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Post by starlord on Dec 15, 2009 22:35:58 GMT -5
Let us know what you think!
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Post by HoM on Dec 16, 2009 11:48:49 GMT -5
I'm sitting down in front of the computer for the express reason to comment on this special in it's entirety. So settle back like I'm doing, because I'm going to read every single entry this year and comment it as soon as I'm done. Hee!
The first story was an interesting view into the undersea world that Aquaman inhabits, and the sentiment between Orm and Orin was very poignant considering the eventual downfall of their friendship and brotherhood in the latest issues of his title. I loved the excitement being exuded by the Atlanteans, and the sense of unity, but because I'm a fool I was taken aback and away from the story with the inclusion of Mera as just another Atlantean-- I can't remember from Brandon's run, so I don't know if you're just following his lead, but isn't she from a water dimension in this continuity? I always thought that was a nice little thing that drew them together, so it was a bit of a double take moment to have that continuity offhandedly changed within a minor story. All in all though, apart from that moment, I enjoyed the first piece thoroughly, and thought it was a great way to start off this special. Very cool work, Pat!
James, I love the attention to detail in your entry, there was such a sense of wonder and nostalgia intertwined with the narrative that made it a delight to read. The language used was wonderful, and the shift into Sgt. Rock's perspective was brilliant. I didn't know how this was a DC2 story until that moment, and it came together fantastically. The end reveal was telegraphed, but not heavily, and it made the final moments between Fuchs and Rock very awesome indeed, and I thought that it was a perfect end to a pretty much pitch perfect story.
Don! Great Earth-S story, and that ending was brilliant. It makes perfect sense for the Krampus (who I imagined to be like the Supernatural version, no matter how hard I tried to imagine otherwise, ha) to go after you-know-who, and Captain Marvel's apparent use of the Wisdom of Solomon (or was it plain old common sense? Ha!) was funny as heck. The ending, again, was fantastic, and Sivana, I assume, got what he deserved.
I was lucky enough to edit Brian's Young Justice piece, and I have to say that whilst I'm not completely sold on the concept, this was a fun romp, and not as terrible as I was expecting-- I'm not saying that Brian is a terrible writer, but I've been averse to the YJ characters appearing in the DC2, but their characterisation here was brilliant, so I have high hopes for Brian's eventual debut of their new series. Great to see Toyman too, even if he was bound and gagged for the end of it all. And that final moment... God, that struck me as unbelievably sad. Well done, sir.
Dave, a brilliant story, but I have to ask-- I never read the Elliot S! story that the title comes from, but is it any way influenced? I wouldn't know, but it was a wonder none the less. It's nice to see the people care for Superman as much as he cares for them, and the excerpt from the article was very well written. I'm still completely sold on Lois Lane, something I guess I'll have to get over by myself, she seems... I don't know, I've not got a great handle on her yet, I don't think, but I loved the sentiment, and I thought it was brilliant well-written. The sad part about him being off-planet during the Miracle Monday was well done, and I liked the little shout out to Jay. Cool stuff.
Susan, your story started off so nice and cheerful but then it descended right into the depths of poignancy with one flashback. Crikey. I remember the events from the flashback reflected in other issues of WWQ, but seeing it repeated here was a gut punch, and seeing the way it affected Jonah was so sad. It's nice to see a bit of Jonah's quiet life in the "future", but still, the end was beautifully written, and the emotion wonderfully conveyed. Fantastic.
And another DC2 tradition! The Christmas Trail! The first part, again was so very poignant, and it was great to hear from the "original" Danger Trailers, and sad to see them, at the same time. I'm really enjoying the amount of emotion conveyed throughout these stories, and the opening salvo of the Trail this year is both uplifting and sad at the same time. So a very well done then. Guess we'll be coming back to the story in a few, so I'll be back then...
... And as I shouldn't comment on my own story, I guess that time is now! Things fell into place perfectly. Took a minute of thinking, but yeah, it was a brilliant paced story, and the ending was great. Great work from the master of the Trail himself, and it was nice to see more of the Birds of Prey! Thanks, Don!
