Jamesb

Almost all the way through Across The Universe: The DC Universe Stories of Alan Moore and am enjoying the master at work, so to speak. All these stories are good but in particular I enjoyed For the Man Who Has Everything, Night Olympics, Mogo Doesnt Socialize and Brief Lives. It's also got me wanting to read more Green Arrow and Green Arrow stories when my bank balance is a bit healthier :)

 

I also got Crisis on Infinite Earths, havent read much of it yet so comments on that will be forthcoming...

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Perez and Wolfman, considered a classic I believe, be interested to see what you make of it.

I think the problem, for me at least with the alan moore selection, is that I too yearned for more stories from those characters - BUT stories by alan moore, which of course are not forthcumming.

jamesb

Yes, the lack of hype is telling.

I wish I could see what the guys at vertigo had planned. I am enjoyng Loveless and had a glance at The exterminators today, and it looks good.

But also out this week, hard time and Jonah Hex, both of which I would have preffered a little harsher and under the vertigo banner, the same with Sgt. Rock.

I notice that DC have changed their LOGO and its no quite strong on many spines, yet the vertigo logo isnt, its just words.

The brandinga nd vision are important and I wonder where Berger is going.

J

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2: Keep the content relevant in today's world. Thinking back, many of the memorable HB stories have tackled contemporary political and social issues, mixing them with the occult. Mike Carey took HB in a more personal and occult direction, which was very good, but I think JC needs to get his hands dirty in today's world as well. How about mixing him up in the Iraq war? Or maybe there was some occult muck in the ENRON scandal? How about the riots in Paris? Or the Tsunami? Or Palestine? The good thing with this approach would be that it could spark controversy, and controversy sells.

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I like this aspct to a degree, but also thing that there hould be at times a focus back on London. I have just moved here, and the history that pereates everything is incredible. The simple ghost story with some new twists is lacking, IMHO.

I like the idea of the enron guys do some sort of nazi -pseudo religous ceremonies....

Jamesb

Grpahic Novels are Vital. (tis already been said)

I would number the graphic novels, and reprint the whole lot. There are issues missing despite whats been published. aving them availble in order is so important. I think to new readers.

I would reduce the price slightly, and give the comic a one page letters column.

I have ideas about a tactic for both artists and writers. But It would cost money.

If I were in charge, I would Kick off with neat arcs, of between 6 and 10 issues. These would have a few interesting authors and artists. Clarity would be important from the artists point of view.

I would love a Gaiman arc, A Morrison Arc and then to top it off a Bendis arc.

I would get David Mack, Alex Maleev and Frank Quietly to do the art.

Then I would ask Mike Mignola to do a four isue run, followed by a Matt Wagner four issue and a Millar and Hitch four issue. That would be about 3 years worth..

At that stage I would look for two new people, to take on a 30 issue job with a selection of different arcs, but the key would be good stories.

Covers - would need to be strong. I would go for artists in lione with the arcs.

I know its apipe dream, but I DO think that an injection of really good artists and writers witha track record of entertainment would increase interest and sales.

I would be keen as editor not to lose any of the things that make constintine work, but am sure those creators could do the job.

Jamesb

Well, it's only one part of a larger story. IC, though it has consequences down the line, is basically a self-contained story.

Thats true. although I wonder if its marketed somewhat as a stand alone graphic novel. I just expected a story and was rather let down.

Unfortunaty this is what I hasve had with big comic stoires, I loved Moench and Jones run years ago on Batman, and didnt really like it when they did the big cataclysm cross over. I had hopes for this one after IC.

Jb

True Christian, but obviously Christmas was beckoning and I hadn't planned on herself mentioning her desires for more constintine at the last minute, which she has since repeated due to her quick reading, but I have given her some alan moore to chew on for a bit, League of Ex Gents.

You are right on the comic shop Mark.

Orbital is a great shop, IMHO, the fellas there are nice, they have a decent back issue section, loads of interesting paraphenallia an know what they are talking about and its spacious and comfortable.

