DC Relaunch Story Discussions ONLY (no market info or spec)

[Knightt]

No doubt that most of these stories are decompressed. These are just more examples of comics being written for the trade. I do agree on Swamp Thing. That's the main reason that I initially thought I'd wait for the trade.

There have been 16 page comics that have more story and more completeness to them than these - Fell and Casanova. Both were done in a 16 page format and were a dollar less. Of course, if you give a full story in 16 pages, you are kind of making the single issue more important than the trade and we wouldn't want that now, would we?

Well, I for one have NO problem with single issue stories because in today's rat race it is getting more and more difficult to hold my attention for a 90 day period OR very disappointing to wait 90 days for the end of a bad story. Single issues should always be more important than a reprinted TPB but that is not the current mentality nor does it seem to be an upcoming trend as I see more and more TPB Shops than comic shops.

Kind of sad if you ask me but 'change is everything'.

[Dr. Solar]

The thing I have noticed about this decompressed nonsense is that I don't feel like I am getting good value for my money.

The first time I read Justice League #1, I timed myself, it took 8 minutes to read. It cost four bucks. That's fifty cents a minute.

By comparison, a 2 hour movie that costs twelve bucks at the theater is 10 cents a minute. A sixty dollar video game I play for 10 to 20 hours is 5 to 10 cents a minute. These comics seem to be way less of a value than other types of entertainment.

[Knightt]

The thing I have noticed about this decompressed nonsense is that I don't feel like I am getting good value for my money.

The first time I read Justice League #1, I timed myself, it took 8 minutes to read. It cost four bucks. That's fifty cents a minute.

By comparison, a 2 hour movie that costs twelve bucks at the theater is 10 cents a minute. A sixty dollar video game I play for 10 to 20 hours is 5 to 10 cents a minute. These comics seem to be way less of a value than other types of entertainment.

I take consolation that I have paid more for 30 seconds of entertainment than $.50 cents a minute.

But yeah, buying new comics is not very fulfilling. I would feel much better if I were not paying so much compared to when I had LESS money and comics only cost $.25.

[400yrs]

The first time I read Justice League #1, I timed myself, it took 8 minutes to read. It cost four bucks.

Oh, they definitely crammed it in everyone's bungholes and turned it a few times on that one!

That's fifty cents a minute.

Dayummm! There a phone sex lines cheaper than THAT!

By comparison, a 2 hour movie that costs twelve bucks at the theater is 10 cents a minute. A sixty dollar video game I play for 10 to 20 hours is 5 to 10 cents a minute. These comics seem to be way less of a value than other types of entertainment.

I totally agree and that's the problem. Comics are going to have to be digital and available for 99¢. Either that or they need to make a format that is more disposable and smaller to be carried around as one would an ad magazine or something. They almost need to get back to what they were when they started - cheaply produced, widely distributed in grocery stores or movie theaters or somewhere. Except I'd make them smaller. I still don't see how most LCSs are going to be around in 5 years.

[Chiclo]

I take consolation that I have paid more for 30 seconds of entertainment than $.50 cents a minute.

Easy on the hookers, quickdraw.

[Knightt]

I take consolation that I have paid more for 30 seconds of entertainment than $.50 cents a minute.

Easy on the hookers, quickdraw.

I would but it is rather large and 30 seconds is the longest any of them could withstand the blunt force trauma.

(as if, right ? )

[400yrs]

The thing I have noticed about this decompressed nonsense is that I don't feel like I am getting good value for my money.

The first time I read Justice League #1, I timed myself, it took 8 minutes to read. It cost four bucks. That's fifty cents a minute.

By comparison, a 2 hour movie that costs twelve bucks at the theater is 10 cents a minute. A sixty dollar video game I play for 10 to 20 hours is 5 to 10 cents a minute. These comics seem to be way less of a value than other types of entertainment.

CBR is doing a weekly experiment taking people who aren't regular DC readers and in some cases, not even comic readers and having them read these new issues. These are good reads.


Week 1:
http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page ... e&id=34461

Week 2:
http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page ... e&id=34344

Week 3:
http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page ... e&id=34580

Here's a great, but sad excerpt from week 3:

When asked if they would buy a second issue, Heather summed up the new readers' attitude best: "Since most non-comic book readers read books, I think it'd be hard to recommend one story since nothing happens really -- it's too short." Comparing their issues to watching only the first ten minutes of a television show, no one felt they received a fully rounded and complete story, and all were disappointed with how short their issues were.

[400yrs]

I re-read Wonder Woman. It's good enough to check it out a few more issues. I really like the art, but there are spots that look a bit too sketchy like Larsen. I don't like those spots. The colors are excellent in this book.

but after reading Supergirl today I had to go out and buy it. Art was TREMENDOUS and I like the tone of the series as far as I can tell from the first issue. Adding this one to my pull list.

