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Post by oblique on Apr 28, 2018 9:42:13 GMT -5
Harley Quinn was a riot. (Also, she has powers now!? Poison Ivy!? I need to know more.) I have to admit, writing Harley was fun, as I think it should always be. I’ve mentioned elsewhere recently that wrote her once before and she was a glorified extra in the scene, playing a mostly silent second fiddle to the Joker. Making her almost meta in her sense of humour was something I thought would be in line with her current Deadpool-esque incarnation in the mainstream DCU, and with my own efforts to make all my stories pass the Bechdel Test it amused me to comment on it, in-story. Why the hell not, you know? With regards to her powers, that’s probably my bad. Early in her original late 90s / early 00s ongoing series, she crash landed in front of Poison Ivy after being launched out of the Joker’s hideout on a rocket (duh). Pamela nursed her back to health and gave her a serum to make her immune to toxins, and also one of the side effects was super strength. I assumed that was common knowledge but I could have elaborated on that more, as I’m wont to do in most of my stories. It made sense to have her have that in her powerset, but now thinking back to modern incarnation of the character… she never really shows that power off, does she? Oops Well, I've been skimming all of Suicide Squad to get a handle on what I might want to do with the characters (and for fun, ha) and one of Harley Quinn's last-ish appearances before Most Wanted was in Suicide Squad #6 where she was set to go on what would have been one hell of a psychedelic road trip with Black Orchid and Poison Ivy, after breaking Pamela out of Arkham. Sounds like someone had an idea for a spin-off or backup issues that didn't pan out. I thought that was just an amazing idea, and someone should write it one day (or at least reference it!) and that would fit with your notion. I think Harley needs metahuman abilities, frankly (as does the Joker in many cases), otherwise she would be very...dead. Very dead. Nothing too weird, really, just a little immunity to toxins and poisons, heightened reflexes and senses, a touch of superhuman strength. Psychics are insanely scary. Occasionally, psychics show up in fantasy or science fiction as an oppressed minority, usually portrayed sympathetically. I get it, but at the same time...making psychic or telepathic abilities illegal is something that I also understand. Shudder. Totally! They shouldn't be at odds, but you did a good job of portrayed their different methodologies coupled with mutual respect. Can't wait for next issue!
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Post by oblique on Apr 25, 2018 12:54:25 GMT -5
Great finale to a solid five part series, Charlie. Making Martian Manhunter (rather, Ma'alef'ak) the villain created an intimidating challenge for our heroes. His formidable abilities and ruthless, nay, malicious, telepathic powers set up one hell of a challenge. There were your trademark elements of creeping dread, even horror, in this run, tempered by some awesome "SUPER-SCIENCE!" I loved Kord and Booster, and that was a sad, touching way to go at the end there. Blue Beetle's headed for a dark place! I really liked the scene when Beetle just sat down and talked with a villain, reminding me of Batman and Flash's finest moments in the Justice League Unlimited, like "Flash and Substance" (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xl91v2Mvv94).
The ending was tough, but I really enjoyed seeing more of Bruce and Diana. Good denouement!
P.S. The Tooth fairy almost too good for a backup! Feels like a great Batman story. Great reveal of Jones' new identity.
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Post by oblique on Apr 25, 2018 12:45:15 GMT -5
Well, it's finally up! It's an honour to have an actual issue posted on the site. I want to say thank you to Charlie, Joey Jarin, and Mark Boyers. Jarin's cover does a perfect job of capturing my notes on character design! Mark was honest and helpful, smoothing my dense writing and pointing out a few structural concerns that will help me improve pacing in the future. Any remaining errors are all mine, folks! Charlie was instrumental in getting this series off the ground -- he was kind enough to let me rework Young Justice into something of my own, giving me a ton of latitude to develop an ongoing series, while also poking and prodding in the best way. His input on canon, lore, and general ideas are instrumental to this series.
This is just a teaser to help new readers identify the returning members of Young Justice and drop a few hints of what's to come! I'll be putting my own spin on Young Justice while doing my best to integrate DC2's years of rich storytelling. I hope it works!
