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Post by Huw on Apr 30, 2014 9:37:51 GMT -5
Issue #131: Comixology, FCBD and Justice League This Saturday is Free Comic Book Day and you know what that means… Well, I mean, I technically already told you. It means free comics. Which is, of course, a good thing. A GREAT thing, even. We talk about some of the titles you can expect to see in shops and we also tackle Amazon buying ComiXology, the Justice League movie announcements, new Marvel books and more! Books of the Week are also back, coupled with the second show with our new segment, Lightning Round. Some of the books that get talked about include: Invaders, True Patriot, Elektra, Silver Surfer: Requiem (again), Superior Spider-Man, The Love Bunglars, Iron Patriot, The Flash, Justice League United, Secret Origins, Daredevil, Elingville Club, Empire of the Dead, Fantastic Four. Straight from foggy (not so much today, it's quite sunny) London Town, it's time to discuss another awesome edition of the Talking Comics Podcast.What are your feelings on the changes to Comixology, the (at long last) official announcement of the Justice League movie and the books the team talk about on the show.Get involved and have your say, right here!Annnnnnnnnnd… we say it on the show, but just in case you missed it, the Talking Comics crew on Twitter are: Bobby: @bobbyshortle Steve: @dead_anchoress Stephanie: @ hellocookieAnd Bob’s email is bobreyer@talkingcomicbooks.com |
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Post by tundra on Apr 30, 2014 10:27:54 GMT -5
Hi All,
Great show again, thoroughly enjoyed listening to the discussion. A couple of small things to chip in with:
The Eltingville Club - you were commenting that it looked like this had history and indeed it does. It originally appeared as a regular feature in Evan Dorkin's "Dork" anthology comic, reaching way back to the early 90s. That might be why this seemed a bit over-long - in the past it's mostly been a really vicious joke or two taking only a few pages. I think there was even an animated pilot based on their first appearance, but I've never seen it.
Comixology - a couple of comments on this one.
- I think the level of inconvenience introduced has been greatly exaggerated. Today is new comics day - for me buying regularly on Comixology this means I get a push message telling me there are new comics (my subscription pull list) ready to download. I launch the app, download them and read. To do this through the old app I would have had to find, select and purchase each issue as individual transactions which was vastly more inconvenient. I don't use iOS devices, so can someone who does tell me, is it really that difficult to tab out to a bookmark in your browser to buy your comics? I already did this on Android all the time because I found it far less trouble than buying one issue at a time in the app.
- I don't know if you were aware, but it really is worth pointing out that all the loss of functionality you were referring to only refers to the Apple version. Anyone using Comixology on Android can still browse and buy from within the app (just not using their Google play account). In addition, they are no longer restricted to one issue per transaction but can now group them into a cart for a single purchase (as a result of this, I may actually buy in app a bit more than I did before). The Kindle app is not the same as the one available on all other Android devices, which may be where any confusion has come from.
- The one thing I really did have a big problem with was introducing this change with no notice whatsoever, since it left people hanging who had credit on their accounts (iTunes or Google) they were expecting to spend on comics.
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Post by angelus104 on Apr 30, 2014 10:55:08 GMT -5
I'm pretty sure that, if not this week, the one before I made it a point to say that this effected Apple customers. (Who made up the majority of the paying ComiXology audience)
I'm aware that for androids nothing has changed, but that isn't really news. The news are those who are effected by it.
Of course it's not a big deal to go to a digital storefront on the web, but it is less convenient. And that fact will hurt them. I'm not saying people should be that lazy. Just saying that people in fact are that lazy. Of course the change has it's benefits (which I also pointed out) but the amount of people on Apple devices who will simply ignore the app now are huge.
If you see a 1 star rated thing in the store you are very likely not to buy it. Like them or hate them there is a reason why Apple is one of the most profitable companies in history and Amazon will report a loss in the 100 of millions of dollars this quarter. They know how to make processes as simple and streamlined as possible and Amazon is yet to figure it out.
But that's just my opinion! Thank you so much for your thoughtful feedback! Awesome to have great listeners who start great discussions!
