JIC: NOVEMBER HERO HIGHLIGHTS

[MattBrady]

<a href="http://www.newsarama.com/DC/dsup_188.jpg"><img src="http://www.newsarama.com/DC/dsup_188_t.jpg" width="175" height="268" align="right" border="0" alt="Superman #188"></a>by Mike Sangiacomo

Some days it’s just good to be a comic reader, a Superman reader specifically.

The reason?

Because every now and then a comic like Superman #188 comes along and shows how good the adventures of the Man of Steel can be. For that matter, Action #796 is pretty darn good, as well. And

spoiler warning, as if ya need it…

don’t be fooled by the cover of Action, Lois Lane does not die. My new strategy is every time a comic company announces that a character “dies” on the cover and that character does not, I will tell everyone about it. Seems fair to me.

Chuck Austen, who is fast becoming one of my favorite writers, writes a fascinating story in “A Life Less Ordinary” about a Superman who seems to be out of control. We didn’t see Kal-El this angry since the “Our Worlds at War” thing. He’s whupping criminals’ butts like Batman and not really worrying about collateral damage. He’s angry and frustrated about something, but is it more than that?

Is he under someone’s control?

For a Superman we’ve rarely seen, in a stand alone story you’ll be taking about, pick up Superman #188.

And isn’t it a pleasure to see Tom Derenick’s excellent pencils? Imagine that, a Superman whose body is in proportion, who does not have a Jay Leno jaw, with brilliant detail. Derenick draws faces that look like faces! What a freakin’ concept. Action Comics #796 is the conclusion of the “Ending Battle” storyline, and it’s easily the best chapter of the arc. I can’t say anything about the mystery villain without diminishing the Joe Kelly’s fine work. Duncan Rouleau’s art is a bit inflated, but not bad.

What else looks good this week?

Happy Fiftieth Anniversary to Mad Magazine this month with issue No. 423. Issue No. 1 came out just about this time in 1952 as a regular sized comic book. It’s still good stuff.

Writer Brian Bendis shows what happens when the young Spider-Man gets shot in Ultimate Spider-Man #30. He deftly handles a subject with raises a lot of questions. How does a 16-year-old kid get treated without going to a hospital and revealing his identity? How does he keep the cops from asking embarrassing questions? Most importantly, how does he keep it from Aunt May?

Bendis just sails right along with this book, making it all look so easy.

I was never a toy collector kind of guy, but the original Micronauts series was excellent regardless of its genesis. The new series from Image is creating the same kind of heat. Issue #3, “Awaken Biotron” is another chapter in the tale of the microverse that is unfolding ever-so-slowly. Writer Scott Wherle and artist Eric Wolfe Hanson are creating their own new mythology which is different from the original, yet appealing.

Chris Claremont, Juan Bobillo and Marcelo Sosa do a credible job with the first of the six-issue mini-series Mekanix which follows Kitty Pryde into college where she runs into some old friends and new enemies. Claremont delivers a nice story dealing with an old theme of anti-mutant hysteria that works because of a limited number of characters.

Peter David’s 75th issue of Supergirl re-introduces “The Supergirl From Krypton.”

Huh?

The last issue finally concluded a long and convoluted storyline I hesitate to go onto, something about Earth Angels and split Supergirls. All we need to know is at the end of the storyline there is just one Supergirl - for about 10 minutes. Then the Supergirl of the Silver Age lands on Earth, again. I’m hooked. I have no idea where David is going with this, I’m just glad that Earth Angel nonsense is out of his system. Don’t be turned off by the strange cover, the interior art is by Ed Benes and it’s killer. For an excellent history of Supergirls past and present, pick up Jack Abramowitz’ authoritative article in issue number 1,513 of the Comics Buyer’s Guide, now on sale.

Before I go: don’t miss Ultimate Daredevil and Elektra #1 by Greg Rucka. It’s great, but you knew that.

