tomorrow who the hell are you?"There are two small epilogues one involves that planet which was infused with his atoms, it eventually makes the inhabitant animals evolve into more and more human like creatures, and it becomes evident that he birthed Tromm, in that final fight with the Sun Eaters. The second epilogue involves a splash in which Rex is in the colors of his original look but more human looking than usual and shooting a bullet at a crazy new god. He changed the bullet to Radion. Rex Mason's life just got a lot more exciting.

Ask a Question, Get an Answer Week #2

Weekly feature where me and Xylon ask a question and we look to fandom and pros for answers. Stay tuned, every now and then you may see a familiar name.

Question of the week: Would you buy 128 page black and white newsprint anthologies of new comics (not reprints) from Marvel and DC for $7.99?

Answers

Stephan Ganschow: No...probably not. I would if it was say...$2.50 though!

Xylon Otterburn: Why yes I would.

John Carroll: From Marvel, Probably not. From DC...Hell's Yeah!

Aris: I would definitely pick it up. Then again I'm a comic book Mikey...I'll buy anything.

Hank Cannon: Hell Yes I would buy it!

Marc Deering: Yep:

Russell Hillman: Depends how interested I am in the content. I'd give it a go, definitely.

Todd Gross: I think it would depend on the content and creators involved. I really don't see top talent being on a book like this for very long, if at all. If nothing else, it would be a great place to break in new and up-&-coming talent. I don't see it staying for the run though.

Steve Higgins: Yes I would.

I appreciate all the folks on Facebook that responded, next week we will run an Olivia Munn question...just kidding...maybe not...nom nom nom...

Hulk of Earth-616! Strongest Post There Is Edition!

Xylon: So hey guys, welcome to another discussion about Comics and why we keep coming back. This time Aris and I are talking about one of the greatest Comic Characters of all times, and it's because he isn't a hero or a villain, he has been both and never truly takes either role, his power is his only downfall. As you all know there is a book called hulk nowadays, it's not what it used to be or could be. Hulk is a book I haven't been able to get into lately but is definitely one of my favorite characters? What do you find intriguing about Banner?

Aris: To get it out of the way...the best Hulk is the "Hulk Smash!". Everything else is just waiting until the smashing can begin. I love Hulk. He's always been a fave of mine.

Banner to me is most interesting as the drifter. Trying to escape his inescapable rage. It not only destroys buildings but his relationships.

Xylon: His relationships always end up sucking bad. What other hulk's do you like. Smart Hulk is okay. But I love Maestro a lot. And Red Hulk is one of the worst things that's ever happened to the funny books. Period.

Aris: I really prefer the savage Hulk. I like the idea of Banner trying to hide away finding villainy or people in need and raging out to save everyone yet still being perceived as a monster and hunted. I love it too when he is forced into conflict with others when he simply wants to be left alone.

The Red Hulk is fine. Loeb is telling his story in one book. I don't mind. Loebs style isn't for everyone. I agree in this case its kinda dumb and waaaaay to long.

I think you have to kind of isolate it from the Marvel U. And its certainly better then vampire crap in the X-men.



Xylon: Agreed, My only savage hulk story was a nick fury story I wanted to tell. I wanted a story where Nick Fury created a controlled stimulant which kept Banner from Hulking out. And in return he employs Banner as a scientist who goes and fixes problems for S.H.I.E.L.D. The truth is, Fury would create these small problems for banner to fix, near Hydra and other bad guy bases. He would trade banners stimulant with a placebo before the trip and Banner would end up destroying Fury's targets all under the guise of a happy accident. IT was a rough concept but i could turn it into a really great six issue story. But that's what I really like about the character. He is never a hero, always a monster. and yet sometimes he does good things. I like that. How do you like Mr. Fixit?

Aris: I like it. Would bw great for a Secret Warriors arc.

I like MR. Fix It. You can do great stuff with that personality. Peter DAvid did some great work with him.

My favorite hulk apoearances are Marvel Fanfare #47, fantastc four #25 and 26, avengers#3, Hulk #251, 254, 258, 300, 316, the whole David/keown run. He's agreat character.



Xylon: Haha yes he is, now i feel like this is the only character, where we can talk about his incredibly different versions. Fixit is a great character, but at the same time is basically Ben Grimm. So we don't like Red Hulk all that much but we like Mr. Fixit. One of my all time favorite Hulk Stories is Future Imperfect and that story with Maestro that came after it. What is your opinion on that story in particular?

Aris: I don't agree. Ben is not mean spirited or self indulgent which Fixit is in spades. Ben is your grumpy good heated uncle.

I loved future imperfect too. My fave hulk story is the Byrne run. Hulk is just a wild destructive machine and the Marvel U needs to figure out how to stop him..or the David/Keown Dark Matter arc. Which got the Original Defenders together to take on a demon from outside the Universe.

