Some thoughts on some recent comics
Sep. 1st, 2016 12:07 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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scans_dailyThese are not reviews.
Howard the Duck 10, by Chip Zdarsky and Joe Quinones. Marvel lore jokes have always been pretty central to this series, but Zdarsky's talked about how he doesn't see it as particularly inside baseball because Marvel superheroes are part of the mainstream now, thanks to the films. This issue ramps up the insularity though, much of the humor revolving around knowing not just about Marvel comics but the current creators behind them -- the sort of humor that would be lost to readers who don't pay particular attention to what's behind the scenes.
On the other hand, is there a more perfect than Howard the Duck for a meta story about how the architects of existence are purposefully screwing with him? It fits him so well I'm kind of surprised it's never been done before. (Or has it? Howard experts, feel free to chime in.)
Silver Surfer 6, by Dan Slott and Mike Allred. This is the 200th Silver Surfer comic ever, and the comic makes a big deal about celebrating that, but... it's quite the odd choice of story for a major anniversary. Usually, such milestones are celebrated in one of two ways: 1. A story that celebrates the character's rich history in some way. 2. A story that's a major turning point in the protagonist's life. Sometimes, a comic does both. This comic does neither.
Okay, there is a celebratory component, now that I think of it -- a visual parade of the Surfer's enemies -- but it's so downplayed and tertiary to the main of the story that it didn't even occur to me that's what it was until now.
It *is* a major turning point but for Dawn, a relatively new addition to the Surfer mythos, not at all one for the man himself. I'm sure there are a number of fans who'll complain about that, about the thwarted expectation they had for an anniversary. I hope to god I never become one of of them. A good story is a good story; expectations be damned.
Howard the Duck 10, by Chip Zdarsky and Joe Quinones. Marvel lore jokes have always been pretty central to this series, but Zdarsky's talked about how he doesn't see it as particularly inside baseball because Marvel superheroes are part of the mainstream now, thanks to the films. This issue ramps up the insularity though, much of the humor revolving around knowing not just about Marvel comics but the current creators behind them -- the sort of humor that would be lost to readers who don't pay particular attention to what's behind the scenes.
On the other hand, is there a more perfect than Howard the Duck for a meta story about how the architects of existence are purposefully screwing with him? It fits him so well I'm kind of surprised it's never been done before. (Or has it? Howard experts, feel free to chime in.)
Silver Surfer 6, by Dan Slott and Mike Allred. This is the 200th Silver Surfer comic ever, and the comic makes a big deal about celebrating that, but... it's quite the odd choice of story for a major anniversary. Usually, such milestones are celebrated in one of two ways: 1. A story that celebrates the character's rich history in some way. 2. A story that's a major turning point in the protagonist's life. Sometimes, a comic does both. This comic does neither.
Okay, there is a celebratory component, now that I think of it -- a visual parade of the Surfer's enemies -- but it's so downplayed and tertiary to the main of the story that it didn't even occur to me that's what it was until now.
It *is* a major turning point but for Dawn, a relatively new addition to the Surfer mythos, not at all one for the man himself. I'm sure there are a number of fans who'll complain about that, about the thwarted expectation they had for an anniversary. I hope to god I never become one of of them. A good story is a good story; expectations be damned.
no subject
Date: 2016-08-31 11:05 pm (UTC)(Seriously though, that is quite an unflattering portrayal of Ryan North.)
no subject
Date: 2016-09-01 04:27 pm (UTC)In the two issues themselves, Spider-Man poured a lot onto Firelord, including a speeding subway and a collapsing building. It wasn't until the very end that he started punching Firelord with everything he had. Still hard to believe, even with some "Firelord isn't as powerful as the Silver Surfer" or "Firelord was just stunned and not unconscious" or something.
no subject
Date: 2016-09-02 01:02 am (UTC)It's entirely possible the Power Cosmic does not negate the effect of multiple concussive blows coming one after the other.