Who knew that Mark Bowers was such a slut? I mean that in the nicest possible way, of course! Brian, this fourth-wall bending adventure was a lot of fun, and I'm usually not a big fan of author avatars but seeing us all there like that was a lot of fun, and I think you captured the essence of the community with your writing. A fun adventure, great moments with Grace being unable to cuss and Dave and Batwoman getting on so damn well-- and of course Mark and Zee, ha. Nice to see there's a thread that needs picking up now, with Zee's pet needing to get home, and I'm glad you finally got what you deserved.
A big thank you to Brian for getting this project together. It was a wonderful read (I think I've been sat here for just under an hour, ha!) and topped off with a great cover from Jamie. Good work, m'man! I'll be back next year, and here's hoping you keep this DC2 tradition alive!
Merry Christmas, all!
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Post by ryokowerx on Dec 16, 2009 13:40:07 GMT -5
Alright. Charlie has had his say so I guess it is my turn. I just took the whole thing in at once so my comments will be brief because I'm going from memory. Pat, I remember starting to read this and immediately wondered how in the heck you're going to put Aquaman in a Christmas story but you, sir, pulled it off. It was a fun little story but had its own bittersweet (that seems to be a theme this year) moments when you know the upcoming events between the two. I liked the small bit with Mera. She's a vastly underused character that extends past "wife of the king" and I really liked the "Jolly Christmas" bit. I won't talk about my own story but I hope that you enjoyed reading it as much as my inner history nerd did writing it. Don, there was just something manically funny about seeing Doctor Sivana being swatted on the butt by a horde of monsters. I believe the phrase "hoisted by your own petard" was used later and is apt here and I'm always happy to see new Earth-S installments. Brian, I liked the Young Justice story. I'm curious to see how you develop these characters. So little has been done with Conner or Cassie that I'm open to seeing what you do but you seem to be going for a bit of irreverence which I like. I was left wondering if it was the wooden-body or the bobble head Toyman but that's the continuitist in me screaming to be let out. The brief bit with Impulse at the end kicked in the serious note at the end which was a little jarring but works certainly as a teaser for the upcoming book. David, I really like a good Superman story and you gave me one. It was a great choice of the opening death to have the shaken Clark contrasted by Lois who has to reach out to him for a change. The article itself was extremely well-written. What do you give the guy who has everything indeed. The quiet moment on the rooftop at the end with the two drawing strength from each other was a nice touch and I certainly didn't see the LSH ending coming. Susan, Jesus girl. Repeatedly punch me in the gut whydontcha? However, in the pain of the past, you see hope for the future as Jonah tries to make sure that his child's life is better than the one he had. I'd really like to say more but words really can't convey the depth you've given to these characters. Fantastic. Don, this is the kind of story I hate to read. Its so sad when you see someone like Cyril have to realize that perhaps this is the beginning of the end to his life. While there is family and love there is still an end coming that you can't do anything about and you are left with memories, even if they are good ones, of those you've lost along the way. However, with the second part, we get either a sense of acceptance or redemption. I'm still waffling on that. I am curious how Saturnalia is going to play into upcoming issues of Danger Trail. Like I said, I hate these kinds of stories, but you're the only guy I know who can make me like it despite my reservations. Charlie, you took a quiet moment and really made it poignant. I'll be the first to admit that I think Chloe makes a better match for Hal than Carol. It takes a confident hand to write something so full of hope between a man and his daughter and you did it wonderfully. Brian, the last story was just okay to me. It was funny (yes, the no cussing bit was very good) but I'm just not sure that anyone outside of the staff would be privy to some of the in-jokes. It was an indulgence but what the hell - it's Christmas - a time for indulging.  Merry Christmas, folks! |
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Post by David on Dec 17, 2009 8:13:35 GMT -5
A smashing holiday special!
This is a big issue, and my reading/feedbacking time is extremely limited so I'm going to have to take this one story at a time--- and I have to admit, I read the DC2 Christmas Party first!
What a hoot! Seems to me like Brian nailed us, one and all. From Don's run-in with Manhunter to Huntress's payback on Brian himself, I was chortling the whole way through!
The in-jokes (like the Legend of the Wounded Trojan) were a nice nod to DC2 history, and nice Easter Eggs for those of us around since the beginning--- and speaking of Easter, the ending with Basil was classic!