I would love to write the Hulk.



Xylon: As would I. I feel like FI was the first story where we saw a future where the good guys lost,very much a precursor to Old Man Logan, it also solidified in my mind, that this guy is a problem if he wants to be. Hulk stories always make me think of the fact that he is the poster boy for a life ruined by powers, Spidey got a good deal, cap got a good deal, Banner got screwed. What is your Hulk story?

Aris: Ruined. Yeah. But he should be on that journey to control the monster within. Is tragic, because he can't. He can't deny what he is. An emotional wreck at some level. Broken

You can play with that. Even the multiple Hulks based on personality. Including an evil Hulk. The savage hulk should should be the saviour. That's the paradox or irony. As monstrous as Hulk is mankind owes him the ultimate debt.

If I wrote Hulk I would spend a few years taking the savage one and Banner on the run and into conflct with the world around him. Get the Hulk Busters back in action and re-establish some villains.

I would definately throw a horror element in since Hulk has the ability to see ghosts and ethereally.

And id do the obligatory Hulk/Thing fight, have him Kick Thor's ass and probably hang out with some bizarre Marvel characters.

Xylon: Hulk vs. Thanos would be incredible. So if Hulk is strongest one there is, whoi can actually go toe to toe with him?


Aris: Only Thor and Hercules. Juggy. And possibly win. Any one else would be a stretch in my mind...ok...and Gilgamesh.
After that your not in the same league. Hulk is just that strong. Guys Like Abomination or Ironclad or Namor can fight him for awhile but Hulk quickly escalates in raw power and savagery beyond their ability to handle.

Thanos and cosmic characters are another matter.

Xylon: I think Thanos and Ikaris could do well, maybe. And then there is one of my favorite characters, who when written the way Morrison intended is pretty much unbeatable. Marvel Boy is triple jointed and has explosive nails, a healing factor, kree technology and can white run. Hulk would have problems with all that.

Aris: I don't know. Hulk is Hulk. That singular statement of fact is all you need to know about how impossible it is to defeat him.

Bur of course brute strength isn't everything. But that's not all Hulk is. He ia generally Hulking out for the right reason. That's important in writing him.

Ikaris could hurt Hulk, but as a rule doesn't have access to enough raw power to defeat Hulk. Unless your a Herald or Thanos it will be an effort in futility to fight Hulk. You would need to defeat him another way.



Xylon: That's why it's funny that banner is smart enough to do anything but stop himself.

Aris:Yes. Maybe subconsciously he enjoys the naked rage and raw power. Fun stuff to play with.

I have really enjoyed the work Pak and Van Lente are doing with Hercules. But since Loeb is off doing 80's era comics with all sorts of Hulks. Marvel needs to get a proper Hulk book out.

He is missed...

Xylon: I think you know all about Maestro in Avengers right? I just want him to walk up to red hulk and kill him right there just kill him. The LMD stuff is ridiculous. I can't read Loeb that guy just phones it in. What do you think of the two new She-hulks, Betty as red is an okay idea, and i like the daughter. But in my honest opinion i wish they would have went with Cho's original red she hulk design because it was sleek and bad-ass. I hate the tattered jacket as well.



Aris: Well its silly in the way many comics cliches are silly, especially in this case where Loeb is pushing the limits of comic rationality.

I don't like any of it actually. But let Loeb write his story. Ill wait until Hulk is reintroduced to the Marvel Universe properly.

A-Bomb really pisses me off...as does the Thundra reject.Still I did really like Loebs Defenders /Offenders arc. It was very classic and perfectly captured the spirit of the "taken out if time to battle your greatest enemies to save the universe" cliche. I loved it.

This long drawn out Rulk stuff. I hate.

Xylon: I want Slott and Pham on Hulk. It would be great. A-Bomb does something terrible to one of the most important characters in the marvel u. ever. I hate Loeb, and I want a good defenders story, but I mean The order was close. And speaking of Pham, what do you make of the upcoming Chaos War. Who is Hiro-Kala?

Aris: What? Don't tell me your still sore Rulk gave Uatu a black eye?

Lol.



Hiro-kala is Hulk's "other" son from the Planet Hulk story. Kinda like an angry Air-bender. Planet Hulk is overrated as far as I am concerned...many people liked it. But it didn't resonate for me. I liked the idea of the Illuminati sending Hulk ibto space. But it was executed poorly.

I loved WWH though. Although om not sure I liked th event as much as the issues of the Incredible Hulk. Which were written very well.

As for Chaos War. I'm really excited about it. Sounds like an amazing story. I read the CBR interview with Pak/Van Lente. It really could be amazing.

Xylon: I am very sore about that actually. I loved Planet Hulk and I know who Hiro is but why? why does this kid exist, what significance is he gonna hold over Hulk in the coming years, and why doesn't he "hulk" out? Pham's art is gonna be amazing on this, I hope this kills Rulk. :)

Aris: I hope they Kill Hiro. Seems about as silly as Red Hulk to me. Planet Hulk should have a definitive end which should have been WWH.

