Joe Q. You know my thoughts on him and they aren’t good. I don’t agree with a lot of the things he has done and I doubt I ever will. But more and more I realize his entire way of thinking is a contradiction. I’d say hypocritical, but I truly think he isn’t smart enough to realize it. He comes up with certain rules he wants the writers to follow, yet doesn’t realize that some of them are contradictions to others he makes. Let me explain.
Smoking is not ok
For those that don’t know, Joe Q banned any kind of smoking from appearing in comics, which is why we never see the likes of Wolverine or Nick Fury having a cigar anymore. He says it sets a bad example and can be a bad influence on younger readers. Really? Well, let me list a few things that are WORSE than smoking, but Joe Q finds perfectly alright to be in comics:
-Violence to solve disputes (pretty much every issue of every book)
-Slavery/conquering
-Drinking/alcoholism
-Intercourse/rape
-Racism (the whole mutant thing)
-Murder and genocide (take your pick)
-Incest (Ultimate Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch)
Any one of these are far worse than smoking is, yet are common themes in comics (except the last one). Am I the only one scratching their head on this?
Realism is key
Joe Q stresses realism. Why? Seriously, why? Comics are not about realism. Yes, there has to be a certain amount so that readers can relate, but he wants just about everything to be real. So let me get this straight: you are the editor in chief of a comic book company, which revolves around fiction, science fiction and fantasy, on things that CAN’T POSSIBLY HAPPEN IN THE REAL WORLD, yet he wants things be as real as possible? I mean, Tony Stark uses the most advanced technology on the planet for his Iron Man armor, supplies SHIELD with their weapons and technology, yet they still fly F-15’s? Am I the only person so utterly confused by this?
No more notes for past issues
But retconning things is ok. How can you say that a writer is not allowed to put an * and a note to show a plot line that happened in a past issue, yet instead you allow them to just wipe the story out?
Actually, now that I think of this, it makes perfect sense. Seeing as how the current writer is ignoring what the past writer did, there is no continuity and thus having the note on the past issue wouldn’t make sense. Well, guess you can strike one up for Joe Q there.
Writers and editors personal opinions mean more than the fans
Look at Spiderman with Brand New Day and Iron Man the last few years. Fans have hated the things that have happened, yet what is Marvel’s response to these fan criticisms? “Well, we think it’s good.” I got news for you Joe, the fans buy the comics and pay your salary. They’ll only tolerate your selfishness for so long.
I could probably go into a long drawn out diatribe, but I just wanted to point these few things out. I mean these things just don’t make sense to me. It’s like some twisted form of reverse logic that is anything but. If you can make sense of it, please tell me.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Monday, January 5, 2009
5 Ways to Instantly Improve Comics
When I was younger the only thing that really made a comic good to me was the action, thrill and neatness. I didn’t need a deep story, or some underlying issue or personal relationships. I just wanted something fun. And while I still want those in my comics, I have grown to appreciate the sub plots, relationships and all the other deep things that can be included. However, being older and wiser you also catch on to more things that make the comics a lot worse. And some f these problems are easily fixed, yet are stubbornly clung to.
To this end, I’ve gone and picked what I consider the five most prevalent things about comics that could easily be changed that would makes current comics multitudes better than they are now.
Less Emphasis on Shock Value/Impact
It seems every story now is written to either end in a major shocker or have a long lasting, major impact on the title. And I’m not talking the major events where it is expected, I’m talking regular character or team titles. It’s not that there is anything wrong with shock value or major impact per se, but it’s when it becomes the main intent that it turns into a problem. Honestly, when is the last time an X-Men arc was written that didn’t have some major impact on the future of Mutant kind? I’m not saying take both these elements out of comics, but writers need to lay off because it seems they are more interested in impressing their readers than actually telling them a good story.
Lay off the Dark and Foreboding Stories
Like above, it’s not a bad thing until you start doing it all the time, which is exactly what is happening. I get that “dark” is in, but why does every story have to be that way? During the entire Volume 4 or Volume 5 runs of Iron Man, has there been one story that has portrayed a sense of happiness, or some bright future ahead? Execute Program, Haunted, Five Nightmares, they’ve all had a dark and depressing tone. Comics are becoming like the news: gloom and doom. I mean, give us something to smile and cheer about for once.