This story alone is worth the price of admission!
I also want to commend Jamie on a brilliant cover. Love that carolling scene! In fact, Jamie Rimmer is turning into the DC2's heavy hitter in the AD, cranking out multiple covers a week--- Charlie, can we give Jamie a raise?
Next up: "Twas the Night Before Niklaustag"! (I assume it has nothing to do with a mouse fixing a clock tower, James ;D?)
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Post by David on Dec 17, 2009 8:23:36 GMT -5
While I'm aware of the story, I never read it, either. I wouldn't exactly say there was no influence, however. The reader certainly needs no knowledge of it to enjoy my version. Thanks! I actually wrote quite a bit more of that article, just so I could navigate the rhetorc I was excerpting into a succinct nugget... Thanks, again. I'm a big fan of a well-written Lois. I hope I've done her justice in the past--- and will continue to do so in time to come (HeeHee!) . Yeah, that's me trying to work in another Christmas trope. But the nice part, i thought, was glimpsing what happens afterward. maybe Superman's next Miracle Monday will be more relaxing (but then, they don't call it the Never-ending battle for nothing)! And Jay is one of the great unsung DC2ers; I was happy to name a Star Cluster after him! Glad you enjoyed it, Charlie! |
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Post by David on Dec 17, 2009 10:01:38 GMT -5
David, I really like a good Superman story and you gave me one. Thanks, James! This was not the story I set out to write for this special, but for some reason I had the "Yes Virginia, There is a Santa Claus" story stuck in my head, and this idea grew from that. Glad you enjoyed it! In all the ways that matter, Superman is one of us--- just a lot better. I hope that this story brought that to the fore. The nod to Alan Moore was entirely intentional! Nice that someone caught it! This story--- despite the briefly-glimpsed battle with King (and Kid!) Kosmos--- was all about the quiet moments, particularly those last two, as you point out. Thanks for reading, James! |
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Post by David on Dec 17, 2009 23:06:51 GMT -5
I love this special! I can read one story a day, like it's the Twelve Fan Fics Before Christmas!
This evening, I read "Twas the Night Before Niklaustag" and was really impressed. In a few short pages, the writer captures not just the magic of the season, the horror of the war and the capacity of the human to transcend their doom, but a command of historical detail and compelling characterization. Of course Rock and Easy Co. were perfectly done (hard but humane, war-weary but daring soldiers), but also the German Santa on his mission to deliver toys.
Beautiful story, James. Thanks!
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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 Dec 18, 2009 2:41:20 GMT -5
Just finished my Christmas shopping, so what better way to celebrate than to sit down and read the DC2 Holiday Special! Pat: Christmas in Atlantis! I never would have thunk it! I like the idea of a barnacle tree...perhaps they could string up some bioluminescient fish for lights?  James: I was lucky enough to read this one a few weeks back, and I love it just as much now as I did then. Nice to see Rock and Easy Co. have a calm day (and night) for a change. Coincidentally, I picked up the "official" DCU Holiday Special at the comic book store today, and there's a Sgt. Rock story in there too! Double-dose of ol' Easy this season! Don: The Captain Marvel story was too dang funny. A big ol' hunk of red Christmas cheese. ;D Brian: Good, but you stopped before we really got to see Im...uh, I mean...nothing! Moving along!  David: A great story, with just a hint of Silver Age flavor...and a nice surprise at the end! Gim Allon's gonna do "big" things when he grows up, isn't he? Don: More fun on the Christmas Trail! Okay, first part's kinda spooky. Cyril's not...well, dead...is he? Crap, skip ahead to Part 2...oh, okay, not dead. Still spooky all around. Charlie: Sorry for the brief skipping, Don had me worried. Okay, "An Emerald Christmas"...awww, sweet! Hal makes a cute daddy! And now the moment I've been waiting for: the DC2 office party, as envisioned by Brian Burchette... Not as insane as I thought it would be. I did laugh so hard that my eyes won't stop watering, though. Thanks for including Jamin to save me from the ravages of Plastic Man.  As for my own story, I apologize for the rash of gut-punches, guys. When I was laying out the current Hex arc, I realized that the timeline would pass right over Christmas, and wanted to do something that touched upon both Jonah's past and current experiences with the holiday. To make up for it, let me share with you a lovely item that a fellow Hex-nut discovered recently: the honest-to-goodness DCU Holiday card for 2009...  A very merry Hex-mas to y'all, and to all a gol-durn good night! |
