Posts tagged comics
Short Scripts and Portfolios
Jul 4th
For the past few days, I’ve been writing up a storm in an effort to build up my portfolio with more comic-based writing that didn’t feature ideas and characters I’m wholly attached to. While doing so, I also decided I should flex my character building, theme, and dialogue muscles to see how well I could infuse a short story with thematic values while also dramatically changing tone, backgrounds, and even my style of writing. After the jump is ONE of FIVE scripts I’ve written that I don’t mind showing off in an attempt to get feedback, critiques, and of course, exposure. Check it out, won’t ya?
Roundhouse Chat #2: Secret Avengers #2
Jun 30th
Prev: If you remember the last discussion, then you know Murs and I both enjoyed Secret Avengers and were willing to give it a few more issues to really gauge our opinions towards it. This time, we’re adding Laughing Paradox into the mix. Last issue ended with a doozy by having Nick Fury attack Sharon Carter. The story picks up moments after that attack, and we’re thrust back into a plot that sees the Avengers exploring Roxxon’s Mars base.
Let’s start out with general opinions. Was this issue worse, better than, or as good as issue 1?
Murs47. I liked Secret Avengers more than adjectiveless Avengers, but I did not think it was great.
Prev: I’m of a similar mind with Murs… and that shocks me.
Murs: We’re one step closer to fixing our marriage. <3
Prev: Fantasies aren’t real, Murs. Get it together.
LP: The Secret Avengers is perhaps the best Marvel book to come out since the “Heroes Return…”; I mean the “Heroic Age.”
Murs: Word. That and the new direction in T-Bolts.
Prev: Anyway, despite the book managing to fit a lot into it, there wasn’t a whole lot of forward momentum, and the characters didn’t really speak like themselves. I liked that the group split off so the plot could move a smidge bit quicker, and how awesome is it that Beast is actively fighting again? The X-men sidelined him so many times that it’s almost easy to forget he’s supposed to be an agile fighter.
Murs: I very much enjoyed Beast’s time in the spotlight. He feels relevant again. Him and Steve together feels so natural; kudos to Bru on that.
Prev: Brubaker accomplished more in 24 pages than Bendis did with 32 over in Avengers… of course that was full of splashes.
Murs: Bru’s done more in 1 issue of SA than Bendis has with 3 issues of the other two Avengers titles.
LP: I think it’s evident that Bendis’ Avengers books are inferior to the Secret Avengers and a large factor, for me, has to do with the roster. Secret Avengers has a varied group of veteran Avengers mixed with established, rookie Avengers, and the mixture is a pleasure to read. Bendis’ two Avengers books have weak rosters with no surprises other than Spider-Woman being on the wrong team.
Prev: Bendis’s Avenger books are both made up of various members of the NA, so it doesn’t feel drastically different despite one being tied into time travel and the other, magic.
LP: The Secret Avengers has a new take but feels like a story from the old Avengers book. The other Avenger titles have failed to even keep me interested. And also, let’s not forget about the art. I’ve enjoyed Deodato’s work for years, back when he was drawing Wonder Woman, and I like it as much today. Romita’s work on The Avengers, however, is a train wreck. Its discombobulated and ugly.
Prev: I have a few issues with Bendis owning two Avenger books in general, but that’s a discussion for another time. How do we feel about Cap keeping his energy shield? Well, that’s what I assumed it was. It was only in one panel.
Murs: I was pretty stoked about that; I wish I could have seen more of it, so I could update my skin.
LP: Steve isn’t “Cap” without his shield, and it was great to have it debut in this issue. Since Rogers passed the mantle on to Bucky, I think it’s fitting he went back to his energy shield, though I would not mind seeing him taking his Captain guise again since the US Agent is clearly not going to wearing his uniform any time soon.
Prev: I don’t think the shield debuted in this issue… unless it’s different that the one Bendis has Steve using pre-Siege. I didn’t really pay that much attention to it.
