Well I originally had another post planned for this week, but it gets trumped by this.
If you haven't heard (which I'm sure you have by now), Marvel is being bought by Disney. Yes, Disney. While the sale has not been fully approved yet, since it won't be creating a monopoly or anything of that sort chances are this will go through as long as the two companies to everything legally. The price is $4 Billion, yes, with a "B"
So is this good or bad? Well it's good in that Marvel wont have to worry about money anymore, which could see a rise in the quality of work as it may be more keen on paying to keep high end writers and artists. It can also be a boon for movies as funding likely wont be a problem anymore.
Of course, there is always a flip side.
Disney is known to shove out movies just to get them released so quality may suffer in that aspect. They're in it for the money and I think we've all seen how Disney milks everything they own for what it's worth be it film rights, characters or actors. And they're definitely going to do this with what they're paying for the company.
The question is how much they will interfere with the creative process at Marvel. While I am drooling over the possibility of Joe Q getting the boot, the truth is Disney doesn't really do comics and they could make things worse. If they just throw their own people in charge who have no clue what they're doing (even less so than Marvel) well, the Marvel U will be a mess, titles will get cancelled and who knows what kind of Deus Ex Machina they will have to use to fix it all.
All in all I am skeptical about this. There are definitely pros to this acquisition, and as much as Marvel may be misguided at times, I'm kind of for the devil you know in this case. Comics aren't exactly PG anymore and if Disney decides they should be, well, I don't look forward to Cyclops shooting rainbows from his eyes and Dr. Doom striving for something despicable like maintaining the highest tv ratings in the world.
I wonder what the Vegas odds are when the X-Men take on Duck Tales?
Monday, August 31, 2009
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
If I Were Marvel Editor in Chief
I’ve made no secret I am not a fan of Joe Quesada as Marvel Editor in Chief, and neither has many of other Marvel fans out there (not that Marvel cares what any of them think). He’s done far too many things that, while may sell comics, has severely dropped their quality. Things up at Marvel don't seem to be all happy go lucky, filled with ego and either too much leniency for writers or tying their hands too much. When you hear tidbits from those who work there, it isn’t all the fun and games you think it would be. In reflecting on this I have decided to pose a question to myself: what changes would I make if I were Marvel’s Editor in Chief. Below is a list of the changes if I hypothetically got the job.
Arc length is no longer decided by a TPB
This is a major problem I have with Marvel right now. Arc lengths are determined by being put into a TPB, normally six issues and this sells the story and reader short. If an arc only needs to be four issues, do it in four and don't draw the story out. If it needs to be eight, don't cut it short and deprive the reader of what the story was supposed to be. Too often arcs feel rushed or drawn out because of this. The TPB is the one whose length (and subsequently price) should be adjusted to fit the story, not the other way around.
Asterisks are OK
Joe Q got rid of these citing writers should explain what happened in the past in the story, feeling it is a bit of a cop out. Personally I think it’s so they don't have to point to a story that’s been retconned but I digress. Honestly putting the asterisk in keeps the story moving so a writer doesn’t have to waste precious space on referring to the past. Using the asterisk speeds the story up and avoids lengthy retellings.
Smoking is back
Smoking was banned because it was seen as a bad influence to kids. Somehow, all the sex, violence, death and other stuff that is far worse than smoking is ok to have on a regular basis. But a few characters having a smoke? Don’t even think of it. They add an element to the characters and I guarantee you kids never smoked because Wolverine had a cigar. I know it had no affect on me.
Vivid colors return
Far too often comics look drab and dark. Some are supposed to be dark and I am fine with that, but not all comics are a good fit for the noir style. Moon Knight? Yes. Iron Man? No. Too often the Marvel world seems blah from poor coloring. Reading series like Legacy of Doom the story was brought to life by bright, vibrant colors, and it needs to happen again. Look, if people were that into dark, we’d have never switched from black and white film to color. There is a reason TV companies promote how vibrant the colors of their TV are, bright colors are eye catching and are visual stimulating. It should be no different with comics.