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Post by David on Dec 18, 2009 8:06:24 GMT -5
David: A great story, with just a hint of Silver Age flavor...and a nice surprise at the end! Gim Allon's gonna do "big" things when he grows up, isn't he? Glad you liked it, Susie! Big things, indeed! And all because of Superman... Awesome Christmas--- er, Hexmas!--- card! |
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Post by David on Dec 18, 2009 8:17:14 GMT -5
On the third day of Christmas, DC2 gave to me... "An Emerald Christmas!" Nice job, Charlie! Not much of a story, per se, but then, this obviously wasn't intended to be. It serves purely as a glimpse at Hal's "situation (not to mention Chloe's and baby Jessica's), while doing what Charlie loves so much to do, telling the interconnected nature of this shared universe (one of the shortest pieces in the issue, yet more names dropped than you could shake a stick at! Kulak the Sorcerer, indeed  ). Nice to see Jessica making an appearance finally (though I've yet to read the latest issue of Green Lantern), and this is one of the first times in recent memory that Chloe has really come to life for me, too. Nice Christmas vignette, if a bit gooey. You know, for an Englishman, you have a sentimental streak a mile long! |
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Post by ryokowerx on Dec 18, 2009 11:09:03 GMT -5
As for my own story, I apologize for the rash of gut-punches, guys. When I was laying out the current Hex arc, I realized that the timeline would pass right over Christmas, and wanted to do something that touched upon both Jonah's past and current experiences with the holiday. Hey, if that's the kind of stories I get from physical abuse, feel free to throw as many gut-punches as you like! It weren't a complaint!  |
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Post by HoM on Dec 18, 2009 14:49:50 GMT -5
Charlie: Sorry for the brief skipping, Don had me worried. Okay, "An Emerald Christmas"...awww, sweet! Hal makes a cute daddy! Nice job, Charlie! Not much of a story, per se, but then, this obviously wasn't intended to be. It serves purely as a glimpse at Hal's "situation (not to mention Chloe's and baby Jessica's), while doing what Charlie loves so much to do, telling the interconnected nature of this shared universe (one of the shortest pieces in the issue, yet more names dropped than you could shake a stick at! This story was built around the moment with Jessica and Hal in space, and I just had to get it out. It appeared from nowhere in my head, and I thought, well, why not? I'm really chuffed with how this story ended up though, quite pleased with the final product. Kulak the Sorcerer, indeed ). A reference to my favourite holiday story from recent years, JSA #54, the JLA/JSA Thanksgiving issue! Sorry Nice to see Jessica making an appearance finally (though I've yet to read the latest issue of Green Lantern), and this is one of the first times in recent memory that Chloe has really come to life for me, too. The status is not yet quo in the GL book itself, but this fits in nicely just after GL#25, so if things don't synch up yet, don't say I didn't warn you! Chloe is going to factor into the DC2 just like she did in the early days, but instead of her being dragged around the country by King Faraday, it's going to be a bit of a role reversal... sans Faraday, of course... /shameless tease. Nice Christmas vignette, if a bit gooey. You know, for an Englishman, you have a sentimental streak a mile long! Humbug! ;D Charlie, you took a quiet moment and really made it poignant. I'll be the first to admit that I think Chloe makes a better match for Hal than Carol. It takes a confident hand to write something so full of hope between a man and his daughter and you did it wonderfully. Thank you, James, it means a lot! And the Carol/Chloe thing... oh, well, read the ongoing title /shameless plug  |
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Post by David on Dec 18, 2009 21:26:29 GMT -5
" 'Twas the Sivana Before Christmas!"
Nothing quite like a Yuletide retro-classic tale! Just a lot of fun, with some spot-on classic characterization and smart (Big Red) Cheesy humor and wit. Cap allowing Sivana's wickedness to undo himself was perfect--- and Sivana's Christmas gift was too funny. High-grade!