The significance will ultimately be a contrived one because there is no emotional connection to the character. Which is the opposite of Amadeus Cho who has grown becauase of investment by a creative team, readers and time.

Pham as grown leaps and bounds since Mighty Avengers. The preview art for Chaos War looks amazing.

have you seen the Hulk vs animated movies? I highly recommend everybody download or rent them!

Xylon: WWH was silly too, because those guys shouldn't be able to be in the same room anymore. T-Bolt ross can die. Hiro could die. I like Skaar. A-Bomb will be forgotten or i will cry. :( The only good thing that came from WWH was Incredible Herc. And of course Amadeus! I am a huge fan of Amadeus Cho, like i would write a mini with him any day. Th hulk vs movies were good, not tooo keen on the animation but still, they were well written.

I want Hulk to be on an Avengers team.

Aris: I think they were fun. As done in one stories they were really good.

Cho is awesome. I'm not a big fan of the Prince of Power angle...but it sure is fun to read.

It will be fun to see him and Hulk meet now.

No comments on Hulk's sexy cousin She-hulk?

Xylon: Where do we start with Jen, I mean she will one day hold her own full post from us I'm sure, but oh my god, she is amazing and everything a female superhero should be, she is smart funnn6y, strong and Independent. At the same time I wish she were more on the front lines, she isn't on a team, she should be doing things. she doesn't even have her own book. I think they were fun. As done in one stories they were really good.

Aris: Lol. Before I turn this into a fanfic porn essay, we can end on that note.
:)
Xylon: All righty then everybody, that was productive conversation about the jolly green giant right up until the very end. ;) Follow, Share and Tweet us. Catch you with the next post! Cheers!

Wonder Woman of New Earth-Capitalizing On Controversy Edition!

Xylon: So you have probably heard about if you are on the internet or you like comics in anyway shape or form. The greatest female superhero of all time, Wonder Woman got the shaft from DC Comics. And for more on this we'll start it with Aris.

Aris: All joking aside this one almost broke the internet in half for real. I don't know how DC managed to keep this under wraps. But with the release of Wonder Woman #600 this week. There was no way to keep fandom from going into over drive.
And to tell the truth this Fanboy was surprised as well. Seeing the costume first I went wild. I mean not only was it completely unexpected as is the direction of the book, but it's really bad. Like the worst of the 90's with some 80's Mtv Pat Benetar thrown in ("We are young!").

So seeing this as you now have!!! And it cannot be unseen!!! You can understand why this whole thing is setting fandom on fire. right? Or am I missing something Xylon?

Xylon: I think this is worth setting it ablaze. I mean aren't we just seeing a marketing ploy here? People will buy it to say "Oh hey I checked it out" where as if nothing changed then everyone would just say oh hey what's Wonder woman doing nowadays? The question is, will we get a real Wonder Woman story out of this? Will we see the quality of work this character deserves?

Aris: I think JMS response is more then a rationalization as far as the story is concerned. All the complaints and crits on the costume are justified, its just bad.

I think JMS can pull off setting Diana on a odyssey of discovery and keep the core of the character in place. The only problem is that this is a serious power down grade for her. So that takes a lot out of her mythicness (I made that word up!) and makes her more..normal?is that the right term. She no longer looks like a part of DC's Trinity. I mean she looks like a Teen Titans reject and not the good ones either. I guess what I am saying JMS is a good enough writer, but even with that he has an up hill battle. I mean at least she isn't wearing a go-go outfit and doing Judo. She is still Amazonian and has that pedigree. Now it is up to JMS to sell it.

Xylon: I don't know about that, JMS is not the guy I trust for this book. so I move on to the question, how did you find Diana?

Aris: Early on in the 70's I was a kid and she was in Superfriends. I loved her then. Especially the perfect hair. I even had her colorfolrms set. Yeah Xylon. Colorforms. This is the world before the ipad.
I didn't read her comic. But I loved her in the JLA. She was an essential part of the team. I didn't give her her due until the Perez relaunch post-Crisis on Infinite Earths. Cementing her in mythology added a tremendous amount to the character. And the serious warrior edge as well. It redefined the character without corrupting the essence. Heck Perez even gave us a reason for her "armor".
Brilliant stuff. I recommend it to every one. Perez's run showed you how epic Diana can be. And at the same time an essential equal partner in the DC trinity.
But yeah it was Superfriends. Gotta love them Superfriends.

Xylon: Hahahha that's epic. I forgot you are sooo old. JK. Superfriends reruns made my childhood! So yeah I think my fave WonderWoman Story is The Hiketia what did you think of that story?

