I still miss the old B&W Essential line Marvel used to do. Had a huge chunk of the "Classic" X-Men era (Giant Size until a couple years after Dark Phoenix) in that format. That old art played very well with that format.
Now eventually you are going to have a Comic Book thread on this Comic Book forum, right?
- Thread starter ZacWilliam1
- Start date
I've really only read Giant Size #1 in black and white, but Cockrum's art looked AMAZING in B&W.
I haven't been into comics in years. The last thing I collected was the Burnham Ghost Busters run and Demon Knights.
I've been catching discussion of the Absolute Universe on and off for the better part of year and my interest finally overflowed.
I bought Volume 1 this afternoon read it this evening in a single sitting and went back out immediately and bought Volume 2.
I think... I think the Absolute Universe restored my love of comic books.
I've been catching discussion of the Absolute Universe on and off for the better part of year and my interest finally overflowed.
I bought Volume 1 this afternoon read it this evening in a single sitting and went back out immediately and bought Volume 2.
I think... I think the Absolute Universe restored my love of comic books.
Did this but didn't research about Absolute Superman. Does he have new types of powers in that new take?
Super angst.
And a talking cape.
Well. Had. Ok, to be fair and less snarky the cape, Sol, had a bunch of powers/abilities I'm pretty sure were unique to Absolute Supes. I'm admittedly not incredibly versed in Absolute Superman, though. Haven't read his book. If I read past WW Bats is next on my list, then probably Superman.
Mike Richardson is no longer in charge of Dark Horse.
Mike Richardson Fired From Dark Horse After Founding It 40 Years Ago
Mike Richardson Fired From Dark Horse Comics, After Founding The Publisher 40 Years Ago... what's next? For them and for him?
bleedingcool.com
I'll admit, the name didn't immediately ring any bells. But, from what I've read, he's one of those guys who have always been around in the background helping out. Making sure everything runs. No one seems to have anything bad to say about the guy. So, this seems like a shame.
And looking through his bibliography, I guess I actually have read a few of the stories he's written over the years. Like Star Wars Crimson Empire and 47 Ronin with Stan Sakai. So, he was a solid enough writer, even if it wasn't really his main focus.
en.wikipedia.org
Especially since, from the sounds of things, they're doing this in part because they're trying to turn Dark Horse into a multimedia company, instead of focusing on comic books. That almost never goes well. But, we'll see.
JMS, Bendis, Berger, Mignola, Stradley, Talk Mike Richardson's Firing
J Michael Straczynski, Brian Bendis, Karen Berger, Mike Mignola, Randy Stradley and more on Mike Richardson being fired from Dark Horse
bleedingcool.com
And looking through his bibliography, I guess I actually have read a few of the stories he's written over the years. Like Star Wars Crimson Empire and 47 Ronin with Stan Sakai. So, he was a solid enough writer, even if it wasn't really his main focus.
Mike Richardson (publisher) - Wikipedia
Especially since, from the sounds of things, they're doing this in part because they're trying to turn Dark Horse into a multimedia company, instead of focusing on comic books. That almost never goes well. But, we'll see.
Dark Horse management is well known for being complicit in covering for know sexual harrasser and abuser Scott Allie who was an editor at DH (he edited Hellboy). They had a rep for straight out firing editorial staff who wanted to have Scott Allie removed though to their "credit", they took until like Covid before they finally got rid of Allie.
I haven't been into comics in years. The last thing I collected was the Burnham Ghost Busters run and Demon Knights.
I've been catching discussion of the Absolute Universe on and off for the better part of year and my interest finally overflowed.
View attachment 34530
I bought Volume 1 this afternoon read it this evening in a single sitting and went back out immediately and bought Volume 2.
I think... I think the Absolute Universe restored my love of comic books.
I picked up Volume 1 of Absolute Batman and it's also a fantastic read. I went in a little nervous it would all be hype moments and aura, and there is A LOT of that, but reading past those - there's a real deconstruction of who Batman is, what he needs to be, and what he is at his core. Who he is as both Bruce and Batman, and it's stellar. I get the hype.
