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Post by oblique on Dec 9, 2018 9:39:50 GMT -5
I started #81 as soon as I finished #80. This feels like a transitional issue (but not in a bad way). Guardian's conversation with the Joker was fascinating. I really like his motivation and his decision to pull the triger, but I'm worried that he was so ready to turn on his peers. I feel like, as a soldier, he might be more willing to take the rap after making a hard choice. Batman's reaction is also perfect and it's always fun to see Pennyworth. This is going to be one hell of a showdown-- for that matter, I'm not sure if the Guardian has been infected with some sort of nanite, or if he's trying to draw out the Batman by appearing on camera.
While it's not ideal that the video has been released-- someone is trying to mess with the Justice League-- I think that most people would give the Guardian a medal for killing the Joker. I don't approve per se, Batman's speech was powerful, but good riddance to bad rubbish. Now someone needs to incinerate the body... Just to be safe.
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Post by oblique on Dec 9, 2018 9:29:24 GMT -5
I finally had some time to dig into the latest issues on DC2 and had a chance to read Superman! Congratulations, Eric. Big Blue is one of my favourite characters, and this was a fantastic reintroduction for the character, taking him "back to basics." You have clean, approachable style. I like the interplay of past and present. Like Charlie, it's fun to see Clark as a journalist, and his relationship with Lois is great. Best of all, this feels like Superman. Looking forward to the next issue!
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Post by oblique on Dec 9, 2018 9:20:46 GMT -5
The finale has arrived! Thankfully, I go to read the last two issues of this story back to back!
I've said it before, Charlie, you have a skill for compulsive plotting and kinetic action scenes integrated with great character moments. I loved the idea that Hawkman is battling the "personification of his disease"-- one moment's hesitation, and then he is back in the fight. I also like that Superman is back in action. (I think that Lois Lane would be mad IF Clark asked her father for permission to marry her.)
I liked the final fight a lot. Fast, fun, and clear. I was curious why they only sent the Trinity to take out the Joker-- it feels like the Engineer or Firestorm would have been very useful against his nanites-- but it was a GREAT fight. I love Batman and Superman's tag-team maneuver.
Joker's defeat was very satisfying, a great end to a brutal four-part series. I was shocked when the Guardian killed him, but not surprised! That final line was perfect. Great job, Charlie!
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Post by oblique on Nov 9, 2018 11:09:50 GMT -5
Holy Cow, Batman! Great work, Charlie; this was another propulsive issue of Justice League that escalates the action and reveals another piece of Joker's plan. I love the idea that Aleph Pharmaceuticals was "vaccinating" the army! I was surprised that the Joker was capable of impersonating Malik Swain-- rather than using a patsy-- but appreciating the fake name.
I really enjoyed Superman and Batman's visit to Lex Luthor-- Superman's obsession with Lex paralleling Batman's obsession with Joker. Overall, this was a solid issue with some fantastic character moments. It was awesome to see the Justice League in action battling a global threat-- I look forward to more!
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Post by oblique on Oct 29, 2018 9:50:46 GMT -5
This is a belated contribution to this thread, that's for sure, but "Mera" is one of those characters whose name works really well as their heroic alias. Like "Constantine" and "Luke Cage," etc.
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Post by oblique on Oct 29, 2018 9:46:44 GMT -5
I was going to review each issue one at a time, but the current run has such a compulsive speed to it that here I am on issue #77! I finished #76 and just went right to #77 to see what happened next. I even started reading #78 (that was quite a cliffhanger) but I reckon I should go back and post a letter here as well.
As you might have gathered, I'm enjoying the propulsive plotting. These issues have a very natural, fluid, kinetic energy to them that keeps me hooked. I was shocked by the "big twist," I did not anticipate the Joker showing up as the big villain! I knew that Aleph Pharmaceuticals was up to no good and you planted the seeds for this arc a long time ago, to great effect; the Guardian's personal stake in this disaster makes it much more pressing, while the global spread of the "Jokerbots" (Jokernites? Nanojokers?) is a suitable crisis for the Justice League.