Aris: Oh man that was great. I just recommend it to my good friend Pete...the Company Man creator, go buy it on Itunes!!!. I don't want to diminish the works of other creators on the character. But I really don't have much connection to the pre-crisis character outside the JLA. Since. I loved Rucka's work on the character and Jimenez. And some of what Gail Simone did.

I don't think since Perez she has lived up to her potential. What Perez had was a spark.

Xylon, do you like the character? Are you going to pick up the JMS run or are you holding out for the Morrison launch or Adam Hughes All-star version?

Xylon: I love anything Grant Morrison and i love Adam Hughes, so they are on my list but JMS simply is not pulling me in with this. I read 600 and it just didn't deliver. I love Wonder Woman I love her. And admittedly I have purchased more WonderWoman merch than any other character. Because my mother is a HUGE WW fan, every b-day, Christmas and, Mother's day i get her something WW. She has a shrine to Diana and I paid for it most of it. But I do love the character I feel like there are better developed female characters who are way less deserving. So let's get onto the point of her look, is it misogynist in your opinion to want the old look back?

Aris: No. No way. These are superheroes. They wear bathing suits and capes.

The whole objectification argument has always been false.

Her character is the definition of girl power.

the issue is is the new costume good? No its not

And

Is it representative of Wonder Woman's character? No it is not.

I maintain she is a mythic demigod. Not a common street fighter.

Xylon: Agreed, she is not a character on GreekStreet she is a Heroine. What does her costume need? I feel like the best representation of Wondy ever was the one in Miller's DKSA where she actually looked of Mediterranean descent.

Aris:Her costume didn't and doesn't need alteration. I'm sure good designers could tweak it fine. I mean the people at Project Rooftop some nice designs. But it doesn't need it. I wouldn't touch it.

In comics more often then not it depends on the artist...not everyone can do different ethnicities. I mean look at Storm and Vixen. Mostly drawn like white girls with brown skin. So if they can do hellenic features and wavey hair it would be a plus.

I think the main problem with Wonder Woman is she often doesn't seem essential to the DCU. Except we are reminded she is. But it doesn't feel that way. DC needs to fix that.

Xylon: I feel like it is undermining female characters by saying "oh hey she is equal to Superman and Batman but i mean we can retcon her and change her costume" one would be crucified for this drastic of a change to Bats or Supes why is ok with Wondy? because she is lesser as far as the company is concerned and that's a sad thing.

Aris: I think although she shares a place in the Trinity and pop culture. She obviously doesn't share in comic Sales. That's an important distinction.

So the motivator is to get people talking and interested in Wonder Woman. People are certainly doing that.

JMS' job is to some how make it not end up a cheap gimmick. And to be honest...the first part in issue #600 wasn't bad. I'm not sold yet. But it was good enough for me to give it a shot.

Xylon: I would rather have good stories that make me think i want her to have a thing, like is their anything that Wondy does that no one else does?

Aris: Yes. She is supposed to bring peace to the world. Thats huge. She is the divine love of mankind personified. She is also the mythic champion.
She needs to be the first response to anything mythic or divine. And if she can't handle it get the resources to do the job.
I can't wait for a Morrison Wonder Woman book.

What do you see her role as?

Xylon: I see her role as the Liason between earth and the gods, she alone speaks for humanity. Same way supes protects against aliens and huge scale crazy and bats guards us against the crazies on the street. I think there could be more magic incorporated into her stories you? Morrison is incredible, nuff said.

Aris: Yeah. I like that. And make Captain Marvel and Aquaman reoccurring characters and of course my personal fave the Olympian.

I'm sure JMS' Odyssey has a purpose...DC seems to have blessed it and Dan DiDio seems to be all in too. So I'm in for the ride.

The cosmetic stuff...the Jim Lee design. All due respect DC deserves the lumps their taking.

Xylon: Absolutely! I think we can move onto another important point, should people care about Donna Troy?

Aris: I would argue more comic readers do care about Donna Troy. My entire generation was brought up on the Wolfman/Perez Teen Titans. So she may have more cache with fans, but obviously not as powerful cultural identity.
Donna will remain part of the DCU. I just wish she would get some sort of version of her old costume back. I like Cassie too. Like the Bat and Supes family there is a lot of room for characters.
Not so much Wonder Pets.

Xylon: LOL. I feel like there is an interesting prospect that hasn't really been touched on, and that is that their are girls in bats and supes family but no boys in Wondy's so i feel as though if their is to be anymore characters in her family introduced perhaps her son from the future or something would be pretty kuul.

Aris: That would be something fun to explore actually. Never thought of that....although Simone did introduce Achilles. He can be considered DC's Wonder....man.

Xylon: NO. But the thing is that if Diana is the connection between The amazons, and man, then there should be a connection between the two, a child that is both a man and an amazon. He could be Wonderlad, I think it would be kuul to see that because it would show humans having an investment in Amazons and vice versa.