I still prefer Diana, and her book more overall, but damn if this isn't some of the best Bat storytelling I've experienced in years. The interesting cape and cowl work demonstrated in this really shines for me personally as well. Can't wait to pick up Volume 2 in a couple of weeks. The Absolute Universe actually rocks.
I really liked the initial arc of Absolute Batman, but by the end of the second with Bane…it just got a little “off the rails” for me.
Which wasn’t helped by Matt Fraction’s relaunched Batman book, which I’ve been greatly enjoying as a “back to basics” type book.
Which wasn’t helped by Matt Fraction’s relaunched Batman book, which I’ve been greatly enjoying as a “back to basics” type book.
That's how I feel. Fraction is a fantastic author, and he's quietly putting out some of the best Batman in years while everyone's been paying attention to Absolute.
My hot comic take is that I don't really care for Absolute Batman or the Absolute line in general?
Thing is, I'm nearly 40 and I've come to realize that I don't need to fight every battle. Absolute isn't for me. And that's ok. Plenty of people do love it, and I'm genuinely happy. Both that they're getting this book they love and that it's bringing in new readers, which is something the Western comic book industry desperately needs. I don't wanna be the guy to rain on the parade of people having fun, so I mostly stay out of Absolute discussions. It's not my bag, but that's a-ok.
I just get into it now because Matt Fraction has been absolutely (ha) killing it on the mainline Batman series, and I think what he's doing deserves more appreciation then what he's getting currently.
I think a big reason Absolute brought me back to comics, is I've realized I rabbit hole too easily and I can't afford to get into comics with such long standing histories, so Absolute being a new jumping in point - that just happens to hit a basic checklist of my favorite story beats - has me completely enraptured.
Even the last time I really got into a comics, it was starting from Issues 1 of Demon Knights and Burnham's Ghost Busters.
For an example you mentioned Fraction's current Batman series, now I know Fraction from Monarch on Apple TV, I loved Season 1 when I still had a subscription, so I went looking to see info on the Batman run. First thing I see is a primer for what you need to know going in, like Vandal Savage being commissioner from the last run, and suddenly I want to know how that came to be so I'm bouncing off Fraction stuff for King/Zdarsky stuff and I just know when I get there, there's going to be something that'll draw me back to a previous run again. It's how my brain works, it's too much homework.
Like Gigaice, but kind of reversed, I'm really glad there's excellent stuff there for the mainline, Batman deserves excellent stories, but it's not for me - largely do to my own personal issues. I needed a fresh starting point. And on that note, I'm very much considering going monthly on Absolute Green Arrow cause I'm so curious who they're going to have in the mask considering Ollie's current (assumed) status.
Even the last time I really got into a comics, it was starting from Issues 1 of Demon Knights and Burnham's Ghost Busters.
For an example you mentioned Fraction's current Batman series, now I know Fraction from Monarch on Apple TV, I loved Season 1 when I still had a subscription, so I went looking to see info on the Batman run. First thing I see is a primer for what you need to know going in, like Vandal Savage being commissioner from the last run, and suddenly I want to know how that came to be so I'm bouncing off Fraction stuff for King/Zdarsky stuff and I just know when I get there, there's going to be something that'll draw me back to a previous run again. It's how my brain works, it's too much homework.
Like Gigaice, but kind of reversed, I'm really glad there's excellent stuff there for the mainline, Batman deserves excellent stories, but it's not for me - largely do to my own personal issues. I needed a fresh starting point. And on that note, I'm very much considering going monthly on Absolute Green Arrow cause I'm so curious who they're going to have in the mask considering Ollie's current (assumed) status.
For me, I’ve not really followed Batman comics in a consistent manor for decades now. I might go back and get a collection here or there for popular arcs (on sale because I’m cheap), but it’s not like I’m reading any of them in “proper order” or anything either.
