Thought Bubble: Event Fatigue

DC's Crisis on Infinite Earths

The past few years have had comic book fans go through blockbuster after blockbuster event that change things in their respective universes forever. Of course, if I were to detail the big comic book events of the past decade this piece would be about thirty pages long. I’ll forego that and allow you to peruse the various comic book wikis out there. Instead I shall review the pros and cons of the “event” format and offer some suggestions for the publishers and readers going forward.

Pro: Events are cash cows for the publishers. If the publishers do well then the readers do well… isn’t that how capitalism works? Plus they get to sell tie-in merchandise, action figures, clothing and what we’re all really after: jewelry. Am I right?

Con: Price. Publishers can charge more for event books, since they are pitched as “must read” comics.

Pro: Dream Teams. You get to see a popular writer/artist work together on a dream project.

Con: Nightmare Teams. If the event book features an artist or writer who you don’t like, then you’re out of luck. The even may also involve characters you have no interest in as a result. If you do not like the direction they are going with the title or the universe you may be stuck. Slogging through bad stories just for some kind of resolution is not fun.

Pro: Holy Shit Moments. Events are usually pretty traumatic in the scope of things.  This “holy shit moment” can be an incredibly powerful incident that can change the entire dynamic of the story and even the universe.

Con: Holy Shit moments falling flat. Big moments meant to have impact and gravitas end up being pointless or just plain offensive. For instance the Blob eating the Wasp in Marvel’s Ultimatum; Totally unnecessary. Shock for the sake of shock which can ruin a good story.

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Jeff: Back from the Dead

Fear this!

I am not dead. I actually just joined the Sinestro Corps and have been battling the Black Lanterns in a far off sector.

But in all seriousness, to avoid getting into the heavy details and making this post uber-bloggy, I will summarize by saying that my day job has been deliciously kicking my ass. However, the craziness is over and I shall get things back on track. I want to thank Will, Joel, Lucas and Raj for keeping us posted on the upcoming Thor and Green Lantern films and various comic related things.

So with that I’ll recap some things I’ve taken note of these past months I have been away: Read the rest of this entry »

Jeff’s Pulls for the Week of August 12

This week is a big week with the launch of Marvel’s Ultimate Comics and of course the second issue of the book I am sure you are all reading; Blackest Night.  If you guys see any books you think I’m missing from my pull list or want to post your own list email me at jeff@dorkshelf.com.  Let us know what you think about the books on this week’s pull list, leave a comment.

Blackest Night #2

Ok, so last issue I stood up and applauded after finishing the book, leaving me with incredibly high hopes for issue #2.  I wish nothing more than to have my mouth on the floor, eager to see what happens on the next page.  It’s still early in the series, so there’s still time to jump on board with this book. Geoff Johns and Ivan Reis are back at it and on time.  Heroes are dropping like flies, and long dead characters have risen from the grave! This is the book to read this summer.  Pick this book up.

Ultimate Comics: Spider-Man #1

Alright, I know I always boast about the simplicity of Marvel’s Ultimate universe.  How you don’t have to worry about 60 plus years of back story and continuity; anyone can jump right in.  Well if you didn’t read any of the Ultimate universe books before, now is the perfect time for you to jump on.

This is a complete relaunch the Ultimate universe, following the events of Ultimatum some of the more known Marvel characters are dead.  New artists are coming on board, and the writers that started the original Ultimate universe are back as well.  This issue teams Brian Michael Bendis with David Lafuente (Runaways) tasked with art duties.  Bendis has yet to take to make a mistake with Spider-Man in the Ultimate universe, if any good can come out of <cite>Ultimatum</cite>, Bendis is the man to do it.

Ultimate Comics: Avengers #1

It goes without saying that Mark Millar wrote of the best Ultimates stories.  Now he’s back; and he brings with him the new-to-Marvel artist Carlos Pacheco (Justice Society of America, Superman/Batman). This has me really excited, as Millar has a chance to make some sense of the mess that was Ultimatum.  Pacheco’s art is fluid and classic, a perfect fit for this relaunch.  Where does this story start?  It’s said to involve Red Skull and a new Avengers team lineup.  This is the first issue, and I want to start off at the beginning.

That’s this weeks pull list.  Email me with your lists at jeff@dorkshelf.com.

Until next week, enjoy!

Jeff’s Pulls for the Week of July 29

Welcome back to the pull list, let’s get down to it!

Blackest Night: Tales of the Corps #3 (of 3)

This issue wraps up our introdcution to the big players in the Blackest Night event.  Again, this issue features various artist depicting the various Lanterns of the emotional spectrum. Pick it up to give you some background for Blackest Night, and to complete the panoramic cover when you lay the three issues next to eachother.

Fantastic Four #569

Mark Millar and Bryan Hitch return to make the world’s most unrelatable family a fun and exciting book you actually care to read.  Issue #569 is inching us ever closer to the end of their run on this book.  Tears will flow from my eyes when Millar and Hitch leave Fantastic Four

Justice League Of America #35

I won’t lie to you, this is strictly a collection title.  I’m getting this book for the sake of maintaining continuity in my collection.  I can’t wait for Mark Bagley to come on board JLA and see him draw some of DC’s big guns.

New Avengers #55 (Dark Reign)

Bendis is back with Stuart Immonen on art duty. All the revelations about the new Dr. Voodoo and the team starting a new story arc, makes this an excellent opportunity for new readers to jump into this series.  New Avengers is a book that has not let me down, and I’m happy to collect it.

