Writing Ultimates (Pseudo-Official Comics in General Thread!)

[Shy]

[size=1]Well, I only got one comic this week [b]1602: Part One[/b] and was pleasantly surprised by it. Part one was very good, and I'm definitely looking forward to the next installment. The artwork is very good, and the writing decent. No, the series doesn't have the level of believability that others might, but I wouldn't expect believability from a superhero book set in the 1600's. All of the characters are scattered right now, but by the end of the series I think there will be a lot of interesting interactions between them. Like in the "Ultimate" universe, some of the rules are changed, and it's always fun to see the differences between this universe and the original Marvel one.

[spoiler]I don't think Peter Parker has received his Spider-Man powers yet, but his character appeared so briefly that I'm not sure. What does everyone else think of that? Also, I love how Magneto (at least I [i]think[/i] it was Magneto) is a church inquisitor. In the "1602" world he is more of the protagonist, especially since "Javier" has yet to appear. An evil Professor X would be awesome, tee hee![/spoiler]

Anyway, the cast of characters was fairly limited in this issue, but I expect there to be a lot more appearances and cameos throughout the series. I would really enjoy seeing a "1602" Fantastic Four [spoiler]but when Nick said "I wish Sir Reed were still alive" I think that rules out the possibility of them showing up.[/spoiler]

One final question about 1602: Who do you think the girl on the ship was supposed to be? Is she an original creation for this mini-series, or is she a different take on an existing character? [spoiler]She said something about "changing" and being afraid that she would hurt people, but I have no idea who she is. If she were the Hulk, I would be thoroughly entertained.[/spoiler]

[b]Gotham Central[/b]'s "Half a Life" plot was full of twists and susprises. Renee Montoya finally discovers who framined her for murder, and it was a shock for me. I was not expecting a character like [spoiler]Tow Face[/spoiler], but the more I thought about it the situation made perfect sense. Their lives paralleled eachother in some ways, and about halfway through the comic I started to feel a lot of sympathy for [spoiler]Two Face.[/spoiler] My only complaint with this was that his characterization seemed wrong at the end. There is no reason he should have[spoiler] fallen in love with Renee[/spoiler] and the entire situation just felt like it was forced to enhance the drama.

A lot of writers have difficulty with his character, and don't understand that he is more than two dimensional. Each side of him deserves to be fully-flshed out, or else you end up being stuck with a campy villain with no true motives.

The ending of was sad, and really hit close to home for me. I think that everyone can relate to the story, though, regardless of the subject matter. Aside from the conclusion, the highlight of the issue had to be it's special guest star. I only wish that all cameos could be handled so well.[/size]

[Semjaza]

[url]http://www.diamondcomics.com/shipping/shipping_082703.txt[/url]

That's this Wednesday's list. I've been hearing great things about Flash, but I don't think I'm going to bother with it.

I'm for sure getting X-Statix #12, Inhumans #4 and Love Fights #3. I'll probably pick up the Outsiders Double Feature too. It has the first two issues in it. I've not heard great things about #1, but #2 is good... pick up #3 while you're at it heh.

Edit:

Forget Love Fights. I don't feel like paying $2.99 for a comic right now heh. Money is itight.

I've been looking into other comics. I'm going to pick up Galactic #1 and Losers #3. There were a couple others, but I'll figure it out when I get there.

Possibly the new Mystique too.

[Shy]

[size=1]Ergh.. I odn't want this thread to die. Where is everyone?

Anyway, I haven't gotten any new comics for the week of September 3rd yet, but a few days ago I picked up some other random comics that I had been meaning to get.

[b]Batman's[/b] big yearlong storyline is finally starting to slow down, but a huge mystery remains. Who is this "Hush" person, and how have they managed to manipulate nearly every character in Gotham City? The writing in these new Batman comics is very solid, and the artwork is fantastic. There is incredible attention to detail, and every panel manages to blow me away. I'm very excited to see how this storyline will conclude, because this is one of the more interesting mysteries I've ever read in a comic book. My personal theory is that "Hush" is the Riddler; solely because the plot feels like one giant puzzle. What does everyone else think about the identity of "Hush?"

In my comic shop there is something called [b]Marvel Previews[/b]. Basically it's a list of coming attractions in Marvel comics, but it has some good artwork and an entire copy of [b]Mystique #1.[/b] Considering the whole thing was less than a dollar, I think it's a great value. The first issue of Mystique was a very interesting read, and I'm curious to see where it continues. I'll probably start reading the regular issues when they begin a new story-arc, and just purchase a TPB to catch up.

