I’ve become bored of comics
I got into comics late last year, after a friend lent me some of his old back issues. That got him right back into comics again, so he started purchasing trades and hardcover collections of key stories which I got to read when he was finished.
Well, now I’ve read all the major storylines that interested me. What to do?
I detest reading issues on a monthly basis. The only one it really works for is ultimate spider-man. The arcs in other stories – including Secret Invasion – feel so contrived. They were written to raise sales and be part of a larger story that takes over the universe.
So I’m taking a complete break from comics. I will continue to read a few issues monthly, but not much more than that. I wont read large arcs, especially if they take over the whole universe, until they are available as a whole.
I am leaning heavily towards DC stuff at the moment, because they seem to have better stories – even if you have to wait. I love Vertigo stuff. I think my main problem is at Marvel.
I think that my expectations are different because I started with anime and manga. Oh well – at least I’m calmer about Brand New Day and Spider-man. Is that worth reading anymore?
Marvel Superheroes – Unhealthy Weight is Acceptable
Sean Kleefeld’s wrote this post based on a study on Marvel Woman being unhealthily under weight. While they are under weight, these characters are fictional. Marvel is a lot more fun, and fanciful then DC. DC’s characters and writing may be superior in many respects. I read both titles for different reasons, and believe its important to look at the reasons about why they are so under weight.
Marvel is just sticking to its brand promises.
I remember the excitement of reading some of Stan Lees earlier work. It was fun, fresh and pure escapism. Marvel has always been the funkier of the two by printing what the audience demands. I know I’ve enjoyed seeing some of the males in various states of undress, no matter how unattainable their body shapes.
Males are equally out of proportion in the Marvel Universe
This image was taken from the latest Ultimate Spider-Man issue. Iceman is far more unrealistic than Liz. While both are too thin, Liz at least has some definition to her body.
Liz has enough curves to make her realistic. Iceman looks completely out of whack in comparison. Yet while reading Ultimates, I haven’t really cared what the characters look like. I read it because awesome story lines transcend any perceived body issue flaws.
I’ve noticed many features in the Ultimate Universe are either over exaggerated, or under defined. In the first few issues, MJ had a large head in comparison to her body.
In Japan, women are under weight in manga
Look at Rei in the opposite picture. Her legs are too long and her waist is too narrow. This is typical of most manga where girls frequent the pages in their short skirts.
Adding sexuality to fictional characters doesn’t have to be offensive. If viewed as a crucial part of the medium, it can actually contribute to the positive interpretation of a title.
Entire anime titles such as Please Twins and DearS are overly sexualized yet both the sexes are turned into objects. I don’t look at these characters and want to attain their unhealthy bodies, nor do I want to look like Barbie.
One of the comments on Seans post said
” Fortunately, the unnatural physiques found in Marvel comics are countered by the more realistic proportions from D.C. and other publishers. The many impressionable young women reading super hero comics have much better models for appropriate body-image in Supergirl, Catwoman and, obviously, Power Girl.”
I agree that its good to have realistic role models, but people choose what aspects of people they want to idolize. In Spider-man, its MJ’s willing to sacrifice and inner strength. I don’t get the urge to suddenly try and become a super model.
Marvel comics is evolving – perhaps our views should too.
This is yet another image from Ultimate Spider-man #119. I’ve noticed that nakedness is a lot more frequent than in the general titles. Often this happens in humorous situations.
Many aspects of their style has changed over the past 50 years. In some titles theirs less dialogue and manga inspired drawings.
Conclusion
Character weight is not the only aspect that is unrealistic in comics. We choose what we want to take out of the reading experience. Their weight exists in a fictional inked world. This world is open to our interpretation.
The Ultimate Amazing Spider-man
The latest issue was brilliant. Why can’t they have Ultimate Spidey published thrice monthly instead?
It somewhat makes Amazing Spider-Man superflous. USM is more daring, and fun. They should have just left this title for the younger spider-fans and left the MU the way it was 
Amazing or Not: Brand New Day
“It’s amazing to me that no matter how long I’m in this business, the fans can always surprise me. Not that they’re upset about the end of the Spider-marriage–no, that I expected. But the fact that you guys in general are so mad that you’ll pick at any possibility for a fight, sling any insult at any person whether they’re involved with the book or not, throw around hyperbole so bombastic that it would make Stan Lee himself blush, and just generally be looking so desperately hard for reasons to vent your ire took me completely aback.”
