BEST SHOTS: 52, TALENT #1, JONAH HEX, DEADLY GENESIS

[MattBrady]

by the Cast and Crew of ShotgunReviews.com
Your Host: Troy Brownfield

Welcome back to Best Shots, the feature that runs for Newsarama out of the home office at http://www.shotgunreviews.com. If you’re a new reader, let me restate one guiding piece of information. While I, Troy Brownfield, host this feature, it actually comes to you out of the hard work of a number of writers. Each review is credited to the writer who executed that particular piece; for example, a review by my favorite major appliance, Koben Kelly, would be indicated by “Review by Koben “The Washer/Dryer Combo” Kelly”. (Sorry, Koben; I would have called you “The Microwave”, but that is now and forever Vinnie Johnson). Also, in posting below, please follow the guiding principle as laid down by those two most benevolent philosophizers, Bill S. Preston, Esquire, and Ted “Theodore” Logan: please be excellent to each other.

Enough with the “previously on”; here there be comics.

52 # 1
From: DC
Writers: Grant Morrison, Greg Rucka, Mark Waid, Geoff Johns
Art: Keith Giffen (breakdowns), Joe Bennett and Ruy Jose
Review by Koben “Kenmore” Kelly

This is the book that DC has put a huge amount of their faith and reputation into, now come to light. While almost all of their other titles have jumped ahead with OYL storylines, this is the story of the fifty-two weeks without the holy trinity. As many others have expressed their doubts and fears about the ability to pull off this feat in a weekly capacity, I have to say my skepticism was solidly in place. Now that I have tasted the first bite of this monster effort, enjoyment has created a tingling of optimism. Any fears of disjointedness caused by too many chefs in the kitchen have temporarily been displaced. I suppose I shouldn't expect any less from such a champion gathering of collaborators.

As shown on the cover, the cast introduced includes Booster Gold, Renee Montoya, the Question, Steel, Ralph Dibny (AKA Elongated Man), along with Black Adam, conspicuously absent from said cover. Will this be status quo for the entire series? It seems doubtful, and for the sake of variety, I hope not. Not that I don't love this initial character collection, but the blood of the storyline must continue to circulate. My hope is that there will be a continual rotation of characters and plotlines.

Booster is back in action as the camera-hogging glory hound he was always meant to be. Not necessarily the comic relief, but from his own origin onward his main drive has been to booster (pun intended) his fame and celebrity for monetary gain. Sure, Rucka gave him some heroic inclinations after Beetle's death, but he always works best as commentary on our superstar-obsessed media culture. We are witness to him using his knowledge... well, okay, Skeets' knowledge of the past from a future perspective to show up at the most opportune time, defeating the villains for all the world to see. His money-lust knows no boundaries, as his costume (thankfully devoid of disco-collar) now features the logos of several companies, and their products, who are willing to pay for the advertising.

Renee Montoya, the hard-drinking detective from Gotham Central, is still licking her wounds after the murder of her partner, Cris, by a rogue member of the police force. Unfortunately, the healing process translates to remaining quite drunk, currently. Quitting her her job has left her directionless, and her boozing has cost her the love of her life.

Steel has been assisting the clean-up crews trying to return the world to normalcy after the destruction of Infinite Crisis. I can't help but see the sub-textural allusions to 9/11 when he discusses the ruin of a children's school with a French policeman.

The Question makes a few mysterious changes to a symbol of safety for the citizens of Gotham City. I'm anticipating much more detailing of his activities in issues to come.

Black Adam is shown to take no mercy on those who threaten the lives of the citizens of Kahndaq in an extremely violent manner.

Perhaps the most arresting moment in this first issue is of the sad, mournful life of Ralph Dibny. Over the years, Sue and Ralph were couple loved by co-stars and readers, alike. Unable to cope with the loss of his wife on a day-by-day basis, Ralph comes close to making a terrible mistake in the finding of a way to stop the pain. As someone who has had his life affected by the sudden death of a loved one, I can testify that rationality is not always involved when trying to find means to stop the agony. Ralph's actions are not out-of-character nor melodramatic.

At a memorial ceremony for Superboy, and E-2 Superman... I think, Booster is preparing for what he expects to be the best day of his life, based on history records from his future. The only problem is that vital participants in what he expects to be happening don't seem to be showing up. Booster begins to panic, and it takes the intervention of an all-too-human Clark Kent to get things under control.