I have to say that I'm not the biggest fan of the Joker as the Big Bad. That's mainly on me, I'm just not the biggest fan of the Joker; Steve K tacked the other way, of course. I find Joker an overblown villain in recent years-- gaining superpowers that he's never had, or needed. I prefer the Joker as a psychological threat to the Batman-- unable, and even unwilling, to punch it out with the Bat, let alone go toe-to-toe with someone like Talia al'Ghul or a metahuman. That said, I enjoyed his monologue and I think his reasoning and jealousy of Wonder Woman was clever and entertaining. I'm just having trouble imagining the Joker in the same league as Wonder Woman, let alone with the ability to produce super-nanites. Whatever I think about the Joker, however, I'm along for the ride!
Otherwise, the past two issues featured some awesome scenes and great character moments. I really like Firestorm's impressive use of her powers and you're teasing out some future changes for the hero that I'm interested in seeing next. The plotting was top-notch; Batman's escape plan was plausible and exciting, and I enjoy how disturbed he is by the Joker. The scene when he 'summoned' Superman was a great character moment and an epic reminder of how inspiring and uplifting Superman can be.
Well, I've already started reading #78! Cheers!
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Post by oblique on Oct 2, 2018 18:08:31 GMT -5
I am very behind in...life...but I've finally managed to set aside some time and read the next issue of Justice League. Well, damn, Charlie! This was a cunning and well-crafted next step in your master plan...weaving together the story of the Kherubim with Bruce and Diana's relationship, and a villainous scheme I did not see coming.
First, I like Arthur and Mera - Aquawoman works for me, but I'd be happy if she decided on a new name for the Surface World or just went with MERA.
Second, I loved the subtle, dialogue-heavy scenes with Talia and Trevor. (You know when Talia seems to make more sense than Steve Trevor, the douche-nozzle, that something's rotten in the state of Denmark...) Talia was menacing, obsessive, dangerous...her motivations seemed to make sense...fantastic. I wanted to hit Trevor over the head and yell at him, but I think that was the point. Bruce had a great talk with Diana and I enjoy seeing the two of them together.
Finally, I liked the slow reveal of the Mad Hatter as the villain in this issue. J'onn and Montoya make a great 'odd couple.' I'm worried because Angie put on a hat, but I'm hoping that her nanites can whup the Mad Hatter's in a heartbeat-- hence the moment when she removed the hat. Fingers crossed!
Hopefully I'll have some time to read the next issue soon! -Oblique
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Post by oblique on Jul 21, 2018 16:18:18 GMT -5
That sounds good to me; the current political situation is such a nightmare we all need some fictional catharsis!
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Post by oblique on Jul 21, 2018 7:32:04 GMT -5
Great collection of shorts, Charlie! You obviously have such affection for the Guardian and it shines through every page. The moments he shares with his daughter are delightful, if bittersweet-- I'm waiting for the other shoe to drop.
Ultimately, I'm very glad Bendix is 'just' a villain. I loved his prison and his escape, and look forward to the Guardian tracking him down.
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Post by oblique on Jul 21, 2018 7:29:59 GMT -5
If I'm honest, "Croatoan" evoked mixed feelings. I liked some of the big ideas in this arc and the material that covered the Engineer and the investigation of Temho-Metya, but not the Kherubim or the battle inside the tesseract bunker. All of which was full of cool ideas...the mysterious train, the Academics, and the 'secret history' of the U.S.A. (I expected Planetary to show up any second.)
I guess that became a problem for me, however, in the following issues. This felt closest to Wildstorm yet in the DC2, and seemed to embrace some of Wildstorm's more "Xtreme" qualities. The character of Imperator and the raw violence in this story was viscerally unpleasant. The shocking level of trauma and horrific assault seemed to receive a muted reaction from the Justice League, or perhaps I wasn't reading too closely as I was so put off by the material. This didn't work for me at all and felt like too much for the "main title."
That said, I enjoyed following Angela vs. The Engineer much more. The Engineer's "Nevada Garden" was very cool, even beautiful, whileo also terrifying. I felt like I could really see it in my mind's eye. This is one of your ideas that deserves big art, that I'd love to see on the page. I'm happy for Cyborg and interested in seeing where this goes for him.
I also liked Batman and Aquaman's (funny team-up) investigation of Temho-Metya starting with the Weapons Master-- grubby alien arms dealers are always fun! I love how intimidating Batman can be to his former...prey...in the prison.