This week I want to get the latest issues of [b]Catwoman[/b], and [b]Formerly Known as the Justice League[/b]. So there should be some good reading, yay.

-Shy[/size]

[Semjaza]

Yay. I was afraid I'd have to double post or this would die. It was like way into page two.

Comic Book Day was actually today this week, rather than Wednesday. I found this out a couple days ago. It's all thanks to Labor Day.

I didn't know a Formerly Known as the Justice League was coming out this week. I wound up having only $5 today, so I bought the new Sentinel and New X-Men.

I only read Sentinel so far, and while a good issue, it was one my my least favorites so far. I can't really place why, but it might have to do with the emphasis on action that the comic generally doesn't have. It accomplished enough, but ended too soon anyway.

I did pick up some more stuff on Tuesday though. I got all three of the issues out for Losers, which I've heard good things about. I also got Inhumans #4 and X-Statix #12, among other things. I finally got myself some comic boards too.

I wanted to get Street Fighter #1, but they didn't get any in for some reason. Oh well. I might go in there when I have money and get Science Genius Girl... that looks great.

[Heaven's Cloud]

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Shy [/i]
[B][size=1]

[b]Batman's[/b] big yearlong storyline is finally starting to slow down, but a huge mystery remains. Who is this "Hush" person, and how have they managed to manipulate nearly every character in Gotham City? The writing in these new Batman comics is very solid, and the artwork is fantastic. There is incredible attention to detail, and every panel manages to blow me away. I'm very excited to see how this storyline will conclude, because this is one of the more interesting mysteries I've ever read in a comic book. My personal theory is that "Hush" is the Riddler; solely because the plot feels like one giant puzzle. What does everyone else think about the identity of "Hush?"

-Shy[/size] [/B][/QUOTE]

[color=indigo]This one threw me for a loop...I shocked when I found out that it was [spoiler] the second Robin (his name escapes me), doesn't anyone stay dead in comics anymore?...redudant question[/spoiler]

Batman is done by the fantastic Loeb/Lee combination that worked on my favorite comic series of all times, "X-Cutioner" crossover (although I think I have mentioned that before).

The more I read Fantastic Four the more I like it. I like how well they are developing every single charecter despite the team having been around for years. I really enjoy how vulnerable the team seems, they always seemed to be a little to strong for my liking...

Runaways is still incredible, I think that I would like it even if the plot was horrible just because the art work is so amazing (talk about a run-on sentance). X-Static is also still wonderful...X-Force TPB is out, so anyone can catch up and understand what the series is all about.

I read the Nick Fury TPB at Borders the other day. I think that any fan of comic books should read this...just be prepared for some explicit material. It basically charecterizes an old war vet and his inability to cope in a world free of war. It is a really cool book...I think I actually may go buy it tonight.
[/color]

[DeathBug]

Heh heh...got quite a haul this week...

[u]Ultimate Spider-Man #43[/u]

This issue is a narraction from the POV of Shield Agent Carter, who was tracking Doc Ock last year. Apparently, shortly after Spidey put the hurt on the good doctor, another creature was released from the Hammer Genetic Testing Facility. Spider-Man, of course, saves the day.

Worst part: The Doc Ock story was a year ago...this is a good issue, but feels out of place.

Best Part: agent Carter's view on guys like Octavious and Osborn. Good stuff, and a logical viewpoint to take.

Spoiler: [spoiler]The villain that escapes is Flint Marko, the Sandman.[/spoiler]

[u]Spider-Girl #64[/u]

Part 4 of "Marked For Death", the sG version of "Hush"< is a bit of a breather after the all-action issue last time, but there's still plenty of stuff going down. A new crimelord is making his way to New York; meanwhile, May does'nt know what to dowhen one of her classmates is revealed as a mutant. As Spider-Girl, she's approached by the assassain Mister Nobody, who claims to be working for government special ops. now. He gives her info on Kaine, which she quickly makes use of.

Worst Part: This issue features the single most ugly panel in SG histroy....aside from that, it's all good...

Best Part: The last page. Mr. Nobody pwns you.

Spoiler: [spoiler]Kaine was telling the truth last ish; Nobody has gone rogue.[/spoiler]

[u]Transformers Universe: Abduction[/u]

A year after the events of "Beast Machines", a group of Autobots returns to Cybertron. Their homecoming is interrupted when several of the bots gathered are teleported to a nightmare world. Several prominent baddies oversee their capture, but most of them are robots that were already dead! The bad bots put their captives in a horrible Collisium called "The Pit", where they're made to fight to the death so that Unicorn can feed on their Sparks...eww...Meanwhile, on Cybertron, an unlikely champion emerges.

