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Post by Admin on Jan 31, 2006 20:52:23 GMT -5
Let us know what you think!
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Post by deadshot042 on Jan 31, 2006 22:18:26 GMT -5
Way to go! So far I am enjoying all the characters and think this will be all I have been expecting. My only problem was that issue 0 seemed a bit short, but besides that it set up the rest of the series very well. Keep up the good work!
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Dr Dread
Staff
The Odious-1
Posts: 1,547
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Post by Dr Dread on Jan 31, 2006 22:48:18 GMT -5
Definitely a good start. By introducing the series at the ending, it creates a lot of interest to see how everything came to that point.
One thing that surprised me (although it's kind of a small thing), was your origin of the name Belle Reve. I read a few issues of Ostrander's series, but I don't recall anyone mentioning that origin. I had never connected Belle Reve with "beau rĂªve" before, but it does match (in an English bastardized way). Good catch!
Can't wait for Issue #1!
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Post by deadshot042 on Jan 31, 2006 23:48:10 GMT -5
I once asked a friend of mine who speaks French what Belle Reve meant, so I'm familiar with its origins. What I am wondering now is why did you place Belle Reve in Colorado? I don't have a problem with it, I'm just curious.
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Post by brigante133 on Feb 1, 2006 0:07:06 GMT -5
say don't ya live close to if not in denver john? ;D
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Post by Romans Empire on Feb 1, 2006 4:02:53 GMT -5
One thing that needs to be said right off the bat is, Did you see that Cover? It gets my early vote for cover of the year! Jim you rock on the pencils (if he was born to do the Suicide Squad can I get him to sign an exclusive contract for my 20+ issue run? Oops your right, don't get the brush in front of the pencil!). Also kudos goes to the finishing team of Scott and Brandon for their fantastic, ah, finish? Yeah thats it! Also do I have to thank my editor David for doing such a wonderful job at hacking a true masterpiece and turning into the wonderful little yarn you see today! OK I won't! But I do have to be nice to him so he can approve all the dirty little tricks I want to play on these characters!
On to the story:
(Relax Ramon this is way shorter and more entertaining then you E true Hollywood story or the behind the music- THE POWER COMPANY!!!!
It did seem short didn't it? It clocked in at nearly 3500 words which I thought was about right for the introduction(what is the average issue length?). I certainly wasn't concerned about the length of the story when I was writing it. I had certain goals and once they were achieved I knew I was done.
The first goal I had was to set up how the 'Bang and Blame' story arc ended. The second was to introduce a couple of the primary characters like Flagg and Waller. I needed to get Amanda's back story out of the way before the main story could begin. The third was why Belle Reve?As far as I knew, the origin of the name or the prison had never been explained so I wanted the prison to be an important part of the back story.It also had to be the most secure prison in the U.S. and one thing for sure it wasn't going to be in New Orleans because it seemed slightly insensitive due to the Katrina disaster. I lived in Florida before so I can understand somewhat what its like. So when I did research on Prisons I discovered that the only AD-MAX prison in the U.S. was right in my backyard here in Colorado!(Which you knew already where I lived Ramon) So I thought perfect! The final goal I had was the 'Pitch' itself. Why would it almost make sense to do this in real life? So I did a lot of research on the subject and came up with a way to have Amanda convince Max. And with that convince the reader along the way, I hoped!
I really set out to tell a true Zero issue tale because I knew so much cool stuff is on the way!It also turned out to be a slight homage to the Secret Origins #14 that kicked off the Ostrander Suicide Squad. Being my all time favorite book I didn't want to assume everyone knew the hows and whys of the original series. If you did and it all seems just a tad bit familiar so far, wait! I would never do a rehash of a classic. I hope a few of you say what the heck? and I didn't see that coming, because this isn't the same old Squad!
It drives me nuts that I have to wait a whole other month to share issue one with everyone which clocks in at twice the word count as the zero issue! With everything planned in the 3 part Bang and Blame arc (read the solicits for clues) I can't wait to get into the next arc 'All consuming Fire'! I just hope everyone has as much fun with this as I have so it can continue for a long time to come!
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Post by Brandon on Feb 1, 2006 8:52:13 GMT -5
Thanks so much, John! I really just did the easy part though, the real credit all goes to the dynamic art duo of Jim and Scott. These guys turn out some amazing artwork for the site and couldn't be nicer fellows. Great cover, guys!
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tigereyes
Staff
I loves me some super villians...
Posts: 282
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Post by tigereyes on Feb 1, 2006 11:15:22 GMT -5
(blushes) awwww shucks, thanks guys!! I guess the love shows through! But honestly, now having read it, I am honored to have been a part...the attitude of the characters is DEAD on, and I love the language of the story. You built all the right foundations, gave us all just enough foreshadowing to keep us wanting more, and you really brought to life these characters that I, personally, know-and-love. I, too, wondered why the change from New Orleans to Colorado, especially with the name having French origins, but I guess I don't have to wonder about that anymore My only complaint was that I wanted more.....but I guess I can wait.