LP: Debut post-death. The latest death, anyway.
Prev: Moving on to the actual plot, I’m really interested in seeing where this Evil Nick Fury thing goes. Bru did a good job of building intrigue there. Of course, it’s also nice seeing Sharon active and not being sidelined while waiting on her man to do the job. That was the plot I wished got a little more focus only because the Mars main plot was mostly exploration. I have seen actual comments stating that the way Brubaker wrote this script and the sci-fi elements he fused into the story reminded them of Jack Kirby.
LP: I had the opposite reaction. I wasn’t as interested in the fake Nick Fury so much as the interaction between the team. War Machine expressing his doubt about the new Ant-Man, Moon Knight being the one to find the large drill hole since he’d be the most likely to search around, Beast using his smarts in putting a trace on the Serpent Crown.. there wasn’t much action, but I was intrigued.
Prev: I did like the Antman scene. It gave me hope that the character would be allowed to grow a little more. If I’m being honest, he didn’t change all that much in Tbolts. He was mostly just there his whole time. Moonknight was a bit weird to me because he was just taking orders like it wasn’t a big deal. That’s not the Moonknight I know, so it read wierd to me. Is that how he’s portrayed now? I was also disappointed that Black Widow and Valkyrie took such a back seat this issue.
Murs: I actually want to know more about HYDRA Fury (that’s what I’m calling him, accept it) He’s probably the thing that interests me most at this point. This is mostly due to my love of the Secret Warriors title. Moon Knight seems to be working properly so far. Ant-Man? Meh, I’d like him to be a bit funnier and perhaps perverted. I was ok with Val and Black Widow in the back because we spent more time with the plot and the other members. If this was Bendis, we wouldnt know what happened to Nova until issue 5.
Prev: That’s not true! He’d do a random time jump and then work up to that point for no particular reason. As much as I liked the issue, I did find the art to be of a lesser quality. The fight scene didn’t seem to be full of energy, imo, and there was a scene where Beast was out in space and was bare armed, though I can forgive that since he’s full of fur. Overall though, it just didn’t look as good as issue 1.
Murs: I thought one of Beast’s new mutant powers was to breathe in space (thanks, Morrison).
LP: And since when did Asgardians not need air to breath? I wasn’t aware Valkyrie could speak on Mars without a helmet. Asgardian-Ventriloquism? That was really the only complaint I had with the book, and it was minor.
But I disagree about the fight scenes. I liked seeing War Machine plowing down some foes and the gruesome fate of the last remaining soldiers. The art was good, but I’m bias.
Prev: Ok, two more questions and then we can begin wrapping this up. The first is a joint question.
1. People still seem to think that Beast should consider the Secret Avengers as bad as X-men’s X-force despite the obvious differences. With that fresh on your minds, do you think the double death (essentially mind-controlled assisted suicide?) in this book was going too far?
Murs: People need to read both before spewing out their opinions. The two teams are clearly different when it comes to killing. One does it mindlessly while the other just incapacitates. The Secret Avengers were trying to stop the minions from committing suicide. That should say enough.
LP: There’s no double standard. X-force was created as a killing team. (That makes me think, how would they do against the Marauders..)
The Secret Avengers are upholding the Avengers standard. They are just not operating in the spotlight.
Prev: And 2. Nova vs. Avengers… how do we think it’s going to go down. I’m really looking forward to that next issue.
Murs: Well, he doesn’t have his Nova helmet on, so Steve’s team probably has a good chance of defeating him. I’m guessing this is where Valkryie will shine.
LP: Nova is being controlled; he’s going to be ruthless. I expect a few members to take their lumps, and they will realize Nova is a force to be reckoned with. However, Valkyrie is going to apply the smackdown. Or in Asgardian, “she shalt smite him.”
Murs: Answer your questions, Prev.