P.S. Now I'm guessing Pathfinder is the Weatherman-- Chloe Sullivan-- and need to catch up on Green Lanterns to see if she's still around!
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Post by oblique on Jul 20, 2018 18:46:58 GMT -5
Thanks Charlie, I'm glad you liked it. I feel like this really solidified the basic characters with setup for future growth.
Robin-- Tim-- is really growing on me! I'm trying to strike a balance between his exceptional genius and his youth and role in the Batman Family... I feel that, at this age, he's more insecure, but I don't think he'll ever "grow out" of his penchant for overthinking the situation. Right now, I want to portray him as a planner and calculator, who makes decisions based on a rational assessment of the situation-- but he can always see how things could go wrong, and this gives him a streak of nervousness that he has to learn how to handle. He also needs to learn how to communicate with the team.
I love peeking in at non-powered civilians and onlookers, and setting the stage for certain conflicts in later stories-- weaving in other events in DC2 like Justice League vs America, Kobra, and Most Wanted.
I'm glad you're reading Charlie, stay tuned for the next issue. Should be ready this weekend.
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Post by oblique on Jul 14, 2018 7:00:45 GMT -5
I have too many ideas and not enough time (or discipline) to work on them! I really liked Hellblazer so far, and I'll be sure to finish reading Checkmate #1!
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Post by oblique on Jul 7, 2018 8:49:01 GMT -5
That's an interesting way of playing with Hippolyta's return! I definitely want to see how Diana and Bruce's relationship plays out in that context.
I don't think you need to worry about repeating plot points, it's more there are familiar storytelling you enjoy. I just have slightly divergent favorite tropes, perhaps! That said, I'll have to read The Guardian miniseries to get up to speed on Bendix! I definitely enjoyed this arc overall. It was definitely a package of different plot threads, but nothing unmanageable.
I've been working 9-to-5 again for the little while, heading into August, and don't have as much flexibility as I did in the winter, but I'm trying to read DC2 on the streetcar! I don't have as much time to write, but I do have a lot of time to read!
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Post by oblique on Jul 6, 2018 17:40:41 GMT -5
I'm so close to catching up with the current issue, Charlie! Just finished "An End to the Age of Wonders," and this was a pretty sinister story! Ares, Circe, and Devastation are a tough opponent - twisted and violent. His attempt to defeat Batman was clever, and I'm glad Batman was unwilling to violate his principles while also suffering defeat (or almost). Your Batman, as usually, is perfectly calibrated. Wonder Woman's plan was almost Batman-like in conception. The resulting trip to the underworld was intense. The visual of Batman's chest 'opening' like a trapdoor was surreal, I loved it. Great scene with Batman and Scott Free.
I can't say I'm thrilled that Hippolyta returned; I'm torn on how death is just a revolving door for what feels like every character in mainstream comics, and that doens't need to be the case in fan works like yours. That said, I'll stick around (well, of course) to see how it plays out! I liked the backup with Guardian and Bendix, but I feel oblidged to point out that's another villain under mind control! I hoped he was just a dick. Sometimes the best villains are honorable ideologues with an agenda that runs contrary to your own, rather than victims or psychopaths.
I enjoyed Ares' egostical attempt to seize power and how it, ultimately, backfired. I LOVE to good smackdown, and the interwoven speech (as they described how Ares' new power was a double-edged sword) and beating (delivered by Majestros and the New Gods) was very, very satisfying.
I also loved Aquaman and Hawkman's B-Plot. That was some dark material, maybe worthy of an M-Rating for these issues. Poor Hawkman! Forgetting Hawkwoman's last name, yikes. I can't wait for Hawkman to smash Doctor Psycho's face in with his mace. "Pants! And my mace. In that order." Awesome!
Fantastic story, Charlie. I'll be up to date soon!
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Post by oblique on Jul 6, 2018 17:26:40 GMT -5
I also want to offer a belated thank you to Mark for editing this issue on the fly, as I had fallen behind on this issue! I've been super busy and he was a lifesaver.
Also, thanks again to Joey Jarin! I'm using one cover for each story, and his is such a great shot of the whole team featuring their awesome costumes.