Had no idea what the hell a Krampus was though, until I Googled it afterward. Weird.
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Post by David on Dec 19, 2009 18:47:53 GMT -5
"Yes Timothy, There is a Santa Claus!"
Honestly, this issue should have been called "Really Big Walnuts!" (Bwah-ha-ha-ha!)
It's all coming together! Tim and Conner have a memorable first meeting, and the rapport is instant. Cassie makes a big splash entrance, and the Mega-Nutcrackers tie it all up in a festive holiday package.
Loved Cassie's sarcastic stand-off-ishness; easy to see why Conner is so quickly smitten. Tim proves his worth amidst a couple of teen powerhouses, and the assist from the mysterious cyclone--- not to mention the enigmatic ending--- gives us a taste of things to come.
Nice almost origin tale!
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Post by lissilambe on Dec 21, 2009 10:30:31 GMT -5
Going to take my turn to comment and respond to the others, so here we go. Responses first: Thanks a lot to all of you who commented on my stories. I love the holidays, the whole season, and it's always an honor to get to contribute to these endeavors. Charlie, I'm glad you liked the Sivana story. He's so easy to write, I never have to worry if he's over the top. He starts at over the top and goes on from there, so it's a relief. LOL And I adore the whole Marvel Family universe, so these are always a great nod to the best of those tales. As for the Christmas Trail entries, this was kind of an accident; I never intended it to be a kind of series, but I'm glad it is, and I enjoy exploring all the different iterations of what has come before in the modern Christmas mythos. I aimed for poignant and sad, lots of emotion, and so glad it worked for you. James, you're absolutely right: watching Sivana get his karmic comeuppance is always a delight. Glad to see you enjoying. Over in the Christmas Trail stories, Cyril's acceptance of this point in his life was hard to write as well as hard to take. I know what you mean: these kinds of stories are tough, and it can be difficult to get readers to enjoy them. I'm glad I could get that to work in your case, since you hate them. Guess Susan and I gave you a one-two combo! As for Saturnalia, she's set to appear in year three of Danger Trail, never you worry, and I think she'll be fun to read. It's always so risky to add in a new character like this at the last minute in such a fashion, so far it sounds like it worked to enough of a degree to get the story across, and thank goodness. Susan, yay! You bet, the best in cheese and camp. Rankin-Bass specials are my idols! And I'm glad the Trail was spooky, and unnerving. It was meant to be sad, poignant, touching; but ghost stories were/are a big part of Christmas and Yule celebrations, and so spooky was definitely a feeling I was going for as well. And a HUGE thank you for the Jonah Hex picture! Dave, I have succeeded then. LOL I've way too much Christmas lore tucked into my head, and so these stories are my way to get them out there, and share them with everyone (who's willing to read my stuff, anyway), so now you know about the Krampus, and it makes me happy to share new things with people. I think that might have been the best compliment I could get: you enjoyed the story enough you had to understand it fully. Thank you, very much. Here's hoping you'll enjoy Christmas Trail next, when you get to it. I can wait: lots and lots of great stories to go. And now, to use that to segue to my comments on the rest of the contributions, and what an amazing spectrum of characters, settings, styles and themes. This is the sort of project one is thrilled to be a part of. Aquaman tries to bring Christmas to Atlantis: brilliant! What an obvious and simple premise, and you really do a great job bringing it all to life. The touching end with Orm though? Christmas specials at their best. A round of applause to you, Pat! James, you have managed to get the historian in me, the war comics fan in me, and the Christmas fan in me to meet up and enjoy a great, quiet, sweet, rough-hewn tale together. Good work on this, it shows the great loving craft you've put into it. Brian, Young Justice in your hands will be spectacular, you can tell, because this story was just such an enjoyment. Youth and exuberance and spot-on characterizations, all coming together to make this seasonal offering wonderful. Thank you for making this work so wonderfully. Miracle Monday! Oh man, that's awesome! Dave, congrats! This is great, to see this story, read on something building on a great piece of Silver Age lore, even if not directly by your admission. I have read that book, way back in the day. I borrowed it from the library, so I haven't read it in years, and forget much of it, but it was a good book, and this evokes that age very well. Good work on it, and a great ending for a Legion fanboy like me. Susan, this is one of those western tales that shows how the genre is so much deeper and stronger than just guys in hats shooting each other at high noon. You evoke such a sense of sympathy for a rather ornery ol' cuss, as well as a sweetness for Mei Ling, and the drifting back to Jonah's past, that was sad. It was coming, but it was still so sad. More applause to you, dear lady. I got to help Charlie refine some of Emerald Christmas, and it was so touching. Charlie did such an exquisite job of showing us how a new father interacts with his precious little girl. There's not much writing, so there's not much comment, but it's a deep, sweet, touching story that swings us wonderfully from the tragic Hex tale and the spooky, unnerving first part of Trail back into the warm part of the season. Take a bow, good sir. And then a DC2 office party with the New Outsiders! Brian, I don't know about anyone else for sure, but I would SO say what I said (though more likely to Huntress in the outfit she wears), and would probably enjoy the whooping she gave me too. There's a MILF and a half for you. Not a great story, it's just a stupid, silly, fun romp in the grand tradition of Silver Age “bullpen visits” and thank you for it! Again, thanks to all for letting me participate, and thanks to all for contributing. I loved this special, it lived up wonderfully to its name. Take care Don |