Aris: Well Simone did that sorta. Zeus essentially brought the Myrmidons(sp?) to accomplish what the Amazons could not. And After revealing Ares, the groups now live together. And Achilles has a role among mankind as an emissary of sorts.



Its not as cool as Wonderlad (although they have that too in the Titans from last year). I would love to see some one like Chris Batista or Pete Woods do an LoSH spin on Wonderlad even if was just for fun.

Xylon: Chris Batista could so do this(one of my fave LoSH artists ever. What would be your Wonder woman resolve in Comics?

Aris: ? Resolve?

Xylon: What would make this comic good and keep people coming back?

Aris: Oh. Brain fart. I think you need to make her connection to the mythical essential to the DCU. She is that connection and protects mankind from the whims of the Gods as well as from ancient evil.

I am certain it would start with the release of Ancient unfathomable gods, reality besieged and humanity unable to with stand the physical and metaphysical onslaught. Faith and Divine Mythic power is all you have left to fight. The pantheons unite chosing champions led by Diana and they save the DCU. Cementing that as her job. And in a way letting people know that the Divinities and mythic forces are not all malevolent.

It would involve the Big Red Cheese, the Olympian, Achilles, Aquaman and some others. That's my fanboy dream.

Xylon: I always wanted to tell a story where her and Jakita Wagner had an adventure together, I'm just sayin' is all. But yeah the Idea of ancient gods would be good coz it throws what she does into urgency and she could be on the frontline

Aris: Well she's on the frontline of comic book internet message boards and blogs that's for sure...and it looks like Fox News is linking the DCU to the vast Liberal conspiracy now too.

Xylon: Well the honest truth is that this unacceptable. You can't do this to her, and it objectifies women to even say "oh hey it's not like anybody cares we are changing her drastically" and the worst is that this an an attempt and being modern, the nineties were long ago, modern would be something completely different indeed, and why not just give her a mythological costume rather than a nineties one. She isn't black canary so why this? why now? And how long until I can just get Morrison to save this character for me? haha.

Aris: I have more faith in JMS then most it seems. But I can't wait for a Morrison Wonder Woman book. That will/would be awesome!

Xylon: Haha what will that be like, I mean All-star was incredible, will we see Wondy in the multiverse coz that would be incredible.

Aris: Well you don't have long to wait for some good Multiverse stuff. I think Morrison's Multiversity will be out by the end of the year, or early into the 2011.

Xylon : Alright everybody, this has been another great post, and I hope you guys are talking about this all over. Thanks Aris for another great discussion, and thanks for reading. I want you to comment and tell us how you found Diana. So long and thanks for all the fish!

Ask a Question, Get an Answer Week #1

Weekly feature where me and Xylon ask a question and we look to fandom and pros for answers. Stay tuned, every now and then you may see a familiar name.

Question of the week: In what order do you read your comics? Favorites first or last?

Answers

Damion Hendricks: First. Honestly, sometimes I don't even get to the mediocre one.

Lonny Chant: Always. Favorites first.

Aris: I go the other way and let the suspense build. I was going notes when Siege and Blackest Night were out.

Hank Cannon: Favorites last. I tend to want to end on a high note.

John Layman: I read Walking Dead first.

Dion Bickman: I only buy stuff I like. Then I read them in alphabetical order...I have a taste of the good old OCD. LOL.

Brandon Thomas: Always save the best books for last. Don't read books by the same creator back to back. Alternate between solo and team books. But that's just me...

Steve Higgins: Alphabetical

Russell Hillman: I put the best ones at either end of the stack and B-list ones in the middle. I try to avoid reading ones by the same author or starring the same characters back to back.

Stephen Ganschow: I take it week by week. It partly depends on what I bring home. For example-I intentionally wait to buy Amazing Spider-man until there is an entire arc in head - as to lessen the blow of how horrid it is. Even then, I get the arc and wait another month before I read it...as I have to prepare myself for the let down of Brand New Day, thanks to the Epic Fail that is one more day.

Chris Batista: Favorites last.

Graham Scherl: I used to set up my entire stack from "meh" to perceived "must read", and it's only recently so I can get spoilers and reviews up for those must read books immediately.

Chet Presley: Best for last. Always makes them that much more worthwhile.

Will Eco: Normally it's "save the best for last". It depends on the story arc. For stuff that I buy for eyecandy artwork and could care less about story, I get out of the way early as well. :p

Pete Hernandez: Favorites last.

Thanks to all my friends and pros on Facebook who take the time to answer these questions.

Canada Day! Aw yeah Alpha Flight of Earth-616

Xylon: Welcome back everyone for the second post of our fantastic wonderful spendiferous Blog me and Aris run here. Well if you didn't know It is now Midnight Which makes it officially July 1st which means it's CANADA DAY, so yeah we thought it would be a great idea, to cover everybody's favorite Candian Superteam! ALPHA FLIGHT!!!! (Twilight zone-y sound effect where you here ight ight ight here) So staring of this discussion I'll give Aris the question, where did you first find these characters and what is it that makes them interesting?

