Eh, I'm not really that excited by my current job anymore, which is why I'm taking steps to relocate to a new city. Just had a great interview last week out in San Francisco, so here's hoping it all works out!
But honestly, dude, I've been where you're at. When you're at that point where you've got nothing in your life to be excited about, it's like you've got a build-up of emotion, which ends up turning into depression because you feel like you've got no outlet for it.
Ultimately, you've got to make a choice to either channel that emotion into something positive (whether it's something personal or professional) or if you're going to let it take over your life. Don't let yourself become apathetic.
You're a good guy, Bandit. And stronger than any bad week, I'd wager.
Anyway, COMICS.
I'm still making my way through Transmetropolitan from when I bought #1-60 in that Comixology sale last week. Also bought some recent issues of Amazing Spider-Man (Ends of the Earth, specifically) to give this week a little more context.
I'm personally at a really good place in my life. I'm about a month out from getting married. I'm in great health (I've really gotten into doing marathons and other types of races over the last year or so). I'm 24 so I feel like I'm hitting the best part of my life so far. I keep pushing myself as an artist and I can see progression. I don't have the job I want, but it leaves me with enough energy to pursue my interests as aggressively as I want to. So in all, I don't have much to complain about.
But it's not like I don't know what it feels like to be directionless or hate where I'm going in life or just feeling like I'm very alone.
I'm guessing you know what you want out of life. What's it gonna take to get you there? What's going to make you happy? Is the city you're in essentially a trap? What's to stop you from leaving? How long have you been unhappy with your life as it is? How long has your life been like this?
I would go on, but maybe I'll ramble, annoy and be useless. But if you'd like to talk, feel free to PM me.
I think one of the main issues with the New 52 is that all of the Robins exist. Dick, Jason, Tim and Damien all had their turn, which in five years just seems hilarious. Is it some sort of internship program?
I think one of the main issues with the New 52 is that all of the Robins exist. Dick, Jason, Tim and Damien all had their turn, which in five years just seems hilarious. Is it some sort of internship program?
i didn't really dig fraction's FF, but i'll give it a shot. something sbout it felt "off" but i like the idea of going on some fun light hearted family adventures that aren't super crazy like hickman.
I think the problem with Fraction's FF so far is the fact that the characters are simple again, or at least were in that issue. Franklin had grown a lot during Hickman's run but he's back to being a little kid, Johnny is back to being a playboy, Ben's getting into fights with those Yancy street guys, and Sue's just the concerned mom. I get that this is supposed to be the jumping on point for people, but the characters just felt flat after all of what Hickman did.
Because I care about Spider-Man. He's a great fucking character, and he's being wasted in his own book. That's what pisses me off more than anything. The fact that he's stuck in this sea of happenstance, stupid plot devices and twists meant to show how unrealistically great at everything he is. I shouldn't hate on Spider-Man. No one should. But Slott has made me a hater, and I hate that fact.
they could if they wanted to. they don't want to. not yet anyway. she'll be re-introduced, just like it took a while for a lot of pre-crisis characters to ger re-introduced back into DCU after COIE.
I think the problem with Fraction's FF so far is the fact that the characters are simple again, or at least were in that issue. Franklin had grown a lot during Hickman's run but he's back to being a little kid, Johnny is back to being a playboy, Ben's getting into fights with those Yancy street guys, and Sue's just the concerned mom. I get that this is supposed to be the jumping on point for people, but the characters just felt flat after all of what Hickman did.
To be fair, this is how EVERY FF run reads, isn't it? How many times has Johnny grown up or Ben made peace with how he looks or Reed learned about the ~meaning of family~ or Sue does whatever Sue does? I think it's really just the nature of those characters.
In the span of 4(?) years, they all had their turn at being Robin. I don't even want to know how it works. Also during this time Bruce impregnates Talia and has a kid.
