Musings
I should say that Doctor Polaris doesn't necessarily speak for me in matters regarding Marvel comics.
Though I should also say that his thoughts aren't that far from my own. I would just express them with more... Tact.
I don't read Marvel. I won't apologize for that, either. I've only read a handful of Marvel comics in my life and I've never purchased one (that Wolverine/Elektra thing doesn't count; that was purchased exclusively for Yoshitaka Amano artwork). But if I was going to try reading some Marvel I'd go about it in the same way Scipio has.
Some of the commenters on that thread were complaining that Scipio chose a "DC writer" for his first real foray into Marvel. I'd probably do the same thing. You see, for me it's not about the writers; it's about the characters. And if Geoff Johns can't make me like characters that I tend to find pretty unlikable, then nobody can.
A friend was over at my place last night and we got to talking comics (he's an old school Marvel fan). He was absolutely raving about Marvel's Ultimate Universe and The Ultimates in partcular. He started describing Ultimate Captain America and Ultimate Hulk and Ultimate Iron Man and all the rest. And all I could think: "those guys sound like total assholes." And I don't really want to read about assholes.
But after my friend left, I got to wondering. Should I broaden my horizons? Should I be reading books like The Ultimates (which my friend billed as a truly "realistic" take on superheroes). Then I reread Action Comics #775.
I think I'll stick with the "Truth, Justice, and the American Way."
posted by Diamondrock @ 4:49 AM
12 comments
12 Comments:
Wow. Yesterday was a Monday, wasn't it? (Note to self: Never leave comments on Mondays.) Sorry about the "smug" comment. That was out of line.
Er, anyway, I'm still just a newbie at all of this, but Marvel... There's something about that universe of characters that's highly entertaining. Maybe it's just that flawed people are more fun to read about than people who, you know, aren't so flawed. In general. The Ultimate Universe does seem to be full of jerks (maybe there is such a thing as too flawed), though ironically, Ultimate Thor seems to be kind of nice. At least, he has been in Ultimate Fantastic Four.
I'm trying to broaden my horizons with some DC fare. Probably putting off Catwoman and Hawkgirl 'til next week, but definitely pulling Blue Beetle tomorrow. (Also, note that All-Star Superman ended up on my preorders somehow!)
Broadening horizons is always a good thing, so I'll suggest my current Top Three writers. (Incidentally, they've all written for DC, and therefore fit your criteria.):
-Dan Slott. If he can't make you care about a character, I don't know who could. Thing #6 is out this week. If you pull a Marvel, pull that, because the title's (unfortunately) in trouble. (Well, it's the second part of an arc, so if you can pull #5 as well, that would probably help.)
-Brian K. Vaughan. Runaways. Awesome. This week, it's the second part of a... five-part arc I think. Again, not a great place to jump in, but a one-issue catchup isn't bad.
-Warren Ellis. Because he's twisted and he's funny. Try an issue of Nextwave. Two-issue arcs there as well.
I'm continuing to try out DC. Will you be trying out a Marvel?
Heavens no, diamondrock, don't read Ultimates. Because you're absolutley right, most of them are jerks. Tony Stark has some nice moments, and I'd agree with canton that Thor is cool, but it's a story designed to make waaaaay over the top characters, so maybe start with something simpler.
I would suggest maybe the Busiek/Perez Avengers from before Geoff came on the book. Or Mark waid's Fantastic Four?
Or Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa's Four, maybe? It's done after #30, but the run is (with a one-arc exception) an excellent read. The First Family mini is cool too, for that matter. For trades, Into the Breach? Or Foes, maybe? I've liked what I've read of Waid's stuff, too, by the way. Still have to pick my way through the trades, though.
The "Ultimates" realistic? Ummm, I'm not sure I want to live in the same world as your friend. Everyone in that book is, indeed, an asshole - which doesn't say much for one's opinion of humanity.
The one, true realistic super-hero is Miracleman. When he had a "super" fight, cities were devastated and millions died horribly. Not a pretty picture, nor was it presented as anything "cool" or admirable.
For mainstream Marvel, I'd stay away from the icons - which have been bungled across the board - and look at some more marginal titles.
I'd recommend Dan Slott's "She-Hulk," which is fun despite the cheesecake covers. His "Thing" is also fun, even if its about to be canceled.
Peter David's X-Factor is a good read, and has little to do with the X-universe as a whole.
I'd also agree with Runaways.