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Post by HoM on Dec 21, 2009 16:48:36 GMT -5
I got to help Charlie refine some of Emerald Christmas, and it was so touching. Charlie did such an exquisite job of showing us how a new father interacts with his precious little girl. There's not much writing, so there's not much comment, but it's a deep, sweet, touching story that swings us wonderfully from the tragic Hex tale and the spooky, unnerving first part of Trail back into the warm part of the season. Take a bow, good sir. The story is much better than it was thanks to Don's input, to say the least. Thank you for such kind words, I really enjoyed writing the sentiment behind it! |
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Post by David on Dec 21, 2009 23:17:52 GMT -5
The big day is getting closer and I'm still working my way through this giant-sized issue--- and really enjoying it!
Just finished the Christmas Trail installments, and it just might have been perfect. It is no secret that Speed Saunders must be a favorite of Don Walsh, because there are few characters around here that are better realized, and this issue was a bittersweet celebration of a beloved creation. I have to admit, my emotions were jerked around from the moment Cyril shuffled into his kitchen to find her standing there, until the Birds sat down to dinner (felt like a kind of passing of the baton).
Saturnalia seems like a great new character (though the classicist in me railed at the mention of a toga-like garment, worn by a woman), and I can't wait to meet her down the Trail.
There was a sense of joy, poignancy and wonder in these two installments that make it a perfect pairing with Christmas. Ican't wait to dig into the previous Christmas Trail installments!
(Hey, Charlie, maybe you could do "The Christmas Trail" as part of your Collected Editions project!)
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Post by lissilambe on Dec 22, 2009 0:40:52 GMT -5
Thanks for the high praise, Dave. It's true, I love Speed. He's a fun character to write, and somehow, he just works so nicely for my Christmas stories. I'm glad to hear that the reaction to his seeing Harriet has been so strong in readers. Their story in Danger Trail has a long and rocky (and ill-starred, I think we can all safely say now) way to go. This is indeed a passing of the baton, and a looking back on the past, and I'm glad it could work in such a short space. As for Saturnalia, I completely agree with you. LOL I went back and forth a long time on how to garb her, but went with the toga because while she appears female, we'll see she's not quite just a super-powered woman; and also, its the easy (i.e. lazy) way of describing her garb in the tiny word space provided. When you see her back in danger Trail, the classicist in you still won't be happy, but at least you'll be able to shout him down like I do mine. And what an interesting idea, Charlie. What do you think? A Christmas Trail collection? I"ve always loved my very first one so much. Take care Don |
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Post by HoM on Dec 22, 2009 6:16:26 GMT -5
And what an interesting idea, Charlie. What do you think? A Christmas Trail collection? I"ve always loved my very first one so much. Take care Don If people want it, you got it! I'll put it on the list ;D |
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Post by David on Dec 24, 2009 8:34:04 GMT -5
The big day is almost here, and I am almost finished with this issue (I'm really not that slow a reader, I'm spreading it out intentionally as to better enjoy the season ;D). In the hustle and hurry of last-minute shopping/wrapping/cleaning/baking I wasn't able to comment on the story I read yesterday, but I have to say now that Aquaman's "Christmas to Remember" was a fun, charming little tale! The Atlantean version of Christmas (trying to string reindeer antlers on a fish!) was cute and jolly (to evoke Mera ), and Arthur's choice of gift to Orm (and Orm's reaction to it!) was touching and foreboding at the same time. There is a Shakespearean tragedy between these two brothers, and Pat you have been very effective at bringing that out. Plus Aquaman is called Arthur in various places, which--- of course--- I love ;D! I'm with Charlie on Mera (if she's not from another dimension, then there has to be another explanation to her powers), but I trust you to figure this out... And don't think I missed the reference to an Uncle Rick! Looking forward to finding out what that's all about! Now that I mention it, I still have to read the latest issue of Aquaman (which I will, ASAP)! Very well done! |
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Post by David on Dec 24, 2009 9:00:58 GMT -5
On this chilly Christmas Eve morning (?), enjoying a steaming cup of coffee with a cat purring on my lap, I read my last entry in this holiday special--- and what a quiet, sublime delight!
