What I Hate About The Online Comic Fan Community

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What I Bought/What I Thought

Every Thursday Morning I go to my LCS to get my weekly comic fix.I buy them with the intention of loving them,not picking them apart.I try to throw some quick thoughts about them here.You won't find anything particularly thought-provoking,but rather just honest thoughts.I will use spoilers if I want to and I won't warn you about it.This week I left with eleven books,some a bit older.

1)She-Hulk #22 :This is one of my favorite books and I've been waiting for this issue in particular because of the change in creative team and direction.So now She-Hulk is a bounty hunter.That works for me.The Absorbing Man and Titania as villains also get the thumbs up from me.My question is what's up with Jen?I'm guessing she's a LMD.So far,so good though.

2)Cable & Deadpool #46 :While I bear no ill will toward Cable,taking him out of the book was the best thing to happen to it in a while.Hopefully,seeing Deadpool interact with the MU's heavy hitters will build up a case to keep him in another title when the book gets cancelled.This time,Deadpool and Bob,Agent of HYDRA hook up with two separate versions of the Fantastic Four:one from eight years ago and the recent Black Panther/Storm incarnation.Deadpool has the funniest moment of the week talking about Sue Storm's "ample,matronly bosom".This story was pure,fun comic book wackiness.It also had Bob as Doctor Doom and Deadpool as Wolverine in his Weapon X attire.Loved this book.

3)Tales Of The Sinestro Corps:Superman Prime :I came into this knowing nothing of Superman-Prime except that he's just one of many versions of Superman cluttering the DC universe.This origin story was a bit like the Cyborg Superman one in that it painted him as a slightly more sympathetic character.This book also featured Krypto who, as much as it pains me to say it,isn't as lame as I want him to be.It was a good issue,but I'm still not sure I like the character.

4)What If?Planet Hulk :I've always loved What If? stories.They give the writers/artists room to explore characters and concepts free from the constraints of continuity and often lead to some really interesting situations.The best story here explored what would happen if the Hulk landed on the planet that the Illuminati intended for him to go.The practical joke playing one-upsmanship between Banner and Hulk was priceless.It was also funny how Banner was the one who was hunting animals while Hulk was protecting them and enjoying their company.It was almost...sweet.

5)Birds Of Prey #111 :This is the first time I've bought this book in standard format instead of trade and also the first time I've read it not written by Gail Simone.I still liked this.I love how Oracle is worshipped by nerds everywhere and also how her and Calculator are sniping at each other from computers in the same room.She's also the luckiest character ever that she's not daed.The only thing keeping every villain from knowing who she is is their arrogant ,and even a bit sexist, assumption that Oracle couldn't possibly be a woman,never mind one in a wheelchair.It wasn't bad, and read enough like Simone's version so that it wasn't too jarring.

And I'm out of time because I have to go to work.That's all folks.

My Nextwave Coloring Project

Last weekend I got Nextwave:Agents Of H.A.T.E. #5,the Crayon Butchery Variant.I got two copies.One to bag and board and one to color.My plan is to do the whole book.Why?Why not.

So far,I've put about 13 or 14 hours into it.I haven't finished any full pages yet,but I have about 10 to 12 full panels done and bits and pieces everywhere.I' not going a page at a time,but rather an item at a time.For example,I've gone through the book and colored in Boom-Boom everywhere she appears.This is mostly so I don't forget what color I made everything.

I decided to use colored pencils for this.I just didn't want to use crayons and markers bleed through the pages.But damn if it doesn't take forever with pencils.If the paper quality was better I could use markers and I'd be much further along.It's not a big deal,it just means it's going to take me a little longer.

I'm pretty critical of myself whenever I take on a new creative endeavor.I'm looking at the job I'm doing and comparing it to the original and am reminded that I am not an artist.But overall,I'm not totally displeased.I'm not going for an exact color-for-color copy.I'm just using solid colors,because that is easiest.Though here and there,I am highlighting things and experimenting.And you can totally tell when I'm doing it too.It is amazing how much the coloring affects the look of a book.You don't get to compare that much.How often do you see the same book with two editions,each colored in a totally different way?You don't.You get one book and the only difference is usually the cover.