I stopped trying to figure out the timeline on New 52 when they pussied away from "COMPLETE REBOOT" to the pussified "somethings will stay!" to the even more tame "most things will stay, except somethings will change because we don't know what the fuck we're actually doing. But hey it's comics so who REALLY cares about continuity amirite?!"
It's doubly hilarious because Damian is 10-11 years old and they're still pushing the "Batman has been active for 5 years" thing. They even showed like, five birthdays on panel for the zero issue of B&R.
To be fair, this is how EVERY FF run reads, isn't it? How many times has Johnny grown up or Ben made peace with how he looks or Reed learned about the ~meaning of family~ or Sue does whatever Sue does? I think it's really just the nature of those characters.
I guess, it was just kind of jarring how fast everything got reset to zero. One night everyone had grown as people the next they were the same as always. I guess I just got spoiled by Hickman.
Just read through the "The Black Ring" arc from Action Comics. Man that was great. Can anyone recommend any more great Lex Luthor stories?
As for ASM #698 (since everyone just has to talk about it), it's probably the first time since Spider Island I've been really interested in Slott's run. And even here, while the twist was good, I was pretty meh on the issue as a whole.
It's doubly hilarious because Damian is 10-11 years old and they're still pushing the "Batman has been active for 5 years" thing. They even showed like, five birthdays on panel for the zero issue of B&R.
I guess, it was just kind of jarring how fast everything got reset to zero. One night everyone had grown as people the next they were the same as always. I guess I just got spoiled by Hickman.
I was kinda "eh" on the Hulk. Fun premise, lot of set-up, actually wasn't too hot on Yu's artwork, never have been. Might check out the next one, but hmm...
Daredevil was good this week, Samnee is still a God as always, did well with all the darker material. There's one "reveal" in here that's absolutely BRILLIANT they way it was paced right in front of your eyes. There's one scene in the middle with Kirsten though I was kinda iffy on. The way everybody just blew her off like, "lol, women am I right fellas!?" struck an odd tone, you think Waid could've added a woman to the group to maybe even it out. Eh, only real bum note in a series that keeps on ticking.
UXF...feels like a not-as-good retread of Dark Angel Saga. Hits a lot of the same beats, with not-as-good artwork, and just a couple of odd moments here and there that don't hit home like they should have. I do hope that whatever comes of UXF #35, this story sticks with Wolverine for awhile. Deadpool joke was AWESOME.
Hawkeye, best Marvel book at the minute
WATXM, hey another fun issue, this is starting to become a habit again! Flips the usual dynamic of the X-men locking the kids down to take on the action bits, keeps some subplots boiling, sets-up some interesting ideas that might pay off in the future, AND has Wolverine as a clown. What more could you want? Two things though: 1. that kid with the lost parents sounds like no kid I've ever heard, and 2. there's FOUR INKERS on this 20-page book. Stop with the double shipping, let Bradshaw do his thing man, keep that shit consistent.
Deadpool is dropped. Sorry Tony Moore, your book isn't funny, and a little tired of Deadpool the clown all the time. Remender reminds us that he's an actual human, too.
I'd been lurking in the threads for awhile, my old comics interest was still lingering and I would pick up the odd major book. I had perhaps a handful of trades or graphic novels. But that Laika book really perked my interest, and I just had to go pick it up. I always had a thing for the history and circumstance around that dog's trip to space.
I'd been lurking in the threads for awhile, my old comics interest was still lingering and I would pick up the odd major book. I had perhaps a handful of trades or graphic novels. But that Laika book really perked my interest, and I just had to go pick it up. I always had a thing for the history and circumstance around that dog's trip to space.
Five years later my collection looks like this:
+plus the Complete Calvin & Hobbies and the spiffy Usagi Yojimbo: Special Edition
a) Thanks to krypt0nian for specifically bringing Laika to my attention.
b) Thanks to everyone else for all the recommendations over the years.
