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Post by Admin on May 14, 2008 17:19:35 GMT -5
Welcome to the End of the World
an introduction by Charles HoM
Let me educate you.
The issue is The Flash #9 and, by God, is it a poorly written piece of rubbish... but there’s one thing that is important. The opening. Wally West resides in Titans Tower. And he’s attacked by someone talking nonsense, who appears from nowhere, and wants to take Kid Flash back to nowhere with him! Wally fights him off, the man vanishes [and then Wally is possessed by a speed force demon that mutates him and causes Jay Garrick and Barry Allen to call in Doctor Occult, who is totally messed up because he was originally supposed to be John Constantine, but had to be re-written at the last minute because of apparent clashes with other writers] and all is well with the world.
Or is it?
Who was the man? What is his mission? Why was he obsessed with kidnapping Wally? And why was he too weak to do so? Chris Paugh and I knew, all those months ago. Heck, let’s say over a year ago, because that’s what it was. Over a year ago, the seeds of this story were set.
Action Comics #6. My final issue on that book before the Apokolips Imperative. A time-displaced hero arrives, and because he’s in the wrong time frame, his powers threaten to make him implode in the time line. He’s saved by Rip Hunter… Who found another world where he could live. Another world… in the Multiverse!
Another seed. Another thing forgotten by everyone. Everyone but Chris Paugh and I.
Because we were building a story. And we had big plans.
Then Chris left. I didn’t want to go forward without him and we put the event on the back burner. It’s no fun to do a project that you planned for weeks by yourself when you’ve no longer got a co-writer. We collaborated, sure, on Powers, Inc., but it wasn’t our event. We laid more hints, Booster Gold’s exile from the time stream for a year, another Rip Hunter apparently behind it. Things were getting messy. How many different variations on Rip Hunter were there? Who knew. And who knew why?
I think you know the answer by now: Chris and I did.
Then the Booster Gold solo book came onto the scene only just recently, spinning out of the events of Powers, Inc! And Chris and I spoke, and we agreed, this might be the chance to do something big. So I pestered Pat. Oh, how I pestered him. And I bullied him into line, I stole his chair and broke his computer so he had to come down into the basement with Chris and I, and we started plotting this monster.
And this is the fruit of our labours.
You may have questions, you might not.
But either way, we’re going to give you answers. If you like it or not.
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The Shadow
New Member
What Darkness Lurks in the Hearts of Men? The Shadow Knows!
Posts: 27
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Post by The Shadow on May 16, 2008 13:48:59 GMT -5
Well, looks like I'm first. It's been a while that you guys have been hinting at a particular mini-series and this seems to be the start of it. First off I want to say how impressed I am at how the writing in this issue was. The scenes with the Rouges was fantastic. I got a very nice sense of how that is going to shape and the distinct personalities that they all have. Extant comes across as quite the dictator and a force to be wary of. I already have a suspicion of what his connection to our heroes might be, and it it is correct I think it's wild. I'm very curious to see who the three "figures" are that got together "somewhere in time". I'm going to bet that they are either 1) Monitors or 2) Different versions of an existing character. What brings to mind the question: are some of the characters from different Earths being used ones from the other titles being "published" at the DC3 site? I got the idea that at least the Captain Marvel was. The scene where Booster confronts Rip Hunter was really well done. Booster has done a lot of growing from the start of his series it seems. I'm very curious to see where you guys are going with this story. It seems to be shaping into an epic one, and I hope it's going to blow minds. Kidnapping heroes with super speed? I can only imagine what Extant has in store for them. I also have to say, and I do not say this lightly, that the cover for this issue was just about the best I have seen on this site and that is saying a lot because I have seen some excellent covers. Impulse's face just shows a great mixture of surprise and fear. I'm floored by how well done the cover is and cannot wait to see what the next cover looks like. Now you say this is to be continued in Zero Hour number five, so I'm going to guess you are counting backwards? Either that or I missed four issues.  Excellent work everyone. Top notch. Just about the best combination of writing and art I have seen on this site so far. |
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Post by chris on May 17, 2008 13:50:44 GMT -5
Thank you Shadow! Yes that is the Shazan earth from DC3, good eye. All the earths should link up.
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Zoom
Staff
Bleargh!!!
Posts: 397
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Post by Zoom on May 19, 2008 16:16:53 GMT -5
I read it. I liked it. I gave it a four.
I loved the way you people introduced the rogues. I didn't like such a powerful, cosmic villain like Extant saying bitch-slapped (I mean, it's almost like Darkseid saying "I'ma kick your ass").
I actually had to re-read some bac issues to fully understand it, but it was awesome.
Don't let me down, people.