Prev: There’s not much more I can add. I just want to see how well Brubaker utilizes Moonknight, Black Widow, and Valkryie in a real battle situation, so that should be a joy to see. I do suspect that the other Secret Avengers will need to lend a hand depending on what abilities Nova is allowed to express.
And now to draw this convo to and end. Final thoughts and ratings, everyone? Will we be buying the next book, and are you feeling the team dynamic a bit better this issue?
LP: The book was stellar. I fully intend to purchase this title religiously. Brubaker and Deodato are showing slivers of the team dynamic that makes me want to see more. The group is well rounded, they are facing an appropriate danger, and when compared to the other books out there, it’s in a league of its own. Best team book that Marvel has to offer, other than X-force.
Murs: Yes I will be. Brubaker has earned a 12 issue trial on whatever series he writes.
Prev: Look at you, Murs… being a Brubaker lover. I’m still willing to give it an arc. That’s more than I’m willing to give Avengers at this point. So, we’re all recommending it, yes? Sounds like a yes.
LP: A resounding YES from me. And I would like to recommend Brubaker’s run on Daredevil.
Murs: I second that. It’s arguably better than Bendis’ run. “In Bru I trust.”
Prev: And with those lovely parting words, I think we can call it a night. Next time, we should discuss something non-Avenger related… and get Podmark in here… so I can destroy him.
Murs: Sea-Bear & Grizzly-Shark!
LP: The Walking Dead!
Prev: Aye! Save it for next week, guys! Over and out.
Secret Avengers #2 Discussion
Prev: If you remember the last discussion, then you know Murs and I both enjoyed Secret Avengers and were willing to give it a few more issues to really gauge our opinions towards it. This time, we’re adding Laughing Paradox into the mix. Last issue ended with a doozy by having Nick Fury attack Sharon Carter. The story picks up moments after that attack, and we’re thrust back into a plot that sees the Avengers exploring Roxxon’s Mars base.
Let’s start out with general opinions. Was this issue worse, better than, or as good as issue 1?
Murs47. I liked Secret Avengers more than adjectiveless Avengers, but I did not think it was great.
Prev: I’m of a similar mind with Murs… and that shocks me.
Murs: We’re one step closer to fixing our marriage. <3
Prev: Fantasies aren’t real, Murs. Get it together.
LP: The Secret Avengers is perhaps the best Marvel book to come out since the “Heroes Return…”; I mean the “Heroic Age.”
Murs: Word. That and the new direction in T-Bolts.
Prev: Anyway, despite the book managing to fit a lot into it, there wasn’t a whole lot of forward momentum, and the characters didn’t really speak like themselves. I liked that the group split off so the plot could move a smidge bit quicker, and how awesome is it that Beast is actively fighting again? The X-men sidelined him so many times that it’s almost easy to forget he’s supposed to be an agile fighter.
Murs: I very much enjoyed Beast’s time in the spotlight. He feels relevant again. Him and Steve together feels so natural; kudos to Bru on that.
Prev: Brubaker accomplished more in 24 pages than Bendis did with 32 over in Avengers… of course that was full of splashes.
Murs: Bru’s done more in 1 issue of SA than Bendis has with 3 issues of the other two Avengers titles.
LP: I think it’s evident that Bendis’ Avengers books are inferior to the Secret Avengers and a large factor, for me, has to do with the roster. Secret Avengers has a varied group of veteran Avengers mixed with established, rookie Avengers, and the mixture is a pleasure to read. Bendis’ two Avengers books have weak rosters with no surprises other than Spider-Woman being on the wrong team.
Prev: Bendis’s Avenger books are both made up of various members of the NA, so it doesn’t feel drastically different despite one being tied into time travel and the other, magic.
LP: The Secret Avengers has a new take but feels like a story from the old Avengers book. The other Avenger titles have failed to even keep me interested. And also, let’s not forget about the art. I’ve enjoyed Deodato’s work for years, back when he was drawing Wonder Woman, and I like it as much today. Romita’s work on The Avengers, however, is a train wreck. Its discombobulated and ugly.
