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Post by DiscipleofBob on Jul 21, 2014 7:22:18 GMT -5
So I'm enjoying the series so far, but there's one glaring flaw in issue 2 that I can't help but comment on. Superman and Power Girl bust Lex's window, accuse him of harboring Metallo, and fly away. And this is the room where Lex brings Metallo? They already commented that the building was impervious to their x-ray vision, and they both have super hearing (unless they don't, I guess; but even then, Lex did comment on Superman's 'fifty kinds of super senses'). This seemed like an incredibly stupid move on Lex's part when it would have been just as easy to go meet Metallo in another room somewhere. That's a fair criticism. My counter argument would be that after he two supers harassed him for the day, Lex knew he was pretty much in the clear, especially after Superman's speech that they just can't keep harassing Luthor based on nothing but hunches. And it's not like they can just keep observing Luthor forever. While it would make more sense logistically for Luthor to meet Metallo in some underground bunker away from prying eyes, I personally think it adds something to his confidence/arrogance that he's willing to take the meeting with the homicidal robot in his private office Or you can just attribute it to poor comic book logic. Up to you. But it is a fair point to bring up.
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Post by DiscipleofBob on Aug 29, 2014 23:34:09 GMT -5
Superman #3 is up!
And it's not 8000 words like my last UWW!
I tried to steer away from the exposition stuff but it kind of snuck in anyway. Hopefully it'll be less necessary as I continue on.
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Post by Drake on Aug 30, 2014 9:15:53 GMT -5
Great issue! I mean, really solid work being done here. You've humanized Clark, introduced his and Lois' relationship, and developed a plot that through me for a loop for a little while. I will admit I figured it out by the end of the first scene with the bizarre (pun intended?) doppelganger, but it was incredibly clever nonetheless and leaves a good cliffhanger for next issue.
9/10
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Post by Stardrifter on Aug 31, 2014 15:18:53 GMT -5
Decent issue. A lot of heavy exposition, but I guess you didn't have much choice. I like what you're doing with Lois and Clark. I don't think I could handle the will she/won't she find out his secret stories.
It's an interesting start to Bizarro. Just remember, Bizarro #1! Cease it going!
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Post by DiscipleofBob on Oct 29, 2014 0:28:04 GMT -5
Thanks for the reviews.
Next chapter is up.
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Post by Drake on Oct 30, 2014 19:27:09 GMT -5
Really good issue. I like the continued use of ARGUS, and Bizarro was fun. While I'll admit this isn't my favorite issue in the world, I have to admit there's not much wrong with it from a story or writing standpoint. What this title could use is a dose of fun, a touch more of humor. It's why Wonder Woman is so great! It's hilarious--as well as dramatic, action-packed, and genuinely cool! In addition, the threat's could feel a little more dangerous. Even Bizarro, who's as strong as Superman, didn't feel all that threatening. Sure he ruined some of the city, but Superman never seemed to be all that worried about him. I want a bad guy that really tears Superman down (not necessarily emotionally, but physically); someone who challenges Superman and all that he stands for.
EDIT: Almost forgot, 8.5/10
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Post by Stardrifter on Nov 19, 2014 20:37:45 GMT -5
Good issue. Fight dragged a bit IMO, but it was well done. Your Bizarro dialogue was good, though the leap from Bizarre to Bizarre-o to Bizarro felt like hitting a bulletpoint and not very natural.
I continue to enjoy the relationship between Supes and PG. I like that Clark admits in a straight up fight she'd likely win, though he's obviously the more stable hero.
Keep em coming.
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Post by ericthepilot on Dec 18, 2014 21:14:15 GMT -5
I really enjoyed reading through this series, now that I'm all the way caught up. It seems very influenced by the 90s animated series, which is easily my favorite interpretation of the character, but it stands on its own here and you're not afraid to make changes, The destruction of Krypton in particular was striking, not sure I've ever seen anyone taking this particular angle on it before – and it certainly promises a threat out there in the aether that even a fleet of Supermen might be unable to handle. I like the way that just kind of hangs over things.
Your take on Lex is great, I could hear Clancy Brown's voice in my head as I read his dialogue. He's exactly what he needs to be – Superman's most dangerous foes are always the ones that he can't simply punch into submission. You also convey the other thing that's great about Lex – moreso than perhaps any other “villain” in comics, he's the hero of his own story and proud of it. He's good to his people, and to his city on his own terms.