The breakdowns by Giffen keep the story flowing smoothly, and do a fantastic job of storytelling despite the concurrent plotlines. Bennett's pencils complement the breakdowns well, and I hope he is used some more on this series.

For a first issue, this book drew me in from start to finish. I am excited for next week's dosage of tastes of the lives of all characters involved. Although, for me, it was impossible to determine what particular scribe penned what, the total sum of the combined effort makes for an engrossing yet satisfying read.

My only beef is this: how is it that Nightwing and Zauriel attended the memorial for Superboy? Okay, Zauriel I can chalk up to the idea that an angel can't really die. Fine. But, did someone take up the identity of Nightwing while Bats, Robin, and he were on their sea-faring adventure? If so, I guess I'm just not up on my Bat-family books. If not... well... no one's perfect.

Koben was recently voted “Best Shots Team Member Most Likely to Get Arrested”.

Jonah Hex #7
From: DC
Writers: Justin Gray and Jimmy Palmiotti
Art: Luke Ross
Review by The Rev. OJ Flow

Who would've thought, after all DC fans have experienced in the last year or so with the Infinite Colonic, that one of the most satisfying monthly reads would be a dad blamed Western? As accessible as anything you'll find in mainstream comics, Jonah Hex, for all of its Deadwood-flavored carnage, is a nice little comedown in a DC Universe gone mad with temporal shifts, mindwipes and Dan Didio. Jonah Hex has been a consistent character in my experience as a DC reader, but truth be told the extent of my book ownership for this hombre is his part in the all-star Western hero gathering seen in Justice League of America issues #s 198 & 199 back in 1982. I took a chance in picking this book up with its recent relaunch, and I've been rewarded handsomely. DC has been doing a respectable job lately recalling classic characters from way back, like Jonah Hex, Sgt. Rock and the Warlord, but Hex's current solo book has been the most deserving of good buzz it's received so far (no slight meant to those involved in Sgt. Rock's latest).

Jonah Hex #7, sadly, also serves as the swan song for one of the book's assets, artist Luke Ross. I'm not sure where he's heading next, but his realistic style has been invaluable to this series, not to mention the flashback sequences found in the current Gentleman Ghost storyline in JSA (#s 82-87). Ross give each page a great earthy, realistic feel, and he is exceptional in conveying the accurate layouts and designs for stories based in the 19th century. And for all the trappings Jonah has as a comic book version of Josey Wales, Ross avoids taking the easy way out in making his rendition of the renegade a direct homage to the one of Clint Eastwood's more dubious roles. While Jonah Hex has a vibe reminiscent of the Eastwood classic Outlaw Josey Wales (my all-time favorite Clint flick, by the way -- my mom actually nicknamed me "Josey Wales" when I was a kid, same initials and similar name'n all), Hex is an American original, and writers Justin Gray & Jimmy Palmiotti have the guy nailed.

In issue #7, little time is wasted by Gray & Palmiotti in establishing dramatic tension for our hero. We begin in Blood Creek, Texas. The population at one point is 311, but this figure is crossed out in the narration and replaced with "None." You couldn't be blamed for assuming that with this first page, with a lone Jonah Hex in a standoff with over half a dozen bad guys and a town ablaze behind him that it's the second or third part of a multi-part saga. But one of the selling points of this title for me, a reader who's historically been spoiled on costumed superheroics, has been this series propensity toward self-contained, one-issue stories. Jonah Hex so far has been a revelation in terms of stories that begin at Page One and wrap up at 22 with nary a useless subplot to be found. That sounds downright revolutionary to me.

Back to the action, Hex finds himself in a situation playing bounty hunter, avenger, and repo man all in one story. In "One Wedding & Fifty Funerals," the common thread between the various roles the titular hero plays is a fancy rifle that finds itself in several different hands over the course of one short week. As bad-ass as Hex is, there's little doubt as to who ends up with it last, but the road the rifle travels over a few days is unpredictable and a testament to Gray & Palmiotti's skill in Western craftsmanship. The dialogue is economical as it should be for such moody tales, and paired with Ross' deft handling of the drama and violence in an unforgiving frontier makes for some instant classics (I reckon the next regular artist has his work cut out for him fo' sho'). With every issue of Jonah Hex that we're treated to, the more it's proving to be one of the best titles in the market.

OJ’s heroes have always been cowboys, but he still says that mamas shouldn’t their babies grown up to be them.