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Post by Romans Empire on Feb 1, 2006 22:01:34 GMT -5
The honor is mutual Jim, it really is. I think one of the reasons we set ourselves apart here, is because of the hard work that everyone puts forth in the art department. It not only compliments the stories, buts makes them whole!
I too love these characters, thats why I was afraid to start messing with them too much. I want to be true to them but add something fresh that can only be done with B-type characters. My hope is to give people a reason to like them before they all get killed off! (joking here, I think?!)
Whats funny about that is I wanted the first 4 issues to come out bi-weekly so the series would sync up in time for the August IXE but David said the art department was too far behind. It turned out OK because I never would have finished the story arc in time. There is a bigger difference then I realized between plotting and writing and its taking a long time to write each issue. As a brand new writer essentially, I am learning a lot as I go. I am so much prouder of issue 1, then I am with this issue!
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Post by Lantern Lad on Feb 3, 2006 14:29:55 GMT -5
Well, it is NOT apparent that you are a brand new writer... This issue was excellent! I never really read the Suicide Squad back in the day... maybe just an issue here & there. Now I feel like I was truly missing out!
I thought that the length of this story, as well as it's title, was perfect for an issue #0. Just enough to get us 'hooked' in for more. I liked the back story on Rick Jr. & Waller... was that Waller's DC origin as well?
All in all a great job & best of the week!
PS: I'm working on coloring the cover to issue #1 as I type this... another Jim masterpiece! And thanks to everyone for the compliments on issue 0's cover.
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Post by Romans Empire on Feb 3, 2006 14:44:03 GMT -5
Thank for your kind words sir! It means a lot!
Wallers origin was the only one that I didn't feel the need to change for the DC2. She is a perfectly un-perfect character just the way she is!
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Post by deadshot042 on Feb 4, 2006 17:25:37 GMT -5
You're changing Deadshot's origin? Um... just the Batman part or everything about his screwed up family?
Normally I would be worried, but after seeing your talent and how much you love the Squad I have full faith in you.
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Post by Romans Empire on Feb 4, 2006 18:38:35 GMT -5
When I first pitched my Squad ideas to David he told me someone else had plans to include Deadshot in another series. I spoke with that person about Deadshot and he told me his plans. I said I would work with that. I haven't heard anything since then? Evilal?
I should clarify when I say 'mess with the characters and their origins' The goal of DC2 is to tell stories that aren't hampered by years of continuity. Give everyone a fresh start but not alter their origins too much or change what makes them a character. The freedom I have with some of the characters that will be in the Squad is their origins aren't as well known so they can be tweaked to fit the story's better. Nothing will ever be changed just for change sake or shock value. Just to tell better stories. Thanks Deadshot for the vote of confidence. I appreciate it!
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Post by mtpspur on Feb 5, 2006 17:34:49 GMT -5
Finally finished a story on this site--sorry Susie--I promise to get back to Jonah--probably next week--my wife will be grabbing the computer shortly when she gets off work and my work schedule is a bear. Always a soft spot for the Squad. In real life finally got a copy of Brave and Bold #25--now just need #27 and I'm complete at last. Nice start to your story---awaiting part 2. Thought this a nice overview of Amanda Waller. I expect with practice your writing will continue to improve and again good beginnings.
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Post by Romans Empire on Feb 5, 2006 20:27:38 GMT -5
Finally finished a story on this site--sorry Susie--I promise to get back to Jonah--probably next week--my wife will be grabbing the computer shortly when she gets off work and my work schedule is a bear. Always a soft spot for the Squad. In real life finally got a copy of Brave and Bold #25--now just need #27 and I'm complete at last. Nice start to your story---awaiting part 2. Thought this a nice overview of Amanda Waller. I expect with practice your writing will continue to improve and again good beginnings. Very cool that you have the first Suicide Squad appearances! My goal as a writer of this title is to tell a story that will appeal to old school Squad lovers like myself and others. As well as introduce the team to people who haven't given the book a try. I feel a little more comfortable now as a writer and I hope it shows as the story arc continues. I wrote this zero issue so long ago it seems. I look back it and it seems a little too safe and predictable. I really feel that when issue one comes out everyone will get a better feel of the story I want to tell and the way it will be told which is anything but safe or predictable!
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Post by HoM on Feb 26, 2006 8:31:11 GMT -5
Bang and Blame... That's an REM song, is it not John?
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Post by Romans Empire on Feb 27, 2006 12:28:43 GMT -5
You picked up on that huh? ;DI have a lot of song titles for story titles planned. Yes I know its un-original but it's something I like to do! BTW, the new issue comes out tomorrow! Everyone should check it out to see what the book is going to be about and the direction its going to take! I am pretty proud of how it turned out!
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