Worst Part: The art...what's wrong with these guys?! Obsidian, Rattrap and Tankor look nothing like they're supposed to. What's the deal?

Best Part: Obsidion's back! Yahoo! Now, if they'd just write him in character...oh, and bring back Inferno, Dinobot, Jetstorm, Thrust/Waspinator, Rampage, Nightscream, Botannica, Strika....

Spoilers:[spoiler] The champion selected to save Cybertron is a revived Optimus Primal.[/spoiler]

[u]Spectacular Spider-Man #4[/u]

Spider-Man's wrestling with the Venom symbiote, who's still trying to posess him. With the help of the Fantastic Four, they et the bugger off, but the slimy critter escapes. Meanwhile, Eddie Brock is coming to terms with the fact that the symbiote no longer wants him. Spidey tracks him down, and Brock makes a rather unnerving announcement.

Worst Part: The drawing of the Thing...he don't look strong...just fat....

Best Part: the flash of the symbiote's memories that Peter recieves.

Spoilers: [spoiler]Eddie is dying of cancer. (I'd like to point out that I guessed at this back with ish #1. Read my review![/spoiler]

[u]Eden's Trail #1-4[/u]

Early this year, Marvel published an anime mini-series with the inventive "Marvel-scope" format; the issues were elongated for art purposes. Thanks to the magic of the dollar bin, I picked up most of it.

On a dessert planet (Think Trigun), a youngf woman named Tila owns a prosperous bar. When a gang of thieves tries to rob her, an enegmatic stranger steps in to save her, but destroys the bar in the process.

This sets off huge series of events which I wish I could tell you all about...but apparently, it went on longer than four issues. Darn it, I thought I got them all!

It was a very enjoyable series with likeable characters; Il'l render a better synopsis when I read the whole thing.

Worst part: Untapped potential. All of the characters are unique and interesting postions, but not much detail is given to how they got there.

Best part: Aside from the amazing art, Id' have to say the characters. We've met Tila, Latch, Unit, Magpie, Pod, and the totally-insane Yune; all are unique, and each have shining moments. My fave scene is the opening of ish 2, where Magpie is about to be hanged. Priceless. :)


It was a *very* good week...

[Semjaza]

Excellent post. I wish we could have more like that more often from other people at OB lol. Too much to ask, I suppose heh.

I only bought two comics last week.

Supreme Power #2 - Basically a character introduction issue. They spent so much time with just Hyperion in the last issue that they kind of crammed more of his childhood into this one... along with short intros for a bunch of other characters.

Still it looks great and is excellently written. It seemed rather slow to read though. Perhaps it was just a bit too wordy at times.

Galactic #1 was the other comic I got. It's basically the story of some kid who is being sought out by a group of aliens. There really aren't any reasons as to why, just yet.

I am mixed on this comic. The idea is generic, but the comic manages to pull it off well. My main problem is the art. A lot of the characters are just hideous. There are frames where the main character looks simply terrible... and they don't mesh with other drawings of him that look a slight bit better.

I doubt I'll be getting #2.


I wanted to get Outsiders #4 today, but I'm broke.

[DeathBug]

"Ultimate Six" Came out today. Did anyone get it?

I have high aspirations for it, for two reasons:

*A recurring theme in Ultimate Spider-Man is the irresponsible use of genetic technology for selfish purposes, and how it always blows up in a big way. The Green Goblin, Doctor Octopus, Sandman, Venom, the Lizard and Electro are all branded as results of such experiments.

I think Bendis might bring this to a head in Ultimate Six, what with so many of those said characters in the same place at once.

*I generally think Bendis is a far superior writer to Miller, and what to see his take on the Ultimates.

So, did anyone get it?

[Semjaza]

I'm just going to wait for Ultimate Six in paperback, if anything. To tell you the truth, I'm starting to get burned out from all these Ultimate series Marvel is doing. I just saw the cover for Ultimate Fantastic Four the other day, and I'm not excactly excited.

I didn't get to go this Wednesday, so I went today. Figures that Outsiders #4 was already gone. I wandered around trying to see if anything else was worth getting... I stumbled across Runaways #6, which I didn't even know was out this week. Good thing too, because they only had two left.

For whatever reason, it felt like a new issue of Possessed should have been out too... so I checked that section and there was the new #3.

So two comics. No Outsiders. No Science Genius Girl (I've only seen it there once, I want it quite a bit).

[I, Colossus]

Heh. I bought 4 comics last Wednesday. Not all of them were exactly [i]new[/i] but they looked pretty cool.