X-Men: Deadly Genesis #6
From: Marvel
Writer: Ed Brubaker
Art: Trevor Hairsine and Scott Hanna
Review by Troy Brownfield

There have been several times in the last couple of years during which I’ve read X-event minis and wondered “Why isn’t (Creator X) doing the regular book?”. I’m very happy that in this instance, that question has been answered; Ed Brubaker will be taking over the reins on Uncanny, and that’s a great move. I’ve been a fan of the man since I first read A Complete Lowlife a few years back; he’s proven his capability in a shared universe with stints on Gotham Central, Catwoman and Captain America. I’m eager to see what he does with the first X-book.

That said, there’s still the issue of this, er, issue to cover. Some purists have cried foul over the retooling given the Krakoa saga and the involvement of the “1.5” team; I have to say that it’s at least presented from a sensible point of view. I don’t believe in the myth of “Saint Charles Xavier”; I think that time has shown that the character can be quite the devious bastard and/or prick when he thinks that the situation merits it. That his egregious breach of trust with Cyclops has bred resentment and even death can hardly be called a surprise; Charlie’s lack of forthcoming doing hard is hardly anything new.

Brubaker has finally addressed one of the grand, lingering plot threads in the X-canon (the third Summers brother, first mentioned by Mr. Sinister in X-Men #23 from 1993 on page 8), and his representation is as sound as any other theory could have been. While internet conspiracies have always tried to shoehorn Gambit into that role, and while (ugh) ADAM-X THE EXTREME may have at one time been intended for it, I think that it does work best to make the unrevealed brother a new character. I’m also pleased that another character introduced in this mini has survived for later use; his powers are a nice conceit.

The art is decent throughout, although it seems a bit rushed toward the end. In fact, that page where Scott delivers some shocking news to Charles just seems off. Overall though, it’s been a good effort.

Deadly Genesis isn’t the book to hand a new fan to get them into the X-family; it relies largely on a story from 1975 and expects you to know an awful lot about X-history. Still, Brubaker made it as accessible as possible and has a good grasp on the personalities of the major players. His ongoing stint should be something that’s really interesting to see.

Talent #1
From: Boom! Studios
Writers: Christopher Golden and Tom Sniegoski
Art: Paul Azaceta
Review by Troy Brownfield

Ads for this new series have noted that it flows in the vein of “Lost”. Having read the first issue, I’m of a mind that it’s much closer in many respects to Brian Lumley’s “Necroscope” series of novels, and that’s not a bad thing at all. You may be familiar with the work of Golden from various genre novels and TV tie-in comics (particularly from the Buffyverse); Sniegoski will definitely be known to followers of Vampirella. These guys have a strong sense of suspense and scene-building, and they use that to solid effect in this first issue.

Essentially, there’s one survivor of a massive air accident, and he suddenly finds that he can do things that he could never do before. Couple that with the fact that there are those who want to blame him for the crash and those who want to use him, and you have action, conspiracy, the supernatural and a tiny hint of religious mystery. Azaceta’s art is moody and angular, conveying events in a simple, yet evocative, manner.

This is a book that could literally go in hundreds of directions. With this pair of writers at the helm and a built-in premise that allows for the exploration of dozens of characters (living and dead), the first issue of Talent is an excellent start. If you’ve never read a book from Boom! before, start here.

Pellet Reviews!

Wolfskin #1 (Avatar; by J. Caleb Mozzocco): To paraphrase a Cracker song from my youth, What the world needs now/ Is another barbarian comic/ Like I need a hole in my head. But what this one has going for it that the other Conan wannabes lack is the name above the title—Warren Ellis. Is there a better genre for the colorfully brutal imagination that gave birth to The Authority and Transmetropolitan to cut loose in? His barbarian is another bare-chested, Northish killing machine, but, like his setting, he is hardly as romantic as a certain Cimmerian. He’s a “wolfskin,” apparently named for the type of skin he wears around his shoulder, though he has some other lupine features, like eating parts of those he kills. The world he marches through is as dirty and ugly as it would have been in real life—bad teeth, ugly women, naked kids, repulsive food, et cetera. For all the gritty realism packed into the details, however, our protagonist is still something of a superhero, as is demonstrated in the climax. While it’s Ellis’ name that might sell this book, artist Juan Jose Ryp is the real star. His hyper-detailed art calls to mind that of some of the best in the biz—like Geoff Darrow, for example—and he’s at equal ease delineating idyllic nature scenes and grotesquely gory sword fights. I tend to buy a lot of first issues of Avatar series, attracted by the superior art, the names of the often all-star writers and the familiar characters featured in the books, but relatively few #2s, as the books are always solid but rarely great (and cost about a buck more than those of other publishers). This is one instance though where I’m quite looking forward to #2.