While curious about Vandal Savage’s angle…I’ve been in “this game” long enough to know there’s probably some villainous shenanigans that got him there. Same with Poison Ivy’s political position (though, she HAS skewed more “anti-hero” these last few years enough that I could buy that), that’s the “status quo”. It’s different from the usual, but not completely out of place for most of these characters.
I’m just rolling with it, and being rewarded with solid Bat-stories that still have some long form hooks, but each issue gives me a solid helping of content. I’m largely thrilled that Bruce Wayne/Batman is an actual person again (with flaws and vulnerabilities) and not this stoic, almost god-like, being that has every contingency mapped out and redundancies on redundancies for his eventual victory. The two instances that sold me on this run were:
-When fighting a “devolving” Killer Croc, Batman actually sat down with him, unmasked, and just TALKED with him as a child-like Croc expressed some remorse at having eaten the zoo and frustration at his condition.
-When sparring with Damien, Bruce made a crack at Damian’s expense and got a full blown crotch shot. The old “infallible“ Batman would have blocked or avoided it, but AS A PERSON, he got a bit of karma for being an ass. This is kind of humanity I’ve found solely lacking in recent Batman content.
While curious about Vandal Savage’s angle…I’ve been in “this game” long enough to know there’s probably some villainous shenanigans that got him there. Same with Poison Ivy’s political position (though, she HAS skewed more “anti-hero” these last few years enough that I could buy that), that’s the “status quo”. It’s different from the usual, but not completely out of place for most of these characters.
I’m just rolling with it, and being rewarded with solid Bat-stories that still have some long form hooks, but each issue gives me a solid helping of content. I’m largely thrilled that Bruce Wayne/Batman is an actual person again (with flaws and vulnerabilities) and not this stoic, almost god-like, being that has every contingency mapped out and redundancies on redundancies for his eventual victory. The two instances that sold me on this run were:
-When fighting a “devolving” Killer Croc, Batman actually sat down with him, unmasked, and just TALKED with him as a child-like Croc expressed some remorse at having eaten the zoo and frustration at his condition.
-When sparring with Damien, Bruce made a crack at Damian’s expense and got a full blown crotch shot. The old “infallible“ Batman would have blocked or avoided it, but AS A PERSON, he got a bit of karma for being an ass. This is kind of humanity I’ve found solely lacking in recent Batman content.
I miss the old days of the DCAU having comics. Easy to jump into, weren't particularly continuity heavy, and were just good reading.
Same with Marvel Adventures, which weren't based on the animated shows, but were similarly good.
Same with Marvel Adventures, which weren't based on the animated shows, but were similarly good.
Oh I get that. I'm the same way. Every return to Marvel or DC after a break is a dangerous chance to dive into everything I missed
I've actually found the solution that works for me is... and I know this will come off as sacrilege... finding a comic reviewer or two on YouTube I like and using them to fill in any gaps I'm super interested in filling in. I find that sates my curiosity enough to not need to dive into everything. And it's far easier to dive into what I absolutely need to read myself when the rest of it has been neatly summarized for me.
I think we may be in the single best era of Batman comics since the 90s. There's something really special happening there.
DC in general is just on a role. The New 52 reboot really started a chain reaction of stuff that hobbled DC for over a decade as they had to work to figure how it, the reboot of the reboot, and how that fallout all worked. Thankfully though, they're now finally at the point where they can move past all of that and just tell stories again and it's been pretty great.
Marvel, meanwhile, is cancelling one of its best selling imprints because editorial is pissy that Ultimate Spider-Man is outselling the main Spider-Man line.
What, you're not excited for the Ultimate Origin Boxes? Kids LOVE Boxes! Cardboard boxes, lunch boxes, Xboxes! Forget about the Ultimate line, the Origin Boxes are where it's at!