Aris: Are they obscure? Lol. Maybe I am old. They were the shizzle when I was younger. Byrne/Claremont introduced them in the X-men and launched them into a great series. These were Byrne's babies. I hate to admit I loved them. And for a while they were a great, somewhat offbeat part of the Marvel U, but early in the 90's they fell apart.

At some point they created some really stupid characters. Some guy with shovel hands and then redesigns for Sasquatch that I can't believe got past smart creative folks in Marvel Editorial.

Then the brief relaunch as part of the Civil War borne Marvel Comics Presents. Vastly inferior to Bryne's vision and uninspired.

You got me ranting. But I loved the original concept and execution and they even had a great two parter during the whole X-men-New Mutants/Asgard Saga. It was wonderful. Drawn by a fave of mine Paul Smith.

The first 24 issues of Byrne's series are legendary. I haven't read them in some time. But full of great drama and action.

Xylon:I don't know i love Byrne's run, but Omega Flight was good Oeming really did something there. It was definitely better than the reboot just three four year's before that. what wasn't good about Omega Flight to you?



Aris: It just felt like it was forced. Byrne was inspired. And also was pretty much at the height of his craft. Nothing about Anything after had that upmh. And the characters themselves were either nor written well. Or. Forced into storylines and to interact with characters in a contrived way.
You can say it's all contrived. Maybe. But it should be written in a way that seems organic. And then the art. Well. Not really the best. As I remember it the coloring was particularly wrong.

Xylon: Haha I liked that book actually. The only thing i really hated was that there seemed to be not enough original alpha flight stories for there to be a changing of the guard. Don't know why they got killed, the characters were just fodder which is sad. Do you think these guys don't get real story because the majority of the market is American?

Aris: No. Not at all. One day we can talk about the sesnibilities of the fanboy. But in general we all just want goo stories with good art. Alpha Flight is kinda like Doom Patrol or Outsiders. You need to create a niche. Bryne did that. You had the Super-hero soap opera of the X-men, off-beat mythology, and weirdness.

I mean think of the original team Aurora, Northstar, Shaman, Sasquatch (I still can't get over that ridiculous redesign), Vindicator, and Snowbird. That was a curious bunch of characters. Throw in Box, Marina, Puck and others and you have a really interesting, diverse, crazy group.

There are definite possibilities. Come to think of it. The guys doing Thrunderbolts now. Parker and Walker could nail Alpha Flight.

Xylon: I think that too, but that's because Jeff Parker is amazing with obscure characters. At the same time I feel like Alpha flight is really intriguing idea especially if they broke from there status as a govt. entity and became free agents. What is your dream team, if Parker was to do this?

Aris: What other team is there? Vindicator, Shaman (Talisman(She takes her dads place-but he's still around)), Northstar and Aurora, Puck, Box (Jeffries), Snowbird, Marina and Sasquatch. And you can work from there.
You have to have a Beta and Gamma Flight and start some huge Mythical Meta arc, while building up the villains and craziness. I don't mind them involved or subsidized by the Government.
I would love to see it drawn by Walker...or Wes Craig. The thing is you can get them involved in the Marvel U, but give them their own voice. Like the X-men or Defenders maybe but different. With me "eh".

Xylon: I don't know i think it would almost be fun to see some people leading the other teams, and have a story where The original shaman gets attacked by a council of dark sorcerers and stuff, there fore bringing an urgency to the story and a reason for them to all be there. I also had a great idea for Beta flight. It would be lead by Batroc's illegitimate French-Canadian son. Haha you know that is comic gold. I would like to see them be more like Canada's Avengers rather Than Canada's super-team i need the best of the best there to be interested. Can you see an ongoing holding water in the industry?

Aris: I am not sure most books can carry an ongoing. I mean sales go south real quick. But that's for another discussion.
Sure. Why not? Follow the Simone/Scott model from Secret Six. Build over time and keep it interesting. I would give it a shot.

LOL. I like the idea about Batroc. Although..he needs his own mini. Want to read my treatment and script to issue one?

Xylon: Yes please because i very much hold his son dear to my heart. :)

Aris: Oh I will.

If you never read the Alpha Flight/X-men Asgardian Saga two parter I highly recommend it. And that goes to every one else to!!!

Xylon: I did read that. I like Asqard stories honestly. Here's a question, how do you feel about Michael Pointer as the Guardian?

Aris: Nope. Don't like that at all. I think there should have been a major storyline with him. It was anti-climatic. It has to be some one essential and related to the other characters. The team family thing.

i don't think you really have to go to the original characters. Just the idea and move from there. Show reverence to what came before, jettison the crap..like the wedge handed dope an...and write good stories. Give it a chance to build and resonate over time.