Firestorm The Nuclear Man #25 (DC: by OJ): I'm hard-pressed to come up with something this book lacks, other than, perhaps, more readers. It's got the brisk pacing one appreciates in storytelling (Thank you, Stuart Moore), lively and expressive art that's as pro as anything out there right now (Much appreciated, Jamal Igle), a hero worth rooting for in Jason Rusch as he embodies all the young buck highs and lows that Ronnie Raymond experienced at his creative peak, and adversaries and threats that rarely fail to engage. Longtime baddie Killer Frost is in cahoots with the Batman's own Mr. Freeze, and ironically it's for the purpose of heating things up. Credit Moore for coming up with an idea that never would've occurred to me. Jason with his Firestorm partner, Lorraine, get a glimpse of their missing comrade, Martin Stein, while handling Frost's threat. A great money moment comes at the end with a tough love delivered by our supposedly more amiable Dark Knight, and Jason takes it all hilariously well. Another thing going for this title, THE FUNNY.

Superman #652 (DC: by OJ): As suggested by the cover, we finally get the Super in the Man of Steel in Part 5 of "Up, Up, And Away!" The best part of Superman's gradual return to form, is not how he handles a gaggle of baddies after Clark Kent that includes Livewire, Puzzler (as funny a spotlight hog as I've seen), Bloodsport and Riot. No, it's how his wife -- you know, Lois Lane -- handles the news of Superman regaining his mojo. It's been discussed recently how Spider-Man stories are creatively handcuffed with the marriage of Peter and MJ, yet Superman as a character seems well-suited to the wedded life, and Geoff Johns & Kurt Busiek's work in this story epitomizes this (now all of the sudden I REALLY can't wait for Busiek's full-time assignment on Superman -- his affection for Lois and Clark really shines through -- "And do that thing with your hair. I like it when you do that."). Clark gradually recouping his abilities is by no means rendered with grace, as humorously depicted in his first attempt at leaping a tall building in a single bound, but it does have the same organic feel that's made this whole storyline a treat so far. These are Man of Steel stories done right!

[b]Ex Machina #20 (Wildstorm Signature; by Koben):[b] Arguably Vaughan's best regular work, this issue marks the end of the March To War storyline. Hundred decides to use his abilities to assist in the search for the terrorist responsible for the deaths of many NY citizens and the coma of his employee, Journal. Communicating with one of the devices, he discerns the whereabouts of its remote-control master device. A chance encounter leads to the arrest of the terrorist whose natural citizenship is anything but expected. Tony Harris continues to please with his mix of reference-based and stylistic art. While I preferred his Obergeist-era work, this period of his work with Vaughan has yet to disappoint. Next up, Mayor Hundred deals with the city's marijuana laws.

Fables # 49 (Vertigo; by Koben): While I'm waiting for Shadowpact to come out, this title gives a decent Willingham fix. Mowgli continues his search for Bigby, and finally he obtains success. The Lord of the Wolves has been hiding out far from Mundy sight, ruling over the surrounding lupine clans. Meanwhile, the North Wind struggles to understand the importance of his grandchildren learning to pass for human. Buckingham takes cues from the legend of Kirby, drawing Mowgli in a style that bears an uncanny resemblance to Jack's Kamandi. I have to admit, I'm eager to get back to stories featuring Bigby as a main character. Sort of the Wolverine of the Fables set, he's my favorite. Hats off to Bucky for continuing to supply the art with only a few fill-ins.

7 Days to Fame #3(After Hours; by Troy): The controversy-courting mini-series about suicide and reality television wraps up in surprising fashion. Throughout these three installments, writer Buddy Scalera and artist Dennis Budd managed to take an enormously difficult issue and examine it in a fairly thorough, thoughtful way. Some might accuse the creators of being sensationalistic, but really, this tale is actually about sensationalism and the needs and drive of TV culture. Budd’s art is capable, but the real engine here is Scalera; he has a good touch for laying out massive amounts of exposition in dialogue. Both of these creators will only get better; taken as a whole, this mini is a tidy arrival statement.