Gosh is a great comic shop, but its too small, I find, and also too impersonal. EVERYONE and that includes me, reccomends the comic shop, and it is great, but its reputation as the best comic shop in the country, has lead to a lack of custumer interaction on behalf of the staff. I supposse its tough at the top.

Comics Showcase isnt bad, the lads there are friendly enough, just again they are so busy and I think they get so many people who just 'pop' in that the banter is thin in the ground. Didnt have what I was looking for either.

For instance my own local comic shop, here in Croydon, A PLACE IN SPACE has 4 staff at all times. Its more local, so yes they know people, but I am new and the first time I went in I was made feel very welcome.

And they are CHEAP!.

But they didnt have what I was looking for.

I really enjoy browsing and buying comics, and visisting comic shops, there are so many here in the UK, and so many whcih are just great. Avalon comics in Clapham

and the selection of second hand comics and graphic novels in the notting hill second hand bookshop are fine examples of a mixture of great stock (cheap in the nottinghill case) and nice staff, who know their stuff.

Its a failing, I always 'find' something. Damned addiction.

James

Bought OMac, and was dissapointed, as had hoped for something to the calibre of Identity Crisis, and it wasn't.

Got the second volume of Charleys war for christmas, which is brilliant, and has a Garth Ennis post-logue along with commentry by Pat Mills. I do hope they continue with this collection.

Seaguy - definatly an odd one, and not to my liking, not sure where exacty I got a bit lost with it, but when I think of how much I enjoyed WE3, it goes to show that morrison definatly can swing in the story telling stakes.

This is not the first time I have either loved or not enjoyed his work.

Definatly someone who always surprises me on that front.

Is there a Travelling Man somewhere in London? The ones I've seen elsewhere in Britain have usually been excellent.

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I am in London for Good, I think. Well for a good while.

Its a girls fault.

There is no travelling man in London, I've been in their Derby, Manchester and Nottingham shops and all are quite excellent, although Page 45 somewhat over shadows the TM in Nottingham.

Of couyrse, amazon, but I dont like to buy comics online, I so prefer the chat and banter in a comic shop, and feel I get to hear more, find out whats good or not, and even stupod things like get a poster, or something.

amazon can't match that sorta thing

james

So, I gave my other half Dangerous Habits a few weeks ago. I have been weening her onto comics since we met, and she has gone through Preacher, From Hell and V for Vendetta etc. She has also found her own niché with Bitchy Bitch and she is looking at Love and Rockets.

So onto Constintine, I got her Dangerous Habits, and she liked it, which is a big win, and even better, one of her christmas wants was more GN's of the stuff, no probs, thinks I.

So, I am in the metropolis of London, and had reckoned that getting my hands on Fear and Loathing and Tainted Love would prove easy enough, I was wrong.

My Local shop had sold out of ALL HB.

The Local FP had some, but not Dangerous Habits. So into Town, on the way, I try another comic shop, to no avail, back onto the train and into the west end of London. I called into 3 comic shops, and found both titles in a shop I particuly like, called Orbital on the charing cross rd. So 6th shop.

I noted, as i was in other book shops, that the amount of space for Graphic novels is realy increasing, both Borders and Waterstones on oxford street have quite BIG sections, both with HB, but neither of the ones I was looking for. I also was in Foyles on Charing Cross road, and they too seem to have expanded on their Graphic Novel section, with a section of reccomeneded titles now facing the front door next to the info desk.

I just thought it was worth mentioning, as I find the increase in sales space, especially in shops that are not comic shops, where space is a premium and only given to definate sellers, quite reassuring.

Also somewhat pleased that the comic I was after seemed to be popular.

jamesb

Jesus

I found this funny, cause anything else would be concerning...

jamesb

Picked it up, one of the xmas eve purchases, to mull over during the quiet time.

Its a bit early to decide, I like Liam Sharpes arwork, but then, I would.

The story is a bit odd, in the sense that I was a bit underwhelemed by the link as tenuous as it was with the bible. I felt there was a good science fiction story somehwere to be found, but this wasn't giving it to me. I liked parts of this interesting dystopian future, well seriouslly opprevisve social control at least.

I am undecided, its not as good as I had hoped for, and now wonder if the Bible link is going to be more hinderence than story device.