Brighter Colors
Just like the stories, the colors have become more muted and darker to help get the mood across. I cannot tell you how much I loved the colors in Iron Man: Legacy of Doom because they were so bright and vibrant, and added a sense of life to the series. That’s rarely seen anymore. Bright and deep colors really give a sense of life to comics, I don't know how that’s become forgotten.
Less Politics
Seriously, people don't buy comics for politics. I don't want to know the writers opinion on serious matter x, nor do I care even if you tell me. Some politics is fine, but when it’s a major chunk of the story (i.e. Civil War) the arc takes a huge nosedive. Honestly, why would the readers care? We don't buy comics for that. In fact, we buy comics to get away from that stuff. And worse, we have to sit by and read a story that’s geared to the writer’s personal feelings, so it’s not even going o be unbiased.
That Thing Called “Continuity”
Taken directly from Webster’s Dictionary:
1 a: uninterrupted connection, succession, or union b: uninterrupted duration or continuation especially without essential change.
Let me highlight the important part for any of you who actually write for Marvel Comics:
1 a: uninterrupted connection, succession, or union b: uninterrupted duration or continuation especially without essential change.
In other words: STOP RETCONNING EVERYTHING!!!
To this end, I’ve gone and picked what I consider the five most prevalent things about comics that could easily be changed that would makes current comics multitudes better than they are now.
Less Emphasis on Shock Value/Impact
It seems every story now is written to either end in a major shocker or have a long lasting, major impact on the title. And I’m not talking the major events where it is expected, I’m talking regular character or team titles. It’s not that there is anything wrong with shock value or major impact per se, but it’s when it becomes the main intent that it turns into a problem. Honestly, when is the last time an X-Men arc was written that didn’t have some major impact on the future of Mutant kind? I’m not saying take both these elements out of comics, but writers need to lay off because it seems they are more interested in impressing their readers than actually telling them a good story.
Lay off the Dark and Foreboding Stories
Like above, it’s not a bad thing until you start doing it all the time, which is exactly what is happening. I get that “dark” is in, but why does every story have to be that way? During the entire Volume 4 or Volume 5 runs of Iron Man, has there been one story that has portrayed a sense of happiness, or some bright future ahead? Execute Program, Haunted, Five Nightmares, they’ve all had a dark and depressing tone. Comics are becoming like the news: gloom and doom. I mean, give us something to smile and cheer about for once.
Brighter Colors
Just like the stories, the colors have become more muted and darker to help get the mood across. I cannot tell you how much I loved the colors in Iron Man: Legacy of Doom because they were so bright and vibrant, and added a sense of life to the series. That’s rarely seen anymore. Bright and deep colors really give a sense of life to comics, I don't know how that’s become forgotten.
Less Politics
Seriously, people don't buy comics for politics. I don't want to know the writers opinion on serious matter x, nor do I care even if you tell me. Some politics is fine, but when it’s a major chunk of the story (i.e. Civil War) the arc takes a huge nosedive. Honestly, why would the readers care? We don't buy comics for that. In fact, we buy comics to get away from that stuff. And worse, we have to sit by and read a story that’s geared to the writer’s personal feelings, so it’s not even going o be unbiased.
That Thing Called “Continuity”
Taken directly from Webster’s Dictionary:
1 a: uninterrupted connection, succession, or union b: uninterrupted duration or continuation especially without essential change.
Let me highlight the important part for any of you who actually write for Marvel Comics:
1 a: uninterrupted connection, succession, or union b: uninterrupted duration or continuation especially without essential change.
In other words: STOP RETCONNING EVERYTHING!!!
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
My Five Holiday Wishes for Iron Man
A bit late, but I figured it was still relevant since we have another day in the holiday season. But like everyone, I have my wishes for things to happen for Iron Man in comics. And while it looks like I'm getting one long time wish of extremis being eliminated, I still have a few others. So here are the five things I wish most for Iron Man (in no particular order):
1) New Armor
I don't hide my dislike for the extremis armor. Its neither streamlined nor complicated, seeming unable to decide which is wants to be. The faceplate makes him look alien, and there is nothing special about this armor at all, aesthetic or technical. Its time for a next generation armor that looks cool and actually performs good to, unlike the extremis.