I think a lot of books start coming out of an event with promise...and then sales peter to around 20k and get bounced. I understand that's the industry now. But with a little investment you go a long way with fans.

Xylon: My greatest story with Alpha Flight would be one of creating a brave new world with alpha flight as the trailblazers. My team would be Batroc II, Hellcat, Shaman(Talisman), Vindicator, Puck( wolverine's illegitimate son from the savage land) and Sasquatch.If I were to have them affiliated with the Canadian govt. then i would make their whole job to run defense of the country. And if they are govt. funded they should have the best tech. The first story could be the resurrection of Marina, i love her.

Aris: And it could be an excuse to have Namor around for a while too!!! good stuff.

I am certain since you brought them up. Alpha Flight will be showing up any moment now...3..2..1..

Xylon: Hahah well any other things you think should be covered, guy?

Aris: I think you have to do the Mythic gods of the Tundra at least once. Maybe show what they did during the God War thing during Secret Invasion and how that changed them. Maybe that's the whole reason they get together to heal those gods who went crazy and are intent on covering the world in white. Then they have a throw down with thh Avengers. Stark needs Jeffries. But he doesn't like that Capitalist s#$^bag. And they have a big fight. And Doom ends up getting away with a weapon or toy of some sort. Wolverine comes to town to see the sights and uncovers some crazy scheme by the some ex-Weapon X guys. I could go on and on. Just have fun. Give them their own voice but cement them in the marvel U.

Xylon: Alright Guys, thanks for reading again. Please Follow Us Tweet Us. Show some love, eh? Due to some Huge Controversy over Wonder Woman's new costume as well as her new retcon(which is **** btws) we will being doing a large discussion on Comics Greatest Woman Join us soon for our next post, this has been, Two Guys Venting On Infinite Earths!

Aris: Take care of your selves , eh?

Talking about Superman....

Xylon: Welcome everyone, men women children, hyper intelligent shades of the color blue. This is The newest thing i'm doing, and it's just two geeks, Me and Aris, having discussions over what exactly it is that makes this industry what it is. And even more importantly, what makes it good. So we might not have the formula down pat for the first couple of posts but here we go this is Two Guys Venting On Infinite Earths!!!!!!!!!! (Twilight Zone sound effect here). Here it goes, we are starting this blog at the same place superhero comic books did, with Superman! Okay so I was figuring that we could just start with a back and forth discussion and see what works and what doesn't. No rules but I'll start with a question. What is it that really makes Superman Superman to you? What sets him apart from the other heroes?

Aris: I think Morrison nailed the point home in Beyond. Supes is the proto-hero. The linchpin of the DCU. That being said he is also the standard barer. So all others look to him as the example. How does that play out in the actual comics?
Not by making him the flawless paladin. But by making everything he does super by default. The threats have to be bigger, stakes higher, villains villainee-er. But he should retain that sense that he is boy from the American heartland who knows he has space born power that he uses to protect the world(s).

Which is why he needs grounded right now. He has been through a physical and spiritual rollercoaster.He needs to reconnect with mankind again. And renew his purpose and resolve.I think JMS doesn't need to look to the Morrison All-Star model (which I love by the way) but the classic Superman model of truth, justice and the American way. Pure Capes action

Xylon: I believe in all honesty that All Star is not only the best Superman comic ever written but probably the best comic ever written. The idea I think that most writer's don't utilize enough is the one that truly unique. Yeah Superman is really powerful but it's the fact that if he weren't human per se he wouldn't have his power the same thing that makes him superman is what makes him human, it's the earth. If he hadn't grown up there he would have a different culture code of ethics and sense of self. It is his ability to believe in human ingenuity hat is his true power, his ability to be what he knows the world needs. He unlike most alien hero4es, grew up here, he knows nothing else, he knows nothing of Krypton it's not like you miss a world you don't know. He is a human, through and through and time and time again I'd rather see him do that, just be human. I do not think that a walk across America will give him a proper world view nor give him humanity. He is human, he doesn't have to try, he's never been anything else. This is what sets him apart. On another note, what do you think of other Kryptonians being around? The Superman family and such. Most people have mixed feelings, that it's either a great idea, or that it makes him less special.Your take?

Aris: Actually he has been longing for something else. Some connection to his people. And that was the heart of what the last year of Super titles was about. And he learned, as JMS noted that some times want you want isn't what you need. So now we may find that after that let down. He needs to get his head together.
I think Morrison's All-star book was great. GREAT. But you can't have that in a capes super-hero adventure universe. Which was why it works pefectly in a vacume. What I believe is core to Superman is what he is to us and by his comic book world. The greatest of all heroes. He really hasn't been that for a while. He has essentially be another guy amoung hundreds of other DC characters with simliar scale and power with a blue body suit and red cape.
He should be more then that. Joe Kelly and Mahnke did a great story in issue 675? was that it? Where he faced off against a group like the Authority. Gave you a great sense of who and what Superman is.
Just to add.
I do believe JMS wants to re-establish that Supes is the first among equals. Which is the point of Grounded and reconnecting the wonder and sense of awe supes has lacked for a while.