Kara really comes to life in these issues as well, she's exactly like Power Girl should be – brash and very much a punch first, ask questions later type, yet you can see that there's more to it than simply rage. She provides a nice counterbalance to Superman himself in the way she deals with threats, and it's nice to have someone who will cut loose and isn't afraid to use her abilities. What's even greater is that you're not afraid to let her be “right” on occasion, so it's not always just Superman lecturing her on the “proper” way to be a hero, sometimes Superman shows TOO much restraint. It's a nice balance, but so far, I think you've found it.
The battle sequences were really very well staged, you were able to show a fight moving very fluidly through the city yet the reader doesn't get lost or thrown by all the rapidly shifting action. You've got a good sense for when to give detail, and when to keep things simple, and you broke up the action well by showing the impact on the city itself. And even more than that – you show the aftereffects of it as well, something that's too easily glossed over in these epic struggles.
Really hope to see more of this one soon, you've got a great handle on the character.
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Post by DiscipleofBob on Dec 25, 2014 3:11:03 GMT -5
New chapter up!
Ironically I have a Christmas special planned for Superman but it's not for another two chapters. Hopefully I can rush the next chapters out so it'll be moderately seasonally appropriate.
I will respond to other responses later, right now it's far too late for me to be typing much more.
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Post by Drake on Dec 25, 2014 11:58:10 GMT -5
I really liked this issue, and considering it wasn't that long, it was twice as great, haha!
Jimmy as a Detective is a great twist, I like the use of KGBeast, and that (potential SPOILERS) Mercy and Hope are probably Amazons. All of those add a sense of new and fun to the story that make it a joy to read. Honestly, I don't have a critique that comes to mind. It wasn't a perfect issue, but it was super fun, not too long (at all) and just super cool!
8.75/10
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Post by ericthepilot on Dec 25, 2014 22:29:26 GMT -5
I thought this was another really sharp entry, I'm really enjoying your take on Superman.
Detective Olsen is a great addition, it's a neat twist and it works really well. He's totally believable in that role and he can be a real great addition to the cast, but spun in a totally new way. Though I did like the fact that you kept the signal watch. Really nice touch.
Lex continues to be a favorite here, and just steals any scene he's in. Total money in his depiction, you can just feel the condescension drip off his tongue with every word - and it doesn't matter who he's talking to, he knows he's better than them and it comes through in the writing perfectly.
It's also great the way you write Superman himself. He's not the perfect boy scout the way a lot of people write him, and there's always this tiny moment of watching him debate what he COULD do versus what he SHOULD do - and even though the "should" always seems to win (especially with Power Girl serving as a nice "could" foil") it humanizes him in a way that other takes on the character lack.
Another great effort here. Keep up the top notch work.
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Post by DiscipleofBob on Dec 25, 2014 22:30:55 GMT -5
Response time! It's been ages since I've done some of these! Really good issue. I like the continued use of ARGUS, and Bizarro was fun. While I'll admit this isn't my favorite issue in the world, I have to admit there's not much wrong with it from a story or writing standpoint. What this title could use is a dose of fun, a touch more of humor. It's why Wonder Woman is so great! It's hilarious--as well as dramatic, action-packed, and genuinely cool! In addition, the threat's could feel a little more dangerous. Even Bizarro, who's as strong as Superman, didn't feel all that threatening. Sure he ruined some of the city, but Superman never seemed to be all that worried about him. I want a bad guy that really tears Superman down (not necessarily emotionally, but physically); someone who challenges Superman and all that he stands for. EDIT: Almost forgot, 8.5/10 Obviously you know by now that Argus has a much larger role to play in this story. I try to add a touch of humor when possible, but neither Superman or Power Girl are exactly quippers. Part of these early chapters is establishing that it's very difficult for anyone to challenge Superman. Even someone like Metallo who has Superman's weakness on standby, or a literal clone of Superman (or is he? Find out later!) doesn't stand much of a chance when Superman and his angrier, sexier counterpart team up. You'll get your real threat eventually though. I can promise that. Good issue. Fight dragged a bit IMO, but it was well done. Your Bizarro dialogue was good, though the leap from Bizarre to Bizarre-o to Bizarro felt like hitting a bulletpoint and not very natural. I continue to enjoy the relationship between Supes and PG. I like that Clark admits in a straight up fight she'd likely win, though he's obviously the more stable hero. Keep em coming. The Bizarro leap will be explained more in the next chapter. That is the actual next chapter, not the chapter after this one which was just posted. Power Girl I think really makes the title for me. Writing Superman is great and all, but being able to explore a character I know less about is admittedly a lot more fun. I really enjoyed reading through this series, now that I'm all the way caught up. It seems very influenced by the 90s animated series, which is easily my favorite interpretation