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Post by oblique on Apr 22, 2018 11:34:24 GMT -5
I had a sneak peek at this issue as Charlie brought me on board to help out! I picked up on the "magic team's" thread and took a stab at describing "the greatest jailbreak in all of existence." You can probably tell as my scenes lack Charlie's smooth flow! It's still an ongoing process, folks. I'll admit there's a few lines I feel proud of in those scenes, and I had a blast writing the mind-bending, reality-twisting forces of magic and all that. Hope I can carry the thread forward in a satisfactory fashion!
As for the rest of this issue, wow, what an incredible saga! Charlie, Susan, et al. have really put together an incredible ode to the site's cast of characters and impressive history. I particularly enjoyed Red Hood's role, what a funny turn! Spectrum, Carrie Kelly, wow! Taht was fun to see. Jason had some laugh-out-loud lines, but Jessica takes the top spot: “My dad always said that’s how they breed them in Gotham."
The beginning of the issue was also quite clever. Ted Grant's curmudgeonly recap was inspired. Jumping ahead, I also loved Kara's scenes in the Phantom Zone and her (thank goodness) reunion with Lena.
While I know it’s not permanent, per se, but Hank and Guys’ sacrifices were very well done. Jesse Quick’s scenes had this amazing bittersweet sense of loss as well. Charlie, you're buiding to an incredible finale! Very well written.
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Post by oblique on Apr 22, 2018 11:09:41 GMT -5
This series is one hell of a ride! Picking up right where we left off, it was nice to see the Suicide Squad holding their own (even 'having fun' in their unique way) in a fight with the Big Three, but Wonder Woman was UNSTOPPABLE. Amazing! What an awesome battle. Harley Quinn was a riot. (Also, she has powers now!? Poison Ivy!? I need to know more.) You captured Diana's calm balance of indomitable warrior and compassionate diplomat.
Waller's scenes with Psimon and General Hardcastle were nasty and ugly. Very dark. Psychics are the worst. Can't wait to see what Waller, June Moone, and LUTHOR get up to!
The brief scene at Belle Reve with the Justice League was also a ton of fun. "Who needs Batman?" Great line! The Fearsome Five and Martian Manhunter! Man, some deep cuts! Meanwhile, Superman and Batman are on a ride of their own. The Bat-Rocket! That's precious. As always, the banter between the two heroes was spot-on. Clark's trust and calm is always so...refreshing, somehow. As for the ending, what another twist! Amazing work, Charlie.
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Post by oblique on Mar 21, 2018 22:00:22 GMT -5
Okay, I have to say - DeeBee is a terrible pet name for poor Bruce Wayne. In all honesty, though, this was an awesome issue. Ton of fun. Looking forward to the next one!
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Post by oblique on Mar 20, 2018 10:40:08 GMT -5
Great issue! I've been following this series with a big grin on my face. As usual, Charlie, you've a knack for impeccable plotting and amusing timing. The story continues to unfold with some serious twists and turns!
This was a awesome continuation of the knock-em-down, drag-em-out fight between villains and heroes from the previous issue with one hell of a twist - two, actually! I just KNEW Amanda Waller wasn't dead - she's like a cockroach - but I did not anticipate the Secret Society rearing their ugly head! Then, during the battle at Arkham, Wonder Woman shows up to save the day. (Well, we'll see! Nice reference to Batman v Superman, too!) I can't believe Lambert was foolish enough to fire the beam. This is not going to end well!
Great work!
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Post by oblique on Mar 16, 2018 11:45:33 GMT -5
This was a powerful and creepy four-part story that truly showcased your writing talent, Charlie: excellent dialogue, spine-tingling ambience, and careful plotting. Very cool! I loved your idea to throw Green Lantern and Cthulhu together! I wouldn't have thought it would, but it does. You've mentioned that urban horror is your preferred bailiwick, and your passion for the material definitely shines in these issues. Your description of the Ring's hideous constructs and the haunted town were fantastic.
My only quibble with these issues as Angela Spica - not her inclusion, she seems like a really good character (is she from the Wildstorm Universe?) but I felt like you overemphasized the biochemical influences on her mental state. This is a minor concern, I simply raised an eyebrow at how readily and easily she was manipulating her own emotions. That said, it was one hell of a situation! I truly enjoyed Batman and Hawkman's different responses and how Batman was awesome without feeling untouchable (something I think I've said before, so perhaps this will be the last time I mention it! You know what you're doing.) Batman testing himself the the infection was hilarious.