Prev: I have a few issues with Bendis owning two Avenger books in general, but that’s a discussion for another time. How do we feel about Cap keeping his energy shield? Well, that’s what I assumed it was. It was only in one panel.
Murs: I was pretty stoked about that; I wish I could have seen more of it, so I could update my skin.
LP: Steve isn’t “Cap” without his shield, and it was great to have it debut in this issue. Since Rogers passed the mantle on to Bucky, I think it’s fitting he went back to his energy shield, though I would not mind seeing him taking his Captain guise again since the US Agent is clearly not going to wearing his uniform any time soon.
Prev: I don’t think the shield debuted in this issue… unless it’s different that the one Bendis has Steve using pre-Siege. I didn’t really pay that much attention to it.
LP: Debut post-death. The latest death, anyway.
Prev: Moving on to the actual plot, I’m really interested in seeing where this Evil Nick Fury thing goes. Bru did a good job of building intrigue there. Of course, it’s also nice seeing Sharon active and not being sidelined while waiting on her man to do the job. That was the plot I wished got a little more focus only because the Mars main plot was mostly exploration. I have seen actual comments stating that the way Brubaker wrote this script and the sci-fi elements he fused into the story reminded them of Jack Kirby.
LP: I had the opposite reaction. I wasn’t as interested in the fake Nick Fury so much as the interaction between the team. War Machine expressing his doubt about the new Ant-Man, Moon Knight being the one to find the large drill hole since he’d be the most likely to search around, Beast using his smarts in putting a trace on the Serpent Crown.. there wasn’t much action, but I was intrigued.
Prev: I did like the Antman scene. It gave me hope that the character would be allowed to grow a little more. If I’m being honest, he didn’t change all that much in Tbolts. He was mostly just there his whole time. Moonknight was a bit weird to me because he was just taking orders like it wasn’t a big deal. That’s not the Moonknight I know, so it read wierd to me. Is that how he’s portrayed now? I was also disappointed that Black Widow and Valkyrie took such a back seat this issue.
Murs: I actually want to know more about HYDRA Fury (that’s what I’m calling him, accept it) He’s probably the thing that interests me most at this point. This is mostly due to my love of the Secret Warriors title. Moon Knight seems to be working properly so far. Ant-Man? Meh, I’d like him to be a bit funnier and perhaps perverted. I was ok with Val and Black Widow in the back because we spent more time with the plot and the other members. If this was Bendis, we wouldnt know what happened to Nova until issue 5.
Prev: That’s not true! He’d do a random time jump and then work up to that point for no particular reason. As much as I liked the issue, I did find the art to be of a lesser quality. The fight scene didn’t seem to be full of energy, imo, and there was a scene where Beast was out in space and was bare armed, though I can forgive that since he’s full of fur. Overall though, it just didn’t look as good as issue 1.
Murs: I thought one of Beast’s new mutant powers was to breathe in space (thanks, Morrison).
LP: And since when did Asgardians not need air to breath? I wasn’t aware Valkyrie could speak on Mars without a helmet. Asgardian-Ventriloquism? That was really the only complaint I had with the book, and it was minor.
But I disagree about the fight scenes. I liked seeing War Machine plowing down some foes and the gruesome fate of the last remaining soldiers. The art was good, but I’m bias.
Prev: Ok, two more questions and then we can begin wrapping this up. The first is a joint question.
1. People still seem to think that Beast should consider the Secret Avengers as bad as X-men’s X-force despite the obvious differences. With that fresh on your minds, do you think the double death (essentially mind-controlled assisted suicide?) in this book was going too far?
Murs: People need to read both before spewing out their opinions. The two teams are clearly different when it comes to killing. One does it mindlessly while the other just incapacitates. The Secret Avengers were trying to stop the minions from committing suicide. That should say enough.
LP: There’s no double standard. X-force was created as a killing team. (That makes me think, how would they do against the Marauders..)