Owo
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Post by HoM on May 19, 2008 16:47:31 GMT -5
As I'm the main writer on the first issue, I'll try not to let you down, Seb! And I assure you, I tried to make the debut instalment as accessible as I possibly could. Plus, it has Hawkman  ... ... Why you would care, I do not know. |
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Post by chris on May 19, 2008 18:58:53 GMT -5
Um...Charlie that wanst number five yet. It was Countdown.
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RocketeerZ
Staff
Don't look at me, it was broken when I got here.
Posts: 379
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Post by RocketeerZ on May 20, 2008 7:55:54 GMT -5
I read it. I liked it. I gave it a four. Excellent. Glad you enjoyed it. I loved the way you people introduced the rogues. I didn't like such a powerful, cosmic villain like Extant saying bitch-slapped (I mean, it's almost like Darkseid saying "I'ma kick your ass"). The Rogue sequence was quite fun to write. I'm glad it came across well. Perhaps the "bitch-smack" line is actually a clue that Extant is more than meets the eye? I actually had to re-read some bac issues to fully understand it, but it was awesome. Don't let me down, people. Owo I was a little afraid it might need some backreading, but was hoping it would be fairly accessable to those who haven't read the Action, Flash and Booster Gold issues that are connected (to a point) to this. I'm glad to hear you found it awesome. As for leeting you down... We won't. Promise. |
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RocketeerZ
Staff
Don't look at me, it was broken when I got here.
Posts: 379
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Post by RocketeerZ on May 20, 2008 8:16:30 GMT -5
Well, looks like I'm first. It's been a while that you guys have been hinting at a particular mini-series and this seems to be the start of it. First off I want to say how impressed I am at how the writing in this issue was. The scenes with the Rouges was fantastic. I got a very nice sense of how that is going to shape and the distinct personalities that they all have. . Thanks very much Shadow. You've been very supportive over in the Booster Gold letter column. I appreciate the kind words. Extant comes across as quite the dictator and a force to be wary of. I already have a suspicion of what his connection to our heroes might be, and it it is correct I think it's wild. Hmmm... I'd be interested in hearing your theory, however we wouldn't be able to verify or deny your thoughts until the story was done. I'm very curious to see who the three "figures" are that got together "somewhere in time". I'm going to bet that they are either 1) Monitors or 2) Different versions of an existing character. . Ah, who those figures are will be revealed in Zero Hour #2, but you might be able to guess it from some scenes in Zero Hour #5 and #4 who they could be. What brings to mind the question: are some of the characters from different Earths being used ones from the other titles being "published" at the DC3 site? I got the idea that at least the Captain Marvel was. . Yes they are! Impulse is from the great DC3 series "Speed Force" and Cap Marvel is from the fantastic DC3 series "Mightest Mortals". In fact, Mightiest Mortals is written by the same writer than penned that great Capt Marvel sequence in Countdown, our own Don Walsh. I HIGHLY recommend BOTH series to everyone over at DC3! The writing and cover art is top notch. You will NOT be disappointed! The scene where Booster confronts Rip Hunter was really well done. Booster has done a lot of growing from the start of his series it seems. I'm very curious to see where you guys are going with this story. It seems to be shaping into an epic one, and I hope it's going to blow minds. Kidnapping heroes with super speed? I can only imagine what Extant has in store for them. I also have to say, and I do not say this lightly, that the cover for this issue was just about the best I have seen on this site and that is saying a lot because I have seen some excellent covers. Impulse's face just shows a great mixture of surprise and fear. I'm floored by how well done the cover is and cannot wait to see what the next cover looks like. . The cover was unreal wasn't it? Trevor outdid himself on that one, and is doing some mind-blowing work at DC3 and Marvel2 also. We are VERY lucky to have him do the cover for Countdown... and he turned that around in a pinch-hitting position for us in a matter of days! Just amazing work. Now you say this is to be continued in Zero Hour number five, so I'm going to guess you are counting backwards? Either that or I missed four issues. Excellent work everyone. Top notch. Just about the best combination of writing and art I have seen on this site so far. Yes, Zero Hour will be counting backwards. Thanks again for the great praise. This event has been in Charlie and Chris' minds for some time and I'm glad they let me and Don into the fold. A lot of planning and work is going into Zero Hour and we think it'll be a story everyone will enjoy. |
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Post by HoM on May 20, 2008 15:00:37 GMT -5
Um...Charlie that wanst number five yet. It was Countdown. "I'll try not to let you down" is me saying that I hope #5 doesn't let Seb down. I know what I'm saying, Chris! |
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Post by chris on May 20, 2008 15:39:18 GMT -5
Oh I see,well carry on then.