The aptly named "Ghosts of Presents Past" starring everyone's favorite weird western hero Jonah Hex had me with a lump in my throat at the end. Thanks to Susan's deft handling, Jonah has always felt like a real historical personage to me, and this glimpse into his earliest Christmas juxtaposed with the rare happy domesticity of his present circumstance only make me believe all the more.
One cannot help but feel there is a profound tragedy lurking around the corner for Jonah, but I'm glad to see these little islands of happiness for a character irrefutable Susan's but also one she has given us all--- and that is a great Christmas present, indeed!
Beautiful.
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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 Dec 24, 2009 11:24:19 GMT -5
On this chilly Christmas Eve morning (?), enjoying a steaming cup of coffee with a cat purring on my lap, I read my last entry in this holiday special--- and what a quiet, sublime delight! The aptly named "Ghosts of Presents Past" starring everyone's favorite weird western hero Jonah Hex had me with a lump in my throat at the end. Thanks to Susan's deft handling, Jonah has always felt like a real historical personage to me, and this glimpse into his earliest Christmas juxtaposed with the rare happy domesticity of his present circumstance only make me believe all the more. One cannot help but feel there is a profound tragedy lurking around the corner for Jonah, but I'm glad to see these little islands of happiness for a character irrefutable Susan's but also one she has given us all--- and that is a great Christmas present, indeed! Beautiful. Y'all gotta stop usin' them five-dollar words, son, I cain't wrap my head around 'em. ;D Glad you liked it, David! You always seem to get the biggest kick out of my Hex stuff (and if you want real tragedy, pick up Jonah Hex (vol. 2) #50...that is guaranteed to move you to tears.  ) There is significance to this story, which will come up later next year, so everybody keep this in mind as WWQ closes in on #20 (yep, TWENTY ISSUES! Not bad for 4 times a year, eh?) |
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impulseallen
Staff
Much More Than The Guy Runs Fast and the Guy Who Talks to Fish!
