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.

[Travis Herrick (Modular Mod)]

After two issues I'm putting The Wake up on the chopping block. I barely skimmed that last half of that issue. I just don't connect with any of the characters, don't care about seeing the mystery solved, and can't stand the art. Other than that it is great.

[Wandering Sensei: Moderator Man]

Oh, wow, Travis. I guess it is kind of refreshing to hear a dissenting opinion on Sean Murphy's artwork. So he's not just automatically loved by all. Count me in amongst those who really love it, though.

[Travis Herrick (Modular Mod)]

Maybe it has evolved? Not sure. I remember liking his art when I picked up the first issue of Joe the Barbarian, and that 2-part Hellblazer story that was reprinted back in 2011.

Wandering Sensei: Emeritus said:

Oh, wow, Travis. I guess it is kind of refreshing to hear a dissenting opinion on Sean Murphy's artwork. So he's not just automatically loved by all. Count me in amongst those who really love it, though.

[Wandering Sensei: Moderator Man]

Hmmm. Could be. I noticed his art started looking a little bit scratchier when he did the American Vampire story.

[Wandering Sensei: Moderator Man]

I think Young Avengers is on my chopping block. I think I've said this somewhere before, but while I love the artwork by Jamie McKelvie and Mike Norton, and normally I like Kieron Gillen as an author, I think this book just isn't for me. It seems perfect for teenagers.

Kind of funny that it's exactly what it should be: a book about teenagers which is for teenagers. I guess it's a little less creepy than the alternative: A book about teenagers for adults. But luckily there are plenty of other books out there for me--it makes my Wednesdays a little bit more affordable. And I'm really happy that it's found an audience who speaks the language--there are plenty of adults who completely understand the teenage mind and look at it from their perspective. But frankly, teenagers annoy me, and this just reminds me of why.

[Rob Staeger (Grodd Mod)]

Hmm, maybe that's why Teen Titans hasn't appealed to me in forever.

The Five Ghosts of Fabian Gray is on the chopping block for now; it's a good book, but I'm happy with the miniseries I got. I might go back to pick up more in the future.

All-Star Western is on thin ice with me -- it all depends on if the new, shorter page count that appears on the October and November solicits is a typo (or the retained $3.99 price is a typo). Tragically, the book is as good as it's ever been. I'll ride it out for this story, most likely, and then drop it if I'm paying $4 for a normal size comic.

I'm not sure how much longer Aquaman will last beyond the Death of a King story, too -- though I do love Paul Pelletier's art.

Matt Kindt has one issue to impress me with Suicide Squad. Odd, since he's a writer I really like, but I also really resent the way Ales Kot was pushed out after doing an excellent job on his first story. So I'm feeling less than generous.

[Rob Staeger (Grodd Mod)]

Oh, and after three issues, East of West has officially Not Done It For Me. I suspect I need to read Hickman in trade paperback, or not at all. I'm curious, but not captivated.

LOVE the art, though. 

[Travis Herrick (Modular Mod)]

After going through Previews I've axed a few series. I am going to try to thin out my pull list more next month as well.

Invincible: Not that I don't like it, but I need a break from the series. I always come back though.

Batman Beyond Unlimited: The first issue was such a giant cliche I am done.

Uncanny: Not really the series it was promised to be from the solicitations, and moving too slow. Not a bad series, but I don't wait around to see what happens.

Young Avengers: Another series I actually like, but I needed to trim something and this one of the first ones that came to mind.

Daredevil: Dark Knights: The last arc of the mini written by Jimmy Palmiotti just didn't sound interesting to me, so I am out.

[Mark S. Ogilvie]

I've gotten tired of Wonder Woman done as the Godfather movies and I agree with Batman Beyond.

[Rob Staeger (Grodd Mod)]

I've actually decided to ditch a whole bunch of DC titles... just hopping off the DC publicity train for a while. I've decided that, as long as Bob Harras is on board at DC, I'm going to try to make my default position for DC books "no" rather than "yes."

Basically, I'm opting out of the whole Justice League crossover... but dropping a few other titles that I think I'll enjoy more in trade paperback or will be able to get cheaper in back issues down the road, once the gotta-have-it hype is done. So I'll be dropping:

All-Star Western

Aquaman

Earth 2 (after Robinson's last issue)

Justice League

JLA

Forever Evil

Suicide Squad

Swamp Thing

They might be great books -- time will tell -- but I think I'd rather hold off on buying them immediately. I think DC's editorial priorities are a little too focused on getting me to buy another book than making me happy with the one I have in my hand.

That said, I'll still be buying:

Flash (and if they were still publishing Legion, I'd be getting that, too.)

Wonder Woman (for as long as Azzerello writes it, since he seems to be given plenty of freedom)

The Movement (for as long as it lasts)

The good news is, this frees up a lot of money for me to try new things!

[Wandering Sensei: Moderator Man]

My DC list is down to Wonder Woman and Batman Black and White.

[Figserello]

But those lenticular covers could help fund your retirement, Rob!

 

I know the house I'm living in was paid for almost entirely by judiciously chosen 90s Harras-era Marvel sales gimmick comics that I bought 10 each of...