Cthulhu Tales #1 (Boom!; by Troy): All hail the Dread Lord! Boom! Studios expands their anthology base with a dip into the Lovecraft pool. Much like Boom’s previously established Zombie Tales, this trades on great talent and a wide range of approaches. My two favorites are “Quality Time”, which features art by my pal Andy Kuhn (yep; I’m Kuhn-biased) and a sharp story by John Rogers; and “Cthulhu Calls”, which is a clever tale by writer “Casey Grey” and artist Mark Badger that equates involvement with the Great Old Ones as a difficult relationship comparable to a Cameron Crowe movie. Just brilliant. I’m of the understanding that Boom! will be carving out a larger niche for anthologies; if they’re all like this one and Zombie Tales, that can only mean good comics.

Sam and Twitch: The Brian Michael Bendis Collection Vol. 1 (Todd McFarlane Productions; by Troy): If you’re fairly new to comics, you might be surprised to learn that prior to Ultimatizing Spider-Man and dis-and-re-and-redis-assembling the Avengers, Brian Michael Bendis had a strong and productive career as a writer (and often, artist) of top-flight crime comics. His stellar work on Goldfish, Jinx and Torso led him to a terrific stint on this series, which stars the detective duo made popular in Spawn. Sam (fat, sloppy,angry) and Twich (slight, small, sharpshooter) emerge as polar opposites that make great partners in the classic mismatched buddy method. Bendis attacks the neonoir flavor with relish, carving out a distinct corner for Sam and Twitch away from their previous background (Spawn appears humorously, and is promptly shooed away). Angel Medina and Jamie Toglason draw the hell out of everything, lending the violent proceedings an appropriately grotesque sheen. If you aren’t a fan of Spawn, New Avengers, or McFarlane . . . you should still read this. This is damn good crime comics, written by a master of the form.

Utopiates #1 (Bloodfire Studios; by Troy): Admittedly inspired by the works of Gibson, Dick, and Welsh, Utopiates mixes the swirling abyss of addiction with the cyberpunk leanings of drug-obsessed futurist writers. The first-person narration is classic cybernoir, and the “digital black and white” art lends this dark story a unique flair. Creators Josh Finney and Kat Rocha are to be commended for diving into familiar waters and coming up with something new. It’s well worth your time to check out; find out more at http://www.glitchwerk.com/utopiates


How to Self-Publish Comics . . . Not Just Create Them Vol. 2:Building Your Creative Team and Vol. 3: Printing and Marketing (DDP; by Troy): One word: invaluable. While there are many self-publishing guides on the market, I find that Josh Blaylock’s is one of the most current in terms of language and technology and relevant in terms of independent experience. I had the pleasure of interviewing Josh in February of 2000 before he was “Devil’s Due/G.I. Joe guy”, and he’s always had a razor-keen sense of how to put things together. He covers the market and the process in direct, helpful language, and he even has a contest for readers to lend guidance to their efforts. For fans who want to make the transition, these books are essential.

ESPN: The Magazine, issue 9.10, May 22, 2006 (ESPN, Inc; by Troy): No, I haven’t lost my mind (officially); just take a look at the humorous piece with art by James Jean covering those “X-Factor” ballers that can change the direction of a game without being an All-Star of big money man. We see Alonzo Mourning rocking the Sun God look, Antonio McDyess resembling a cross between Commander Steel and an EVA unit, Shaun Livingston as a speedster, and more. Special guest appearance by LeBron in iconic blue and red.

That’s all for this week; if you’re so inclined, please visit www.myspace.com/shotgunreviews and say hello.

Troy Brownfield writes for Newsarama and runs ShotgunReviews.com. He’s a professor of English, journalism and communication and a freelance writer. Anyone wishing to submit their titles for review can contact Troy at psikotyk@aol.com. If you’re interested in taking a class with Troy via the miracle of Distance Learning, check out the program here http://www.smwc.edu/cgi-bin/site.pl?futureDistance , and specifically mention him or his areas (Journalism, Professional Writing, Creative Writing, Film Studies) when you call.

[Squashua]

It's spelled Cthulhu.

[AJBrown]

Oddly enough I am a very new X-fan and yet I fully understood and really enjoyed Deadly Genesis. I think Brubaker did a good job of explaining everything as he went along so new readers didn't feel too swamped. I am not very much looking forward to his run on Uncanny X-Men!