Epic and shock factor aren’t a priority of a story
I truly think this has taken over. It’s like every arc there has to be some death defying, world changing occurrence that changes the character(s) life. It’s ridiculous. So many writers try to tell the grand story they lose sight that they aren’t writing a good story. Give me a well written, entertaining non-epic arc over one that is lots of filler but ends with a bang. I don’t pay $3.99 an issue just to have it be filler that leads up to something better. I’m all for a twist or meaningful ending, but it shouldn’t be the point of the arc. If the lead up story isn’t any good or it’s boring, the ending doesn’t really matter.
Listen to the fans
You know, the people that support Marvel by purchasing their product? Too many times has Marvel blown them off because the editors and writers think what they do is good. The Crossing? One More Day? Avengers Disassembled? All horrid in terms of story or their implications but the editors loved what happened. Did it matter to them the fans hated these stories? Nope. Marvel patted themselves on the back for a job well done because they liked them, ignoring the vitriol spewed by the fans.
Get rid of specific dates
I’m sorry, but Wolverine Origins has done nothing but damage the character. Setting a specific date has proven to be a no-no in comics for decades. Wolverine is a great example of this because now we know exactly how old he is, and when he gets to be too old, boom- retcon. All is does is create trouble and spawn an eventual fix, re-boot, retcon or some other method of undoing the date. It’s always been stated Captain America was frozen for an unspecified amount of time after World War II, and despite that working so well some writers don't want to follow that. Specific dates are truly nothing but trouble.
Arc length is no longer decided by a TPB
This is a major problem I have with Marvel right now. Arc lengths are determined by being put into a TPB, normally six issues and this sells the story and reader short. If an arc only needs to be four issues, do it in four and don't draw the story out. If it needs to be eight, don't cut it short and deprive the reader of what the story was supposed to be. Too often arcs feel rushed or drawn out because of this. The TPB is the one whose length (and subsequently price) should be adjusted to fit the story, not the other way around.
Asterisks are OK
Joe Q got rid of these citing writers should explain what happened in the past in the story, feeling it is a bit of a cop out. Personally I think it’s so they don't have to point to a story that’s been retconned but I digress. Honestly putting the asterisk in keeps the story moving so a writer doesn’t have to waste precious space on referring to the past. Using the asterisk speeds the story up and avoids lengthy retellings.
Smoking is back
Smoking was banned because it was seen as a bad influence to kids. Somehow, all the sex, violence, death and other stuff that is far worse than smoking is ok to have on a regular basis. But a few characters having a smoke? Don’t even think of it. They add an element to the characters and I guarantee you kids never smoked because Wolverine had a cigar. I know it had no affect on me.
Vivid colors return
Far too often comics look drab and dark. Some are supposed to be dark and I am fine with that, but not all comics are a good fit for the noir style. Moon Knight? Yes. Iron Man? No. Too often the Marvel world seems blah from poor coloring. Reading series like Legacy of Doom the story was brought to life by bright, vibrant colors, and it needs to happen again. Look, if people were that into dark, we’d have never switched from black and white film to color. There is a reason TV companies promote how vibrant the colors of their TV are, bright colors are eye catching and are visual stimulating. It should be no different with comics.
Epic and shock factor aren’t a priority of a story
I truly think this has taken over. It’s like every arc there has to be some death defying, world changing occurrence that changes the character(s) life. It’s ridiculous. So many writers try to tell the grand story they lose sight that they aren’t writing a good story. Give me a well written, entertaining non-epic arc over one that is lots of filler but ends with a bang. I don’t pay $3.99 an issue just to have it be filler that leads up to something better. I’m all for a twist or meaningful ending, but it shouldn’t be the point of the arc. If the lead up story isn’t any good or it’s boring, the ending doesn’t really matter.
