Letters to DC2 Showcase Vol. II #2

Story 1- I thought the mood and tone were very nice here, and it dragged me along quickly through the story Nothing really shocking happened, but you were able to convey Dick's confusion nicely. What a way to find out, huh? It was pretty easy to visualize, and I definitely enjoyed the read.

Story 2- I think you might want to think about longer segments, just because it's a little tough to get to know the characters in little chunks. Your J'onn is interesting, maybe more open about things than I expected him to be. But that's not a bad thing. Interested in where you're going to take this, so that right there is a sign of a job well done

Story 3- Very nice opening. The internal monologue was a great way to set the mood, time period, and characterization all at once. A tantalizing start, and I know it's going to be a ton of fun to see the Crimson Avenger next time. You do seem to love both crime dramas and period stories, so I can't doubt that this is gonna be a good ride.

I liked the first issue, so I decided to give this one a try!

Another great Dick-centric Bat-entry! What are you folks trying to do to me? Turn me into a Batfan? Well it's working!

Part Two of "Wannabe" was more of the same I didn't like about the first part: bad characterization of J'onn and some awkward dialogue. Why is Bard trying to make J'onn feel guilty, btw? And why is J'onn acting like he's Vulcan? The writers that get J'onn bring out his heart and sense of humor; so far, he's lacked both.

(Sorry, Charlie--- I'll be back for Part Three, but three strikes and I'm done!)

The Crimson Avenger piece is another kettle of fish entirely! I love this character a lot, and I love his characterization here, somewhere halfway between Brit Reid and Bruce Wayne (if Bruce Wayne was a real character, and not just a mask for Batman). The story and the Golden Age tone were both set-up very nicely. And the pace was perfect--- anytime a story ends before you wanted it to, you know the writer has you hooked. I also love the fact that the writer didn't go for the easy dramatic ending--- the name Crimson Avenger was never even mentioned in the story--- but went for a last bit of (very effective) character building!

The cover was pretty trippy (though oddly inaccurate, as far as how Bard and J'onn are depicted), and a little jarring in that the two halves are vastly different types of images. For what it's worth, I'm not a fan of the split screen covers; I'd rather just see one highlighted feature, and then maybe some bubbles with the other features, like what Ramon did for House of Mystery or Tales of the Unexpected, or whatever that anthology was.

Be back next issue!

Story 1: This was terrific and what a great idea to go back and show Dick's beginnings when DC2 is now doing the same thing to Tim. Similarities and differences are apparent, and this was a nice piece. Tightly written.

Story 2: I have to admit that this one hasn't grabbed me yet, but I try never to give a full critique until the story is over. I know there are page issue's for a gathering of stories like this, but perhaps another page or two would help in getting us a bit more attached to the character.

Story 3: Love the Crimson Avenger and once again Don shows his strengths (of which he has a plethora of), in the style and tone of the story. Wild horses couldn't keep me from checking out the second part of this story!

Rob, one of the challenges of working with J'onn is to show how he is not cold and distant--- and to show in all ways that matter, he is not alien at all. His humanity (for lack of a better word) is profound). Which is not to say there isn't an otherworldly quality to him; J'onn J'onzz is Martian, but he's not Mr. Spock.

Of course, Charlie still has plenty of time to pull this off, and I know he's a good enough writer (and big enough fan) to do just that!

Thanks, Brian! I actually wrote this one a few months ago, but the timing was all Charlie's! Glad you liked!

That's a Marvel construct. I'm DC all the way!

Dick: Ellen does these slice of life like nobody else. I somtimes wish I could "hire her out" for quiet scene characterizaiton moments in my books. Ha! Poor Dick.

Manhunter: Too short, but not at all bad. Indeed it reminds me in some ways of my posts on Deviant Art or Force.net. And Beer. Ha!

Crimson: So far am very intrigued!

Only three stories this time, but what stories they were!

Ellen's story was awfully appropriate for where we are in current DC2, not just the parallel between young Dick and Tim, but also Bruce's comment about that there might be a time when he doesn't come home...that gave me a chill!

Charlie's piece was short and slightly confusing (felt like a paragraph went missing) but still interesting. Plus he promised beer next issue, so how can I argue?

Ah, Don's long-promised Crimson Avenger story! Great start, can't wait to see more!

Five stars, divvy them up amongst yourselves accordingly. ;D