Finally, part four delivered a strong finish. Lane and the Guardian butting heads was fun to read. Maybe there's more of a connection to Kirby's worlds hidden in these issues, waiting to be teased out in the future? I'd be down.
P.S. I hope to review more recent issues (what a bounty of titles!) A.S.A.P.!
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Post by oblique on Mar 11, 2018 13:17:09 GMT -5
Such is life for an "M for Mature" writer, I suppose!
I loved the dialogue and the absurdist, comedic twist John Constantine has on serious or even scary events. Reminds me a little of a more mature (in a few ways) Harry Dresden, one of my favorite ongoing series (although it ain't perfect).
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Post by oblique on Mar 5, 2018 15:31:10 GMT -5
Great work, Charlie! Somehow, I belatedly realized that you were kind enough to give me an (editorial?) credit. Thanks, mate! I'm not sure if it's deserved, as I had little to offer, and that's a compliment to your skill as a writer and obvious affinity for the character. John Constantine's world is such a great corner of the DC Universe and, like you said, urban fantasy is our preferred oeuvre. This shines through every line of dialogue, insight (at least for me) into British culture, and striking turn of phrase. “Well, I’ve lost my train of thought now, John.” Priceless.
As a prologue, this is a short introduction to a much vaster world and a what sounds like an engaging quest. I'm hooked, for sure! I'm looking forward to the next issue!
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Post by oblique on Feb 24, 2018 12:36:03 GMT -5
Time travel shenanigans with Booster! This was a very compelling, dramatic issue, with a lot of laughs (Booster and Blue Beetle are always good for a laugh) and a sad twist. It felt like a lot was happening in this issue, but I never lost track of the core plot threads.
What an ending! This is definitely going to come back to haunt Booster.
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Post by oblique on Feb 10, 2018 11:59:07 GMT -5
That's a really interesting read on the character, but like you say, I don’t think it’s the one I subscribe to. I think of Bruce Wayne as trying to do the right thing against impossible odds, because no one else can. He does all he can for this city that is broken, not just as Batman, but as Bruce Wayne The Character, the one who promotes charity work, is pumping money into infrastructure and education, mental health programs, rehabilitation… I agree! That's my preferred take on the character as well. But because charitable work and civic reform don't make it onto the pages of the comics all that often, I've often had debates with non-comic book friends over the ethics of Batman. I'll hear that he's just a rich man beating up poor people, basically. Like I said, it's a shallow reading. In my personal 'timeline' of Batman, though, I think there is this moment in his career after he's toppled organized crime, pushed them out (to an extent) of the mayor's office and the police force, and started to inspire other good people to fight back...that Batman can tip from someone working against an oppressive system to someone enabling a broken system. A stronger take on the character is that he learns and grows, starts using Wayne Enterprises to reform the city and do the things that Batman can't. But, due to the nature of comic books, sometimes it looks like all he does is face a revolving set of villains that no one seems to know how to manage or rehabilitate. That leads to stories like Batman: White Knight or even The Dark Knight Rises and Miller's Batman: a character tained with bitterness, defeat, and anger that he uses to punish rather than protect, lacking the core of compassion and determination that should be at the heart of Bruce Wayne. YES! Sometimes I think that, for a while, after that formless grief and need for vengeance had solidified, that Batman was the "real" Bruce Wayne for a few years...something that Bruce might have even told himself to keep going when Batman was all he was, all he was doing every minute of every day...but it was something that protected him and sheltered his true self. That the playboy, of course, is a mask, but the inner Bruce Wayne was always there too.
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Post by oblique on Feb 8, 2018 17:36:32 GMT -5
Interesting! Looking forward to it. I enjoyed that you dropped a few mentions that I think reflected our conversations about the Squad, so I'm thrilled to see more unfold over the next three issues.