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Post by HoM on May 20, 2008 16:22:31 GMT -5
Well maybe I will  |
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RocketeerZ
Staff
Don't look at me, it was broken when I got here.
Posts: 379
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Post by RocketeerZ on May 20, 2008 16:49:06 GMT -5
You two are like an old married couple.
Jeez... it's like watching my mom and dad. ;D
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Post by arcalian on May 20, 2008 17:10:36 GMT -5
Well, I read it.
It was well written, in a confusing, time-travel-up-your-nose kind of way.
What do I think about it?
Let me tell you guys a story that I've not told anyone on this site before now. I almost came to DC2 about six months earlier than I did.
I visited the site for the first time, and you know what I saw?
CRISIS!
I turned and ran like a scared rabbit, without reading another word.
It was half a year later when I came back. When I knew it would be over.
That sums up my feelings on world-shattering continuity reboots. Granted, the Apocalypse Invasion wasn't one, but I thought it was, based on that one word "Crisis". And that's why I ran, ran like Impulse running from Inertia. Wether here on in "official" DC, I hate and fear massive continuity reboots. Not just a DC-wide event, like Apocalypse or the Starro/Injustice Gang story, but something that changes past and future.
Every time, my reaction is the same; I batten down the hatches, put my head down, and pray there's a multiverse left worth being part of when it's over.
And that's how I feel now.
Will it be well written? Oh, I have no doubt. But I've seen enough notes about this story on editorial boards to be scared to death.
And I am.
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Post by chris on May 20, 2008 18:12:09 GMT -5
We are not rebooting continuity though. I think that maybe the "ZERO HOUR" name may be scaring people off. But this is nothing like the other Zero Hour.
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Post by mockingbird on May 20, 2008 21:18:40 GMT -5
Took me a while to get here, but man am I glad I did Hooked here for sure, and not just because i'm happy to see little earth-5 getting some spotlight XD I loved Booster and Beetle especially (but who doesn't). And Extant was fantastic. Looking severely forward to seeing what happens here. The issue just flew by, a joy to read! |
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Post by lissilambe on May 20, 2008 21:36:28 GMT -5
I liked this. It jumped around a lot, and it was hard to get into any one segment because they were all rather short. However, Extant proved himself to be a dangerous seeming villain, and his command of his forces was fun to watch. The ominous nature of the story was on display for sure, and I think it does a good job of setting up the stakes and excitement of the upcoming storyline. I'm looking forward to the beginning of the story! Good work to all the others on this story, and great cover Trevor.
Take care
Don
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Post by HoM on May 21, 2008 10:50:04 GMT -5
Well, I read it. It was well written, in a confusing, time-travel-up-your-nose kind of way. What do I think about it? Let me tell you guys a story that I've not told anyone on this site before now. I almost came to DC2 about six months earlier than I did. I visited the site for the first time, and you know what I saw? CRISIS! I turned and ran like a scared rabbit, without reading another word. It was half a year later when I came back. When I knew it would be over. That sums up my feelings on world-shattering continuity reboots. Granted, the Apocalypse Invasion wasn't one, but I thought it was, based on that one word "Crisis". And that's why I ran, ran like Impulse running from Inertia. Wether here on in "official" DC, I hate and fear massive continuity reboots. Not just a DC-wide event, like Apocalypse or the Starro/Injustice Gang story, but something that changes past and future. Every time, my reaction is the same; I batten down the hatches, put my head down, and pray there's a multiverse left worth being part of when it's over. And that's how I feel now. Will it be well written? Oh, I have no doubt. But I've seen enough notes about this story on editorial boards to be scared to death. And I am. Jay... I think your post wasn't very well founded for the DC2. DCU? SURE! But DC2? Heck no, we know what we're doing Yes, the DC2 is headed for a Crisis! of biblical proportions. Dude, I'm talking real wrath of God type stuff! Just imagine it... Fire and brimstone coming down from the skies! Rivers and seas boiling! Forty years of darkness! Earthquakes, volcanoes... The dead rising from the grave! Human sacrifice, dogs and cats living together... mass hysteria! ... Erhem. ... We don't release crappy events. Some may be bigger than others (IXE was bigger than IXXE for sure, and this is bigger in scope than the IXE but smaller in execution) but they're all edited by the best *thoroughly*, and thought about through to the last detail before finger hits keyboard. This has been nearly (over, I think? Chris?) a year in the planning. We're confident, and because we're confident, you should be confident. Be confident We love you You're our bread and butter and an accomplice in this deviant scheme And I promise you this, for better or for worse... Zero Hour is just the beginning. Because over the horizon, just within sight now... Is something... Big. |
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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 May 21, 2008 13:36:48 GMT -5
"Oh God, I’m stuck in a convoluted comic book plot!”  Yes, it is convoluted, but it also looks like it's gonna be a helluva lot of fun. There is a certain moment I'm waiting to see, however (Pat knows what I'm looking for!), so don't make me wait too long. ;D Five stars times however many multiple Earths there are.