...Yeah, ending the Ultimate line does feel...premature. This does not feel planned, it feels like they cut some of the writers off basically in mid-arc. Just a weird choice, in general. It just seems like they couldn't be bothered to keep it going or finding new talent to replace the writers and artists who were leaving? It kind of makes it hard to recommend ANY of these books, in retrospect, given the unsatisfying way most of them seem to be ending. I'm still in denial, I guess. I feel like there MUST be some sort of twist coming by the end.
I have been enjoying the Absolute line, too. Absolute Wonder Woman and Martian Manhunter are definitely the highlights. But, I think Absolute Green Lantern has made some real improvements over it's run. It's become something legitimately interesting, if you like high concepts. Frankly, all the Absolute books are worth reading. They're quality stuff.
Outside of the Absolute line, though, I'm not actually sure if DC is doing that much better than Marvel? I'm enjoying Joshua Williamson's run on Superman. And the Green Lantern books are slowly building the universe back up again, which is fun to see. But, personally, I felt like DC KO was a bit of a disappointment, even though I think it sold fairly well. None of the new Vertigo books really grabbed me. And most of the "Next Level" books look fun, but don't really strike me as anything the larger fanbase would really get super hyped for. Even though, it seems like Firestorm has promise. But, maybe that's just my personal taste.
And it's not like mainline Marvel doesn't have ANY good books right now. I'm still enjoying Jed McKay's Moon Knight. Planet She-Hulk and Nova Centurion were fun while they lasted, though the entire new Cosmic line got cut short, too, just like the Ultimate line. Ryan North's Fantastic Four continues to have great sci-fi concepts, even if One World Under Doom feels like a misstep. Infernal Hulk and Al Ewing's Mortal Thor are trying something different. And all the Black Cat series continue to be oddly fun.
Personally, I'd say quality-wise, mainline Marvel and DC are roughly on par with each other. Really, the biggest difference is that DC's continuing the Absolute line for as long as they can. And Marvel ended their big hit Ultimate line abruptly, making the whole thing feel rather unsatisfying.
DC's definitely doing something right, though, because they overtook Marvel in market share for the first time since the New 52 days. So, fans are happier with them.
icv2.com
...Which led to a article from the Hollywood Reporter signal boosting that to the more business side of things.
www.hollywoodreporter.com
...Which may be what led to some Marvel Comics Editors getting the boot. If the books aren't selling, Disney isn't happy, and people get fired.
Now, I have heard rumors that editors over at Marvel maybe have a little TOO much power? Deciding character directions and story beats, rather than letting the actual writers do that. But, from what I understand, these editors weren't the ones people actually have problems with. So, firing these editors may just be the first signs of a downward-spiral, rather than cutting the fat to save anything. But, maybe that's too negative a view to really support, right now.
More than Marvel or DC, I'm drifting more and more towards indie books. The whole Ghost Machine line is really solid, especially Rook Exodus and Hyde Street. Everything that Kieron Gillen touches is gold, like The Power Fantasy and Die. Starship Godzilla is just a lot of sci-fi anime-infused fun. Even stuff like Archie vs the Army of Darkness, Ghost Pepper, Battle Beast, Speed Racer, or Muppets Noir are more solid than you might expect. Don't ignore the indie stuff. Sometimes that's where you find the best gems.
So, I don't know. Hopefully, Marvel can get it's act together to put out some more books people like. I think there's some good stuff at Marvel. It's just that DC is clicking more with people, right now. I like both. Honestly, I'm not really sure what Marvel should be doing differently, or what advice I'd really give them. Other than "Don't just up a cancel your entire line of well-liked, and well-selling, Ultimate books for no real good reason". We'll just have to see what happens.
...Yeah, ending the Ultimate line does feel...premature. This does not feel planned, it feels like they cut some of the writers off basically in mid-arc. Just a weird choice, in general. It just seems like they couldn't be bothered to keep it going or finding new talent to replace the writers and artists who were leaving? It kind of makes it hard to recommend ANY of these books, in retrospect, given the unsatisfying way most of them seem to be ending. I'm still in denial, I guess. I feel like there MUST be some sort of twist coming by the end.