It's arguable that the middle portion of Batman's career - after he has driven out organized crime and when he started cooperating more fully with the GCPD - is most explored as being misdirected or flawed; the idea that his obsession with crime leads him to confront the symptoms, not the cause; to support a broken policing system that punishes the poor and mentally ill rather than helping them. I mean, it' a common (if ultimately shallow) reading of Batman. You don't see it in the alt-universes or timelines when he's fighting the system, but when he is the system? The mainstream DCU? Arguably, he can be portrayed as being very oppressive! That's not my preferred reading of the material, but it's plausible if the story in question falls flat.
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Post by oblique on Feb 7, 2018 20:43:43 GMT -5
Ha! Very excited! Ah, Batman. He's always had such a dynamic position in the DCU: ultimately more precarious than most public heroes, and yet also more sinister and influential. As you said, when an individual is in opposition to the majority they expose themselves to immense risk!
I'm not surprised you're having a fun time writing Harley Quinn. She has such bombastic charm, with a ready excuse to go in almost any direction you want as a writer.
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Post by oblique on Feb 6, 2018 21:00:16 GMT -5
I was surprised to see this issue up so soon, but excited after last issue's incredible cliffhanger. This issue is an excellent sequel, with just enough action but another solid cliffhanger - great pacing!
I loved the round-up of the current "Task Force X." You've got a good grip on each member and how they're interesting. Flagg seems like he's lost it a little, I'm having a little trouble believing he cares THAT much about Waller. Waller's leadership style doesn't seem to really lend itself to much loyalty. But I do find it plausible the government is eager to assassinate Batman, even if the president hopes to find another way out. My current theory is that Waller is faking her down death to spur Project: Twilight to activation.
I enjoyed the fight with Batman. Batman is just powerful enough in this scene; he doens't lose outright even though he's in a disadvantageous position, but he takes down most of the Squad. The villains all show their strengths and weaknesses. This is also an interesting contrast with Dick’s battle with the previous Task Force X. Dick had time to be "Bat-prepared" and whipped their butts last time!
Can’t wait to see what happens next with Batman and Superman!
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Post by oblique on Jan 26, 2018 16:07:50 GMT -5
I think your version of the Mad Hatter balanced the terror and whimsy well, which makes it all the more disturbing, without going too far into "uck" territory. Guardian definitely feels like Steve Rogers, but with enough differences that I never looked at him as a Captain America expy. Like you said, he's lived through those changes and wars. He's not the same rose-tinted, or even whitewashed, ideal of a bygone era like Captain America can be in some books. All I'm trying to say is I've enjoyed his presence in the League, more than perhaps I thought I would!
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Post by oblique on Jan 26, 2018 16:03:07 GMT -5
That's all true. He's definitely not a Mary Sue, which is good. He feels like part of the team in terms of his contributions and powers.
It's tricky to introduce new characters (and I'll run into this problem myself on Young Justice, I'm sure) and I think you've done a good job! By character relationships, I didn't quite mean a goodwill tour, but some asides with current Leaguers. There are definitely constraints to what you can do in one or two titles, and you've done an amazing job fleshing out a whole universe in these titles! So much more success than failure, I'd say. I'll see what happens in the next arc!
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Post by oblique on Jan 26, 2018 15:57:43 GMT -5
Wow! It's pretty cool to see my (paltry) contributions included in such a great collection of issues. I got a ton of little hints of things to come, stories from Justice League that I look forward to reading, and great ideas.
First up, “Pace is the Trick” launches the annual with an amazing opening line. Gave me quite a laugh! A very nice play on words. The remaining issues present both a brilliant concept (a superhero retirement home and the return of an old villain) and dynamic characters. The Zenith is a great villain. The conclusion and "Secret Life of the Flash" gave me more questions than answers. I'll just have to wait and see.
Next up, “Adventures in Babysitting” is just fantastic. I adore superhero slice of life. I will say that I'm sure I'd be so quick to forgive my friends for pulling a trick like that! One tough test, indeed; I'd need to read a few baby books first... I can’t wait for more Green Lantern issues with Hal and Chloe as I peruse the back list, or more to come. Chloe's ongoing presence in these titles warms my old childhood 'Smallville' fan's heart.
Next, “Like Night and Day” is an awesome, and all too brief, Batman/Superman story. One of the best team-ups in comics for a reason. I would hope to see more of them together in your capable hands, Charlie, as you have a great grasp of their voices and relationship. This was a creepy hook for (future) plots.
