|
|
Post by starlord on Jul 22, 2008 20:26:31 GMT -5
Please let us know what you think!
|
|
|
|
Post by Merai on Jul 27, 2008 6:47:16 GMT -5
Wow.
I don't really know what to say other than this- in one issue, you made me really care about quite a few characters I've never cared about before, and it's one of the better "character" issues I've read in quite a while.
And you made me like Terra- a pretty gargantuan feat in itself.
In more depth, the constant scene jumping was odd at first but was an effective narrative technique which kept the story moving, reminded us what bizarre lives the Titans lead and provided the "action" quota for the issue, but this issue was entirely about the characters, and that was brilliantly done. Yes, the issue was "slow" from a technical perspective but I think that was generally justified, and the chemistry between Beast Boy and Terra in particular really shone- the description of the morning after was funny and genuine at the same time.
While the "cartoon" joke was maybe a little too on the nose, in general the humour was well placed, and from Dagon to Wally, everyone had a few lines that made me smile- and then you rounded it off with an ending to keep the reader coming back. The opening scene was a bit misleading- I felt you opened on an interesting place but how they came to be in that predicament and the follow-up wasn't touched on at all (I realise that wasn't the intention of the scene, but it did feel like a cheat since it was an opening that grabbed attention) and the way they got out of it with the belt was also a bit convenient. (Liked the Batman continuity reference, by the way)
While it was a slow issue from that standpoint and one or two of the scenes, while well written, felt a bit superfluous, it was a really great character piece and I'm eager to know what that e-mail said and what the follow-up will be! 4 stars.
|
|
|
|
Post by arcalian on Jul 27, 2008 12:05:05 GMT -5
Thanks. Merai!
One of the points of this issue was to show time passing as Terra settled in with the team, and we saw a couple adventures (Those that hated superheros and Colonel DeGoss) in passing/summary form for that reason. A lot of nods to classic stories here, and yes, some personal indulgences (the time travel scene and the ice cream parlor (which is a real place; I've been there).
Yes, the morning after dialogue. I had to rewrite that a couple times, particularly some of what Tara had to say. Thanks to Brian for input on that one.
I also had to majorly rewrite the Batman scene, because when I first constructed the script it was going to be Bruce, and Tim wasn't even in it! When I went to the Bat-team to ask permission, I was informed of some, uh, changes I needed to make.....
As for the email, well yeah.....I think you can guess who sent it.....
Now all that remains is for Ramon's cover to be added. Sadly, of course, it will be his last, at least for a long time....but I am looking forward to Joey Jarin taking over next month, as his samples are amazing!
|
|
|
|
Post by HoM on Aug 1, 2008 10:56:36 GMT -5
Really enjoyed the opening scene of the book. The banter between Terra and Starfire was brilliant, and I was anxious to see what happened next.
I also liked the second scene, but then the third bugged me. Because we all know you're a big Terra fan, and the fact that she's in every scene shows writer's bias, and I just wish you wouldn't do it. You've got a great handle on her, which is good considering your position as number-one-terrifying-Terra-fan-of-the-world, but I'm just getting irritated at seeing her constantly. I think I can see where you're coming from, using her eyes as our own to view the team, but I just thought it could have been conveyed much subtler. Beast Boy holding her hand was nice though. Made me smile.
The disjointed narrative was interesting, flashing forwards backwards (or that's how it felt... It was sometimes difficult to keep track) but it's a cool way to tell a story and I can get behind it pretty easily, as it's a style I use in The Question (but to a higher degree, you know?)
Also thought The Usual Suspects reference was pretty funny, ha. Nice one.
All in all, a strong issue, an awesome cover for Ramon to leave on, but I just wish Terra wasn't stealing all the spotlight. But I guess this was a spotlight issue on her, an attempt to develop her character more so than the bad girl illegitimate "hero" we all know.
|
|
|
|
Post by arcalian on Aug 1, 2008 14:52:16 GMT -5
Yes, Charlie, this is the first of a two parter that spotlights Terra. I hope that after next issue the hows and whys of it will become clear. I can promise you that I have no plans for a Terra-centric story in Teen Titans after this. (Note the emphasis, there.) This story is designed to resolve certain issues regarding the character, and I think you can guess what those issues are.
But thanks for the feedback. I find it ironically amusing that the second person to respond is you, after Ramon finally put his (beautiful) last cover up.
Edit: Oh, and all the litte vignettes occur in chronological order. No backwards or forwards to it, it's all in a straight line. The point is, time passes.
|
|
|
|
Post by starlord on Aug 1, 2008 22:33:31 GMT -5
actually I have to respectfully disagree with you on this one, Charlie. This may have been a bit Terra-centric, but I don't think it stopped the other characters from shining at all. And knowing what a Terra fan, Jay is, and the fact that she's been in the group for a little while now, I'd say it's the perfect time to get to know the DC2 version a little bit more. I know what Jay is planning in the future and this story may focus on Terra, but in his overall picture, this is mearly one snap shot of a member of the team.  |
|
|
|
Post by HoM on Aug 2, 2008 4:12:07 GMT -5
I could see that we were getting another view of the characters from a more Terra-focused POV, but I still felt they were a bit short changed, but with the knowledge that this is a two-parter meant to focus on the character? S'all good. Next issue should be brilliant!