I don't have a scanner to post any pictures.I should probably be grateful for that(you should be too.)At best I could take a picture of a finished page when I get one done.This is a lot of work,but it is fun.When it comes to this kind of thing,I love a challenge.I'm hoping to finish this in about a month's time,but it will probably take longer.

Thank You And Shut Up

Wow. At least when Ann Coulter says something that's ignorant,you can write it off as shock hype for a book she's promoting.This guy though....You would think that someone so smart would have the common sense not to say the things he says,especially in this day and age.All he needs is a report about Asian people and their amazing skills in mathematics and karate and he'll have offended just about everybody.

Dude,keep your racism and homophobia to yourself. No one's giving you a free pass just because you're a scientist.

A Second Look At JLA:Earth2

Here's the story:I bought the TPB JLA:Earth2 last week and didn't like it.My biggest problem with DC Comics is that they let all of their "Elseworld" characters intermingle and also that there are too many legacy characters.I would think that one Superman is enough.For example,why do Kingdom Come Superman,Red Son Superman,Superman Prime,etc need to be running around in the same universe with regular Superman?It smacks of extreme laziness and lack of confidence in your creative staff when you'd rather just slap a different colored uniform on one of your flagship characters than create a new one.At least Marvel tries.It would be like when new characters are promised for Spider-Man's Brand New Day and then they turn out to be Ultimate Spider-Man,Marvel Adventures Spider-Man,Peter Parker from the MC2 Universe and Spider-Man from What If?The Other. But I digress.

That problem hindered my ability to enjoy this book,but I figured that maybe my bias was tainting my view of an otherwise great book.It couldn't have been as stupid as I thought it was.So I decided to put my feelings aside and re-read the book with a more positive outlook.My new verdict?It's still silly.

First,Ultraman has his own version of kryptonite,called anti-kryptonite.If they call it anti-kryptonite then they must be aware of regular kryptonite,which comes from the JLA's universe.But they didn't know about the JLA's universe until the beginning of the book(or so it is implied).I'm assuming they named it anti-kryptonite a while back.How did they know?

Second,why do the JLA even bother giving Aquaman a vote?Come on...it's Aquaman.

Aquaman:I can't help guys.I gotta rule Atlantis.But you can call me if you're in a pinch.

Batman:Call YOU?(Big belly laugh ,which is shared by the rest of the JLA,followed by wiping a tear from his eye.)Oh Aquaman,you're priceless.

Third, it was really odd hearing them discuss the moral at the end of the story when they were rebuilding.It sounded unnatural.The CSA ending was cool though.

Next,the Flash's alter ego was named "Johnny Quick."Because he's quick.Get it?I've never heard a more generic name in all my life.Oh,wait a minute.I have."Power Ring" is more generic.Using this method of naming,their version of Aquaman(Why something like this would exist I don't know.)would be named "Swim Man" or "Joe Fishguy".

Really,I just felt like picking on this book a little more.That's the only reason I'm posting this.To be honest,it did read better the second time around.It was mindless fun.It felt more like I was reading a cartoon than a comic.Green Lantern's ring powers can lead to some pretty interesting visuals.I'd give it a 7 out of 10.

Delaware Water Gap Hiking

There's been a lot of anger in comic blogging circles and I've even slipped and allowed myself to be caught up in some of it,which I hate to do.Now seems as good a time as any to have a peaceful post full of pretty pictures from my last hiking trip at the Delaware Water Gap.

This view comes from a little less than halfway up the trails.It never fails to amaze me.Of course there's a highway(Route 80)running through the picture.Because,as everybody knows, New Jersey is nothing but one giant highway system."You live in Jersey?What exit?"Har-dee-har-har.