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Post by starlord on May 21, 2008 19:00:20 GMT -5
Okay, so it's taken me a week to read this, I apologize... full plate and all. I honestly enjoyed this more than I thought I was going to. Chris is right that the words Zero Hour have a negative contitation and I was a bit leary going into it. However, I'm glad I did. Yeah, Extant using bitch slap didn't seem right, but I'm guess Extant is really another Booster Gold.  What really intrigues me is why he is after so many speedsters. Hmmm... Excellent stuff and a wonderful cover. I didn't think I was going to say this, but: I'll be waiting and excited for the next issue!!! |
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Post by chris on May 21, 2008 21:01:46 GMT -5
Thanks everyone for reading and commenting. I appreciate everyone giving it a chance.
It may even be going on two years since Charlie and I first spoke about this story. As Charlie said him Pat and I have thought about this and plotted and planned A LOT.
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Post by zirron on May 22, 2008 5:45:52 GMT -5
I'll be honest, When I saw the cover i was reluctant to read it, but the writing was excellent. I am not a fan of the characters, but the story is engaging enough to put that aside and just read it for the story... I am glad that I had finally a chance to read it. I am majorly confused about all the pulls from the other titles (because I don't read them,) So I'll need to read them to fully understand all of the things going on....
It's kind of neat to see some of the site's most dynamic writers putting out a story that begs to be read.
**** from me.
I'll keep tabs on this story... good show guys.
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RocketeerZ
Staff
Don't look at me, it was broken when I got here.
Posts: 379
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Post by RocketeerZ on May 22, 2008 8:05:47 GMT -5
Wow. I was commenting to Charlie and Chris that I was disapointed that very few people had seemed to read the story... and then... BOOM... you all dropped us a dime to give your thoughts. Thank you all for the kind words. Like Chris and Charlie said.. a LOT of planning and behind the scenes work has gone into this... and we plan to not disappoint. I know what some people mean about the whole "Event" thing. It can be daunting and by all means there IS some backstory to try and catch up on with some Flash, Action and Booster Gold stuff... but in reality... it's not a total MUST. But by ALL means... if you haven't read Booster Gold, Action and Flash... it would be GREAT if you did so now. As for just "who" Extant is... it might surprise you. There are clues about him. He may not be what you think. |
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Post by HoM on May 22, 2008 16:36:18 GMT -5
Hint: Extant is not Dave.
Sorry if that ruins any theories.
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Post by David on May 22, 2008 17:28:30 GMT -5
Hint: Extant is not Dave. Sorry if that ruins any theories. Damn! Now I owe Brian some money...! |
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Post by HoM on May 22, 2008 17:33:15 GMT -5
Well now that you mention Brian...
Think about it!
He says "bitch slap" all the time!
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Post by chris on May 22, 2008 20:02:21 GMT -5
You know, I have never seen Brian and Extant in the same place at the same time come to think of it.
Brian...I'm watching you buddy.
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RocketeerZ
Staff
Don't look at me, it was broken when I got here.
Posts: 379
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Post by RocketeerZ on May 22, 2008 21:17:12 GMT -5
Hint: Extant is not Dave. Sorry if that ruins any theories. Damn! Now I owe Brian some money...! So Dave... any comments about the issue? |
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Post by starlord on May 22, 2008 21:36:32 GMT -5
You know, I have never seen Brian and Extant in the same place at the same time come to think of it. Brian...I'm watching you buddy. I wouldn't, ir I might have to bitch slap you. oops.  |
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Post by David on May 23, 2008 5:52:01 GMT -5
Damn! Now I owe Brian some money...! So Dave... any comments about the issue? Not until I read it--- which, given the talent involved in this title, I am very much looking forward to doing very soon! |
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Post by l1701e on May 23, 2008 11:27:34 GMT -5
I quite enjoyed it myself. It was really neat seeing all the various Earths of the DC2 Multiverse.
You know, once you guys get the Avengers book in Marvel2 going for a while, I'd love to see a DC2/Marvel2 version of JLA/Avengers. As an original Marvel character of mine would say, it would be rockin' like Dokken! (Yeah, I like 70s and 80s rock.)
I can't wait for Zero Hour! It can't possibly be as bad as the DC version, because you guys won't completely F-up the JSA and the Hawks.
Anyway, how will Zero Hour work? Will it be a mini-series with tie-ins in the regular books or is it all self contained?
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Excellent work everyone. Top notch. Just about the best combination of writing and art I have seen on this site so far.