I'd been lurking in the threads for awhile, my old comics interest was still lingering and I would pick up the odd major book. I had perhaps a handful of trades or graphic novels. But that Laika book really perked my interest, and I just had to go pick it up. I always had a thing for the history and circumstance around that dog's trip to space.
Five years later my collection looks like this:
+plus the Complete Calvin & Hobbies and the spiffy Usagi Yojimbo: Special Edition
a) Thanks to krypt0nian for specifically bringing Laika to my attention.
b) Thanks to everyone else for all the recommendations over the years.
Don't count, every time shit gets cancelled or cut short, writer goes in interview and says, "Don't worry fans, this was my intended story all along!" even when it contradicts previous interviews and story elements.
Don't count, every time shit gets cancelled or cut short, writer goes in interview and says, "Don't worry fans, this was my intended story all along!" even when it contradicts previous interviews and story elements.
I like Capullo's stuff, but I feel like he doesn't do Robin, Red Robin, Batgirl and the Redhood as well as he does Batman and Nightwing. I guess it's because he does the latter more often though.
Wolverine and the X-Men 21 - Sucked for the most part. Wolverine and Quire were funny, but this Iggy Pop Frankenstein dude looks lame as hell and those bad rich kids are still running around.
Nightwing 14 - OK. A little too much talking between Shiva and Nightwing for a fight, though. Also, it's weird seeing a Nightwing book taking place during the day.
Amazing Spider-Man 698 - Really good. Funny, good character development, and what a twist at the end!
Is this how the "Superior Spider-Man" is not going to be Peter Parker? This is crazy.
Hulk, Thor, Cap and Deadpool had great first issues, hopefully they will be sustained.
I'm iffy on FF based on it's first issue but willing to give it a shot.
I'm enjoying Spidey but I would kill for different artists. Marvel needs to give Rivera and Marcos Martin the monies to draw it full-time. I've liked Slott but Spidey needs fresh writing blood.
Daredevil and Hawkeye continue to be the best coming out of Marvel
Sad to see UXF coming to an end, since its first arc it has been the de facto X-men series for me, with all the other series being trivial, save for a couple Gillen Uncanny issues.
Why oh why does Aaron keep using Kade Kilgore in WATX? it'd be such a better series without him
Man I was so wrong about Iron Man. I thought Gillens writing could carry it but he has been average. And Land is downright disgustingly awful. I don't want to see another picture of Tonys face drawn by him ever again. Marvel has the opposite problem of DC, they let too many artist hang around that aren't good. DC has too many 90s writers. Fuck that was disappointing.
I felt obligated to buy Amazing Spider-Man #698 after partaking in Monday's spoilerific events. Plus, you know, it's in high demand right now.
David Aja may be taking a break but that didn't stop me from enjoying Hawkeye #4 just as much as I usually do. In fact I kind of like Javier Pulido's work here; it's got a pop art vibe that's very fitting. And there were more great Hawkeye moments to be had; for example, I LOVED
"(Roar of blood in head transmutes to smudgy backwards talking in a cup or something I dunno)"
I mean that is just incredible. I know some people are starting to wonder about Kate, but hey -- her name's on the cover too.
It's a testament to the awesome might of Mark Waid's pen that the best part of Indestructible Hulk #1 isn't the action-packed smash-up with the Mad Thinker... it's the low-key diner scene with Maria Hill. A series establishing sequence with first-rate dialogue and just the right amount of tension. This a take on Banner (and the Hulk) that I find really, really interesting, and given Waid's other Marvel offering I can't wait to see what he does with it.
Speaking of, Daredevil #20 continues to be simply the very best this week by delivering a jaw-dropping moment of genuine horror and an out of left field swerve that no one can honestly say they saw coming. I don't want to spoil anything, but you guys definitely know the scenes I'm talking about, and they're set up with page-turning PERFECTION by the stellar Samnee artwork. Incredible.