2) A New Colorist
Another pet peeve of mine. I really disliked the colorist during the Knauf's run on DOS, and I don't care much for the current colorist on the Invincible series. I've seen Larocca's work in the past, and it's much better than this. The current color makes his art look very flat and 2D, and every person seems to have a pudgy face. Just look at the Legacy of Doom series and you can see what a good colorist(s) can do for someones art.
3) Rhodey to Lose the Terminator Crap
Not really Iron Man, but Rhodey is easily the best supporting character in his history, and even he has gotten the shaft. His torso and half his face are all that's left of his organic body, and it's just plain stupid and serves no purpose. So here's to a return of the real Rhodey.
4) Be the Hero Of Dark Reign
Yeah, I know, it's not happening. I'm sure he'll be blamed even more at the end of it. Marvel will somehow make it his fault. Again.
5) Marvel to Treat Iron Man Right
I don't think this is too much to ask. For three major events in a row Iron Man has been blamed, and done so deliberately without even good excuses. He's been written out of character to do it too, adding insult to injury. At my comic book shop the other day I was talking to one of the workers who is a Spiderman fan and doesn't pay attention to Iron Man much. But he even said he's sick of them stretching to blame Iron Man for everything and it's to the point of ridiculous. I'm sorry, but when even a non fan thinks the character is being crapped on this much it's a sad state of affairs.
1) New Armor
I don't hide my dislike for the extremis armor. Its neither streamlined nor complicated, seeming unable to decide which is wants to be. The faceplate makes him look alien, and there is nothing special about this armor at all, aesthetic or technical. Its time for a next generation armor that looks cool and actually performs good to, unlike the extremis.
2) A New Colorist
Another pet peeve of mine. I really disliked the colorist during the Knauf's run on DOS, and I don't care much for the current colorist on the Invincible series. I've seen Larocca's work in the past, and it's much better than this. The current color makes his art look very flat and 2D, and every person seems to have a pudgy face. Just look at the Legacy of Doom series and you can see what a good colorist(s) can do for someones art.
3) Rhodey to Lose the Terminator Crap
Not really Iron Man, but Rhodey is easily the best supporting character in his history, and even he has gotten the shaft. His torso and half his face are all that's left of his organic body, and it's just plain stupid and serves no purpose. So here's to a return of the real Rhodey.
4) Be the Hero Of Dark Reign
Yeah, I know, it's not happening. I'm sure he'll be blamed even more at the end of it. Marvel will somehow make it his fault. Again.
5) Marvel to Treat Iron Man Right
I don't think this is too much to ask. For three major events in a row Iron Man has been blamed, and done so deliberately without even good excuses. He's been written out of character to do it too, adding insult to injury. At my comic book shop the other day I was talking to one of the workers who is a Spiderman fan and doesn't pay attention to Iron Man much. But he even said he's sick of them stretching to blame Iron Man for everything and it's to the point of ridiculous. I'm sorry, but when even a non fan thinks the character is being crapped on this much it's a sad state of affairs.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Happy Holidays!
Sorry, no real upate this week, way to busy with life.
Hope everyone has a happy holiday season though.
Hope everyone has a happy holiday season though.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Extremis is Gone
So if you have missed some recent interviews with Matt Fraction, extremis is gone.
Thank god.
I have detested this since it appeared. Now, thats not to say extremis in itself is bad. Its a good idea especially if used properly. The problem is its so ill-fitted to Stark it becomes a terrible plot device.
One of the main premises to Tony Stark is he's a man. Intelligent, suave, rich. Yes, all of those. But deep down he's human just like you and me. In a way we want to be him, but in a way we would be too afraid to be. And that humanity is what extremis took away, and his quote at the end of Bias Political Commentary (Civil War according to Marvel) of "you know what it took to make me human again? War." shows that.
But now its gone because of the Skrulls infecting Starktech.
Yes, even though Extremis isnt Stark tech, it somehow is linked and is malfunctioning. An upcoming issue is solicited as Stark trying to erase something and it might kill him, the cover showing his head with a bunch of tubes going into it. One would think this is the issue where extremis is finally out of his body as he continues to operate the suit which needs extremis.