[The Blue Spider]

<Font color=blue>I don't know if I like this opinion column.

Oh alright, I don't agree with some of the statements made within.

I did not read Superman 188 but from what I have read I understand that the cause of Superman's rage is disproportionate to the amount of disregard for damage and injury that Superman exhibits in this issue. Superman is acting out of character. He is not running rampant as a result of the 8-part Ending Battle or as an aftermath to the destruction of a thousand worlds or the death of someone we have known, loved, and cherished for years who has diead in the most brutal fashion possible.

As for whupping butts like Batman... the Dark Knight will do some awful things to bad guys but he is usally quite restrained. He knows exactly what kinda damage he is causing.</font>

[Aaron Weisbrod]

Matt,

Thanks for the "update" on some "solid" books!

It's obviously difficult (not to mention expensive) to try and sample various "extra" books every week, and little "tidbits" like this make all the difference.

Quotation mark crazy,
Aaron Weisbrod

[FireLight]

Gotta say that the whole "Ending Battle" storyline was really NOT my favorite. I've not read any Superman books regularly - picked up one here and there - since the OWAW - and that's because of OWAW.

But the whole resolution to the storyline came over way too easy. There's a lesson I learned when takng a creative writing course in college. It's about how to NOT end a story. It went something along the lines of - "oh, and then the murderer jumped up from behind the bushes, with the gun in hand. They arrested him and I was off the hook.". Meaning the whole story - the whole investment of time and money was for naught - because the neatly-wrapped up ending makes it all null.

When faced with what would seem like an incredibly difficult situation to overcome - Superman doesn't solve it. He doesn't figure it out or defeat the problem - it's solved for him - completely and neatly. Not even some sticky residue left behind.

And that is the continuing problem with the Superman books. The "Return to Krypton" was resolved in almost the same fashion - and with little consequences for it.

For excellent 'story' telling, great moments of heroics and the 'personal' affects of every action -Ultimate Spider-Man is what the DC folks should emulate in their Superman titles.

Just my .02 worth.

[Hdefined]

although I haven't read it, i heard from multiple sources that Supes #188 was horrible

Instead of all these recommendations, why not some detailed criticism and analysis with some of the problems in the industry? I know it's nice to bask in the warm glory of a good issue of whatever series, but why not keep that for a separate review column or something? He even says "Read Ultimate DD and Elektra, it's good, but you already knew that." Well, if you're telling us stuff we know, could you perhaps tell us what we don't know?

[linnen]

yeah, that superman issue was pretty bad - much like everything chuck austen writes. the art was nice though - good to get away from the faux-manga superman.

[Eric Qel-Droma]

I just love how a multi-layered storyline that dares to do something new with a character like Supergirl (a character who, remember, was never particularly successful on her own and had already been cursed with a complicated origin completely unlike her Pre-Crisis one) is called "nonsense." Peter David is certainly not for everyone, but he raised several interesting moral questions with his work on Supergirl, and it has been one of my favorite books for over four years now.

Well-written, complex characters who are allowed to change and grow over time. I know it's not even close to par for the course for DC, a company that tends to prefer the bland personality of someone like Tim Drake, whose only personality trait, based on the last two years of his series, is that he's stressed out by his job, but come on. Even DC should be allowed one or two books with involved storylines. If every book were totally "reader-friendly," we'd all be reading Gotham Adventures. (A bad book? No. Only one of the many possible types of comics out there? Yes. There is room on the shelf for both.)

Anyway...

Eric

[OM]

[quote]Originally posted by The Blue Spider:
<strong>As for whupping butts like Batman... the Dark Knight will do some awful things to bad guys but he is usally quite restrained. He knows exactly what kinda damage he is causing.</strong><hr></blockquote>

...The best definition to date of Batman's level of restraint is the single punch he used to take out Guy Gardner.