Dunno.

Jamesb

But that's just my opinion. ;)

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;-)

I didn't feel it was a step back, so much as a return to form for J.C., just as his Anima Tarot reading revealed during Jenkins run. John really can't change, remember? He doesn't want to badly enough.

 

Now, Azzarello's John was a HUGE step backward!

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Really?

I thought Azzerello wasnt all bad, although I sorta wasn't enjoying it, as much as I had hoped.

Like more recently I really enjoyed his runs on Batman and am enjoying Loveless quite a bit. Although have avoided 100 bulets, despite much advise to give it a try.

Of course, doesnt ecxplain why Jenkins isnt the most favourite, but then, when there is such a wide selection of authours, most of whom above average for sure, it will always spread the vote.

was there an opinion poll on writers??

Jamesb

You really don't like us very much do you?

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I have no idea who you mean by 'US', like Lou and Charlie K or James or adrian or John McM, nah, all seem very decent blokes IMHO.

Jamesb

jamesb

implying that I only put weight on the advice of people who agree with me.

And stop making idiotic judgments about me, please. I dont align myself with people or do anything at all cos 'its the thing to do'. dont insult my intelligence. Debate is fine by me. Suggestions that I'm some kind of sycophantic moron are not.

The neanderthal jocks that lived in the frat house next to my dorm and watched Boat Trip every weekend and deemed it the funniest movie ever simply do not have as valuable an opinion as, say, someone with a triple digit IQ. To say that they do is an utterly ludicrous statement.

I dont imply or suggest anything, I simply ask a question. Thats how debate works, you know.

I am sorry that you seem to take it that way, but the quastion marks were there.

but appreciete that you take the time to answear my question anyhow, its interesting, and I would agree about a bunch of frat boy jocks, if I knew what they were like, I am sure.

Of course maybe they read comics too...

Jamesb

I know whose opinion about films I'd pick if I had a choice between Martin Scorsese's advice and David Beckham's.

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Until Martin Scorsese advises movies you dont like?

Or would you align yourself with someone becuase, well thats the thing to do?

jamesb

Wait, a Hellblazer mini series a la Band of Brothers would somehow cost MORE than BOB?

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nah, menty cost LESS than the movie and MORE acceptable

Comic adaptation movies almost never have a positive effect on sales of the comic. Certainly not in sales of the monthly issues, that's for sure. The only recent movies I can think of that have improved comic sales have been Hellboy and Sin City - both of which were sufficiently close enough to the original comics to ensure that people who liked the movie would also enjoy the comics.

 

A 100% faithful Hellblazer movie wouldn't have made enough money to cover the $60 million production costs, but a 100% faithful Hellblazer movie wouldn't cost that much in the first place.

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Thats true.

as I said, I rate band of Brothers very highly, and wish that sort of job could have been done on hellblazer, which I am sure would have cost a lot more and ben more acceptable.

jamesb

Having scanned through some of the comments, its obvious that my opinion on the movie is very different from those that post here, as I can seperate the movie from the comic. Despite the opinions, of how the movie is rated, its always tied to the fact that dissapointment seems to permiate through, basd on the poor adapation.

Thats not something I can disagree with, but I supposse I do seperate both mediums.

I am a bit surprised that the figures were not boosted at all by the movie.

I say this as I actually know of someone who has come to the comic, and of others, including on this forum, whonhave come to the comic becuase of the movie, so if there were no real sales impact, thats not so good.

Either the new readers replaced old, or there was just NO IMpact whatsoever, from the movie. Which would throw one of the main reasons I dont slate it out of hand, which would not be so good.

'You veer towards discounting other people's opinions here because they happen to agree with the majority here.'

Everyones opinion is valid, I think, and I am not sorry if I think that someone invoking a 'group' opinion, is not actually making a fair argument, and I supposse I would veer towards discounting that as part of an argument or point in a discussion.

Agreeing with the majority is fine, but telling someone that not only is their point their opinion, but it is also validated because the majority agree with them, smacks of something different than the friendship that you speak of.

Of course, a bunch of budies would know what they think, on a subject, thats fair enough, and as I have said, there is a difference between invoking the majority and actually quoting what one percieves.