Listen to the fans
You know, the people that support Marvel by purchasing their product? Too many times has Marvel blown them off because the editors and writers think what they do is good. The Crossing? One More Day? Avengers Disassembled? All horrid in terms of story or their implications but the editors loved what happened. Did it matter to them the fans hated these stories? Nope. Marvel patted themselves on the back for a job well done because they liked them, ignoring the vitriol spewed by the fans.
Get rid of specific dates
I’m sorry, but Wolverine Origins has done nothing but damage the character. Setting a specific date has proven to be a no-no in comics for decades. Wolverine is a great example of this because now we know exactly how old he is, and when he gets to be too old, boom- retcon. All is does is create trouble and spawn an eventual fix, re-boot, retcon or some other method of undoing the date. It’s always been stated Captain America was frozen for an unspecified amount of time after World War II, and despite that working so well some writers don't want to follow that. Specific dates are truly nothing but trouble.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Well Isnt This Interesting?
This story is courtesy of poster IMJ over at the Advanced Iron forums.
IMJ attended the Wizard World Chicago event over a three day period and one of the things he attended was the Marvel panel. One of the things they talked about was the current and future arc of Iron Man. They expected there to be a a good reaction to the new arc Tony Stark Disassembled (I cover this in a later post) and what they got was silence. In order to break said awkward silence one of the panel said "this arc won an Eisner for a reason!" (or something along that line according to IMJ).
That's really the story, but those last two things are very significant: the silence from the announcement and that Marvel's response was winning the Eisner.
Silence can be golden as they say, and it was definitely the case here. Marvel thought they hit a home run with the upcoming Disassembled arc (even thought people still have nightmares from Avengers Disassembled) only to find out no one was impressed. Why would we be? The current 12 issue arc is basically dragging Tony through the mud even more telling us how he is losing his mind, so why in God's name would we be impressed with another six issue arc that does it even more? Marvel is obviously excited about Stark getting shit on even more yet is ignorant of the fact that everyone, even non Iron Man fans, are sick of it. Like I mentioned in an earlier post months ago, I was talking to a Spider-Man fan and even he said what Marvel was doing to Stark was ridiculous, and he didn't even read the main title!
Next on to Marvel's pathetic response of it winning an Eisner. Here is the thing about books: people who read them don't give a rat's ass about awards. I had no clue what an Eisner was before Fraction got nominated. People read books for enjoyment and don't care what awards they won and right here is the big problem with Marvel: they think the opposite.
They think winning an Eisner means the book is good and the fans would care. Funny thing is when you talk to long time Iron Man fans none of them like this arc at all. Some consider it a rehash, some like myself are bored with it and others just think it's outright crap. The fans silence voiced their displeasure with this title right now.
The problem is Marvel wont take the hint. They'll go home, wonder why no one was cheering then say "well the fact it won an Eisner makes us right." They will, as they have done many times in recent years, ignore the fans. I have no doubt they are saying to themselves "the fans just don't get it." Unfortunately, it's Marvel that just doesn't get it. People are tired of Iron Man being dragged through the mud. While they made it fashionable to do so by blaming everything in Civil War on him three years later it is tired and boring and the readers are just rolling their eyes at this point.
IMJ attended the Wizard World Chicago event over a three day period and one of the things he attended was the Marvel panel. One of the things they talked about was the current and future arc of Iron Man. They expected there to be a a good reaction to the new arc Tony Stark Disassembled (I cover this in a later post) and what they got was silence. In order to break said awkward silence one of the panel said "this arc won an Eisner for a reason!" (or something along that line according to IMJ).
That's really the story, but those last two things are very significant: the silence from the announcement and that Marvel's response was winning the Eisner.