[b]Ultimate Six #1:[/b] I loved this comic, there wasn't much action (which is what I usually go for) but I liked it just the same. Something I didn't know is that Nick Fury is black in the Ultimate line...that confused me for a minute when I saw him. But overall it looks like it's a series that I'll be following.

[b]LONDON #1 - From Vertigo's POP line:[/b] I loved it. It's about a washed up rock star who keeps talking about the best night of his life. The night he and his band blew the Rolling Stones off the stage. Good stuff...if your into that type of...stuff. =P

[b]G.I. Joe vs. Transformers #1:[/b] It sucked. But I'm a sucker for 80's properties.

[b]Wolverine: Snikt #3:[/b] Heh, it was interesting enough. I'm going to wait for a TPB though.

---

I ordered Superman/Batman #1 and #2, AND Street Fighter #1 off of [url]www.midtowncomics.com[/url] So I should be able to comment on those soon. I can't wait for Street Fighter. ^___^

[Manic Webb]

Oy, what a hiatus!

I stopped reading comic books around 8 years ago. I kept hearing all this stuff about the Ultimate Marvel universe, and how the stories are different from the original. I was in Borders the other day, passed by the Graphic Novel section, and decided to browse through an issue of Ultimate Spider-Man for just a few short minutes.

So after reading through the first 2 full-volumes of the series (I had to stop because I couldn't find volumes 3, 4, or 5 and didn't want to skip all the way to 6), I have to say that I'm impressed. Given, the last time I read a Spider-Man comic book was 8 years ago and I'd be impressed by anything. Still, I was pleasantly surprised by some of the twists from the original story. I saw Peter go into the Bugle for a photography job, and saw him walk out a web designer. And there was this entire scene taken directly from the movie [i]Ferris Bueller's Day Off[/i] that I just couldn't stop laughing at.

"Anyone? Anyone? D-O-O? Voodoo Economics"

My major gripe is that the action is... is... well, it isn't. There's no real action. If Spidey's fight with the Goblin were animated or acted out, it would've lasted 2 minutes tops.

I also picked up the first volume of Ultimate X-Men. I didn't finish it, though. I only read as far as Beast rescuing Bobby. The beginning was put together a little too quickly, though. Marvel Girl pops up out of nowhere and starts grabbing a few random mutants. They're taken to the mansion, given new names, put on new clothing, and [i]then[/i] they're told why they're there? Then they're thrust into battle not five minutes later?
I know U. Spider-Man didn't spend enough time getting to the action, but U. X-Men hurled the readers into it just a little [i]too[/i] quickly.

[Semjaza]

Spider-Man wasn't too great for me, and X-Men ran its course. I do think you'll most likely enjoy The Ultimates itself though.

I finally got to catch up on some of my backlogged comics the last two days. Losers, 100 Bullets, Possession and New X-Men to be specific.

100 Bullets - I don't know. I'm really mixed on it at this point. It seems well done, but I obviously jumped on in the middle of a story arc. I have almost no idea what is really going on. I'm also somewhat put off by the art, as it seems really cartoony for the subject matter.

Losers - Freaking awesome. Similiar to 100 Bullets in the idea that it focuses on real world situations and crime moreso than most others. This one focuses on some ex-governmental agents who are trying to against the system - anti-heroes.

Well done on every front. It also is slightly cartoony, but not to the extent that 100 Bullets is. It can be odd reading these two, as they have a large amount of violence and cursing... totally absent from most comics I've bought heh.

Possession - I'm not sure about this one yet. It has good ideas... a bunch of previously possessed people (including a priest) taking on demons and such. It's kind of like Ghostbusters in that sense, crossed with The Exorcist.

Art is quite good. It's detailed and makes use of a large amount of dark areas and crosshatching. The latter which I don't see used too much in the other comics I read. I'm not fond of some of the female designs though, as they just have massive breasts that look totally out of place to me.

As cool as the idea is, and as weird as the designs are... at this point I don't really have any attachment to the characters. #3, the latest, seemed like an improvement though, so I'm sticking it out.

New X-Men - Great, I thought. I have 3 issues from the Weapon X story arc, which basically deals with Wolverine, Fantomex and the other weapons. It was hard to jump into at first (mostly because I don't have the first issue in the arc), but I caught on and really liked it. Much moreso than Ultimate X-Men.

I believe that New X-Men is set to relaunch simply as X-Men... so watch out for it.

If I had to choose one, I'd go with Losers followed by New X-Men.

[Manic Webb]

I looked for The Ultimates, but couldn't find it. Spidey and those X-kids were the only Ultimate comics I saw. I saw New X-Men, but I'm not even sure what this is. So I didn't pick it up.