Chances with their writers, is something DC seem to be good at right now, I think, so your wish no doubt will bear through. I actually think Bendis is a good writer, like ennis is or Moore, but time will tel.

Of course, I truly hope MIna comes up with the goods, it would be nice to be enticed back to the title.

jamesb

Jamesb

Cinder & Ashe was published over here in the DC Thriller anthology. the vietnam vet PI and the girl he saved in Saigon, right? great story, and awesome art by Garcia-Lopez.

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Yes thats the one, can't believe it was republished somehwere, thats good, it is really lovely artwork, and the story, although perhaps aspects of it are more regular now, in 88, must have been close to the bone.

Not that it matters, as its really quite good.

I dont know that collection - what language is it?

jamesb

But, if I am wrong, and you genuinely think all the people who got into the comic were 'lovely' thats fine, I am sorry.

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Yes, you were wrong. But it doesn't matter. Who hasn't?

I honestly believe the vast majority here really enjoy the influx of people both to the comic and this site, from movie-fans.

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Thats good then. Perhaps it doesnt come across like that, when the movie is being bashed quite so hard.

NOT that its the most amazing movie ever, or even in my top 50, BUT it has positive points, gosh, dont want to sound like I am the UBER-Constintine movie fan. I shall save that for Sin City.

Jamesb

I am reading the slings and arrows guide to comics, which is a huge resource of information. It not only goes through the titles, but refrences artisits and authours, offers opinion and hitory with background, and is proving quite a read.

their website ios here, with sample entries, which you can multiply by 5,000 http://www.slingsandarrowspublishing.com/

I have had it since publication, popped in and out but this summer I started slowly readng the whole thing. I admit I dont read every entry, but I realised after a brief purousal, one day that I am missing out on comics through ignorance.

So, I sat down and started reading, from the first page. I have my own process, some titles within a few lines, I just pass over, others I read so I know what they are as well as seeking new reads. I mark what I think would be good to pick up, and from that create a list.

The contributors reccomened titles, and from what I have read anyhow, I sometimes disaagree with them, but overall, they seem to know what they are talking about.

So last Sunday, I went into the London Comic mart, at the national hotel, armed with a list of about 50 comics, and lucked out.

There were thousand of comics for 50p, it was a feeding frenzy, and I picked up Cinder and Ashe.

Now this comic is quite something different, I dont want to give anything away, but its definatly Vertigo Calibre. A four issue mini series from DC, I just cant believe I have been reading comics for about 25 years, and yet this one, I had never heard off.

I also picked up some back issues of NAM, Captain America Sentinal graphic novels 1-4, human defense corps, and a stack of other comics for 50p, some because they were on my list, and some because they were so cheap.

But Cinder and Ashe stands out.

has anyone else read it?

Jamesb

Bought the Showcase presents Jonah Hex, at £9 for 526 pages, it was a bargain, and I was surprised by the grittyness of the stories and mature attitude.

Its shame its black and white and the quality of paper etc is low, BUT its a bargain and a great read.

Also picked up Vimanarama, by Grant Morrison and Phillip bond, how I like Bonds artwork. This sia ctually a xmas present for my non comic reading brother, who heard about this comic through mainstream media.

Jamesb

I supposse I was spoilt really.

I just really enjoyed Ennis run on Hellblzer, before I had only 2000 AD, after the run I had found everything from Warrior to Watchmen, and it was a great trip.

It may be unfair to comapre, but thats the reason I didnt enjoy his work on hellblazer, i had expereinced stories like dangerous habits, grown with the title, it ment quite a lot, and still does, and then despite high hopes, I wasn't captivated by Jenkins writing as I was by Ennis'.

I droped the title, in the mid 90's, then returned for ennis and higgins run bout 130 I think, stuck with it for another 50 odd issues and dropped again.

So, I dont dislike the guy, never met him, but I dont rate his writing time on Hellblazer. I havent read those other titles, so cannot comment really.

I dont think I was the only one who lost the faith, as I think there was a decline in readership at that time as well, but obviuously enough people enjyed it, so good for them.

Jamesb