The plot device to get rid of it sounds a bit weak, but frankly I'm glad its gone one way or another. I felt this has dragged the character down and ripped out a major element that makes him so unique.
Thank god.
I have detested this since it appeared. Now, thats not to say extremis in itself is bad. Its a good idea especially if used properly. The problem is its so ill-fitted to Stark it becomes a terrible plot device.
One of the main premises to Tony Stark is he's a man. Intelligent, suave, rich. Yes, all of those. But deep down he's human just like you and me. In a way we want to be him, but in a way we would be too afraid to be. And that humanity is what extremis took away, and his quote at the end of Bias Political Commentary (Civil War according to Marvel) of "you know what it took to make me human again? War." shows that.
But now its gone because of the Skrulls infecting Starktech.
Yes, even though Extremis isnt Stark tech, it somehow is linked and is malfunctioning. An upcoming issue is solicited as Stark trying to erase something and it might kill him, the cover showing his head with a bunch of tubes going into it. One would think this is the issue where extremis is finally out of his body as he continues to operate the suit which needs extremis.
The plot device to get rid of it sounds a bit weak, but frankly I'm glad its gone one way or another. I felt this has dragged the character down and ripped out a major element that makes him so unique.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Secret Invasion: Iron Man Gets Screwed. Again.
Sigh. I'm amazed at Marvel. Not that they completely screwed up the ending of Secret Invasion by making it utterly predictable and lame, but once again they screwed over Iron Man.
Thor saying "I abhor what you've become" ??? Are you serious? Like him or not, Stark has always done what he's thought right, and you cant say the same for Thor, who has shown moral lacking on more than one occasion. And Bucky turning his back on him? The guy that let him be Captain America (against Steve Rogers wishes) and looked after him just goes and turns his back on Tony for no reason?
I mean, what the hell is wrong with Marvel? Why do they feel the need to screw over Stark every major event?
Civil war and Cap's death? Stark was the head for pro registration, so his fault.
World War Hulk? It was his idea to shoot Hulk into space (along with the other Illuminati), but only he gets blamed.
Secret Invasion? Despite the Skrulls infiltrating before Stark was even head of Shield, somehow he should have known. Despite that no other hero on the planet knew, Stark should have known. Despite Shield itself was infested with Skrulls keeping their presence a secret, he should have known. Despite all the Illuminati agreeing to preempt the Skrulls, it was just him who did it.
Oh yeah, and of all the Illuminati who knew when Stark brought them the body of Elektra, Stark was THE ONLY ONE WHO TRIED TO DO A DAMN THING ABOUT IT.
But that doesnt matter. It's Stark's fault.
I have to say, I'm really tired of this crap Marvel keeps pulling. What in god's name do they have against Stark that they have made him the punching bag and scapegoat for the last four years? This is so god damned petty and forced it's ridiculous.
Seriously, Marvel needs to grow up and stop shitting on the character, who they purposefully turned into an asshole by not correctly writing him.
Way to go Marvel, you again prove how childish and idiotic you truly are. You cant even bring yourself to crap all over someone else.
Then again, when you have an idiot like Joe Q in charge, does this really surprise anyone?
Thor saying "I abhor what you've become" ??? Are you serious? Like him or not, Stark has always done what he's thought right, and you cant say the same for Thor, who has shown moral lacking on more than one occasion. And Bucky turning his back on him? The guy that let him be Captain America (against Steve Rogers wishes) and looked after him just goes and turns his back on Tony for no reason?
I mean, what the hell is wrong with Marvel? Why do they feel the need to screw over Stark every major event?
Civil war and Cap's death? Stark was the head for pro registration, so his fault.
World War Hulk? It was his idea to shoot Hulk into space (along with the other Illuminati), but only he gets blamed.
Secret Invasion? Despite the Skrulls infiltrating before Stark was even head of Shield, somehow he should have known. Despite that no other hero on the planet knew, Stark should have known. Despite Shield itself was infested with Skrulls keeping their presence a secret, he should have known. Despite all the Illuminati agreeing to preempt the Skrulls, it was just him who did it.