Silence can be golden as they say, and it was definitely the case here. Marvel thought they hit a home run with the upcoming Disassembled arc (even thought people still have nightmares from Avengers Disassembled) only to find out no one was impressed. Why would we be? The current 12 issue arc is basically dragging Tony through the mud even more telling us how he is losing his mind, so why in God's name would we be impressed with another six issue arc that does it even more? Marvel is obviously excited about Stark getting shit on even more yet is ignorant of the fact that everyone, even non Iron Man fans, are sick of it. Like I mentioned in an earlier post months ago, I was talking to a Spider-Man fan and even he said what Marvel was doing to Stark was ridiculous, and he didn't even read the main title!
Next on to Marvel's pathetic response of it winning an Eisner. Here is the thing about books: people who read them don't give a rat's ass about awards. I had no clue what an Eisner was before Fraction got nominated. People read books for enjoyment and don't care what awards they won and right here is the big problem with Marvel: they think the opposite.
They think winning an Eisner means the book is good and the fans would care. Funny thing is when you talk to long time Iron Man fans none of them like this arc at all. Some consider it a rehash, some like myself are bored with it and others just think it's outright crap. The fans silence voiced their displeasure with this title right now.
The problem is Marvel wont take the hint. They'll go home, wonder why no one was cheering then say "well the fact it won an Eisner makes us right." They will, as they have done many times in recent years, ignore the fans. I have no doubt they are saying to themselves "the fans just don't get it." Unfortunately, it's Marvel that just doesn't get it. People are tired of Iron Man being dragged through the mud. While they made it fashionable to do so by blaming everything in Civil War on him three years later it is tired and boring and the readers are just rolling their eyes at this point.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Matt Fraction is nominated for an award. But why?
A short while ago Matt Fraction was nominated for an Eisner award for his work on Iron Man when he took over the new series. Now, I don't think Fraction is bad or anything, but I have to ask: why was he nominated?
I wasn’t thrilled with the Five Nightmares story arc. I thought it had potential but I was a bit disappointed the way it went. Hunted has been getting a lot of acclaim, but frankly I don't see why.
What has happened in the Hunted arc so far? Stark is on the run, tells use ten times an issue how his brain is degrading, someone employed by Osborn finds him, he escapes and flees again. Rinse and repeat for about five issues now. The most recent issue, #15 was the first to really break from this mold. For all that has happened in this arc, nothing has really happened. The only thing real memorable thus far is the fight with Namor, every else has seemed kind of like filler and not worth remembering.
My biggest beef with Fraction right now is that multiple times an issue he has Tony telling the reader that his brain is going. Yes, we know, we get it. Don’t tell us, show us! That to me is what Fraction is doing wrong. He keeps telling us things when he should be showing it to us. Dialogue can get the point across quick and easy, but is doesn’t always have the impact of an action or moment. I have yet to see a moment where it caused the reader to say to himself “wow, Stark really is losing it!” Almost shooting Pepper was the closest, but I think we all know he wasn’t going to fire on her. The outcome was predictable.
Another thing I don't like about Fraction is “the Iron Man.” Please, stop putting “the” in front of it, it’s annoying. In addition, it really makes it seem like they are two separate entities, rather than a man who wears a suit. It’s reminiscent of when Rhodey had the Warwear which was its own living creature rather than just armor. I don’t like that detached feeling for Iron Man. Granted that is the way it’s supposed to be with a secret identity, but it’s not really a secret anymore is it?
So what I’m getting at is, I’m not sure why Fraction is being nominated when his work on Iron Man has failed to really make an impact on me and others in any way. I just don't see it.
I wasn’t thrilled with the Five Nightmares story arc. I thought it had potential but I was a bit disappointed the way it went. Hunted has been getting a lot of acclaim, but frankly I don't see why.
What has happened in the Hunted arc so far? Stark is on the run, tells use ten times an issue how his brain is degrading, someone employed by Osborn finds him, he escapes and flees again. Rinse and repeat for about five issues now. The most recent issue, #15 was the first to really break from this mold. For all that has happened in this arc, nothing has really happened. The only thing real memorable thus far is the fight with Namor, every else has seemed kind of like filler and not worth remembering.