[Colonsus]

It's actually spelled "g.e.t. a. l.i.f.e." Squashua

[HG_studios]

Nice review of Jonah Hex! I, too am enjoying this excellently done series, by Gray, Palmiotti, and Ross (and I am also sad to see him go. Did anyone see his art on Samurai Heaven and Earth written by Ron Marz from Dark Horse? It was gorgeous!). This suprises me as I am not really a big fan of westerns in general. I urge anyone to check it out if you like solid, done-in-one stories.

I'd also like to agree that while I enjoyed Deadly Genesis, I also felt that the art steadily declined as the series progressed. Another case of an artist rushing to meet his deadline?

And with Ex Machina. I love Vaughan's parallels with current events, and I look forward to seeing his stance on marijuana laws, I have enjoyed every other topic he has tackled thus far, and he continues to rise to the top of my list of favorite writers.

Keep up the good work, all, and I look forward to next weeks reviews.

-Kevin

[DrCool976]

Man I love Fables and everything but Bigby Wolf is virtually indistinguishable from Wolverine, now.

[Deathangel]

just so you know, it seems jason todd has assumed the role of nightwing in OYL.

[Spaz_Monkey]

I am 1000% hooked on 52 after only 1 issue. It was almost entirely setup, but damn what a setup! All I can say is I'm glad Ralph got that phone call when he did!
It is with great anticipation that I await the next 51 issues of 52.

[Bird Flu Man]

I was very curious to see what kind of reviews that Talent #1 would get amidsts the all rumors that Newsarama is in bed with Boom! Studios since the View Askew partnership ran out.

[Troy Brownfield]

Originally Posted by Bird Flu Man

I was very curious to see what kind of reviews that Talent #1 would get amidsts the all rumors that Newsarama is in bed with Boom! Studios since the View Askew partnership ran out.

I really hope that this is an attempt at ironic humor based on last week's runaway thread.

[sequart]

If you aren’t a fan of Spawn, New Avengers, or McFarlane . . . you should still read this. This is damn good crime comics, written by a master of the form.

Totally agree. It's some really good stuff.

[Alan Coil]

Jonah Hex

#6 was the least of the stories so far. #7 wasn't great.

But the problem I have with Jonah Hex is the first issue. The first issue was merely a re-written story from the original Jonah Hex series. Why was this done? I don't recall any mention of this in the issue, nor any place else.

[Toneloak]

Sam and Twitch seems like something i missed out on. Even though i hate Spawn and i tried reading it.:-(

[ziza9]

"While internet conspiracies have always tried to shoehorn Gambit or (ugh) ADAM-X THE EXTREME into that role, I think that it does work best to make the unrevealed brother a new character."

I don't think in the case of Adam - X it can be called shoehorning...considering he was supposed to be the third brother all along.

"(from his profile on http://www.marvunapp.com/Appendix3/adamxxtreme.htm)

Adam-X was intended, at least from X-Men II#39 on, to be a third Summers brother. The theory is that he would have been a half-brother, on their mother’s side. Katherine Summers was supposed to have been kept in D’ken’s harum before being killed, and sired his son." I picked nits, but one man's Adam X is another man's Kid Vulcan.

[Stormbreaker]

I'm still not sure of what to think of 52. Since it doesn't have any of my fave DC characters, I'll probably just drop it. Though am I really interested in what happened to certain characters during the year following Infinite Crisis? The answer, for me at least, appears to be a "not really." Oh well, as for Deadly Genesis, it was pretty good, but it wasn't GREAT. There could have been one ot two tweaks that could have made the mini great, but they were just left out. Mainly, I wasn't expecting number 6 to be a talking heads issue. I figured a good bit of it would be, but it was a little overkill. It really just acted as a pre-req. for Brubaker's upcoming Uncanny run and doesn't do a whole lot when it's on its own. It was still a fun read though, and I hope Bru's Uncanny run rocks!

EDIT: I know the above may seem kinda confusing. I'm ridiculously hungry but wanted to make this posting first.

[CitC]

Fables is consistently one of my favourite books out every month. I wish the same team would put out an all ages version of the book - I would buy every trade for my school's library. I know there are books like Fables for the younger crowd, but I want a toned down one by the same creators. And by toned down, I don't mean boring - stick to the fun stories I guess.

[leafinsectma]

I'm hoping to see more of Emma the Stripper

[iceman06]

Originally Posted by ziza9

"While internet conspiracies have always tried to shoehorn Gambit or (ugh) ADAM-X THE EXTREME into that role, I think that it does work best to make the unrevealed brother a new character."