[Salt_Gravy_Hates_U]

"Imagine that, a Superman whose body is in proportion, who does not have a Jay Leno jaw, with brilliant detail. Derenick draws faces that look like faces! What a freakin’ concept."

Yeah the pencils look ok, but nowhere near as good or original as Ed McGuiness, the guy was born to draw Supes.

SGHU!

[Murci]

Ok, I've been reading news here for a while, and never posted before, but when I saw this article, I had to post...

The Story in Superman was bad, terrible and the cover is awful. A week ago, he stoped himself from killing Manchester Black for "killing" Lois. Now, a week later he goes out of control due a kid die. :confused: hello?...what are the reason of the famous Super meetings then?

The art (inside) was good ;) , but not in the cover :( , that was one of the worst covers images I ever seen, out of proportion, not reason for that image...well... you can see the image for yourself in the top of this article

[Davy]

Mike,

From previous columns I've learned that we have different tastes, but I didn't realize how truly different until you suggested the current Superman books as being "pretty darn good."

WHAT? Diff'rent strokes, I suppose, but in my opinion the Super-books are in about as bad shape as I've seen them. No, worse. While I agree with you that Chuck Austen is a good writer, the Super books are currently a lost cause for me. I occasionally pick one up to see if they've gotten better, but nope. I bought Superman for a long while for the McGuinness art, but now that he's left the title I likely won't be buying more until something changes drastically (or the new Loeb/McGuinness book is finally released).

I might try 'em again when there isn't a cross-title storyline full of sound and fury but little substance, but unfortunately that's all the books have been for way too long. Yeah, I know they've promised to loosen up on the cross-title stories, but they've said that umpteen times. This time I'll believe it when I see it, and not a minute sooner.

Davy

<img src="confused.gif" border="0">

[Icewing_X]

I've pretty much decided that, if the issue of one of the Superman titles (Action, Adventures of..., Man of Steel, Superman, etc.) is not either a) part of a crossover or b) a fill-in, I'll read it.

So, I read about one Superman story a year.


~Icewing, skipping the Austen/Derenick story, as a result

[choclitthunder]

dudes, i desperately want to start picking up a superman book, i love the character, but everytime i read one (my friend buys them) they suck. jeph loeb wrote one of the worst runs i can imagine, with everything from the horrible superman and his psychiatrist thing to the ultimate screwup of bringing back krypto. and now they've erased his 'lex knows the secret' angle just months after he departs.

i don't like steel. i don't know who does. i don't like bloated but empty 'ultra-storylines.' and i don't like superman whining. he's not spiderman. superman is a symbol of good, he's supposed to fly in and get the job done and everyone loves him.

i think they need an overhaul. a big one. the concept of superman is simple, it's american, and it's charming as hell.
i suggest giving a title to mike allred. he understands the simplicity and charm of the superman mythos, as evidenced by his superman/madman crossover, and you can see on every page that he loves his job.

anyway, that's my two cents. it's probably seven cents or so, actually.

everyone have a good day.

[Jonas.Vesterlund]

[quote]Originally posted:
<strong>Then the Supergirl of the Silver Age lands on Earth, again. I’m hooked. I have no idea where David is going with this, I’m just glad that Earth Angel nonsense is out of his system. Don’t be turned off by the strange cover, the interior art is by Ed Benes and it’s killer.


</strong><hr></blockquote>

Ehe....while Ed Benes sure draws better then I do, why are most of the women in Supergirl posing like they are in Playboy? The so called "strange cover" is exelent...the interior art is not too bad, but you know, the art rings a bit too mucg T&A (not Top Cow T&A but still).

I guess we all have different tastes.

[TemporalFlux]

This column am not written by Bizarro Sangiacomo. This opaque because Bizarro Sangiacomo like Superman #188, but sort of not like Supergirl. Me am in agreement with Bizarro Sangiacomo.