Rounding out the Waid trifecta, Rocketeer: Cargo of Doom #4 had Cliff battling live dinosaurs rampaging in the streets of Hollywoodland. With an atomic raygun. Need I say anything more? Oh, and Samnee's doing the artwork for this one too, and it's just as amazing here. The only downside? This is the last issue... for now, it would seem; the ending leaves the door wide open for writer and artist to return for a sequel. Please do!
So Uncanny X-Force #34 comes out, and it turns out I was right about the direction Remender was taking this series in. That's a good feeling, but all things aside the Logan/Daken situation left me cold. I get that Wolverine is changed, and I understand why he'd get the warm and fuzzies despite all the unrepentantly evil things his wayward son has done... I get it, but I can't say I sympathize. Still looking forward to the finale, though.
Captain America #1 was definitely what I thought it would be: a fast-paced action story with a lot of serial pulp in its oversized heart. And this book has heart, my friends. From the first pages with that emotion-inducing flashback, to the very last cliffhanger (silly
Zola, of course he didn't murder the baby -- he's Captain America!)
, it's evident on every page. This is going to be a fun book to look forward to every month.
With Avengers #34, Brian Michael Bendis has written 232 issues of Avengers comics. We know this because he tells us so, in a three page (not-yet) farewell to the franchise he's certainly left his mark upon. Love him or hate him, it's worth reading, and there's a sequence of multi-artist splash pages at the end of the book that I thought was interesting too. Overall it's a lovely departure; just the Avengers, reunited with a long-lost friend, doing what they do best.
X-Factor #247... hmm. Not much to say here; it's a consistently good read. You know this. Although, two things come to mind: 1) it's probably just coincidence, but on the surface this issue and the new Deadpool series have a lot in common; and 2) Peter David must have read through Watchmen again. Yowza.
I hate to say it, but Wolverine and the X-Men #21 just didn't grab me. Bradshaw's artwork was exceptional as usual, but the story? I've seen it a bunch of times already; hell, it happened to some of these same X-Men once before, in the Claremont days! Between that, the Frankenstein subplot, and Idie's new attitude (which is REALLY starting to wear thin) I just wasn't feeling it. Maybe things will get better once the kids get more involved.
With Captain Marvel #7, I feel like I'm ready to call it quits. Starting off with a time travel story as the opening arc was a big mistake; still, I hung in there thinking things could improve with the next. But seven issues in it's not happening; and now, we're back to Dexter Soy on artwork and what could have been this issue's saving grace -- some snippy back-and-forth between Carol and Monica Rambeau -- just falls flat with his pencils, and the coloring is so dark and bland, and... done. I'm done.
I decided to give Journey Into Sif #646 a try and was pleasantly surprised, and now I'm hoping enough of you stuck around after Gillen's departure to keep this book alive because I plan on adding it to my pull list. Lady Sif is probably the closest thing Marvel has to Wonder Woman, and it feels like that's the audience they're going for here but there's a great deal of humor and whimsy thrown in to keep the tone from getting too dark just yet. I mean, how's this for an opening page:
With Captain Marvel #7, I feel like I'm ready to call it quits. Starting off with a time travel story as the opening arc was a big mistake; still, I hung in there thinking things could improve with the next. But seven issues in it's not happening; and now, we're back to Dexter Soy on artwork and what could have been this issue's saving grace -- some snippy back-and-forth between Carol and Monica Rambeau -- just falls flat with his pencils, and the coloring is so dark and bland, and... done. I'm done.
Hmm. I didn't care much for Justice League Dark: Vol 1. It's mostly characters teleporting around to create every pairing possible, where they mostly just tell each other they don't like them or don't like working with others. The visions of the future stuff feels exceedingly contrived.
Also, what's the deal with Deadman? He can often but not always touch people, and everyone seems to be able to see him. That doesn't jive at all with the Deadman I know and like. I'm confused about his powers and status quo in the New 52.