Rapture #3 (of 6)

The Oeming/Soma duo return with one of the more dynamic books in my collection.  Thankfully this story keeps your eyes moving and your heart strings plucked at just the right moments.  You’re invested in the characters and it’s like you’re right there in the book.  If you dig this book, write to the letter to Dark Horse and let these guys know we need more stuff from Oeming and Soma.

Ultimatum #5 (of 5)

Finally, holy shit… it ends!  This horrible ending to what could have been an excellent story is upon us; and it’s mostly random nonsense.  With practically half the characters dead, Marvel’s Ultimate Universe as we know it is over.  This allows the new creative teams to pick up the scraps of this mess, and hopefully start anew.  The art has been pretty good, but this is certainly not one for the kids.  That’s right, no more Jeff Loeb in the Ultimate Universe after this.

Jeff’s Pulls for the Week of July 23

This week’s pull list is brought to you by the upcoming nerd mecca that is the San Diego Comic Con.  Enjoy the books!

Blackest Night: Tales of the Corps #2 (of 3)

Tales of the Corps is a tie-in book that helps explain the dynamics of the different color spectrum Lantern Corps’.  Various writers and artists worked on this book, and while it’s not a requirement for the Blackest Night event as a whole, it does help you learn more about various characters in the Green Lantern universe.

Dark Wolverine #76 (Dark Reign)

So Wolverine’s son is running amok; in the last issue he picked a fight with Bullseye, now the repercussions of that fight have brought the Fantastic Four into the fold.  Proving that while Wolverine may not be the lead character in this book, they’re certainly keeping things interesting.

Green Lantern #44 (Blackest Night)

Hal Jordan and Barry Allen (The Flash) investigate the coming of the Blackest Night, with help from a long lost friend.  Blackest Night is a Green Lantern event that encompasses the whole DC universe.  Reading the Green Lantern series is a must for people following the events of Blackest Night.

Incredible Hulk #600

I want you to pick up this issue for one reason and one reason only.  This is a book where you see what a truly talented inker can do.  Dexter Vines usually inks Ed McGuinness’ work, the two are icons of the industry and really show off what a creative duo can do.  Dexter has been working with Steve McNiven on Old Man Logan and I’m assuming he was unable to meet the deadline for The Hulk as a result.  So they brought in another inker.  Judging from the six preview pages I’ve seen, Vines’ absence really hurts this book.  Again pick it up to keep as an example of what a talented inker does for their artist.

Power Girl #3

Justin Grey and Jimmy Palmiotti are back and bringing their talents to Power Girl.  This book is fun and dynamic and drawn by the insanely talented Amanda Conner.  I encourage you to pick this up and share it with your friends kids and girlfriends or boyfriends, everyone can enjoy Power Girl’s ridiculous cleavage.

Mouse Guard Vol. 2 – Winter 1152

Back to books for everyone, David Peterson’s brings his epic tale of mice to shelves in this second hardcover volume.  The art is absolutely stunning and the book is new reader friendly.  My wife is looking forward to this book more then I am.  I enjoy picking up a book we can both enjoy. This does however mean I do have to buy two copies, your welcome Mr. Peterson

New Avengers Prem HC Power Vol. 10

With all the books I have bought with the name Bendis on them, I am certain I’ve put at least one of his kids through college.  I love when he writes dynamic team books and I also enjoy the format of a hardcover book.  This means the book can travel, plus you can display the dust jacket as art!  Marvel knows how to get these books out on time and looking fantastic.

Jeff’s Pulls for the Week of July 8

As a collector the last few weeks have been insane, I’ve been overwhelmed with titles recently.  Now you die hard fans are scoffing at my plight, but to be honest, having to read this many books is an overload for my brain, not to mention the financial impact this repeated pull list overload has had.  That’s why weeks such as this are a thankful reprieve.

This week brings me just one book; one amazing book to cap off the DC Comics event The Blackest Night.

The most incredible thing Geoff Johns does is makes you care about a character whom you had little or no concern for in the past.  Who the hell is William Hand? The character who at first appeared to be a joke at first; something to scoff at, is now a force to be reckoned with. Blackest Night is a true gateway event, this is a great jumping on point for those who have up until now not been too keen on the DC Universe.  I got our very own Will enthused about Green Lantern with another Geoff Johns title, Green Lantern: Rebirth, and up until that point he had made fun of Green Lantern to no end.  Now who posts all the Green Lantern stories on the site?  Will.  If Johns can make a fan out of Will, he can do it for you too.

Green Lantern #43 is wonderfully shocking.  It reminds me that books in the DC Universe can still deliver awesome single issue stories.  In these tough economic times we are all trying to pinch pennies, but I almost would have traded my entire run of Venture Bros. on DVD for this book;  It’s that frakking good.

Why should you tell your friends to try this book?  Green Lantern fans, you already know this is going to be great.  DC has been building toward this story for a long time, it’s a company wide crossover event; It’s going to affect the entire DC Universe.  Plus the art is great, and the writing is spectacular.  For those new to the DC Universe, pick up Green Lantern #43, and next week pick up Blackest Night #1.  You won’t be disappointed, and you’ll understand why so many people have been raving about what DC has been doing lately.

GREEN LANTERN #43 (BLACKEST NIGHT)