[Todd VerBeek]

[quote]Originally posted by The Blue Spider:
<strong>I don't know if I like this opinion column. Oh alright, I don't agree with some of the statements made within. I did not read Superman 188 but...</strong><hr></blockquote>

So, working our way backwards here: 1) You didn't read that issue. 2) You decided anyways that it was bad. 3) You don't agree with Sangiacomo's comments that it was good. So 4) you don't think you like his column. I see at least two failures of sound criticism here. Care to try again?

[Danilo Raul]

The shot at Ed Macguiness was innecesary, now i know what kind of opinion and reviews i'll find here. i'll try to avoid them in the future. think i'll stick to 4°rail.com for serious reviews and solid opinions on the books of the week..... :(

[Viper]

Sorry, gotta say that Superman #188 really doesn't rate as a good story. Unfortunately, everything about it was wrong except the artwork, which I was fairly impressed with. The placement of this story could not have been worse. I know it's a stand alone, but really, given the conclusion to "Ending Battle" & the high peddestal that Supes was placed on by Manchester Black, it was just poor form to place a story such as this here. We see Supes exhibiting behaviour that DC just spent 8 issues telling us he was above - he's the Real Deal. I personally felt quite ripped off after finishing this book. So much time & effort has been spent establishing Superman as the pinacle of what is good & this one book has seriously damaged that perception. Only Captain Marvel ranks with a status of nobility in the DCU. We've seen books we're Supes is pushed to the limit both mentally & physically & they have dsplayed excellent backgrounds as to why out of the ordinary behaviour is exhibited. Superman #188 failed to do this & when we finally find out what has set off this rage, it is a very small thing indeed when compared with what we saw at the conclusion of "Ending Battle". It's a Superman we've rarely seen because it is completely out of character for Superman to behave this way, particularly with the lame reasoning behind it.

Cheers,
V.

[Viper]

Hi Again,

Apologies for the spelling in that last post. I was a little worked up & didn't take much notice of spelling in my rush to get this off my chest.

V.

[The Blue Spider]

[quote]Originally posted by Todd VerBeek:
<strong>

So, working our way backwards here: 1) You didn't read that issue. 2) You decided anyways that it was bad. 3) You don't agree with Sangiacomo's comments that it was good. So 4) you don't think you like his column. I see at least two failures of sound criticism here. Care to try again?</strong><hr></blockquote>


<font color=blue>Did you actually read my criticism or did you get a summary from someone else?

I did not like this column. I did not agree with the statements within. I read the first four pages and I decided that the death of a single small child would not cause Superman to use this amount unrestrained force against such a low-powered opponent or trigger him the self-allowance of the willing destruction of someone's private property.

I never said "bad".

"I can see two failures of sound criticism." You can't count.

When I hear of the contents of a story I can decide for myself when those contents sound wrong.</font>

[COREMARK]

I thought ACTION #796 was a great ending to a bad storyline, Joe Kelly is one of the best writers around today.

[KidQuantum]

Well, the only opinion I've been able to form over the last three weeks of JICs has been:

"This guy actually gets paid by someone to write this??"

[rim shot]

Originally posted by Mike Sangiacomo[/i]

"And isn’t it a pleasure to see Tom Derenick’s excellent pencils? Imagine that, a Superman whose body is in proportion, who does not have a Jay Leno jaw, with brilliant detail. Derenick draws faces that look like faces! What a freakin’ concept."

Oh, Mikey. Ever since I read your columns in the Cleveland newspaper I've always loved your intense hatred of any art style that doesn't resemble something from the comics you read as a kid. Like how Chris Bachalo "was a fine artist" BUT the guy who filled in on one issue of Generation X and drew it like a coloring book "should be given the full-time job and replace Bachalo." And don't get me started on those pointy noses in the X-men! You card. Keep up the hilariously narrow-minded work!