The “The Little Things” was a fun little aside. I love scenes like this. My bet - nanotech in the drinks! This is why Batman is so paranoid.
Finally, “Spiralling” was a ton of fun! Okay, I love Firestorm now. What an interesting legacy hero…Professor Stein and new partners in the matrix. I'm glad she's a new addition to the League, with a great presence on the page.
My own contributions feel a little over-written in comparison. This is a learning process for me, and I appreciate all of Charlie's work and the genesis for the 10 Years Later story. I'll need to work on cutting down and refining my writing! thank you for the opportunity to contribute.
Last but not least, great cover! I love the logo (from the films) and the long narrow panels are perfect for an anthology issue. Awesome!
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Post by oblique on Jan 25, 2018 12:31:08 GMT -5
Don't fret about Majestros too much! A lot of that is me...I'm sometimes a bit stodgy and want to see more of my favourite characters. I'm always wary of adding new characters myself, but that's a flaw on my part!
Perhaps Majestros hasn't had some good bonding with the other Leaguers (with the exception of Hawkman, I should say, that was pretty cool). Maybe need some more time from his P.O.V. exploring his fish-out-of-water life on Earth and how he's torn between his past and his present...? Of course, you're already twenty issues ahead so this might be incredibly redundant of me. But I'll keep an open mind moving forward!
Is Kobra still in play? Like any good cult or terrorist organization, they just keep festering...! If Batwoman and the Outsiders can't finish them for good, perhaps the Suicide Squad is more suited to cut off the head of the snake!
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Post by oblique on Jan 23, 2018 16:15:33 GMT -5
Great issue! I love the idea of the Mad Hatter vs the President. Seeing President Stuart and the ongoing development of the site's continuity since Justice League vs. America! I love Batman and Wonder Woman's case that hit a little close to home in Gateway. A nice showcase for their relationship and respective skills.
Guardian reminds me a little of Superman with different training and background, like a depowered Clark Kent from an alternate reality.
I was hoping for a finale to the Outsiders backup. Better read the next issue, ha!
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Post by oblique on Jan 23, 2018 14:46:51 GMT -5
This was a strong pair of issues, "Dreams of War and Annihilation" and "Terms of Worship and Belief." First, amazing titles as usual. Second, this was a great plot and a tough challenge that deserved the League's attention. It's interesting to see Wonder Woman's Rogues Gallery involved with the League; like Superman and the Lanterns, her villains really are global-level threats. Ares and Circe were fantastic villains. Really cool ideas at work.
Majestros isn't growing on me, alas. But I really enjoyed the Guardian's role, and agree with the other letters that his conflict with Batman was very compelling.
The backup issue was also solid. Batman's interactions with Barbara were very interesting, playing on their long relationship in the DC2. Naga is creepy as all hell and that was a damn fine cliffhanger.
Cheers, Oblique
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Post by oblique on Jan 16, 2018 18:34:42 GMT -5
Very dark and interesting issue and a return to form for Charlie on Green Lantern. Your take on the dark side of being responsible for a universe full of powerful monsters is always an engaging read!
This issue featured a great battle. I loved seeing John pull out all the stops on Auron. Throwing pieces of planet around really emphasizes that the Power Rings are the most powerful weapons in the universe. Evil Star received a sinister origin story with a great twist (I did think he was going to be the Auran scientist). John's handling of the situation was superb. Love his professionalism and attention to details (like preparing messages in case he went missing).
There were some very interesting teasers for what's to come when John was sucked into the black hole, followed by another big twist. Darn it, Parallax! Man, that was brutal... Well, I'll be back for more!
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Post by oblique on Jan 15, 2018 10:51:30 GMT -5
Sounds like you have a lot on your plate, Charlie. The site continues to impress me. Can't wait for all of the stories you've discussed, wow!
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Post by oblique on Jan 13, 2018 11:06:37 GMT -5
This was an amazing, bonkers, exciting tale of time-travel and heroism. A true homage to fifty issues and decades of character history. I loved seeing your take on the pre-Justice League Big Seven - still my favourite incarnation of the team, sue me, I'm basic. The cover and descriptions of the original costumes were delightful. I'm definitely intrigued by this mysterious Batman origin story (and we've actually touched on a few of your ideas for that before, too!) I'd even love a look at pre-Justice League Superman, but he's a little trickier. But I think Arthur and Mera were my favourite characters in this issue. Just amazing
The backup story starring the Outsiders continues to be a lot of fun and I like seeing the ongoing threat of Kobra. Overall, this was a very fun issue. Five stars.