Overall, this issue was a lot of fun to write. The fight scenes seemed to flow well, but I'm still getting a handle on how the team will interact. I really want to capture how they can work together better in the future as they come together as a group and get some training. For now, they almost get in the way more than they help each other in combat! It was a lot of fun switching POV and trying to see how Robin fights and thinks a lot differently than Artemis and Superboy. Hopefully, I'll be able to juggle more characters in short bursts in future scenes. As I said to UDC, really want to ramp up the pressure on the team as times passes, both as they get stronger and they attract the attention of a few villains. So they start out with a minor rebellion and crash a bank robbery in progress, but things will get a lot more serious soon.
Cheers!
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Post by oblique on Jul 6, 2018 17:22:47 GMT -5
Thanks, UDC! I'm glad you liked the "smaller" problem they have to deal with in this issue. I really want to ramp up the pressure on the team as times passes, both as they get stronger and they attract the attention of a few villains! So I thought it was essential to start at a more modulated level and then escalate the problem in future issues.
Thanks for reading!
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Post by oblique on Jun 14, 2018 16:50:02 GMT -5
I'm a big fan of team books (in case my DC2 bibliography wasn't an indication) (also, don't dig into my older work. A lot of was written while I was in high school and isn't good), and a big part of that is character interaction - not just seeing a menagerie of powers, abilities, and talents being put to use, but also seeing how different personalities work together or conflict with one another. It's juicy drama. Young Justice absolutely nails this aspect. I appreciate the reintroduction of the cast and seeing the various degrees with which they view their mentorships, the team, and their teammates gives us a wide array of perspectives to play off of. I'm really looking forward to seeing how they perform in the field together. Also nice to see the Terror Twins in action. I've got a soft spot for characters from the show (though I think we might've each given them different surnames?). Great job, looking forward to what comes next. -UDC Thanks UDC, I appreciate you taking the time to read and review. I'm trying to give the whole cast justice (pun intended) and use all of these different characters to provide new insights and opinions...
As for the Terror Twins, I was thinking of giving them a 'normal' last name. In my head, they're just out of juvie and haven't truly settled into their villainous personas. But I've just edited it to say "Terror" all the time.
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Post by oblique on Jun 9, 2018 17:33:39 GMT -5
Amazing! This was my favorite annual this year, I think, by far. I just love the Superman Family and you really nailed it. From the little moments that captured Clark's relationship with the cosmos (the spatium avem) to his adoptive parents (the windmill) this issue was beautiful. I was thrilled to see Kara, Lex, Perry, and Lois all get their time to shine. You handled the "big reveal" with a deft hand, sidestepping the issue of whether or not Lois was in the dark. It makes sense, given her skill, but Clark's honesty and apology also felt sensible and needed. The dialogue was careful and moving. I definitely love Lois and Clark as a couple, it's just one of those storybook romances that clicks and feels real, so it's pleasure to read your take on it and get to dig into their head a little. And then what a bombshell to drop at the end! (I hope she says yes.) Very interesting framing given that Lex (and that one did feel a little more out of left field-- read the room, Lex!) had tried his own hand at an immodest proposal earlier the same day! I hope to see more Adventure Comics soon!
The cover is sublime. I love the "pop art" style, especially the shading. It really feels like it hints at and then, on second look after you've read the annual, contains the whole story. Awesome!
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Post by oblique on Jun 9, 2018 17:26:50 GMT -5
This was another great annual, Charlie. I like the combination of different vignettes with one main story. Seeing more of Hippolyta helps round out her presence in the story, and I liked her vignette with Phillipus. It does feel like the Amazons deserve, or would do well in, a constitutional monarchy but I find it a little ironic that this was prompted by divine intervention rather than the people! In the main plot, Constantine is up to his underhanded tricks, a difficult character to pair with Wonder Woman but it worked. I didn't realize he was in cahoots with the succubus! Nice twist! But I loved that Wonder Woman was already working on the 'girly murder gang' and we got to see Cassie in action. I'm ready to see more of Wonder Woman and Batman now that Diana is in exile; this is a very exciting next step for the character.
Cheers!
P.S. That cover is gorgeous! Great style that works well for Constantine and Wonder Woman with subtle framing. Fantastic.