[Aaron]

[quote]Originally posted by rim shot:
<strong>
Oh, Mikey. Ever since I read your columns in the Cleveland newspaper I've always loved your intense hatred of any art style that doesn't resemble something from the comics you read as a kid. Like how Chris Bachalo "was a fine artist" BUT the guy who filled in on one issue of Generation X and drew it like a coloring book "should be given the full-time job and replace Bachalo." And don't get me started on those pointy noses in the X-men! You card. Keep up the hilariously narrow-minded work!</strong><hr></blockquote>

I guess I missed the part where it said that an opinion column required someone to be open to all points of view and all art styles. I know that I also have a strong dislike for stylized art for no reason other than it can sometimes distract from the story. But should someone offer me a job where I write a column based solely around my personal opinions, I'll have to remember the caveat "as long as those opinions are shared with everyone else."

Aaron

[rim shot]

to Aaron:

You have a point, but he could actually, you know, back up his reasons and whatnot instead of just taking cheap shots. Plus, there's this wonderful doubletalk he does, where if the person's REALLY popular he'll talk about what a great artist he is in one paragraph, then talk about how the guy's art makes him want to vomit in the next. I've seen him do it with Madureira, Bachalo, that Kia guy a few columns ago - it's really pretty lame. I've been casually reading this garbage for five+ years.

Plus, add in the fact that he's an unbelievably mediocre writer, and follows the same exact formula over and over again: Random news, potshot at "cartoony" artist, one or two comics he read over the past month that he liked, shout-out to his good buddy and fellow Clevelander Bendis. Not that I hold it against Bendis at all, it's just lame.

Of course, I've just thought he's sucked for a good long while now and was suprised to see him doing something on the Internet. I'm sure I'll stop caring by the end of the day.

[swol]

Oh where to begin...

Supergirl: Don't read it. I generally like PAD's writing. I just never warmed to the whole synthetic being from an alternate universe origin and so I never followed it. Personally, I missed Kara when she was killed off in Crisis. I thought she was finally starting to get a personality and then they killed her. Not sure what this new arrival means in the big picture. Intriguing.

Superman 188: Haven't read it so won't comment on it.

Superman - Ending Battle: Over-long with far, far, too many minor super-villian types. Should have stuck with the smaller core of major villians, (Mongul, Bizarro, Master Jailer), for the fist fights. The premise was good - Villian attacks all associated with the hero, regardless if they know it or not. The method employeed was mixed, too many minor villian types. The most effective was the attack on the senior Kents and more so, the very personal attack on Lois. The pacing seemed drawn to far out. The reason for the attack, to prove to Superman that he's no better than Black's view of the world, was very good. Not often a villian is so incredibly depressed with the world and himself that he tries to commit suicide just to prove to everybody that the world really does suck. I agree that the final chapter was the best of the arc. The property damage alone was on par with OWAW in Metropolis. It took a long time for Supes to finally move the battle away from populated areas - he's too experienced to have let that go on as long as it did. I would also have more detail on that healing period tho, it just seemed to be tacked on.

Superman stories in general: I think that we all can agree that the majority of Superman stories have been a bit lack-liuster of late. Personally, I think that Superman is such a huge character that it's just hard to challange him with four stories a month (not counting JLA or cross-overs). I would prefer to see all of the super-series fold for a couple months. Then bring back Superman in the form of 2 or 3 really good stories per year. Menaces worthy of Superman. Of course, this would probably not be economically viable. So as an alternative, chop the books back to perhaps two titles (Action & Superman being the oldest and most deserving of survival). Load them with first rank writers and artists. and again, take a few months off to get the house in order and build up some issues before going back to press.

Regarding Ultimate Daredevil & Electra: I was there when the original Electra stories were told. I see no reason to re-hash that particular ground. The Ultimate universe, while interesting, doesn't grab me. It's too gritty for my taste and the characters much less likable (with the possibleexcption of the Ultimate Spider-man). While I applaud making characcters a bit more complex, I hate to see them deconstructed into dislikable sadists. (examples: Hank Pym's attack on his wife and Captain America's sadistic attack on the much smaller and very defenseless Bruce Banner.)