I'm into cartoony art, so I'll try to see what's up with Losers.

Too many titles to check out. I'm just glad I can read these comics for free.

[Heaven's Cloud]

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Manic [/i]
[B]Too many titles to check out. I'm just glad I can read these comics for free. [/B][/QUOTE]

[color=indigo]I am the same way, I'll read comics for an hour or so at Borders, although I usually but a few just so I don't feel like I'm the reason that the comic goes out of print...I guess I am just paranoid that way :)

I've been reading New X-Men for some time, and I thought it was a pretty good concept to see Xaviers dream begin to take shape and develop. I also really like the twist they created with Xorn...I honestly never saw that one coming...

Manic, if you like cartoonish type comics you should check out Runaways. It is drawn with a more open feeling and looks slightly cartoonish, but the artwork is still extrordinary, especially the covers. I caught the newest issue last night and I thought that the series was still developing pretty fairly.[/color]

[Semjaza]

I thought the latest issue of Runaways was one of the best yet. It really is one of the best comics I've read, and I look forward to getting it every month. I'd say everyone should read it heh. It seems to be gaining in popularity, as the last issue seemed to sell out very quickly. I never had a problem getting the previous ones even a week later, but this one was gone in less than two days.

It's on #6 now, I believe... so it should be getting a paperback soon. I've rarely seeing older issues lying about, to be honest. I got lucky and found #1 and #2 in a single issue (along with Sentinel) at Borders one day.

Speaking of Sentinel, you might want to check that out too. I think it's quite fun, although Runaways is far more entertaining for me.

[Heaven's Cloud]

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Semjaza Azazel [/i]
[B]
100 Bullets - I don't know. I'm really mixed on it at this point. It seems well done, but I obviously jumped on in the middle of a story arc. I have almost no idea what is really going on. I'm also somewhat put off by the art, as it seems really cartoony for the subject matter.
[/B][/QUOTE]

[color=indigo]I found a TPB of 100 Bullets yesterday, and I read it at Borders. It was pretty good, in a violent and interesting kind of way. The art in the TPB was very dark, and almost had a Frank Miller/Sam Keith quality to it...so it had obviously changed some since the TPB has come out.

I still haven't found a local comic store that is close though...so I have been unble to check out the series and see how it is currently developing...Drat Warren Ohio, drat it heck!![/color]

[Semjaza]

So far, Losers is just better than any 100 Bullets comic I've bothered to read.

I also picked up Human Target at the advice of someone on Gaming-Age. I sat and read the first issue on my way to school a few days ago. At first, I thought I got it... then I was totally lost... and then by the end, it all tied up and I basically understood everything I possibly could. It follows a man who can basically impersonate anyone, to the point that he leads himself to believe that he actually [i]is[/i] that person thanks to his delusions.

#2 was just as good.

I seriously recommend this to anyone. It's really great stuff.

[DeathBug]

I am so, so peeved at J. Michael Stracyzynski...I'll explain why.

JMS is the current writer of "The Amazing Spider-Man", the wall-crawler's first and longest-running comic. It's been ongoing since 1964.

Now, most of you know I'm big into Spider-Man; beemn a fan since ish 407. (My first ish of Amazing, in late '95). As such, there's no way I'd miss out on something as big as the 5ooth issue of "Amazing".

(Quick math lesson: publishing 12 issues every year, it takes two + years to get to 25, then 4+ to get to 50, then 8+ years to get to 100. Ergo, to get to 500, Spidey's been in publication 40+ years.)

Anyway, JMS, given his shot at the 500th issue, proceeds to do something totally unforgivable:

He's boring.

The double-sized 500th issue was completely and totally dull. The story was fine, but there was absolutly no drama at all. The artwork was great, but the plot was so trite. The only nice part was the end, but the gimmick had been used before. (In the last ep. of the '90's cartoon).

JMS was a pretty decent writer, but this is just ridiculous. 100th issues deserve to have some sort of dramatic twist, or something important happen in them.

With the exception of #100, every 100 issues so far were landmarks. (Stan Lee was burnt out on the title by ish #100, which was why it wasn't really up to snuff.)

#200: Peter confronts the Burglar who shot his Uncle Ben. (In the original comics, the Burglar didn't die, as he did in the movie.)

#300: First Venom, as well as Pete moving into an apartment with his new wife, Mary Jane. asso, Pete ditches the black costume and returns to the classic red-n-blues.

#400: The death of Aunt May. (Since undone...don't ask.)

#500: Uhhh....a clip-show, basically. Not even a really good one; the flashbacks are innaccurate to the original comics.)

So, so much wasted potential. At least the art was nice. *Sighs*