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Post by Admin on Apr 23, 2009 13:38:58 GMT -5
Please let us know what you think!
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Susan Hillwig
Staff
I'm not crazy, my mother had me tested.
Posts: 1,612
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Post by Susan Hillwig on Apr 23, 2009 20:06:10 GMT -5
Well, I'll skip commenting directly on my own story and head straight into Don's: Short but good. Brought to mind the Biblical "prodigal son" story, though with grimmer consequenses here. I was hoping for Don to give Johnny Thunder a bit more face-time in this tale, but from what we've talked about behind the scenes, I know that he made up for that with a lot of set-up (I won't say what, folks!). Like the quote at the end says, seeds are defintely being sown here. Probably the biggest surprise here was how Don's story and my own hit a few of the same notes -- I had no prior knowledge of what his piece would look like at all, but he did read mine, so maybe he did it intentionally -- just the whole theme of jealousy between brothers over perceived success (though in my story, Jonah and Tod are only brothers in a roundabout sense), plus the land-grabbing angle. So, Don, spill it: was this coincidence or intentional?
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Post by lissilambe on Apr 23, 2009 21:36:00 GMT -5
Yeah, I went a bit Thunder-lite, but the story was more about the brothers and the town, which is how I'm looking at the series for the near-future. Johnny's important to keeping the town safe, but in a way, being the rather intellectual would-be pacifist he is, he's far from the 'star' of the town. Johnny (and Jeanne) take a much more prominent role in the next segment though, when they step out of their comfort zone (Johnny's in particular) to pursue Augustus. As for the brother's bit, pure coincidence. I've been wanting to build this story based off the song quoted at the end for quite some time, and felt it would make a nice 'next step' from the first episode. So the fact that we have some parallels is, stunningly enough, coincidence. But I love how that kind of things comes together. I had actually considered a different story instead, after checking out yours, but I decided that the parallels would help to set up a resonance throughout the issue. My review for the main story? I'll reserve my comments on this most excellent and tense tale for after my review in the DC2 Pull-List is written up. Take care Don
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Post by mockingbird on Apr 24, 2009 19:34:13 GMT -5
wow, what a great issue all together I loved the main story, just really loved it. It's amazing how quickly you can go from making me laugh out loud (Jonah biting the wolf) to completely somber. It's a great story, and I can't really think of much more to say besides great. Mei Ling is so calm and collected, she's a great partner to Jonah. I can't wait to see what happens next. Love for them to get a little bit of happiness before the universe turns its back on him again. As for the backup, defininitely can't wait to see that next installment A lot of fun tricksy interplay between the brothers and Augustus, and he's just SO smarmy. It's gonna be really excellent to see him get what's coming to him. It is interesting to have a much more pacifist hero, especially set right next to Jonah like this, but Johnny's a lot of fun, poor guy. Always looking forward to more, and a fantastic ride all around
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Post by arcalian on Apr 24, 2009 22:57:27 GMT -5
I feel sorry for Hex's mentor, but even sorrier for the brothers. Can Hex really give up his gunslinging ways? Will he even be allowed to? Can the railroad Tycoon be stopped by Johnny Thunder?
I'm also sorry I missed at least one issue of this title.
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Susan Hillwig
Staff
I'm not crazy, my mother had me tested.
Posts: 1,612
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Post by Susan Hillwig on Apr 25, 2009 13:33:42 GMT -5
You missed an issue? That's why we have a backlog, son. Besides, I can't say a thing, I'm constantly behind on Titans: Resistance. As for Jonah an Mei Ling's future happiness, I hope to give them some before I ruin it completely. It is a good question, though, of whether or not Jonah can really put it behind him so easily. That old line of "I tried to get out, but they pulled me back in" comes to mind. And I also enjoyed having Jonah bite Ironjaws, it just seemed like to better way for him to show dominance to the animal than merely smacking it down...plus it's just dang funny. ;D
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Post by lissilambe on Apr 26, 2009 13:28:18 GMT -5
An excellent character piece for Jonah, displaying depths of him that normally can't be found, and a wonderfully relationship with Mei Ling, as well as a great new character introduced in the shape of Hart. Hex doesn't get too many recurring enemies and supporting cast by nature of his activities, so it's great to see him build a bit of it. The tragedy was well done, and the basic story, while simple, helped make it hit home. Well done, as always, Susan.
Another bit of parallel that came from the basic storyline I had in mind for Johnny that gets built up in my back-up some more, that shows up in Hex...the railroads. Those evil, evil rails. LOL
Anyway, great stuff, and I was thrilled and honored to be your backstop, Susan.
Take care Don
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Post by Mr Clown on Apr 28, 2009 0:23:07 GMT -5
This isn't easy for me to say but; this issue came off as kind of weak. Your other work has always been superb, with great dialog, and solid pacing. The characterization has always been stellar, allowing even minor characters a very distinctive voice and personality. With this issue though, particularly with Mei Ling it didn't have the same feel as one of your stories. Her voice wasn't well defined, and her personality came off as... lacking.
Windy and his son were done very well, although personally I think that their relationship could have been defined a bit more. Despite that, I think one of the best scenes was the one with Jonah and Tod facing off.
Overall the issue was good, but I don't think it really compared to the other work you've done on the site to be honest. Except Iron Jaws of course, the pup was great to see. Also loved Windy's explanation of how he never knew he was a wolf; my Dad had a friend with a pet wolf and that was the exact same explanation he gave me when I heard about it.
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Susan Hillwig
Staff
I'm not crazy, my mother had me tested.
Posts: 1,612
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Post by Susan Hillwig on Apr 30, 2009 10:12:50 GMT -5
I was trying to go for a shorter story this time around instead of my usual ramble-on, so that's probably part of the problem. Perhaps if I'd pushed it to 20 or more pages, it would have read better...but then that'd mean no need for a backup, and Don's story would have been cut. Hard balance to strike.
I'll try to be more aware of this next issue, as it'll be another two-for-one, with Don taking up the main story.
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Post by lissilambe on May 10, 2009 20:13:15 GMT -5
Gee, Mike, no Johnny Thunder love? there was a back-up story after all. Take care Don
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