These are just my thoughts of course.

[comicguy5555]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by The Blue Spider:
[QB]<Font color=blue>I don't know if I like this opinion column.

Oh alright, I don't agree with some of the statements made within.

I did not read Superman 188...
WHAT A BUNCH OF WHINEY BEDWETTERS YOU guys are.
Complaining about a critic because you disagree with his opinion. Someof you, like this jerk above, have the balls to say Mike's wrong WHEN HE NEVER EVEN BOTHERED TO READ THE COMIC!!!!

I've been reading his comics column for 10 YEARS, that'sright, he's been doing this 10 years in big-time, mainstream newspaper, The Plain Dealer. He was the first comic critic in a regular newspaper and the other guys followed his lead.
And then you jerkscome out and give him crap.Hey, I don;t always agree with his opinions, but at least he has the ballsto say what he thinks.
So if you don' like him, don' read him, but quit bitching.
PS He was right KIA's noses stink.
CG

[mike sangiacomo]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by swol:
[QB]Oh where to begin...

Supergirl: Don't read it. Intriguing.

Superman 188: Haven't read it so won't comment on it.

Superman - Ending Battle: Over-long with .

Regarding Ultimate Daredevil & Electra: I was there when the original Electra stories were told. I see no reason to re-hash that particular ground. The Ultimate universe, while interesting, doesn't grab me. It's too gritty for my taste and the characters much less likable (

Mike sangiacomo here,
I appreciate the civil, measured response of your post considering all the childish, aggressive crap from the rest of them.
This is where critics can help.
I agree that Superman is often weak, often poorly done (mostly the art, but I won't get into that.) The two issues I cited,188 in particular, are examples of the type of story Superman foks should aim for: stories that emphasize the "man" in the Superman.
Regarding Elektra/DD, I should have said more. Your valid criticism of the mainstream character mirrors mine. How can ww care about a reptile like Elektra?
The Ultimate Elektra is a much kinder,more likeable character. I see your point about Ultimate Ulimates, though I love the book. But Elektra/DD i exactly the opposite of what you describe. It's the Elektra for people who hate Elektra.
M

[paulski]

Mike, I wish I could work out what it is that keeps pissing off some of these rabid little posters. Personally, I appreciate the chance to read someone else's viewpoint regarding particular titles, whether I agree with it myself or not.

As for those guys who hate your columns but keep coming back for more? Well, I don't really think I need to say how ridiculous and illogical their behaviour is, do I? ;) Are you guys masochists or what??

And yeah, you're right, Kia's noses suck.

[The Blue Spider]

[quote]Originally posted by comicguy5555:
<strong>[QUOTE]Originally posted by The Blue Spider:
[QB]<Font color=blue>I don't know if I like this opinion column.

Oh alright, I don't agree with some of the statements made within.

I did not read Superman 188...
WHAT A BUNCH OF WHINEY BEDWETTERS YOU guys are.
Complaining about a critic because you disagree with his opinion. Someof you, like this jerk above, have the balls to say Mike's wrong WHEN HE NEVER EVEN BOTHERED TO READ THE COMIC!!!!

I've been reading his comics column for 10 YEARS, that'sright, he's been doing this 10 years in big-time, mainstream newspaper, The Plain Dealer. He was the first comic critic in a regular newspaper and the other guys followed his lead.
And then you jerkscome out and give him crap.Hey, I don;t always agree with his opinions, but at least he has the ballsto say what he thinks.
So if you don' like him, don' read him, but quit bitching.
PS He was right KIA's noses stink.
CG</strong><hr></blockquote>


<font color=blue>If I'm a jerk, you're an unmentionable.