My biggest beef with Fraction right now is that multiple times an issue he has Tony telling the reader that his brain is going. Yes, we know, we get it. Don’t tell us, show us! That to me is what Fraction is doing wrong. He keeps telling us things when he should be showing it to us. Dialogue can get the point across quick and easy, but is doesn’t always have the impact of an action or moment. I have yet to see a moment where it caused the reader to say to himself “wow, Stark really is losing it!” Almost shooting Pepper was the closest, but I think we all know he wasn’t going to fire on her. The outcome was predictable.
Another thing I don't like about Fraction is “the Iron Man.” Please, stop putting “the” in front of it, it’s annoying. In addition, it really makes it seem like they are two separate entities, rather than a man who wears a suit. It’s reminiscent of when Rhodey had the Warwear which was its own living creature rather than just armor. I don’t like that detached feeling for Iron Man. Granted that is the way it’s supposed to be with a secret identity, but it’s not really a secret anymore is it?
So what I’m getting at is, I’m not sure why Fraction is being nominated when his work on Iron Man has failed to really make an impact on me and others in any way. I just don't see it.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Captain America Returns
Starting this month with Captain America: Reborn, Marvel will bringing back the star spangled avenger. Raise your hand if you're surprised?
No one?
Me neither.
Despite their best poker faces and vehemently denying he would be returning, the original Captain America, Steve Rogers is returning. Marvel did their best to try and make it look like he was gone forever but no one believed it. How could they? Given Marvel's predictability, not to mention the fact that Cap is one of their most popular characters, his return was inevitable.
Now things about the story have leaked, including how he didn't die. Yes, it's a spoiler, but it also may save you the $3.99 the book costs. Apparently, Cap never died, he's just lost in time.
Now this is more original than the "he never really died" and the whole super soldier serum putting him in suspended animation that everyone was expecting, but sadly, it's lamer.
Lost in time? Really? I'll take the predictable yet plausible one instead of the corny "let's try to impress readers" angle.
And I'm sure he's coming back just in time to rally the heroes to expose and take down Norman Osborn and end Dark Lame, err, Dark Reign. When it's over Cap's return will be heralded, he will be blessed as a savior for ending the reign of the villains and Iron Man will get blamed for it all again.
Don't lie, you know you can see Marvel stretching just so they can have Iron Man take the fall for the fourth event in a row.
Speaking of that, has Dark Reign started yet? For all the talk about the villains being in charge, all we've seen is Norman Osborn do a bunch of interviews. This is actually a good idea, why aren't they doing anything with it?
So yeah, Caps back with a lame ass reason why. Did Marvel really expect anyone to get excited over possibly the most obvious thing they have ever done?
No one?
Me neither.
Despite their best poker faces and vehemently denying he would be returning, the original Captain America, Steve Rogers is returning. Marvel did their best to try and make it look like he was gone forever but no one believed it. How could they? Given Marvel's predictability, not to mention the fact that Cap is one of their most popular characters, his return was inevitable.
Now things about the story have leaked, including how he didn't die. Yes, it's a spoiler, but it also may save you the $3.99 the book costs. Apparently, Cap never died, he's just lost in time.
Now this is more original than the "he never really died" and the whole super soldier serum putting him in suspended animation that everyone was expecting, but sadly, it's lamer.
Lost in time? Really? I'll take the predictable yet plausible one instead of the corny "let's try to impress readers" angle.
And I'm sure he's coming back just in time to rally the heroes to expose and take down Norman Osborn and end Dark Lame, err, Dark Reign. When it's over Cap's return will be heralded, he will be blessed as a savior for ending the reign of the villains and Iron Man will get blamed for it all again.
Don't lie, you know you can see Marvel stretching just so they can have Iron Man take the fall for the fourth event in a row.
Speaking of that, has Dark Reign started yet? For all the talk about the villains being in charge, all we've seen is Norman Osborn do a bunch of interviews. This is actually a good idea, why aren't they doing anything with it?