The Secret Avengers are upholding the Avengers standard. They are just not operating in the spotlight.
Prev: And 2. Nova vs. Avengers… how do we think it’s going to go down. I’m really looking forward to that next issue.
Murs: Well, he doesn’t have his Nova helmet on, so Steve’s team probably has a good chance of defeating him. I’m guessing this is where Valkryie will shine.
LP: Nova is being controlled; he’s going to be ruthless. I expect a few members to take their lumps, and they will realize Nova is a force to be reckoned with. However, Valkyrie is going to apply the smackdown. Or in Asgardian, “she shalt smite him.”
Murs: Answer your questions, Prev.
Prev: There’s not much more I can add. I just want to see how well Brubaker utilizes Moonknight, Black Widow, and Valkryie in a real battle situation, so that should be a joy to see. I do suspect that the other Secret Avengers will need to lend a hand depending on what abilities Nova is allowed to express.
And now to draw this convo to and end. Final thoughts and ratings, everyone? Will we be buying the next book, and are you feeling the team dynamic a bit better this issue?
LP: The book was stellar. I fully intend to purchase this title religiously. Brubaker and Deodato are showing slivers of the team dynamic that makes me want to see more. The group is well rounded, they are facing an appropriate danger, and when compared to the other books out there, it’s in a league of its own. Best team book that Marvel has to offer, other than X-force.
Murs: Yes I will be. Brubaker has earned a 12 issue trial on whatever series he writes.
Prev: Look at you, Murs… being a Brubaker lover. I’m still willing to give it an arc. That’s more than I’m willing to give Avengers at this point. So, we’re all recommending it, yes? Sounds like a yes.
LP: A resounding YES from me. And I would like to recommend Brubaker’s run on Daredevil.
Murs: I second that. It’s arguably better than Bendis’ run. “In Bru I trust.”
Prev: And with those lovely parting words, I think we can call it a night. Next time, we should discuss something non-Avenger related… and get Podmark in here… so I can destroy him.
Murs: Sea-Bear & Grizzly-Shark!
LP: The Walking Dead!
Prev: Aye! Save it for next week, guys! Over and out.
Alright, guys… this concludes our second feature of comic discussion, and I’d like to thank Laughing Paradox for participating. Leave us some thoughts on what you think of this feature, the comic, or what have you. I’m definitely interested in hearing what books you think we should attempt to cover next, and, hey… if you want to join in, we definitely won’t say no. Thanks for reading.
Highlight On: The Legion of Superheroes
Jun 6th
It’s no surprise that my fellow modder and associate, John Jr., really loves his DC heroes, especially with several mods hosted on this site dedicated to them. While taking some time out of his schedule, JJ decided to write up a small passage about one of his favorite teams. Why don’t you take a gander, and you can find links after the tag. Enjoy!
Roundhouse Chat #1: Secret Avengers!
May 28th
In an effort to add some more content to the site, Murs and I decided to have a quick chat about a new book this week. We chose to discuss Secret Avengers #1 written by Ed Brubaker and published by Marvel. Won’t you join us as one of us sanely talks about the issue while the other babbles on at random? I’ll let you guess which of us plays what role. 
Go Read Captain Britain!
Apr 8th
If you ever wondered why I loved Captain Britain and the MI-13 so much, well, now you have a chance to find out. Since the book is up for a HUGO award, Marvel has decided to put two issues of “Vampire State” on their Digital Comic Book site for everyone to read, and the best part is that it’s free! If you’re interested in giving a nice heroic, yet sci-fi oriented, book a chance, then go here and check it out: Captain Britain and the MI13
I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Highlight On: Bucky Barnes
Apr 8th
The only constant in the world of comics is the illusion of change — anonymous
If the quote above is to be taken into consideration, then you wouldn’t expect anything shocking to happen in the world of comics. Well, a few years ago, the fan community was alarmed to find out that Captain America, aka Steve Rogers, was shot dead and he was going to be eventually replaced. Despite the fact that Captain America has died and has been replaced several times before, this particular instance struck a chord with people. Was it something truly unexpected? Was it the fact that Steve died in such a mundane way? Who knows, but it had fans taking sides and older fans spewing vitriol. Now that Steve is back and the mantle he once held is now secured by Bucky Barnes, I figured it’d be a great time to look at the transition the character of Bucky has made; and with that in mind, I sought out Brubaker fan, Murs of 47, to give us his thoughts. These… are his opinions and if you hate them… then he’ll be at the corner store on Monday.