The "Annihilation" cross-over is shaping up as a better cosmic story than Rann-Thanagar War, but that's a lot to buy if you're a beginner.
But, if you decide to stick with DC, you won't be missing too much. Their titles currently dominate my purchases weekly as well...
Canton: Don't worry about that smug remark! It didn't bother me. Besides, it was directed at Doctor Polaris, wasn't it? ;-)
And it's glad to have my suspicions about the Ultimates vindicated. They did seem like jerks...
And everyone else, thanks for commenting and the suggestions. I'll have to say that my biggest fear in trying Marvel is that I'll *like* it. And I can't afford to buy a bunch of their books too...
And an aside: I'm totally smug about my fandom, and I know it. But I'm still not as smug as Professor X. :-)
And all I could think: "those guys sound like total assholes." And I don't really want to read about assholes.
Why Marvel seems to be wanting to move in this direction disturbs and frightens me. When I started out my Marvel Zombie-ism, I adored the 'real people' style of storytelling and the basic idea of 'doing the best you could' that came through the characters.
Now, everyone's a jerk. Heroes are fighting heroes, Prof. X is killing kids off and lying about it, Spider-Man's all over the place in powers...
*sigh* Read Dan Slott's Thing if you get the chance. Some old school Marvel-sim right there. =)
Canton: Don't worry about that smug remark! It didn't bother me. Besides, it was directed at Doctor Polaris, wasn't it? ;-)
Yes and no. It was directed at the guy who didn't do his research. ;) Wikipedia and Google are wonderful things. (And now it's my turn to be smug. 'Cause I didn't know how Professor X got his title, either, 'til I, you know, looked it up.)
Now, everyone's a jerk. Heroes are fighting heroes, Prof. X is killing kids off and lying about it, Spider-Man's all over the place in powers...
Carla: It'll get back to normal. It has to, right? At least, the old-school fanboys'n'girls seem to think so, and Marvel does have those Three Awesome Writers to help keep things afloat. (Granted Ellis likes to write jerks. But they're funny jerks, not angsty jerks, so it's okay.)
Oh, and this bears repeating:
DIAMONDROCK: PULL DAN SLOTT'S THING! Broaden your horizons.
You know, as much as I'm not a Marvel fan either, I always rather liked Excalibur. I haven't read the current version, but the previous ones were all very enjoyable to me.
Part of it is that it seemed like the team's role in Britain was a lot more like the JLA than say the X-Men. They were reasonably public figures, that the government knew about and were even able to work with (sometimes). Black Air, in particular, always resembled more of a DC adversary than a traditional Marvel one. (Less emphasis on colorful personalities, more on espionage)
Captain Britain was almost like a satire of DC heroes sometimes, but not without his charm.
Nightcrawler and Shadowcat were members and much less aggravating than I find them in X-Men. (Kurt seemed less like he was feeling sorry for himself. Kitty seemed less like uber-ninja-ballet-hacker girl...both felt more human and natural than their previous roles)
Moira MacTaggart was just awesome. And Pete Wisdom, when he showed up finally, was a younger, mutant version of John Constantine.
So yeah, likeable, charming characters, a group that tends to, in the issues I've read at least, be a bit more about making a difference than vigilante warfare. No Wolverine in sight?
If you'd like any Marvel thing, I'd imagine that'd be the one for you. I hope the new one is as good.
"But after my friend left, I got to wondering. Should I broaden my horizons? Should I be reading books like The Ultimates (which my friend billed as a truly "realistic" take on superheroes). Then I reread Action Comics #775."
So let me get this straight...
You were considering reading ultimates then read superman and decided not to?
Just next time you get a chance sit and read it in store if possible to see if you like it...
There's no harm in just reading a book. It's not like little marvel monkey's will leap out and bite your face.
They don't do that untill you put the book on the pull list.
If you want to try out something from Marvel that's actaully worth reading, well The Thing would qualify, but I have only two wrods for you: Spider-Girl! The best Marvel comic series that is currently being produced. 'Nuff said!
BTW, did you ever get your signed Gail Simone comics? Just curious. :)
"his first real foray into Marvel."
Well, actually, DR, it wasn't my first foray into Marvel. I was reading Marvel comics before many commenters were even born. I owned the comic where Sue Storm gives birth. And I do own a comic book store, so I see plenty of Marvel.
I don't dislike Marvel because I'm not familiar with it; I dislike it because I am familiar with it.
Post a Comment
<< Home