On the Chopping Block

[Alan M.]

Even though issues 1 and 2 didn't overly impress me, I was planning on sticking with Flash: Rebirth out of faith that Geoff Johns would ultimately give me a good story. But issue three today convinced me that...yeah, I'm just not digging this book.

At the same time, Wonder Woman and Runaways remain on the verge for me, dependent on a new storyline and a new creative team, respectively.

I guess, given that I have something like three or four titles I want to find a space for, this could be worse news, but I'm disappointed that I'm not enjoying all these titles more.

[Jeff of Earth-J]

"I think I'll be dropping Green Lantern after this story wraps up in issue 12"

Me, too. I was carried into it by the momentum of Far Sector, but it hasn't developed (or even lived up to) the potential of Sojourner Mullein. 

[Rob Staeger (Grodd Mod)]

I'm honestly surprised by how much I'm enjoying it. It's been a while since I was a regular GL reader; I stopped around Sinestro War. This story's been sprawling, and it's been tough to keep track of some of the parts, so I might give it a reread before the final issues come out to get a better grasp on what's happened. But ultimately, I feel like it's not a book people talk about, and it's not really crossing over with things, so I'll be just as happy to read them for free 6 months down the line. (I'm currently enjoying Wonder Woman and Teen Titans Academy the same way, and might be time-shifting a few more DC books in the near future.) 

Jeff of Earth-J said:

"I think I'll be dropping Green Lantern after this story wraps up in issue 12"

Me, too. I was carried into it by the momentum of Far Sector, but it hasn't developed (or even lived up to) the potential of Sojourner Mullein. 

[Jeff of Earth-J]

"I might give it a reread before the final issues come out to get a better grasp on what's happened."

I might do that, too. there's so much going on that it is the kind of series that reads better in a single sitting.

[Travis Herrick (Modular Mod)]

Rob said:

I also gave the Brian Bendis/Stephen Byrne Joy Operations a one-issue tryout, and decided it'll read better in trade.

I gave Joy Operations a try, and I was pretty bored by the end of the first issue. Like Jeff is with a new Hulk series, that is how I am with the new Bendis series I try (I don't try them all). I read the first issue, don't like it, and then drop it. Outside of Legion which I gave a little more rope to.

I really liked Nerburn. I'm surprised it didn't click with you, as it seems right up your alley.

[Rob Staeger (Grodd Mod)]

I think I was tired when I read Newburn. It really IS made for me... I'll have to give it another go when the trade comes out. 

With Joy Operations, there's one idea in it that I love... but it's a narrative trick that can't exactly propel me through the series. But man, I loved the swerve that the caption-box voice in the hero's head is actually someone else, and she's wondering how they got in her head. Reading the book at first, it just seems like the first person narration we've been reading forever. That was really clever. But I don't think I'll have the patience to read this issue by issue. 

As for Green Lantern, the most recent issue had the return (sort of) of one of my all-time favorite GLs, and I hope somehow she manages to come back for good. We'll see... but her appearance in 10 bought a lot of goodwill from me.

[Jeff of Earth-J]

Actually, I haven't read the last couple of issues* although I have continued to buy them with the intention of doing a re-read at the end of the storyline. I'll have to check the most recent issue to see who it is you're referring to. 

*A violation of my own precept: "Don't buy what you don't read." 

[Travis Herrick (Modular Mod)]

A couple I gotten rid of:

Gunslinger Spawn - I mentioned after I read the first issue that I thought the back-ups that took place in the Old West were more interesting than the main story. Sadly, that is still the case. I have no interest in seeing Gunslinger deal with villains like Clown and Violator. They were terrible 30 years ago, and are still terrible now.

I realized I would be much more interested in reading a series about a superpowered Hellspawn in the Old West, and dealing with all of the supernatural crap he would have to deal with along, with regular people hating him for who he was. Over what we got: the one millionth iteration of a character lost in time, trying to get along with technology and society he doesn't understand. Todd McFarlane simply hasn't grown as a writer.

Black Panther - Unfortunately, all Black Panther series will be compared to Christopher Priest's run, and so far they have all failed miserably for me.

Here is a list why I am dropping this:

1. I have no interest in reading a version of the Black Panther is so cynical and distrusting he flat out says he doesn't trust anyone. Anyone!
2. For the most part the people he is trying to save in this arc, just all seemingly hate him. I dunno, if my former leader is willing to travel across the globe to save me from assassins? I would be a little bit more appreciative.
3. I have no interest in reading a Marvel comic in which Black Panther would even think it is possible that the Avengers are responsible for sending out the assassins.
4. I have no interest in reading a Marvel comic, in which, apparently, it is possible the Avengers could send out assassins that it would make Black Panther think it was possible. What the hell have I missed?

Also, the latest issue of Black Panther made me realize how little I know about what is going on in the Mutantverse. Storm is on the Moon with a bunch of mutants now? Doing...something.