Highlight On: The Micronauts
Mar 16th
In the beginning was… Mego, and they made toys. They bought the rights to an awesome line and dubbed them The Micronauts. The first figure I bought was Time Traveler. He was released in different colors (I had the transparent blue one.) and came with the Ultronic Scooter. They had a very successful run, and as legend goes:
Marvel Comics writer Bill Mantlo’s son opened a new present, a line of the Mego’s Micronauts action figures. Bill Mantlo was instantly struck by inspiration to write their adventures. Convincing his editor-in-chief, Jim Shooter, to get the comics license for the toys, Mantlo was hired to script their series.”
“The Microverse – a subatomic solar system ruled by the tyrannical BARON KARZA! Aboard the starship ENDEAVOR, six intrepid fugitives flee the despots PHOTON PATROL by warping through SPACEWALL, a barrier on the fringe of the Microverse…a barrier never before broken!”
Highlight On: Strikeforce Morituri
Mar 7th
Ahh, it’s always nice when the community gets involved with the Highlight On/Spotlight features, and I really appreciate FR member GogglesPizanno surprising me with this little number on an obscure Marvel team and comic from the 80s. Although it’s probably one of the shorter highlights on the site, it’s still a good read, so continue on after the jump and get learned! And keep in mind that if you want to contribute a Highlight of your own, just give us a ring!
Highlight On: Psylocke
Feb 18th
Psylocke #1-4
Issue 1 cover - David Finch
Psylocke is a character that has a lot of baggage to her name, and this is before we even get to the stuff that came after Claremont revived her during his latest Uncanny run. She’s had her powers redefined, her original body has had its face burned off and was cremated, and she’s constantly used by Fraction as a walking psychic flashlight. What is it about this character that the current writers (excluding Carey) find so difficult to connect with? I’ve no real idea because her history isn’t playing a big part in any of the X-stories right now, but even though she’s all over the place, she’s usually not doing anything of importance. Enter Chris Yost and his Psylocke mini that he specifically stated would define what Psylocke can currently do with her powers. Did Chris Yost make a hit or another miss in a long line of failures for our purple haired psychic? Check it:
Darkest Reign
Nov 28th
“In Darkest Reign. In undelivered plight. No Marvel idea shall be executed right!” – one of murs47′s braincells
Everyone loves an underdog. So, when I read what Marvel wanted to do post Secret Invasion I was pretty excited about the position it would put our heroes in. A villain becoming the director of the planet’s global security force certainly puts our heroes in a corner. Norman Osborn with absolute power = super-heroes dying, mutants being enslaved, or any other horrific act we can think of, right? No, it doesn’t. It means we’ll be reading about an underachieving psychopath that probably couldn’t put paper in a printer.
So what went wrong? First off, the simple decision of labeling this short era was a mistake. That in itself raises expectations dramatically. But more importantly was that there was no loss of hope for heroes overcoming this “Dark Reign”. Yeah Norman was legally in charge but he lost every single battle in every single title. He, his Thunderbolts, and Dark Avengers pretty much got beat up by Deadpool. Deadpool is in an idiot! How is he manhandling the planet’s best clandestine operation and its most dangerous operatives? How!
Marvel , what you had in your hand was a golden opportunity to put our heroes back to square one and make them the underdogs again. Instead, you failed. Nice job!
*sigh* At least Secret Warriors is awesome.