I'm going to see if the shop still has this book. I've been reading enough good things about it. Asrar is an excellent artist. Too bad Dynamo 5 didn't do better.

[Dr. Solar]

CBR is doing a weekly experiment taking people who aren't regular DC readers and in some cases, not even comic readers and having them read these new issues. These are good reads.

Week 1:
http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page ... e&id=34461

Week 2:
http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page ... e&id=34344

Week 3:
http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page ... e&id=34580

Here's a great, but sad excerpt from week 3:

When asked if they would buy a second issue, Heather summed up the new readers' attitude best: "Since most non-comic book readers read books, I think it'd be hard to recommend one story since nothing happens really -- it's too short." Comparing their issues to watching only the first ten minutes of a television show, no one felt they received a fully rounded and complete story, and all were disappointed with how short their issues were.

To prove my point, I re-edited Justice League #1 from the published 24 pages down to 16 pages. I am really curious what people think of this. I think the story still flows just fine at only 16 pages, though I am curious to see if people agree.

I posted up examples here:

http://baddea.com/JL1edit" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Check it out, and tell me if I am right, or if I am wrong.

[400yrs]

Cool. I've only read the pages on the site so far, but those do the same as the orig.

I can understand decompression in some regards, but 4 pages for a football game scene is way over the top. There are some places where the art needs to breathe. At a football game isn't one of them and making it last 4 pages is just milking your readers and giving your artist an easier time and boosting the page count.

[Dr. Solar]

Looks like my efforts got picked up by Bleeding Cool.

[Tim]

Looks like my efforts got picked up by Bleeding Cool.

Way to hit the big time, Sean!

[OmenSpirits.com]

Teen Titans

Written by SCOTT LOBDELL Art and cover by BRETT BOOTH and NORM RAPMUND Tim Drake, Batman's former sidekick, is back in action when an international organization seeks to capture, kill or co-opt super-powered teenagers. As Red Robin, he's going to have to team up with the mysterious and belligerent powerhouse thief known as Wonder Girl and the hyperactive speedster calling himself Kid Flash to stand any chance at all against a living, breathing weapon with roots in another world! They - along with a few other tortured teen heroes - will be the Teen Titans in this new series from writer Scott Lobdell (WILDC.A.T.S, Uncanny X-Men) and artist Brett Booth (JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA)! Cover price $2.99.



It's the rebirth of the '90s all over again.

[Tim]

Teen Titans

Written by SCOTT LOBDELL Art and cover by BRETT BOOTH and NORM RAPMUND Tim Drake, Batman's former sidekick, is back in action when an international organization seeks to capture, kill or co-opt super-powered teenagers. As Red Robin, he's going to have to team up with the mysterious and belligerent powerhouse thief known as Wonder Girl and the hyperactive speedster calling himself Kid Flash to stand any chance at all against a living, breathing weapon with roots in another world! They - along with a few other tortured teen heroes - will be the Teen Titans in this new series from writer Scott Lobdell (WILDC.A.T.S, Uncanny X-Men) and artist Brett Booth (JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA)! Cover price $2.99.



It's the rebirth of the '90s all over again.

It's amazing to think that people still let Scott Lobdell write comic books...

...until you realize that people still let John Romita Jr. draw comic books and then it doesn't seem so amazing after all.

[OmenSpirits.com]

Teen Titans

Written by SCOTT LOBDELL Art and cover by BRETT BOOTH and NORM RAPMUND Tim Drake, Batman's former sidekick, is back in action when an international organization seeks to capture, kill or co-opt super-powered teenagers. As Red Robin, he's going to have to team up with the mysterious and belligerent powerhouse thief known as Wonder Girl and the hyperactive speedster calling himself Kid Flash to stand any chance at all against a living, breathing weapon with roots in another world! They - along with a few other tortured teen heroes - will be the Teen Titans in this new series from writer Scott Lobdell (WILDC.A.T.S, Uncanny X-Men) and artist Brett Booth (JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA)! Cover price $2.99.



It's the rebirth of the '90s all over again.

It's amazing to think that people still let Scott Lobdell write comic books...

...until you realize that people still let David Finch draw comic books and then it doesn't seem so amazing after all.

Fixed that liiiittttllee error for ya, bud.

[Knightt]

Read Red Mask and the Outlaws along with Batwoman tonight AND put them both on my official pull list. OUTSTANDING that I could see reading for a long time !!

Ok NOW I am a bit excited about this.

[ian_house]

Yay Knightt's digging DC!