I think this was taken at the same landing that the first picture was taken,just from a different angle.This has become one of my favorite places to go to relax.I've even gotten my girlfriend into it to the point where she is chomping at the bit to go,in spite of the difficulty of some of the trails.

Speaking of difficult trails,this part of it.I would guess that this rock wall is about 30 or 40 feet high and is so steep that you can only get up it by zigzagging back and forth as you climb it.There's a bit more to it than what's shown in the picture.Shit like this is the most fun part of the hike.Of course,once you get up to the top you're treated to some incredible scenery.This is the mountai on the other side of the Water Gap.I know there are trails there to get to the top of it,but I haven't been there yet.Perhaps if I can get there before it gets too late in the year.Or next year.No rush.They're not going anywhere.

We were talking to these Chinese guys up at the top.They took some pictures for us and we took some for them.At the top, there is a place where you can scale down the side of the mountain about 30 feet to get closer to the edge.If they took about 2 more steps backwards they would have a nice long fall(don't know the elevation).That's where we were and they followed us down.Nice people.

There's no story behind this.I just thought the clouds looked kinda ominous.

Aside from the actual hike and the breathtaking view,the best part of any trip here is to check out the waterfalls.This isn't much of a waterfall,but is pretty.

This is more like it.The falls this year have been pretty light,perhaps due to the lack of snow in the winter or not having much rain this year in general.This is probably the biggest one that I've seen there this year,being about 10 feet high.We're not talking Niagra Falls here.It's a river that flows through a valley and it's all downhill,so falls are just a natural part of it.You can swim in the water and stand under the falls,but I wouldn't drink the water.It dooesn't look dirty in the least bit,but I hear there's enough mercury in the water to make it unsafe to drink.What a shame.

I saw a cave under the water here and that's what I was trying to get a picture of.If you look at the bottom of the picture under the waterfall you can just make it out.If I had taken this picture earlier in the day when the sun was brighter I probably would have gotten a better picture.

I feel sorry for people who don't get to see things like this.There's much more to life than sitting on your fat ass in front of the TV or computer.(He says as he sits in front of his computer.)I could go hiking every weekend.You get a lot of exercise.You see some pretty neat shit.The people you meet are usually quite friendly.And not that I'm some sort of New Jersey apologist,but this shows that there is more to Jersey than all of the dirty,negative stereotypes that people who aren't from here(and even from those who are) like to spew.

Quick Thoughts On Heroes

I've been enjoying the TV show Heroes and wanted to give a few thoughts on it.(What an intro.)

1)It's a little strange seeing a comic book-style story where the superpowers don't come from aliens or lab accidents.But it's refreshing and makes more sense.If your child can get your eye color or your nose, then why not some special abilities?Storywise, it makes sense because it's an easy way to introduce new characters.Also, genetics and inherited traits are things that non-superhero fans who might be watching the show can understand without having to suspend their disbelief more than they already need to.

2)The show seems to be building up a whole universe of characters.This might be a problem because it means that certain favorite characters aren't there for every show(like Claire wasn't in yesterday's show) and also because of those non-comic fans who might not be used to keeping track of that many characters in one show.On the plus side, having a large cast with many powered individuals will help the show develop a mythology that,if the show lasts, can be quite rich and lead to some interesting crossovers between characters.It will add to the show if you don't know who is going to show up in whose story.It makes it fun and unpredictable.

3)I left a comment about this on Wendy Withers blog about this and wanted to expand on the though here.Is it just me or does it seem like only the women like using their powers?Claire has been experimenting with her powers and testing their limits from the first episode.Jessica revels in being strong(That half of her personality does, at least.).I don't think her voluntary confinement is going to last too much longer.Monica was afraid of her powers until Micah made her aware of them.What did she do then?She started playing around with them.Blonde lightning chick and reality-shaping chick both also seem( or seemed) to love having powers too.Even Claire's mom, who only made the briefest of appearances ,had to show off her gifts.
Who on the men's side likes having powers?Hiro and Micah.Hiro has been the comic relief though and Micah is a kid.Every other male on the show just broods.I mean would it kill Nathan to fly every now and then?Isaac,Peter, and Matt are(or were) all depressing and keep their abilities at arms' length.Even Mohinder,who doesn't even have powers,is waaaay serious.Human nature being what it is, I find it hard to believe that so many people who find themselves with special abilities wouldn't use them.