|
|
|
|
Post by michealdark on Aug 2, 2008 15:22:42 GMT -5
I really loved this chapter. Of course I would, as I'm a huge Tara fan, and a pretty big Tara/Gar shipper. But it just, this relationship, it's just seemed to evolve so organically that them getting to this stage already doesn't seem sudden in the least. And I'm curious as to what was making Tara want to cry at the end as well. Looking good and I can't wait for the next part.
|
|
|
|
Post by Alex on Aug 5, 2008 21:36:24 GMT -5
I kinda agree with Charlie, it kinda felt like Terra was being force down my throat. I know the ballon-bod reference is sort of an homage to the character, but it felt dated IMO. That probably sounds harsh, but it's really not. All in all, i still felt like it was a solid read. I'm not a big Terra Fan, and am more of a fan of the new Titans series than the older one, so it probably didn't agree with me as much as older readers.
Solid work.
|
|
|
|
Post by arcalian on Aug 5, 2008 21:38:55 GMT -5
Hopefully after next issue, the reasons why I'm writing this story will become clear.
|
|
|
|
Post by David on Aug 5, 2008 22:02:41 GMT -5
... it kinda felt like Terra was being force down my throat. I know the ballon-bod reference is sort of an homage to the character, but it felt dated IMO. Hey! Starfire is balloon-bod! This cannot stand! |
|
|
|
Post by lissilambe on Aug 7, 2008 12:40:43 GMT -5
This issue was a bit of a disappointment for me. I love Terra, loved her original incarnation as set up way back by Wolfman and Perez, and was very much intrigued by the second Terra's mystery brought into being in the Nineties. I was very unhappy at how that was brought to an abrupt throwaway ending, and I've been a big fan of seeing Jay bring her to prominence here on DC2.
On the other hand, I can't help but agree that Terra's being made a spotlight character, not just in this issue, but since her debut back in Suicide squad, and made nearly the central character in every story since then, even the ones that don't focus on her. This issue was the most blatant example of this. i also get a feeling of impatience from the writer with her, like he just has to get all of these stories involving her out there as soon as possible, and honestly, it's hurting my enjoyment. I'd already felt like the Terra/Gar relationship was getting a bit of a fast-track, but one issue encompassing so much time and so much relationship-oriented growth that could provide grist for months of stories dismays me, and also makes me feel like I'm watching a family sitcom instead (not the humor, just how everything wraps up to a feel-good ending in thirty minutes).
A lot of the dialog fell flat to me as well. Everyone just sort of talked like everyone else, and there were several examples of people talking that didn't seem to fit their personlities.
It was too much in too short a time, and then compiled into this two-parter, and I feel like I'm being dragged through all of this so we can get to the "good stuff" that Brian and Jay allude to, and it just left me disappointed in lost opportunities, I guess.
Sorry to sound negative about this. I love Terra, and I've enjoyed Titans, but this just didn't work for me.
Take care
Don
|
|
|
|
Post by arcalian on Aug 7, 2008 16:02:18 GMT -5
Well I thought this was good stuff, and I took care to make sure people sounded like themselves. For people who don't like the character, the second part will explain the reason for writing it. Not that this stuff isn't "Good" or wasn't meant to be, I had more fun with this part, while the second part is more hard-line point-by-point blow-by-blow linear narrative.
If you think I've over exposed Terra (aside from this issue and the crossover), well then I'm sorry. I thought I had featured everyone fairly well (except maybe Donna, something I am working on). I really don't know what to say. I've done my best; I love all these characters. (It was no accident that I asked to keep Dagon from Mark's run, for example). I hope that shines through.
*helpless spreading of hands* And as for you, Don; previously I;ve said I think that I'll always be a dissapointment to you. That is not a condemnation of you, nor angry venting; it is simple acknowledgement of the fact that your professional=level critiques of my work will always find me wanting. I'm a fan, writing fan fiction; a professional published novelist I am not, yet, and probably never will be, given how much time I spend doing this rather than trying to get an actual book published. So I rather fear you will always find me something of a let down. When I write a villain simply to be the villain, for example, that's not to my mind any kind of bad thing. Tha t is why the villain is there, period. If that's how the villain feels, then I've done something right; if on the other hand I spend too much time "fleshing out" the villain, then that takes time away from the heroes, a common flaw in superhero writing. Now, that balance can be achieved, you yourself, Don, do it admirably with your bonnie and clyde villain couple in Justice League. I find that something I can't do. If that makes me seem shallower as a writer, then I am sorry. But it is what I am, and what I do. While I strive to improve as a writer, there is a difference between improvement and totally changing my style to something closer to what you do. The former, I can do; the latter I can't.
Which is not to say I don't enjoy your style; I've loved your Justice League run; and enjoyed the pulp feel of those Danger Trail stories I've had time to read (which, sadly, isn't nearly enough of them). It's just that I can only do what I can do, and I fear that what I do will never satisfy your professional-minded critiques of my work. Not that I imply any malice or callousness on your part; I know full well you are trying to help me by pointing out areas where you think I need work. But the simple truth is that my style of writing is probably never going to satisfy you. That saddens me, but it is what it is.
|
|