[Knightt]

Mostly 'Bat' themed books but that is not a bad thing. I've yet to read Nightwing and have been told that is a decent title as well. With Batwoman, I didn't mind the whole 'orientation thing' and thought it was handled pretty well. Its that garish blatant have to throw it in your face type of stuff that I don't care for. I liked how the art got considerably better while she was in the costume, it gave it a classy look and I REALLY like the supernatural aspect of the story. That whole crying into the mouths of the children was a well executed idea, spooky. One thing, I didn't care for was the Special Forces tattoo that she had on her right arm. Still my old school mentality and I know this is a comic world of kick *SQUEE* chicks but I had/have that "yeah, that didnt happen" attitude as there have not been any women in SF to date or any plans to incorporate females into SOF in an operator type role. I do not know her history, military training or background but that always seems the explain away skills is to have SF training. Having a female SF operator makes me roll my eyes a bit. But, the entire story as a whole will put this title on my permanent pull list.

I give this book an A... and the only reason I do that and not an A+ is that, I did not like the art when she was out of uniform. The art kicked butt when she was in uniform and in action then dropped a notch or two when out of the cowl. I REALLY am happy with this book and I even told my wife about it and she said something like "Wow, this is a step in a brand new direction for you."

All I could do is shrug and say, "Yeah." I can tell you if there was this huge scene with flamboyance and placing homosexuality into the issue 'just because' and it not lending to the story, I don't care how good the art was or the rest of the tale was, I would calmly put this issue in the 'not to continue reading pile' but as it is, this is a book I look forward to reading the second and follow on issues.

[caxiotis]

Read Aquaman and the Flash today. I really enjoyed Aquaman (I gotta say that i laughed a couple of times). I don't want to ruin the story for anyone, but I give it a solid A.

Then I read the Flash, I liked it, but didn't think it was great. I really feel that it has potential. I give it a B/B+ (Like Action #1). Something I could drop or keep reading and it wouldn't be a big deal.

[Tim]

Read Aquaman and the Flash today. I really enjoyed Aquaman (I gotta say that i laughed a couple of times). I don't want to ruin the story for anyone, but I give it a solid A.

Then I read the Flash, I liked it, but didn't think it was great. I really feel that it has potential. I give it a B/B+ (Like Action #1). Something I could drop or keep reading and it wouldn't be a big deal.

Read both Flash and Aquaman and added both to my pull list. Along with Supergirl, that makes three books I'm picking up. Doesn't sound like much, but from a guy who a few short weeks ago was doing everything in his power to hate this stuff, I'd say that's pretty good.

Also, although I won't be picking it up because it's simply too dark for me, the art in Justice League Dark was absolutely jaw-dropping.

[400yrs]

Tim, did you try Batman?




The shop I went to was all out of Supergirl so I just picked up Flash and Aquaman. I haven't read Aquaman yet, but after flipping it and seeing the art, it looked pretty sweet.

Flash - This is my favorite DC character. What I liked about this issue was that it was a first issue. What I didn't like about this issue was the art. I really don't like the soft line look. I also didn't really like the story at the end. I feel like I've read this before. Considering that it's an artist that is writing the book, I doubt this will turn out to be a strong story. I don't think I'll be continuing on with this. B-

[Tim]

Tim, did you try Batman?

I read it and thought it was the strongest of the Bat-titles so far. Art was superb and a long way from the last time I read anything Capullo did, which was Quasar in the early 90's. Honestly if there hadn't had the Seven-esque crime scene panel, I would probably be picking that one up also. Could have been tastefully done so that everyone knew what was going on, but instead they took the cheap, sleazy, shocking-for-shocking's sake approach that is becoming easier and easier for me to call a dealbreaker. Not digging the grotesque or overly violent content in the new DCU (Decapitation Comics Universe). I will give a book like that a try if I really stand behind a creator's work and think they have a point that simply can't be made without that kind of content, but it's honestly not my idea of a good time or time well spent.

I want adventure, action and wonder in my comics, thanks. If I want senseless, pointless violence I'll watch the news.

[xodacia81]

I read Aquaman. Wait. No I didn't. Just like I read JLA. Wait, I had to WAIT for that to come in again. Just like I will with Aquaman, because the LCS didn't do the right pulls.

All that said, Flash could be a cool book and I'm digging the current crop of GL books.

[400yrs]

I really enjoyed Aquaman (I gotta say that i laughed a couple of times). I don't want to ruin the story for anyone, but I give it a solid A.

Aquaman gets a definite A maybe A+ from me. I thought the art might be nice in this and it was beautiful. The writing reminded me of John's first run on The Flash. This is what I've wanted to see from Johns.

Aquaman is the surprise of the 52 for me. Wonder Woman was another surprise, but Aquaman is an instant, no second thought add to my pull list.

[400yrs]

I read Aquaman. Wait. No I didn't. Just like I read JLA. Wait, I had to WAIT for that to come in again. Just like I will with Aquaman, because the LCS didn't do the right pulls.

They are jerking you around.