4)This show needs more super-powered fight scenes.What has been shown so far has been way too short and infrequent.I don't mean some humongous battle royal(that would be nice, but I'm sure would really test the show's special effects budget),but to just let some characters cut loose.Peter,Monica,Jessica,Sylar, and any other characters whose powers lend themselves well to combat should get their chance to show it.

5)This show really doesn't have a "tank" yet.I mean someone who is just really,really strong and resilient.That kind of character would certainly stir things up and force some action.

Dear Brian M. Bendis

Dear Brian Michael Bendis,

When I started getting back into comics a few years ago I asked around as to what books I should try.Your name came up as a writer that I couldn't go wrong with.I tried some of your books and damnit if I wasn't hooked right back in.

Since then I've seen your name dragged through the mud a little bit.He's too decompressed.He reads poorly in a monthly format.Nothing happens in his books.They're all talk.He doesn't know continuity.He writes people out of character.I was easily able to dismiss all of these comments as mere opinions.After all,you can't please them all.At least you were pleasing me.I would have even come to your defense if there was a need(plenty of other people to do that) or I was asked.

A couple of weeks ago,New Avengers #35 was released and,well, you know what scene was in it.I will say this...you got people talking.Only they weren't talking about what a badass the Hood was,but rather about what a bad asshole you were.

I know what you were going for with this issue.I even wrote an entry in my humble little blog about it.I may not have liked seeing the beating of Tigra being so one-sided but, as it relates to the story, I knew why you did it.I was reasonably understanding.Other people...not so much.

The thing is, I understand why they are mad.I see exactly where they are coming from.This time though, I can't defend you.I don't even think a lot of your usual defenders are going to touch this one.You took a visually disturbing,realistic beatdown and put it in a comic book.It involved a female character taking the beating while falling out of her clothes and squealing for help.You're a smart man.Your writing shows you have a brain.You just HAD to know that there would be fallout.Your readers are not children who can just see the story for what it is.Your readers are mostly ADULTS,who have a habit of reading into things and pulling out the hidden context.And, oh boy, does the scene I described a few sentences back just SCREAM with hidden context.

I don't think you're completely sunk yet.I know that the Hood will eventually get his come-uppance.That's what comic book villains do.They make life for the heroes really interesting for a little while and then they lose.When that time comes,allow Tigra a revenge beating.It may not be in the larger plan,but perhaps you can fit it in.Maybe you don't like her character much.Shit,I don't like her character.Still,she deserves her revenge.She was embarrassed in front of a room full of supervillains and had her family threatened.Give her the final blow.Give her the final fight even.Controversies like this add up and sometimes it can be a good thing to acknowledge one and fix it.Show your critics that you aren't petty enough to take out a character you hate out of spite.Make things right.It's not too late.

Still a fan(but watching you closely),
W.Knapik

Random Comic Musings

I have spent a lot of money in the past five days.Between my weekly trip to my LCS,two trips to Borders, and my order from Midtown Comics I ended my week with 20 comics and 6 TPBs added to my collection.That's just a shade under $200 being spent.I read a lot.I read fast.I'm insatiable.There's a seemingly infinite amount of choices out there.Good for me.Bad for my wallet.Anyway,here's a run-down of some of what I got.

1)Mighty Avengers #5 :This one took a little while to come out.I'm glad I read a lot.If this was one of only 5 or 6 items on my pull list I'd be pissed.I'm ready for this Ultron story to end.I normally don't mind decompression,but this story really feels dragged out.Does the trade really need to be six issues long?I hope this at least ends with a bang.