Xylon:I feel like these are important things, but in the end krypton is a far off idea and if it wasn't for the recent story line he wouldn't long for it. I like a scientific genius who shows all of the qualities that Superman is supposed to. I like the idea of science hero Superman. What do you think of the superfamily?

Aris:Even sci-fi is just a different set of sensibilities being applied to a character who was really born of the power fantasies of ethnic kids from the tenements of the big city in the depression era.

The Superman Family. I love it. Bring back the Super pets!!! Seriously I think Superboy and Supergirl can carry their own title, and teh current incarnations are rich characters that add to the Superman mythos. I love the idea that Conner is a conflicted kid trying to find his own way with the weight of what he is constantly a part of him. he has a lot to live up to. I like Gates Supergirl too

Xylon:I think A super pets mini could hold water, probably not an ongoing but in truth those guys have a lot of stories. As far as Connor goes i think it's really funny because he is half human half kryptonian and yet his two fathers are opposite types of people than their species usually entails. Supergirl is nice, i wish she did more with who she is. If you could write a superman story, what do you think we haven't seen done well or enough? what would you do with the character?

Aris: Me? I would go back to basics I guess. no high cpnce[t stuff,but something i think is essential. single issue stories loosely held together by the meta idea that no one else but Superman could stop these menaces. And They would be huge menaces or villains executing mega plots. All ecomposing in scope.
And the key would be to show that Supes is honorable, smart AND powerful. Not just Powerful.
I would do a Composite Superman story. Ultra the multi-alien, Luthor, Bizarro, Kalibak, Black Adam, magic, JLA.
Lol. I have a story I always wanted to do. But Johns kinda did it with Conner. But i think I could still swing it. clone story. And of course one with the big cheese.
I would have to leave the brain surgery to Morrison and re-invisioning to Johns. But yeah. Mostly big action stories.
you?

Xylon: I would want a lot more cosmic stories, i would have to do atleast one legion story, i always had this idea of picking up on the idea that cosmic boy will one day be the 31st century superman, and i would want to do that story. And i always want some semblance of a him keeping in check his humanity, i want to do a one shot, where when ever he has to calm down and begin being Clark again he drops from a cliff just letting himself feel freefall . I would even like to develop Clark more, if anything he is the one guy who doesn't need to be a completely different person in his secret id. Any thing else you would like to cover?

Aris: I wouldnt touch the Legion. I like the idea that he hung out with them as a teen. Although if I could think of an epic enough story I wouldn't mind. I am a huge Legion fan as well.
I think as aI mention above I would like to do a long run if I had my wish. And really establish the scale of types of things he does issue by issue. And every once and a while add an exclamation point to it by big large scale mega crisises.
I think one group of villains that would be part of a mega0event I want to do with Supes as the lead vis-a-vie the JLA would be the Extremists. Extreme Crisis. lol. And possibly a Supermen story, at least one per year where all the Supermen of dirrerent Earths get together and go on a multiverse adventure of some sort making sure the literary universe the DCU is safe. Lol. As if i could ever channel Morrison. I aint that smart.

Xylon: I think it would be kuul to have story where mon-el is eartj's liason to the future and superman communicates to brainiac 5 through him. But yeah supes and cosmic boy together would be my only real legion story. I think a multiversal story would be great. (i'm so looking forward to Multiversity). that reminds me! Elseworld superman story, brainstorm some cool takes.

Aris: I never liked takes on characters where the big idea of Elseworlds is simply what if he was a Vampire? Or Robot?
I liked Millar's Red Son. So if you are going to do one you need to roll with it. So if Supes is a Nazi you have to have the characters buy in to the iedeology completely. Using that as a starting point. Make him a Nazi without redemption. He wins WWII. And its the modern era now. He is a little older and his children. Conner and Kara. Are buying into Socialism and the works from previous generations and lead a rebellion against dad.

Xylon: Haha very nice. Liberty files was good about that. I would love to do a story where Kal-El lands in England during the eighteen hundreds and is adopted by Nikola Tesla then leading to huge push towards the future between Tesla and Kal's minds and Kal's capabilities it brings all advancement a hundred years ahead of actual history. He lives for a very long time when he ends up going into a futuristic energy war with Lex Luthor very much in the way that Tesla and Edison did.

Aris: That sounds awesome. I would buy that!

Xylon: Alright guys that wraps up our first post. Comment, Follow, Tweet it, and most of all tell us what you think we could do here differently or better, any and all ideas are welcome. And also who or what do you guys think we should cover next week. Cheers everyone!