of the character, but it stands on its own here and you're not afraid to make changes, The destruction of Krypton in particular was striking, not sure I've ever seen anyone taking this particular angle on it before – and it certainly promises a threat out there in the aether that even a fleet of Supermen might be unable to handle. I like the way that just kind of hangs over things. Your take on Lex is great, I could hear Clancy Brown's voice in my head as I read his dialogue. He's exactly what he needs to be – Superman's most dangerous foes are always the ones that he can't simply punch into submission. You also convey the other thing that's great about Lex – moreso than perhaps any other “villain” in comics, he's the hero of his own story and proud of it. He's good to his people, and to his city on his own terms. Kara really comes to life in these issues as well, she's exactly like Power Girl should be – brash and very much a punch first, ask questions later type, yet you can see that there's more to it than simply rage. She provides a nice counterbalance to Superman himself in the way she deals with threats, and it's nice to have someone who will cut loose and isn't afraid to use her abilities. What's even greater is that you're not afraid to let her be “right” on occasion, so it's not always just Superman lecturing her on the “proper” way to be a hero, sometimes Superman shows TOO much restraint. It's a nice balance, but so far, I think you've found it. The battle sequences were really very well staged, you were able to show a fight moving very fluidly through the city yet the reader doesn't get lost or thrown by all the rapidly shifting action. You've got a good sense for when to give detail, and when to keep things simple, and you broke up the action well by showing the impact on the city itself. And even more than that – you show the aftereffects of it as well, something that's too easily glossed over in these epic struggles. Really hope to see more of this one soon, you've got a great handle on the character. Much obliged for the review. I actually have a couple possibilities for who or what actually destroyed Krypton. I probably won't confirm the exact cause for a while though. Lex and Power Girl are both wonderful to write, and not just as completely different kinds of foils for Superman. I have some fun twists planned for both characters. One of my sources of inspiration for writing this were the last two Superman movies. While both had their faults, I liked how Superman Returns actually showed Superman taking the time to deal with the various disasters occurring throughout the city instead of just rushing to punch the bad guy, and I hated how Man of Steel completely glossed over the death and destruction caused in the battle. So I try to have Superman always keep in mind the potential for collateral damage he could cause if he went all out, and that sometimes the easy short way isn't always the best way if the goal is to save lives. I really liked this issue, and considering it wasn't that long, it was twice as great, haha! Jimmy as a Detective is a great twist, I like the use of KGBeast, and that (potential SPOILERS) Mercy and Hope are probably Amazons. All of those add a sense of new and fun to the story that make it a joy to read. Honestly, I don't have a critique that comes to mind. It wasn't a perfect issue, but it was super fun, not too long (at all) and just super cool! 8.75/10 I wouldn't really consider it a spoiler anymore (unless you haven't read the latest Chapter, in which case, shame on you!), but yeah, Mercy and Hope are Amazons. They originally were in the comics too if I remember correctly, and since I'm writing Wonder Woman and the Amazons it seemed too good an opportunity to pass up. By the way, if this raises questions for anyone in either title, it should. That's intentional, and will be covered sometime in the future. EDIT: (This was literally posted as I was typing the rest of this) I thought this was another really sharp entry, I'm really enjoying your take on Superman. Detective Olsen is a great addition, it's a neat twist and it works really well. He's totally believable in that role and he can be a real great addition to the cast, but spun in a totally new way. Though I did like the fact that you kept the signal watch. Really nice touch. Lex continues to be a favorite here, and just steals any scene he's in. Total money in his depiction, you can just feel the condescension drip off his tongue with every word - and it doesn't matter who he's talking to, he knows he's better than them and it comes through in the writing perfectly. It's also great the way you write Superman himself. He's not the perfect boy scout the way a lot of people write him, and there's always this tiny moment of watching him debate what he COULD do versus what he SHOULD do - and even though the "should" always seems to win (especially with Power Girl serving as a nice "could" foil") it humanizes him in a way that other takes on the character lack. Another great effort here. Keep up the top notch work. I can't take full credit for Detective Olsen. Check out Ex Machina, about Metropolis's superpowered mayor Mitchell Hundred, for more, but Dan Turpin and Detective Olsen have some prominent screentime there. It was a crossover former writer Jackalope and I briefly discussed before he sadly dropped. I wouldn't say Lex steals every scene he's in, but he often acquires them in hostile corporate takeovers. Superman definitely tries to be a boyscout, or rather tries to be a paladin. But doing what's right, what's good, and what needs to be done can often be difficult to determine. If he actually wanted to he could do anything he wanted and pretty much no one could really stop him, and that scares Superman more than any villain ever could.