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Post by tundra on Apr 30, 2014 17:42:42 GMT -5
If you see a 1 star rated thing in the store you are very likely not to buy it. Like them or hate them there is a reason why Apple is one of the most profitable companies in history and Amazon will report a loss in the 100 of millions of dollars this quarter. They know how to make processes as simple and streamlined as possible and Amazon is yet to figure it out. Well, I certainly agree that the one star ratings will be hurting them a lot - a loss of good will on that sort of scale is a major blow to any business. Can't agree about the former in app process being easy and streamlined, though. It was very convenient for buying an occasional single issue as an impulse purchase but as I mentioned above it was always much easier to make multiple purchases through the Web store, with a regular weekly shop taking no visits or individual purchases and I would imagine they are making most of their money from regular customers. It would have been much better PR to make more of their customers aware of these easier routes and encourage them to use them rather than just pulling the option of in app purchases away, but unfortunately Apple's policies prevent them from doing any of that directly (not that I know whether they'd have had any interest in doing so anyway, but their behaviour on Android doesn't suggest any particular philosophical hatred of in app). This might of course turn out to be a huge mistake that sends the business down the pan, but it is a bit early to see the sky falling just yet. Anyway, just sharing my opinion on the matter - will try to leave it there since I have no great desire to either defend Amazon or have a go at Apple and seem to be getting dangerously close to it! |
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Post by IncredibleD on Apr 30, 2014 23:25:38 GMT -5
Good episode guys!
As i said in a other thread i'm not happy about the Comixology changes, but since i'm living in the Netherlands and i don't have any comic shops nearby its still one of easiest(and cheapest)ways to get my comics despite the changes.
Oh and Stephanie, as a fellow crazy cat person i must say that Breaking Cat News is the best thing EVAR!!!
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Post by CaptainSuperior on May 1, 2014 9:24:28 GMT -5
The Etlingville Club was an awesome recommendation, it definitely gave me a few laughs.
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Post by Gary Anderson on May 2, 2014 3:30:52 GMT -5
I cannot believe the Justice League conversation! You guys, with the exception of Bobby, don't get it. They announced the strategy for DC/Warner Bros films to put a pin in the scheduling in the next few years. If you get excited, fine, but it's not about you. Are yo thrilled for another THOR film? I'm not. The entire THOR franchise rests on the shoulders of Tom Hiddleston and he's NOT THOR!!
As for JL, Bobby is correct. Your poisonous attitude towards MAN OF STEEL is influencing your reception to the news. MOS is a flawed film with a very unheroic hero in the center. But the dynamic of bringing the JL characters together without origin films is very bold and I think a better approach for DC than laying the foundation in a series of one-off films.
Can we drop the DC hater-aide going forward and give every bit of news from DC or Warner Bros a fair shot? That's my two cents.
Gary
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Post by starsaber on May 2, 2014 7:48:57 GMT -5
I think Jason Momoa is a pretty good actor. He's not going to win any Oscars any time soon, but he can play more than just a grunting barbarian. Not sure he's right for Aquaman though. I think they might be overcompensating for Aquaman being considered a joke by most people who aren't as into comics.