Oh yeah, and of all the Illuminati who knew when Stark brought them the body of Elektra, Stark was THE ONLY ONE WHO TRIED TO DO A DAMN THING ABOUT IT.
But that doesnt matter. It's Stark's fault.
I have to say, I'm really tired of this crap Marvel keeps pulling. What in god's name do they have against Stark that they have made him the punching bag and scapegoat for the last four years? This is so god damned petty and forced it's ridiculous.
Seriously, Marvel needs to grow up and stop shitting on the character, who they purposefully turned into an asshole by not correctly writing him.
Way to go Marvel, you again prove how childish and idiotic you truly are. You cant even bring yourself to crap all over someone else.
Then again, when you have an idiot like Joe Q in charge, does this really surprise anyone?
Monday, December 1, 2008
Mutant Powers Through Suits
Am I the only one who finds this idea incredibly stupid? I am seeing this more and more as a way to “re-power” mutants after they were “de-powered” during the events of M-Day.
Now I understand why they went and took a lot of mutants powers away. There were too many and soon the Earth was going to be overrun. It may be a Dues Ex Machina, but honestly, it was one that was actually good for once.
But like anything, there are ups and downs. The downs being that many mutants who were the stable of stories (Magneto being the biggest one), now are no longer powered and hence little to no threat at all. So like the good writers they are at Marvel they work around this and come up with new characters right?
Haha, sure. Like we could actually expect that of Marvel. Why work around something when you can just come up with a way to ignore it? And that’s exactly what they’ve done by giving de-powered mutants suits that give them their powers back, at least to a degree.
Sigh. Yet again Marvel writers go for a cop out rather than actually taking the time and thought to work around something. But you know, maybe it’s not just laziness. What if the writers just aren’t good enough to get around it? Maybe they actually can’t think of a way to build around a story that wasn’t there doing.
Plus, it’s almost like they are admitting they made a mistake. Like they thought it was a good idea at the time but once they saw the consequences, went “aw shit!” and just came up with something really lame.
And here’s another thing. If these mutants are getting their hands on a suit that can simulate their powers, what’s stopping the likes of Shield or Dr Doom from getting it and making vast armies of people with these suits? I mean if someone can create a suit that can simulate powers as great as Magneto’s, wouldn’t every military organization want to get their hands on it? Now that I think of it, it would be kind of like the What If issue where Stark went public with his Iron Man technology.
I don't like this idea. It screams laziness and incompetence to me. But until they just retcon or do another Deus Ex Machina to reverse the de-powering we’re just going to see more of it.
Now I understand why they went and took a lot of mutants powers away. There were too many and soon the Earth was going to be overrun. It may be a Dues Ex Machina, but honestly, it was one that was actually good for once.
But like anything, there are ups and downs. The downs being that many mutants who were the stable of stories (Magneto being the biggest one), now are no longer powered and hence little to no threat at all. So like the good writers they are at Marvel they work around this and come up with new characters right?
Haha, sure. Like we could actually expect that of Marvel. Why work around something when you can just come up with a way to ignore it? And that’s exactly what they’ve done by giving de-powered mutants suits that give them their powers back, at least to a degree.
Sigh. Yet again Marvel writers go for a cop out rather than actually taking the time and thought to work around something. But you know, maybe it’s not just laziness. What if the writers just aren’t good enough to get around it? Maybe they actually can’t think of a way to build around a story that wasn’t there doing.
Plus, it’s almost like they are admitting they made a mistake. Like they thought it was a good idea at the time but once they saw the consequences, went “aw shit!” and just came up with something really lame.
And here’s another thing. If these mutants are getting their hands on a suit that can simulate their powers, what’s stopping the likes of Shield or Dr Doom from getting it and making vast armies of people with these suits? I mean if someone can create a suit that can simulate powers as great as Magneto’s, wouldn’t every military organization want to get their hands on it? Now that I think of it, it would be kind of like the What If issue where Stark went public with his Iron Man technology.
I don't like this idea. It screams laziness and incompetence to me. But until they just retcon or do another Deus Ex Machina to reverse the de-powering we’re just going to see more of it.
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