So yeah, Caps back with a lame ass reason why. Did Marvel really expect anyone to get excited over possibly the most obvious thing they have ever done?
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Best Iron Man Covers
They say never judge a book by its cover; though with comics it is a little different. The same rule applies, you can’t tell if the issue will be good solely based on the outside. But unlike a novel you can get a feel for what the story is going to be like from a cover. In fact, sometimes a cover will tell a whole story in itself.
There are many things that make a cover good, be it the story it plans to tell, the art or colors. As always when dealing with art it is subjective to the person, but I give you what I think are the five best Iron Man covers (in no particular order).
Volume 1 #216
This cover instantly caught my eye when I first bought the issue. Ho wouldn’t be intrigued by the Silver Centurion hauling the Classic armor ablaze back into the atmosphere? The details are good, as is the fire surrounding the two, but the most eye catching part of this picture is the black smoke billowing from the eye slits, signifying the true desperation of the situation. You truly wonder if Rhodey is going to make it just from this picture.
Volume 1 #128
The infamous “Demon in a Bottle” cover, and probably the most famous Iron Man cover. As they say, a picture is worth a thousand words and it holds true to this. The show of pure desperation, pain, loss and just about every other negative emotion is shown as a reflection of Stark in the mirror. Stark appears to have finally realized how low he has truly fallen and is screaming “I need help” to himself. A classic cover that is just as intense as the story behind it.
Volume 2 #1
Unlike most the others on this list, this cover doesn’t tell a story. However the art is simply fantastic. Drawn by Whilce Portacio for the first issue to re-launch Iron Man in the pocket universe, the art is detail heavy but completely concise. All those wires normally make a picture looked a jumbled mess, but they are done perfectly, the chords not blurring together and the result is a feel of a true technological marvel that has been created with a suit. Fantastic pencils, inking and colors really brought this together.
Volume 1 #230
Volume 1 #237
Though probably not one of the more well known covers or issues, if you look at the cover it says a lot. Most predominant are Stark’s eyes shown through the armor slits. While a small portion of the cover, it shows the sheer terror he is feeling by being crabbed by the claws and ripped through a wall. In a way it’s like a classic horror movie poster that shows the victims crippled in fear, trying to get away. Only seeing the monster’s hands makes you wonder what the rest looks like; another common trait in horror and scifi movies. I’d guess this to be the most questionable on my list, but if you really look at it, I think you will see where I’m coming from.
There are many things that make a cover good, be it the story it plans to tell, the art or colors. As always when dealing with art it is subjective to the person, but I give you what I think are the five best Iron Man covers (in no particular order).
Volume 1 #216
This cover instantly caught my eye when I first bought the issue. Ho wouldn’t be intrigued by the Silver Centurion hauling the Classic armor ablaze back into the atmosphere? The details are good, as is the fire surrounding the two, but the most eye catching part of this picture is the black smoke billowing from the eye slits, signifying the true desperation of the situation. You truly wonder if Rhodey is going to make it just from this picture.
Volume 1 #128
The infamous “Demon in a Bottle” cover, and probably the most famous Iron Man cover. As they say, a picture is worth a thousand words and it holds true to this. The show of pure desperation, pain, loss and just about every other negative emotion is shown as a reflection of Stark in the mirror. Stark appears to have finally realized how low he has truly fallen and is screaming “I need help” to himself. A classic cover that is just as intense as the story behind it.
Volume 2 #1
Unlike most the others on this list, this cover doesn’t tell a story. However the art is simply fantastic. Drawn by Whilce Portacio for the first issue to re-launch Iron Man in the pocket universe, the art is detail heavy but completely concise. All those wires normally make a picture looked a jumbled mess, but they are done perfectly, the chords not blurring together and the result is a feel of a true technological marvel that has been created with a suit. Fantastic pencils, inking and colors really brought this together.