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Post by oblique on May 31, 2018 14:49:10 GMT -5
Right! This has been a very exciting opportunity for me to try my hand at some of my favorite characters, and I hope this issue provides new readers with snapshots of all the main characters! I'm trying to integrate the original, comics-based incarnation of the team (that showed up here on the DC2) with the television cartoon from a few years ago (I can't wait for the new season three series.) Honestly, I went into this thinking that I'd shove some of the legacy characters out of the way as fast possible to make room for "The Team" from Young Justice, in particular Miss Martian and Aqualad. While both are in the works (I've been laying seeds in Ten Years Later and the previous issue, #0), M'gann and Kal'dur'ahm will arrive later rather than sooner. I started having too much fun with the current cast and I didn't want to put anyone "on a bus" for no good reason. First, I couldn't replace Arrowette with Artemis Crock without bending the rules too an unreasonable degree, so I've decided to reinvent Miss King-Jones (which will probably be my most controversial decision) with some exciting plans for her backstory and character growth. Second, Wonder Girl has grown on me and turned into the "heart" of the current team after I first worked with the character in Wonder Woman. Hopefully, I didn't mess it up too badly!
I fully intend to do the original member of Young Justice justice, even if I insist on adding new costumes and character elements. Only time will tell if I can pull this off. Speaking of new costumes, I just want to thank Joey Jarin again for providing such a great cover for the first story; he was more than happy to take suggestions from me as to costumes and character design! It turned out fantastic.
Mark, thank you for taking the time to edit my sprawling writing and adding your helpful advice, you've helped me to make a few tweaks to #2 and stoked the fires for the next story. Charlie, thank you for adding a few continuity nods and explanations that help fit Young Justice into such a vibrant community of stories. You're invaluable!
I know this issue was mostly set-up, but we'll get to a classic brawl in the next issue-- I promise-- which should drop at the end of June!
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Post by oblique on May 25, 2018 16:14:16 GMT -5
Geoff John's does have great dialogue - I've never thought about that before, but the article is spot on.
As for the angels, I think it depends on how heaven or God works in the world in question. Angels, especially to our modern eyes and without modern ideas of religion, freedom, and autonomy, can act like giant pricks! Theological safety lies in seperating angels and heaven from any literal all-powerful Judeao-Christian deity.
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Post by oblique on May 25, 2018 12:14:32 GMT -5
P.P.S. I wonder who the Voice is. Looks like his scheme was to open up (and profit from, I assume) renewed relations between Bialya and the 'capitalist imperialists' in the West... I wonder...
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Post by oblique on May 25, 2018 12:13:32 GMT -5
Just finished "Sibling Rivalry..." Part One and Two, sorry for the delay! This was a great two-part story that packed a lot of twists and turns into a neat, careful package. The main plot was solid, with a great antagonist (David Cain is one scary sonofagun) and a good twist ending! Cain seemed a little on edge for such a pro at the end, but it was one heck of a crazy showdown. You balanced the members of the Secret Six very well, I liked how different Cluemaster's fighting style was from, say, Copperhead.
I liked the (one-sided) rivalry between Nash and Timur and I'm quite glad Sickle survived - and showed Nash that he's not to be trifled with. Heaven help Cobblepot and Co. when he learns what they've done to Hammer! Hammer and Sickle are definitely the emotional heart of these issues, and your flashbacks were very well done. Abramovichi's rejection of his sons was brutal - didn't see that line coming!
P.S. The Terror Twins are going to make an appearance in Young Justice #1 this month, I even checked the original character archive and didn't think anyone was using them! My current run is set before Justice League #41 so it should still work, I think. Ha!
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Post by oblique on May 25, 2018 7:17:49 GMT -5
Damn, these are some great covers!
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Post by oblique on May 22, 2018 16:41:05 GMT -5
“Mate, I give the biggest shit. It’s all well and good being a cynical bugger, but what’s the point of hating on everything if there isn’t anything left to hate on?”
John Constantine in a nutshell, ladies and gentlemen! You've got a great grasp of the characters, mate!
Great issue and a solid setup for the first story. I want to see where this cosmic crisis from #0 will lead Mr. Constantine, but also love that he's so far refused to get involved and is off on (what seems like) an unrelated mission! Like UDC said, this is a great introduction to his supporting cast. I don't know much about them either, but this was clear, precise, and easy to follow. There's an appropriate level of violence and sex for an M-Rated title that all felt natural, not forced.