I don't think in the case of Adam - X it can be called shoehorning...considering he was supposed to be the third brother all along.

"(from his profile on http://www.marvunapp.com/Appendix3/adamxxtreme.htm)

Adam-X was intended, at least from X-Men II#39 on, to be a third Summers brother. The theory is that he would have been a half-brother, on their mother’s side. Katherine Summers was supposed to have been kept in D’ken’s harum before being killed, and sired his son." I picked nits, but one man's Adam X is another man's Kid Vulcan.

I have to comment on this as well. I have no problem with Adam X not officially being the 3rd Summers Brother, but please, don't dismiss the idea as if it was conceived by loons who made this all up when the truth is that some people actually picked up on the clues and/or learned what was originally intended from the writer who actually did make it all up.

Fabian Nicieza, who created the storyline and Adam within months of one another, has stated since he was kept from telling the story that it was his intention all along for Adam to be the 3rd Summers Brother. Now if you want to say that Fabian Nicieza tried to shoehorn Adam X into the role of the 3rd Summers Brother, that's another thing. Maybe, he created the internet conspiracy too.

[Royal Nonesuch]

Originally posted by Troy
Ads for this new series have noted that it flows in the vein of “Lost”. Having read the first issue, I’m of a mind that it’s much closer in many respects to Brian Lumley’s “Necroscope” series of novels,

I'm there. I love the Necroscope series!

[Troy Brownfield]

Hey guys,

While I respect the fact that certain writers may have had certain plans at one time, nothing is canon until it actually appears in the books. And even then, it can be rewritten. Maybe in five years, Fabian gets the X-Men back and jettisons Vulcan in favor of Adam. Who knows?

But until it's on the page, any talk about what might have been intended or what a creator might have been kept from doing can be called conjecture, rumor, or conspiracy (and that word was directed more at Gambit than Adam-X). For now, it's official Marvel history that Vulcan is the third Summers brother, regardless of what plans might have once been.

[iceman06]

Originally Posted by Troy Brownfield

While I respect the fact that certain writers may have had certain plans at one time, nothing is canon until it actually appears in the books. And even then, it can be rewritten. Maybe in five years, Fabian gets the X-Men back and jettisons Vulcan in favor of Adam. Who knows?

But until it's on the page, any talk about what might have been intended or what a creator might have been kept from doing can be called conjecture, rumor, or conspiracy (and that word was directed more at Gambit than Adam-X). For now, it's official Marvel history that Vulcan is the third Summers brother, regardless of what plans might have once been.

I don't think anyone has much of an issue with Marvel going another way. We can drop that an discuss the issue we actually do have.

The point is that you present the idea of the 3rd Summers brother being Adam X as something created by fans when that's not the case at all.

If you wanted to give the impression that Gambit (and not Adam X) as the 3rd Summers brother was a conspiracy shoehorned by people on the internet, you should have separated the two characters and addressed them seperately.

How was anyone supposed to think you wanted to direct those statements more towards Gambit than "(ugh) ADAM-X THE EXTREME" [sic]?

If you knew that the writer who created the 3rd Summers brother idea had also created Adam X to be that 3rd Summers brother, you should have said so.

Honestly, what you said is misleading to those who don't know the truth, and it makes you look uninformed to those who do know.

[Batitude]

Originally Posted by Stormbreaker

I'm still not sure of what to think of 52. Since it doesn't have any of my fave DC characters, I'll probably just drop it. Though am I really interested in what happened to certain characters during the year following Infinite Crisis? The answer, for me at least, appears to be a "not really." .

Well, that was sort of the idea. The DCU has a rich cast of secondary and tertiary characters (It's too bad you don't find them interesting)that will be highlighted here. Having said that, there will be "a" lister's showing up as well (Just not the big 3).

I'd give it a few more issues...dropping it after one issue is like dropping a 52 chapter novel after the first one.

as a DCU fan I love the book as I'll get to see characters I don't usually see. One of the reasons I don't tend to read Marvel books is because it's almost always the same characters over and over. I loved the X-Men when GS 1 came out (yep...I'm that old!) but when a team of "Outsiders" were EVERYWHERE kind of stopped making sense.

[Troy Brownfield]

Originally Posted by iceman06

If you knew that the writer who created the 3rd Summers brother idea had also created Adam X to be that 3rd Summers brother, you should have said so.

Honestly, what you said is misleading to those who don't know the truth, and it makes you look uninformed to those who do know.