Tom Brevoort, in Blah Blah Blog.
Harsh words, buddy.
Brevoort later went on to say this, which precisely sums up my feelings:
“This is a break-up, a funeral for something that you loved. It’s grief and pain, funneled into rage. ”
Why am I so Upset?
The revelation in Civil War was what I believed to be one of the greatest moments in comics. Despite knowing about it happening, my jaw still dropped. I’m angered that this was undone – though as its not directly related to MJ, perhaps it could still be undone.
When reading Civil War, I knew I was reading comic genius. The storyline was daring and opened the way for brilliant stories in the MU. It feels like they have taken the easy way out. I wouldn’t have objected if they had allowed Peter Parkers revelation to complete its arc.
After reading Friendly Neighbourhood Spiderman, I felt somewhat better that the minor storylines had been tied regarding how the school, and press, would react. Yet I still feel cheated – the Spidey universe had the chance to really change and really show off great writing/drawing.
For me Mephisto seemed a cop out. I had no idea who the heck he was and to be, it didn’t appear to be a good story. Possibly due to Queseda and JMS, or other things. It may have been more interesting to have an extra issue explaining their future.
I accept the break up of the MJ/Spidey marraige.
From what I’ve read the marraige was a rush. Divorcing wouldn’t have worked – even if ultimately it was for his safety. The very reasons for divorce – so no-one could hurt the one he loved – would ruin the chance for future relationships.
I accept that the marraige aspect of Spider-man had to be removed. I do understand the reasons. I also understand that by doing it this way, it opens up ways for new romantic characters to be introduced to the Spider-Man Mythos.
The marraige couldn’t be eradicated in other ways that would have allowed for a easy tie up. This could have wrecked the flow.
What about the ultimate Universe?
The ultimate universe existed where there was both the carefree Peter and the Adult Peter with a child. Why not somehow provide a happy medium between the two?
One of the options offered was that for those who wanted to see a grown up Peter, there was the Spider-girl title.
While that does allow for some mature storylines, the stories are still focused on the core of Spider-man: Maturation. In this case however, its their daughter who is finding her identity. We don’t see much of Peter finding his upon retirement.
I admit to LOVING the current Ultimate Spider-man series. I devoured the whole book and will continue to read it – MJ or no MJ.
How could this be fixed?
I don’t care if they continue this storyline as long as they somehow complete the Civil War arc. During the F.N Spider-man stories, I was crying and cheering as he confronted those who didn’t know about his identity.
My fantasy involved Spider-man going slowly insane as a result of the Aunt May shooting. Whether Aunt May died or not, this could have the potential to really showcase some great comic book writing.
In this imagining, he was placed in a mental hospital as a result of PTSD. As part of his treatment, the treating doctor removes his memory of his aunt and wife.
There could be some great repurcussions down the track but at least he could have had the option of regaining his memory as they explored some great story arcs. Instead, we get a close up of Parker giving JJJ mouth to mouth.
In Conclusion:
It was easy to ignore the history I haven’t yet read, hold back the anger at discrediting the minor story lines I had.
I am new to the marvel universe and got into Spider-man because of the movies. As such, I wasn’t overly attached to MJ. In the movies, I was tiring of her rather quickly and would have loved for Spidey to hook up with a fresher character.
There are, and will be, great mini series that will explore these issues in depth – if the audience demands it.
I hope the new direction is strong enough to make the minor faults, and great story-lines missed, worth it.
I will still be reading Amazing Spider-man. I am confident that Marvel will do what they think is best for the long term propspects of a series. I’m reading some of the great storylines in the other titles and hope that BND soon comes up to par.
Reading the entire history of a comic book series
Loyalists will know that I’m a comic newbie. 2 months in and the industry can’t keep up with me. My main gripe is the expense and difficulty in tracking down an entire series back industry. I have read the first 4 Hulk Essentials but at 20 bucks a pop, this isn’t economical for a student – and they were all borrowed! Mentor is an avid Hulk fan which is great yet not if your a Spidey girl through and through.