Trust me when I say this:

When I disagree with the contents of a particular piece based on the contents of other people's writings, I can say so flat out. I can do this because I have the balls to do so. Even if I have not seen George Washington's birth I know he was born. I've never read the X-Men die in Dallas, Texas but I know the story was writter, published, and sold.

So if Superman was acting out of character in a story where a single child cased massive recklessness I can post here and say that I did not like it. I can disagree with the colunmnist. I can dislike this piece.

In fact, I'm sure that I can do so with just as much right as you have to insult me. I have more of a right to not like the column than you have to insult me for not liking the column.

I never said that I did not like him. I am not complaining about a critic; I don't give rat's hole what his credentials are because that does not affect my opinion of a 4-color pamphlet that he critiqued; and from what planet do you come if you think my negative opinions are so unjustified that the only good thing for me to do is to.... stop reading his columns and stop disagreeing with him.

What a loyalist you must be.</font>

[The Blue Spider]

[quote]Originally posted by paulski:
<strong>Mike, I wish I could work out what it is that keeps pissing off some of these rabid little posters. Personally, I appreciate the chance to read someone else's viewpoint regarding particular titles, whether I agree with it myself or not.

As for those guys who hate your columns but keep coming back for more? Well, I don't really think I need to say how ridiculous and illogical their behaviour is, do I? ;) Are you guys masochists or what??

And yeah, you're right, Kia's noses suck.</strong><hr></blockquote>


<font color=blue>I'm two hundred pounds of muscled rabid poster.

I agreed with him on the noses.

I disagreed with him on the comic and so I posted.

I made a statement about this one column. That would be this one piece. I never said I hated the guy or everything he wrote.

My question is: Should someone not read the columns of writers they often disagree with?

and to be quite frank I disagreed on this column and am fairly ambivalent about every single one of the rest. except for the nose one which I love and agree with.</font>

[The Blue Spider]

[quote]Originally posted by mike sangiacomo:
<strong>[QUOTE]Originally posted by swol:
[QB]Oh where to begin...

Supergirl: Don't read it. Intriguing.

Superman 188: Haven't read it so won't comment on it.

Superman - Ending Battle: Over-long with .

Regarding Ultimate Daredevil & Electra: I was there when the original Electra stories were told. I see no reason to re-hash that particular ground. The Ultimate universe, while interesting, doesn't grab me. It's too gritty for my taste and the characters much less likable (

Mike sangiacomo here,
I appreciate the civil, measured response of your post considering all the childish, aggressive crap from the rest of them.
This is where critics can help.
I agree that Superman is often weak, often poorly done (mostly the art, but I won't get into that.) The two issues I cited,188 in particular, are examples of the type of story Superman foks should aim for: stories that emphasize the "man" in the Superman.

M</strong><hr></blockquote>

<font color=blue>My primary criticism with 188 lies along external continuity and consistency regarding characterization. How human is Superman and to what degree of tragedy must an event be to set Superman off?

and I posted childish and aggressive crap?

good to know</font>

[paulski]

[quote]Originally posted by The Blue Spider:
<strong><font color=blue>I made a statement about this one column. That would be this one piece. I never said I hated the guy or everything he wrote.
</font></strong><hr></blockquote>

Sorry if you thought I was referring to you, Spider, because I certainly wasn't. I've noticed that even when you're disagreeing with someone, you usually keep it pretty civil and back up your point with an argument.

Something a lot of other posters could learn from.

200 pounds, huh? Remind me not to run into you in a dark alley... ;)

[The Blue Spider]

[quote]Originally posted by paulski:
<strong>

Sorry if you thought I was referring to you, Spider, because I certainly wasn't. I've noticed that even when you're disagreeing with someone, you usually keep it pretty civil and back up your point with an argument.

Something a lot of other posters could learn from.

200 pounds, huh? Remind me not to run into you in a dark alley... ;) </strong><hr></blockquote>


<font color=blue>gratzi.... gratzi... I'm getting paranoid in my young and ever-increasingly stupid age</font>