I changed the sentence in my review to reflect separated thoughts, but I don't think that you understand that I'm still going with what is on the page. Even if a writer tells everyone that they've ever met that they had plans that weren't used, it still doesn't mean anything in a work-for-hire universe unless it appears in the book.

It ultimately doesn't matter if Adam-X was created to be the third Summers brother, the lost Summers sister, or a mutant with the power to mimic poor mid-'90s facial hair choices. The fact remains that the character was never revealed to be so in the books, so there is no subjective "truth" to be had in terms of how the character actually appears. Even if Fabian discusses the idea and others sieze on it, it is still "theorizing" and not fact. And the suggestion that he was prevented in some way from telling the story certainly does imply at least some whiff of internet-perpetuated conspriacy, don't you think?

[iceman06]

Originally Posted by Troy Brownfield

I changed the sentence in my review to reflect separated thoughts, but I don't think that you understand that I'm still going with what is on the page. Even if a writer tells everyone that they've ever met that they had plans that weren't used, it still doesn't mean anything in a work-for-hire universe unless it appears in the book.

It ultimately doesn't matter if Adam-X was created to be the third Summers brother, the lost Summers sister, or a mutant with the power to mimic poor mid-'90s facial hair choices. The fact remains that the character was never revealed to be so in the books, so there is no subjective "truth" to be had in terms of how the character actually appears. Even if Fabian discusses the idea and others sieze on it, it is still "theorizing" and not fact. And the suggestion that he was prevented in some way from telling the story certainly does imply at least some whiff of internet-perpetuated conspriacy, don't you think?

I have to say that I think it's you who still don't get everything I'm saying though. "Vulcan is the 3rd Summers brother," says me. We can kill the straw man because I too am going with what's on the printed page. That's not what you're doing in that statement about Gambit and Adam X though. You're talking about characters who have no relation to this family, this idea, or this comic on the printed page. You should have either left them out of it or never made any claims that you're sticking to what's on the printed page. As it stands now, you're contradicting yourself.

In addition to confirming that the original idea for the 3rd Summers brother was for it to be Adam X, he also mentioned finishing the story as he conceived it if he ever got the chance to return to the x-titles. I seriously doubt he was removed from the x-titles because of this storyline, but unless you think it's more appropriate to reveal the 3rd Summers brother in New Thunderbolts than in an x-title, he had no opportunity to complete the story once he was removed. This is not a theory.

Also, "originally" would be more accurate than "at one time" in your edit, but thanks though. I probably wouldn't have responded at all if it had been written this way in the beginning.

[ScottSummers]

Originally Posted by iceman06

I have to say that I think it's you who still don't get everything I'm saying though. "Vulcan is the 3rd Summers brother," says me. We can kill the straw man because I too am going with what's on the printed page. That's not what you're doing in that statement about Gambit and Adam X though. You're talking about characters who have no relation to this family, this idea, or this comic on the printed page. You should have either left them out of it or never made any claims that you're sticking to what's on the printed page. As it stands now, you're contradicting yourself.

In addition to confirming that the original idea for the 3rd Summers brother was for it to be Adam X, he also mentioned finishing the story as he conceived it if he ever got the chance to return to the x-titles. I seriously doubt he was removed from the x-titles because of this storyline, but unless you think it's more appropriate to reveal the 3rd Summers brother in New Thunderbolts than in an x-title, he had no opportunity to complete the story once he was removed. This is not a theory.

Also, "originally" would be more accurate than "at one time" in your edit, but thanks though. I probably wouldn't have responded at all if it had been written this way in the beginning.

LET IT GO.

Gambit and Adam X were both ideas floating in clouds of forcing the issue on the third summers brother. You know what? The Adam X IDEA has just as much weight as the Gambit IDEA.

That is ALL THEY ARE. IDEA'S THAT DID NOT HAPPEN. The fact that one idea was dreamed up by fans and the other idea was a thought in a comic book writer's mind has no relevance here. Neither are true, NEITHER WERE NEVER GOING TO HAPPEN BECAUSE DESPITE WHAT FABIAN WANTS, MARVEL MAKES THE DECISIONS.

You can scream until you are blue in the face about what Fabian had planned. It does not matter. Troy's original wording was accurate, and stupid fanboy holdons of what might have been does not warrant calling him out on it. Adam X was a horrible character, Marvel realized how horrible the story would have been if Fabian went through with it. Thank god. Gambit was actually a better idea, though horrible as well.