Volume 1 #230
With Armor Wars coming to an end, it needed to do so in spectacular fashion. Neither the cover nor issue let down that saw the death of the Silver Centurion armor. We see the once mighty armor being taken apart, seemingly helpless against this new titanic foe that is lurking in the shadows. The part of Firepower not being fully revealed immediately intrigues a reader, wondering who this new, monstrous adversary is and how truly powerful he must be to be so easily destroying the Iron Man armor. The cover told the same story as the issue, with Firepower tearing Stark a new one.
Volume 1 #237
Though probably not one of the more well known covers or issues, if you look at the cover it says a lot. Most predominant are Stark’s eyes shown through the armor slits. While a small portion of the cover, it shows the sheer terror he is feeling by being crabbed by the claws and ripped through a wall. In a way it’s like a classic horror movie poster that shows the victims crippled in fear, trying to get away. Only seeing the monster’s hands makes you wonder what the rest looks like; another common trait in horror and scifi movies. I’d guess this to be the most questionable on my list, but if you really look at it, I think you will see where I’m coming from.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Dark Reign? More like Dark Lame
Pardon the bad pun, but I thought it got the point across.
I'm sick of Dark Reign already. Just like the aftermath of Civil War it has become horribly repetitive on how it affects the Marvel universe. Civil War it was all about heroes being on the run. Sounds kind of familiar doesnt it? How many heroes are on the run again, this time from Norman Osborn instead of the pro-registration heroes? How many are now faced with the consequences of a madman being in charge?
And that is probably the worst thing about Dark Reign; Norman Osborn is in charge. He's a psychopath and everyone, and I dont mean the readers, the actual Marvel universe, know he is insane and a killer. Yet he's there. Worse, Marvel feels the need to tell us he's insane every time his name is mentioned. Every. Single Time. We got it, we arent as stupid as Joe Q writing Spiderman here.
So if it's so obvious what Osborn is, why doesnt Marvel do something to actually address how he maintains public or political trust? Scratch that, dumb question. Doing that would pose a challenge and they need the quick and easy out of just ignoring to give us more "on the run" stories.
I honestly expected this to be a long diatribe about what was wrong with Dark Reign, but let's be honest, the same problems with this event are the same as the last one. Receptiveness, shallow stories and most of all, weak concept. For the bad guys supposed to be in charge, we've seen little more than "Osborn is insane" "Yeah but he's in charge" coming from writers.
Here's some advice Marvel: if you want people to buy into the story, put some effort into it. It goes a long way.
Also, I do apologize for the extended period between my last post. A lot has happened in my personal life the past month that has slowed things up.
I'm sick of Dark Reign already. Just like the aftermath of Civil War it has become horribly repetitive on how it affects the Marvel universe. Civil War it was all about heroes being on the run. Sounds kind of familiar doesnt it? How many heroes are on the run again, this time from Norman Osborn instead of the pro-registration heroes? How many are now faced with the consequences of a madman being in charge?
And that is probably the worst thing about Dark Reign; Norman Osborn is in charge. He's a psychopath and everyone, and I dont mean the readers, the actual Marvel universe, know he is insane and a killer. Yet he's there. Worse, Marvel feels the need to tell us he's insane every time his name is mentioned. Every. Single Time. We got it, we arent as stupid as Joe Q writing Spiderman here.
So if it's so obvious what Osborn is, why doesnt Marvel do something to actually address how he maintains public or political trust? Scratch that, dumb question. Doing that would pose a challenge and they need the quick and easy out of just ignoring to give us more "on the run" stories.
I honestly expected this to be a long diatribe about what was wrong with Dark Reign, but let's be honest, the same problems with this event are the same as the last one. Receptiveness, shallow stories and most of all, weak concept. For the bad guys supposed to be in charge, we've seen little more than "Osborn is insane" "Yeah but he's in charge" coming from writers.
Here's some advice Marvel: if you want people to buy into the story, put some effort into it. It goes a long way.
Also, I do apologize for the extended period between my last post. A lot has happened in my personal life the past month that has slowed things up.
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