2)Captain America:The Chosen #3 :I think this story would work just as well without the whole "Captain America is dying and using mental telepthy"angle.I like the idea of a soldier imagining that all of his brave acts are being performed by Cap.It lends a "was he there or not" kind of mystery to the story.Having him use his best Dr. Strange powers is really a distraction.I still like the story,just not so much that one part.The art,on the other hand, is amazing.Mr. Breitweiser would fit perfectly on Cap's monthly book if the need ever arose.

3)All Star Superman #1,5,6 :I wanted to try this book again without the barrier of translating Bizarro-speak.I'm glad I did.(I just got a solicit call from a chiropractor for a free visit.Please.Why not just go to a witch doctor?Back to the topic...)I'm glad they didn't spend the whole first issue on his origin.Thank you for your assumption that we know the story already.Also, the thing about Superman is that he is so friggin powerful that it is hard for me to get into any story where he's fighting bad guys because I know he'll win.He's Superman,you know?.But seeing him selflessly save the common people and also seeing him deal with the values instilled in him by his upbring add a layer to the character that I can read about all day.I groaned when I saw Krypto in #6,but then seeing how much Supes loves his dog and how he plays with him and how the dog protects him just reinforced that human side and all was forgiven.There really is a deep character in there if the writers care enough to explore it.

4)Marvel Comics Presents #2 :It's all about Hellcat folks.The first story with the police detectives and the Watcher is pretty good as well.

5)Walking Dead Vol 7:The Calm Before :Not much happens in this volume.Everyone settles into the prison and the mood lightens a bit.Carol finally finds a way to commit suicide,but at this point seeing main characters die isn't too shocking.The ending just killed me.Not because I hated it, but rather because I'm trade-waiting this book and now the anticipation is killing me.I somehow just knew the Governor wasn't dead.A man with no cock AND a tank equals a lot of fucking trouble.Seeing Rick's group tortured and forced to bounce around all the time just kills me.I find myself reading and going "Just give them ten minutes of peace!!!Damn you Kirkman!!"That said, it's still a fantastic,gripping read.

6)JLA:Earth 2 :I bought this because it was on some 100 greatest TPB list that I found.This was just silly.I'm not a fan of DC's having multiple versions of the same character interacting with each other.I thought maybe seeing the evil versions would be different,but it wasn't.It's still annoying.Martian Manhunter came off pretty good here though.

7)Nextwave :Agents of HATE #5(Crayon Butchery variant) :I could not wait for this one to arrive.I got two copies.One gets bagged and boardded and goes straight into my long boxes.The other I am tackling with a box of 72 colored pencils.I know the contest is over, but I still would like to tackle coloring the whole issue.I started yesterday and spent about 4 or 5 hours on it.My hand was so fucking cramped by the end.I'm no artist.My coloring job will not be even half as good as what was originally published.But I do have to say that so far, it doesn't look too bad.The flat coloring just makes the book seem a little retro and even psychedelic.I keep the original on hand for reference for costumes, but other than that I'm winging it.I don't want an exact copy.

8)DMZ Vol 1:On The Ground :I've seen this at the bookstore for months now and havbe always been tempted to grab it since it's only $10.I like the idea of a second American civil war with NY as the front line,so I finally picked it up.I have to say that after reading it I don't know anything more about the story than I did by reading the back of the book.Five issues worth of reading and nothing to show for it.I'm not even sure if I like the main character.This doesn't seem up to Vertigo's normal level of quality.I know there's at least a second volume,but I'll be skipping it.This book joins Ex Machina in the "failed-to-grab-me" pile.

9)Deadpool (Various):I'm still in the process of collecting all of Deadpool's first full-length series.I'd guess that I'm probably about halfway there by now.It's a little inconsistent,depending on who's doing the writing,but overall I'm really enjoying the whole series.There are more than a few great moments,such as Loki cursing Deadpool with the face of famous actor "Thom Cruz" not to mention his whole ordeal with Typhoid Mary.Oh yeah.Deadpool was able to lift Thor's hammer and become a Deadpool/Thor.It's not what it sounds like when it's all over,but it was still a great issue.

That's it for now.