Nememiah is definitely Up To Something; it's kind of funny how angels get such a bad rap in urban fantasy, I guess in part because devils and demons have been played out for so long! We'll see...
Cheerio! -Oblique
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Post by oblique on May 13, 2018 17:26:03 GMT -5
Looking forward to it! Glad to hear we're on the same page on that issue, a pet peeve of mine on occasion...
Yeah, I think you nailed Darkseid's combination of power, malevolence, and sheer dickery...evil IS petty. Fantastic dialogue!
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Post by oblique on May 10, 2018 15:37:28 GMT -5
This has been a rollicking ride and I'm sorry it's over! You've definitely stuck the landing with a deft hand, weaving together all of the threads we've covered so far. Highlights for me including the Dark Knight's grit and forethought, even when wounded, Lex Luthor's clever intervention (I knew he was up to something!), and Waller's arrogant (entirely in character) dismissal of the billionaire!
I had a great laugh when Croc barrelled into the scene shouting "Second wind!" As always, every line out of Harley Quinn is priceless. You've got great comedic timing, Charlie.
You wound down the series nicely with as series of epilogues that provided the final pieces to a complex puzzle. I didn't feel like I was missing anything. Personally, I wish that the Parasite had finally bitten the dust-- he's too dangerous to leave standing!-- but know why he didn't and I want to see more of what Talia and Scandal are up to (that's one hell of a team). I look forward to seeing more of the Squad in the future.
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Post by oblique on May 10, 2018 15:30:49 GMT -5
I got a sneak peek at Charlie's contribution to this Annual, and I apologize if I missed any spelling issues! It was a great story with lots of reference that were all explained well and didn't slow down the story. I admit it was great to see Darkseid and his court of monsters again after his defeat in IXE! Superman was a pillar of strength and determination. I also appreciated Orion's moment in his fight with Darkseid (whose evil jab-- "Scott Free!"--was just vicious).
In many ways this story belonged to Lois Lane, which was fantastic. She was smart, bold, confidant. I also liked that, even still, she was shaken by what she witnessed. In the end stood up with the worst of them and showed what humanity has to offer, and what Superman wants us (and shows us how) to be. I liked she decided to take a step back, temporarily I'm sure, from "Superman's World." That said, I'm always frustrated when Lois doesn't realize that Superman and Clark Kent are one in the same...that's not to say it was an issue in this story, it just frustrated me at the end when she turned to Clark for advice. On the one hand it was cute, on the other hand kind of creepy? Regardless, this was a fantastic story seeding great stories to come.
Steve's contribution was short and sweet, a lovely tale that reminded me of "Superman: Secret Identity" (which I have never read). I enjoyed the subtle writing that hinted at a wider world for this incarnation of Clark Kent. I will say I didn't expect the big twist when Clark just up and flew out of the window! Fantastic! In every world, Clark Kent is a hero. Great job!
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Post by oblique on May 10, 2018 11:32:10 GMT -5
Just wanted to (belatedly) offer a thank you for reading and reviewing! UDC, you're totally right! My biggest inspiration for this was the TV series. Before I found DC2, I had a bunch of ideas for Young Justice Season 1 fanfiction, as I wanted to see more of "the team" and less of the new kids in Season 2. This represents a sort of fusion between the original comics and the show.
Thanks for reading! I did manage to keep this short and sweet, which is a rare effort for me! I can't promise the same for the first story. I definitely want to show how the team grows and learns from their mentors and, more importantly, each other.
Next issue will be up this month!
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Post by oblique on Apr 28, 2018 9:47:13 GMT -5
Thanks, Charlie! I appreciate your trust, and it was a ton of fun.
As always, the original team you guys assembled on the site had a stunning commitment to continuity, integrity, and creativity. It's almost intimidating, to be honest, but you guys created something special. You're long-simmering stories (like Justice League and Green Lanterns) are rewarding to read, teasing out snippets and hints and clues that build up to epic reveals!
You're doing the site honour, Charlie, as overblown as that might sound now...and it's been a pleasure to read and contribute!
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