So while searching on Amazon (to figure out if its cheaper than Minotaur) I came across these babies:
40 Years Of The Amazing Spider-Man Win/Mac
Marvel Comics Bundle – Fantastic Four & Silver Surfer Plus 40 Years of the Avengers
40 Years of X-Men & Ultimate X-Men Bundle
Captain America the Complete Comic Collection Win/Mac
The Incredible Hulk – The Complete Collection DVD ROM
Marvel Comics – The Invincible Iron Man Complete ComicBook Collection DVD-ROM
:grins:
They don’t ship to Australia and Minotaur is charging twice the price yet it seems like a really economical way to get a series back history. I’ll definitely be hunting to see if I can find an Aussie supplier 
I’m so stoked! I don’t like the lack of colour in the essentials and don’t care how I read them.
It also means I can start collecting the trades from this year onwards. Woohoo!
The Incredible Hulk TV Soundtrack
I have recently discovered the briliance of the Incredible Hulk Tv series. More specifically, I am after the TV score by Joe Harnell.
Two pleads in one day yet:
Anyone know where to track this down, legal or otherwise? Wednesday looks to be a good one 
Doctor Who third season OST coming out then.
Merry Marvel Marching Society
I recently read that Merry Marvel Marching Society released a record. Now, I didn’t even bother looking for a legal copy considering my own parents were little tackers upon its release and not savvy enough too appreciate the awesomeness.
I found this on youtube:
I’d appreciate any information or links others might have on this. I love comics!
Libraries and Lending – either way, I love comics!
I’ve been getting back into both comics and manga BIG TIME! I have read:
- Escaflowne
- Peach Girl: Saes Story
- Ah My Goddess! 1-3
- Neon Genesis Evangelion 1-3
- Incredible hulk 106-110
- Planet Hulk
- Prelude to planet hulk (graphic novel)
- World War Hulk 1-4
- The incredible hulk vs superman
- Superman War of the worlds
- WWH xmen 2+3 (of 3)
- Captain america – Winter solider
- Fanastic four disassemebled
- Ultimate fantastic four – Doom
As well as related books and Magazines.
O_o My brain hurts.
Reading Geeky Mags from the early 90s
Part of the Comic book box included some Comic rerlated Magazines:
These are the ones I have:
And Wizard May 1992.
My favourite is Wizard then Hero. Comics Interview would probably be obsolete with the technological advances. With Wizard, I was annoyed at the number of prices but it was early 90’s.
I really enjoy reading old magazines! I found out the following things:
- V for Vendette was a graphic novel! I thought it was a try hard follow up to the matrix and hated it.
- Alien vs Predator was a graphic novel and the movie had been hyped for many years, at least a decade
- Theres a spiderman series (I have one of the 2099!!ers) based around the death of his parents
- Infinity War series. Sounds exciting but don’t want to know how many books there are. It says its a sequel to Infinity Gauntlet
Plus the ins and outs of company restructures and business side of things. Its really fascinating!
From a collectors standpoint is it worth collecting the magazines based on the comic industry as well? I want some investments that aren’t tied into banks in a sense, should society collapse 
20 years later ‘ooh not many copies of these going around!’ and boom, can retire!
Was given a stack of comic books
I want to give a huge thanks to one of mums friends. Upon meeting him at Peter Combe dressed in my Captain America Tee – and Toffee Apple Badge – we had a brief chat about comics. I hadn’t read much but had basic favourites.
Last night I finally organised them according to title to make it easier to research. Of course, my girl made it hard:
Don’t fear, she only wanted to play in the box!
I have a small stack on my bed-couch that will be read quite soon. They are:
-The amazing Spiderman: 363, 2, 355, 353, 356
- Captain America: Blood Stone: Parts 3 and 4 of 6
- Daredevil: 237, 264
- The incredible hulk: 269, 352, 364, 357, 356, 354
- Sensational She hulk: Vol 2 nos 1, 2, 3, 4 5, 6, 11
- Marvel Tales feat Spiderman: 269
- Marvel Tales feat Spiderman and Ghostrider: 255
- Web of Spiderman 81
- Peter Parker, the spectacular Spider-man 63
- spidermam 2099 Vol 1 no 37.
If anyone has any information or tidbits on any of these, I’d be really interested. I still have to research others AND finish the books that I was also given.
Am so thankful yet my brains going to go boom