Deniz Camp Explains Why The Ultimate Universe Is Ending
Deniz Camp Explains Why The Ultimate Universe Is Ending... without the conspiracy theories.
bleedingcool.com
I have been enjoying the Absolute line, too. Absolute Wonder Woman and Martian Manhunter are definitely the highlights. But, I think Absolute Green Lantern has made some real improvements over it's run. It's become something legitimately interesting, if you like high concepts. Frankly, all the Absolute books are worth reading. They're quality stuff.
Outside of the Absolute line, though, I'm not actually sure if DC is doing that much better than Marvel? I'm enjoying Joshua Williamson's run on Superman. And the Green Lantern books are slowly building the universe back up again, which is fun to see. But, personally, I felt like DC KO was a bit of a disappointment, even though I think it sold fairly well. None of the new Vertigo books really grabbed me. And most of the "Next Level" books look fun, but don't really strike me as anything the larger fanbase would really get super hyped for. Even though, it seems like Firestorm has promise. But, maybe that's just my personal taste.
And it's not like mainline Marvel doesn't have ANY good books right now. I'm still enjoying Jed McKay's Moon Knight. Planet She-Hulk and Nova Centurion were fun while they lasted, though the entire new Cosmic line got cut short, too, just like the Ultimate line. Ryan North's Fantastic Four continues to have great sci-fi concepts, even if One World Under Doom feels like a misstep. Infernal Hulk and Al Ewing's Mortal Thor are trying something different. And all the Black Cat series continue to be oddly fun.
Personally, I'd say quality-wise, mainline Marvel and DC are roughly on par with each other. Really, the biggest difference is that DC's continuing the Absolute line for as long as they can. And Marvel ended their big hit Ultimate line abruptly, making the whole thing feel rather unsatisfying.
DC's definitely doing something right, though, because they overtook Marvel in market share for the first time since the New 52 days. So, fans are happier with them.
DC Had #1 Comic Store Market Share in Q4 2025
Big Two Trade Places Thanks to DC's Continued Growth
icv2.com
...Which led to a article from the Hollywood Reporter signal boosting that to the more business side of things.
With an Assist from ‘Absolute Batman’ and DC, the Comic Artist Superstar Rises Again
Nick Dragotta, Daniel Warren Johnson and others are bringing about a popularity and mania not seen since the heyday of Image Comics in the 1990s.
www.hollywoodreporter.com
...Which may be what led to some Marvel Comics Editors getting the boot. If the books aren't selling, Disney isn't happy, and people get fired.
Three Editors At Marvel Comics Laid Off, As Well As Comms Director
Details of three editors at Marvel Comics who have been laid off this week, as well as the Communications Director
bleedingcool.com
Now, I have heard rumors that editors over at Marvel maybe have a little TOO much power? Deciding character directions and story beats, rather than letting the actual writers do that. But, from what I understand, these editors weren't the ones people actually have problems with. So, firing these editors may just be the first signs of a downward-spiral, rather than cutting the fat to save anything. But, maybe that's too negative a view to really support, right now.
More than Marvel or DC, I'm drifting more and more towards indie books. The whole Ghost Machine line is really solid, especially Rook Exodus and Hyde Street. Everything that Kieron Gillen touches is gold, like The Power Fantasy and Die. Starship Godzilla is just a lot of sci-fi anime-infused fun. Even stuff like Archie vs the Army of Darkness, Ghost Pepper, Battle Beast, Speed Racer, or Muppets Noir are more solid than you might expect. Don't ignore the indie stuff. Sometimes that's where you find the best gems.
So, I don't know. Hopefully, Marvel can get it's act together to put out some more books people like. I think there's some good stuff at Marvel. It's just that DC is clicking more with people, right now. I like both. Honestly, I'm not really sure what Marvel should be doing differently, or what advice I'd really give them. Other than "Don't just up a cancel your entire line of well-liked, and well-selling, Ultimate books for no real good reason". We'll just have to see what happens.
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