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Post by oblique on Jan 9, 2018 15:18:54 GMT -5
What an interesting origin story for Superboy in Action Comics #34 through to #40. Brian has created a complicated and compelling young man. I really enjoyed the dialogue and moments between the members of the Super-Family. At the same time, I wasn't thrilled by Kara's (thankfully brief) exposure to Red-Black Krytonite. A bit icky for my tastes, and all too common for female characters to end up in that situation. That said Luthor and Sivana's interactions were a true riot. Hilarious!
I also really liked Lois and Superman, but thought that she had figured out his identity as well! Frankly, she really needs to figure it out (preferably) or he should tell her (if necessary), especially if they're supposed to be in a relationship in the future. That wasn't the subject of this story, however.
Superboy was a ton of fun! I look forward to seeing him more, and I wish I could see the costume in the cover, but the image is missing. I'm trying my hand at Young Justice at the moment, so it was great to read up on his origins in the DC2 Universe.
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Post by oblique on Jan 7, 2018 20:58:56 GMT -5
That's true! I'm buzzing with ideas, but there's definitely not enough time to do them all (I'm trying to stay focused, ha!) Anthology-style issues may be the best way to doodle on some characters I've always liked, one day anyways!
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Post by oblique on Jan 7, 2018 15:15:31 GMT -5
Interesting! I'd love to see evil-but-manipulative-and-subtle Lex return in Green Lantern! Can't wait.
Maybe someone will pick up the story of Supergirl in an ongoing one day, because there's great potential there.
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Post by oblique on Jan 3, 2018 16:51:30 GMT -5
That helps, actually. I think it's worked, too! I like the fact that the intelligence community has such a history...rise and fall, different factions and reforms, etc. It was certainly enough for the story, I just didn't know where to place it in the context of my ongoing readings. Well, now I'm worried...Can't wait for the next issue! I might try to carve out some time to read Secret Society of Supervillains, too! And the cover was fantastic. Set a great tone for the series and helped me to visualize a suitably scary Parasite. Cheers!
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Post by oblique on Jan 3, 2018 11:46:53 GMT -5
This was a ton of fun, Charlie! I love the Suicide Squad when handled correctly, and this was pitch-perfect. Action, espionage, ruthless professionalism. I loved your thoughtful breakdown of how different aspects of the operation would work - field teams, overwatch, Belle Reve security. I enjoyed the continuity nods - Checkmate, the Global Peace Agency, and so on. Waller provided a brief 'state of the world' in her opening dialogue, which was nice, but I do think it could have provided a tad more context. Then again, that might just be my problem because I'm jumping back and forth around the site too much!
Project Twilight sounds scary but the Parasite was terrifying! What a sinister new take on the character. Seeing the squad take on someone like Parasite is the best part of a good Task Force X story: villain vs. villain, scary vs. scary. Of course, just when everything seemed like it was going smooth-ish....what a cliff hanger! I don't believe it's Batman, but we'll see.
I look forward to seeing how Waller and Deathstroke or his employer's agendas collide. Flagg and Trevor, as always, will be caught in the middle as the 'good soldiers.'
Cheers!
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Post by oblique on Jan 3, 2018 11:18:40 GMT -5
I'm going back through Action Comics and very much enjoyed this interesting new origin story for Supergirl, starting in issue 24 up to issue 31. Supergirl (Kara Zor-El) is one of my favourite characters in DC Comics and I was excited to see her in DC2, although I am going backwards from Charlie's amazing run on Superwoman.
Roy's understanding of Superman is amazing and his portrayal of the character is spot on. Supergirl is a great complement to the Man of Steel. I love seeing Martha and 'the Farm' as part of this origin story, and how intertwined Kara is with Kal's life on Earth. Keelex making an appearance as a phone is awesome - I sense a little Transformers, but in a good way! I also like removing Luthor from the board for a bit to let the Super-Family stretch their wings.
Great run!
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