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Post by Stardrifter on Dec 28, 2014 10:45:14 GMT -5
I liked it. Olsen was a little too "grizzled" IMO. It got a bit annoying that practically every word he spoke was drenched in sarcasm. It's not a bad take on him, I just think it needs to be dialed down a little.
Otherwise it was a solid issue. Nice action. I like that Clark found a way to justify the attack to himself. Keep em coming.
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Post by Drake on Apr 6, 2015 11:10:32 GMT -5
The ending made the issue for me. Great cliffhanger and hint as to what's to come. I hope Kon's in there somewhere, but that baddie will do for now.
For whatever reason, this was tough to plow through. Maybe it's because not a lot happened. Maybe it's because some of the wording was awkward. Maybe it's because I'm still sick as hell. I don't know.
7/10
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Post by Question on Apr 6, 2015 13:48:05 GMT -5
It's been a while since I've read the previous issues, but I just read the last two, and I can't figure out why Superman decided assaulting Argus was the way to go. Did he have any pre-established reason for doing so, other than they took Bizarro?
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Post by DiscipleofBob on Apr 6, 2015 17:10:18 GMT -5
It's been a while since I've read the previous issues, but I just read the last two, and I can't figure out why Superman decided assaulting Argus was the way to go. Did he have any pre-established reason for doing so, other than they took Bizarro? While Superman suspected that the shadowy organization might be government-related, all he knew for sure was that these guys were taking very specific anti-Superman measure and they essentially abducted the equivalent of a mentally challenged Kryptonian. For all he knew they would torture and brainwash the creature and Superman couldn't stand for that even if they were part of the government. Not to mention if the creature was a clone Superman needed to figure out how and why it was created. Once General Lane showed up and proved the legitimacy of the operation and Waller satisfied Superman's questions, he had no ethical reason to continue, especially since Superman knew he had no alternative on how to safely isolate Bizarro from the rest of the world.
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Post by DiscipleofBob on Apr 9, 2015 23:27:05 GMT -5
New chapter up! Do me a favor if you can. Before reading the next chapter, sit down and watch something like It's a Wonderful Life, or your favorite version of Christmas Carol, or anything you like to try and get into the holiday spirit. Then try to believe that I posted this on December 25th and not in April.
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Post by Drake on Apr 14, 2015 20:23:42 GMT -5
I put this issue off for a number of reasons. It's a Christmas issue, I knew it'd be long (it is your Superman after all), and, well, I haven't been feeling Superman in general recently. Boy, was that a mistake. This issue was a lot of fun!
+The set up is great! It's just a lot of fun! +Luthor's humanized +World built up some more +Karen and the Amazons! +Those last two (kinda one) reveals!!!
-Clark was by far the least interesting character this issue. That's not the norm so I expect that to be different in the future. -Christmas when it's not Christmas
8/10
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Post by ericthepilot on Apr 19, 2015 0:28:57 GMT -5
Must say, I loved this.
As to the timing of the release, I always remember something that Brian Clevinger once wrote, "A thing is only late until it ships, but if it sucks, it sucks forever." This was an absolute joy, so it that's how long it took to get it to that state, it was worth the wait. I've always been a mark for Christmas specials anyway, and this absolutely lived up to the billing.
The Christmas detente is a long standing tradition, and it worked out perfectly here. The way you have Luthor and Clark forced to play out their rivalry in a far more understated tone is a real testament to your handle on the characters - it's easy to do bombastic and cartoonish stuff, but the more subtle encounter between the pair when they were alone was electric. The way the two men see themselves and each other is well contrasted using iconic Christmas stories, but you don't beat our heads over it or let it become shmaltzy. Definitely hard to pull off, but you managed it well here.
Power Girl also gets some much needed character expansion here too - and not just in the final scenes, but in her encounter with Mercy and Hope. That scene also offers some excellent foreshadowing to the things that happen later, which was really impressive.
Once again a great entry, and things seem poised to explode in a big way.
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Post by DiscipleofBob on Apr 20, 2015 0:06:00 GMT -5
Things are definitely poised to explode in a big way. The next arc will be the last one for my run on Superman and will lead directly into Justice League. It may end up being one giant finale chapter. I'm not sure yet.
Thanks for the reviews!
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