Posts: 561
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Post by impulseallen on Dec 24, 2009 15:58:46 GMT -5
The first story was an interesting view into the undersea world that Aquaman inhabits, and the sentiment between Orm and Orin was very poignant considering the eventual downfall of their friendship and brotherhood in the latest issues of his title. It took me a while to figure out something that could really be the staple of the story. Originally, I just had a very Nightmare Before Christmasish idea with Arthur introducing something new to a world that had no idea what it was. But I realized I needed something to really tie it all together. So I wanted to make a very bittersweet ending with the Orin and Orm plot. Foreshadowing, like you said, to the eventual destruction of that relationship. Yeah, Mera is from a different dimension but notice...I never say she's just another Atlantean. Yes, she's now AN Atlantean. But never specifically do I say just how long she's been a citizen and how long she's known Orin. Mera came from the water dimension shortly after Arthur's return to Atlantis. This is when they're both pretty much adjusting to their new lives. Sorry if I didn't make that clear. I didn't think it was that important to this story to talk about Mera's past but you've proven me wrong, Charlie. Thanks for reading and I'm glad you liked it. Pat, I remember starting to read this and immediately wondered how in the heck you're going to put Aquaman in a Christmas story but you, sir, pulled it off. It was a fun little story but had its own bittersweet (that seems to be a theme this year) moments when you know the upcoming events between the two. I was a little unsure of how I was going to do an Aquaman Christmas story too but I'm glad you think I pulled it off. Thanks. I completely agree about Mera. She seems to be getting put to good use though in DCU(At least in Blackest Night) and I hope I've been doing her justice in my Aquaman run. Thanks for reading and leaving some feedback! Pat: Christmas in Atlantis! I never would have thunk it! I like the idea of a barnacle tree...perhaps they could string up some bioluminescient fish for lights? Damn I knew I was forgetting something! Glad you liked it, Susan. Aquaman tries to bring Christmas to Atlantis: brilliant! What an obvious and simple premise, and you really do a great job bringing it all to life. The touching end with Orm though? Christmas specials at their best. A round of applause to you, Pat! Thanks, Don! In the hustle and hurry of last-minute shopping/wrapping/cleaning/baking I wasn't able to comment on the story I read yesterday, but I have to say now that Aquaman's "Christmas to Remember" was a fun, charming little tale! Thanks! Ocean Master is a character who I always hated while reading comics when I was younger. He was just the evil brother with the funny mask so I've really tried hard to make his downfall and betrayal, like you said a tragedy. Glad you're enjoying his and Aquaman's relationship. I was thinking of you while I was writing that, Dave ;D. Frankly, I called him Arthur in this story more than Orin because this was when he was still developing into a king. I only really call him Arthur in the current stories when someone who knows him more as Arthur(like Black Manta) is speaking to him. It's all good, Dave. Just the way I wrote the scene made it seem like Mera's been an Atlantean for awhile, when she really only has been a little shorter than Arthur. Nice catch! I really liked writing his character in Aquaman #20 so I wanted to definitely make mention to him in this. Also, Uncle Rick will be making a return sometime after "King's Reign". Get on the ball, Dave! Thanks for reading, Dave. |
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Post by starlord on Dec 26, 2009 1:26:45 GMT -5
thank you everyone who has read this Christmas special. It really was awesome, wasn't it? Every story I read was special in it's own way and I really think it was the best Christmas issue we've put out yet. There had to be something for everybody in this one. Another thank you to Jamie Rimmer for the beautiful cover and all the writers for their contributions. To those who have commented on my two entries, I thank you for reading and responding. I promise I'm going to do my best to make Young Justice fun for everyone. My goal is to make it a DC2 title with both the fun and the teenage pathos that PAD put into the book. And that Christmas party was indeed a huge self indulgance that I had wanted to do for a few years now. Like I said, it was my Christmas Card to the staff of this great site. Next to my husband and kids, this place and all of you here is what makes me want to get up every day and endure the never ending rat race. Here's wishing you a blessed New Year! |
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Post by goldk on Dec 28, 2009 21:55:27 GMT -5
Hey! I was in a story. Only it wasn't a sausage I was looking for it was my mind! Great job everyone. I need to jump back into this glorious sandbox, that is of course if you guys and gals will still let me play.
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Post by HoM on Dec 29, 2009 5:48:07 GMT -5
Hey! I was in a story. Only it wasn't a sausage I was looking for it was my mind! Great job everyone. I need to jump back into this glorious sandbox, that is of course if you guys and gals will still let me play. Oh, Roy. I think the answer to that question is obvious Welcome home! |
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Post by David on Dec 29, 2009 22:47:37 GMT -5
Hot damn, Roy, you just made my day...!
;D
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impulseallen
Staff
Much More Than The Guy Runs Fast and the Guy Who Talks to Fish!
Posts: 561
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Post by impulseallen on Dec 30, 2009 23:07:28 GMT -5
Roy's here! Welcome back!
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Post by starlord on Dec 31, 2009 2:12:32 GMT -5
WOO HOO!!!!! |
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).
) There is significance to this story, which will come up later next year, so everybody keep this in mind as WWQ closes in on #20 (yep, TWENTY ISSUES! Not bad for 4 times a year, eh?) 