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Post by Bob Reyer on May 2, 2014 8:08:57 GMT -5
I cannot believe the Justice League conversation! You guys, with the exception of Bobby, don't get it. They announced the strategy for DC/Warner Bros films to put a pin in the scheduling in the next few years. If you get excited, fine, but it's not about you. Are yo thrilled for another THOR film? I'm not. The entire THOR franchise rests on the shoulders of Tom Hiddleston and he's NOT THOR!! As for JL, Bobby is correct. Your poisonous attitude towards MAN OF STEEL is influencing your reception to the news. MOS is a flawed film with a very unheroic hero in the center. But the dynamic of bringing the JL characters together without origin films is very bold and I think a better approach for DC than laying the foundation in a series of one-off films. Can we drop the DC hater-aide going forward and give every bit of news from DC or Warner Bros a fair shot? That's my two cents. Gary Gary, First off, welcome to the Forums, and thanks for chiming in on this hot-button topic, which probably has the same 50/50 split pro-and-con as the "Man of Steel" debate! Speaking solely for myself, as a DC reader of a half-century's duration until the New 52 re-launch, you're correct in saying that I have a less-than-positive attitude towards the filmed versions of their iconic characters, as, for me, they are not on-model with the vast majority of their published histories. Even granting that the Christopher Nolan "Batman" films might be near to Scott Snyder's approach, the Nolan/Goyer/Snyder triumvirate delivered a "Superman" film virtually devoid of "Superman moments", and as you say yourself, it's "a flawed film with a very un-heroic hero in the center". This seeming dis-connect from the core values presented in the source material leaves me trepidatious about what's to come next. No one wants to see a truly great representation of the character of Wonder Woman in a movie more than I do, with the possible exception of our Mara Wood, Trina Robbins, and Christie Marston, the grand-daughter of the Amazon Princess' creator; my fear is that DC/Warners and their super-hero auteurs, based on "Man of Steel", will bring to the screen a character called "Wonder Woman", perhaps even garbed in her rainment, but absent her primary character traits of compassion and courage. Will the other Justice League members face a similar fate? As Bobby always points out, shouldn't I wait to see this film before passing judgment? Of course he's right in a way, as you always hear in brokerage house ads "Past performance is no guarantee of future earnings", and I shouldn't criticize a movie from what film-makers might-or-might-not intend to do, but as we've all heard, "The road to Hell is paved with good intentions", so until I hear of a shift in tonal directional, I'll remain skeptical about how "heroic" a film will be made of the ultimate super-hero team, the Justice League.ps) To digress, I like to think I'm even-handed about this; as you've heard repeatedly on our show, I have similar issues with Fox's up-coming Fantastic Four re-boot as well. From latest accounts, that film will be a (quotes are from members of the creative team) "gritty" "coming-of-age story" "set in the real world" with a cast of characters "not in High School, but maybe just out"; yep, that just screams "Fantastic Four", doesn't it? rrr |
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John D.
Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D.
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Post by John D. on May 2, 2014 8:17:22 GMT -5
After the whole debacle with Saga being banned on the Comixology app due to Apple, I've actually started purchasing my comics through the website regularly. From my understanding, this also provides more profit toward the creator since Apple can't get its cut. So while the change was definitely not a step forward, it is, as Bobby put it on the show, an inconvenience. I like to at least browse new releases and sales while on my phone and the mobile version of the Comixology website is so sluggish that it's no longer easy for me to do. But I don't think it's worth blowing this up into controversy levels of rage.
On the Justice League front, I do have to agree that I felt that the announcement was not as exciting as it should have been. I actually didn't think it was an official announcement when I first heard it due to the lackluster reaction on the Internet. I liked Man of Steel and I will look forward to Justice League only after Man of Steel 2/Batman vs Superman. As far as not having individual movies is concerned, I think Watchmen did a fair job at introducing all those characters without separate movies leading into it, and in JL, it will be characters that most people will already sort of know, so it is definitely possible for a team movie to be a success without using Marvel's method.
My only gripe is the continued use of Zack Synder in this new DC cinematic universe. I don't think he's the right director. If DC wants to create a grittier, more real set of films (like the Nolan trilogy), they need to get a more high-profile director like Sam Mendes or Ben Affleck to do it. Zack Synder is too reliant on style over substance.
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Post by deadanchoress on May 2, 2014 8:23:53 GMT -5
I cannot believe the Justice League conversation! You guys, with the exception of Bobby, don't get it. They announced the strategy for DC/Warner Bros films to put a pin in the scheduling in the next few years. If you get excited, fine, but it's not about you. Are yo thrilled for another THOR film? I'm not. The entire THOR franchise rests on the shoulders of Tom Hiddleston and he's NOT THOR!! As for JL, Bobby is correct. Your poisonous attitude towards MAN OF STEEL is influencing your reception to the news. MOS is a flawed film with a very unheroic hero in the center. But the dynamic of bringing the JL characters together without origin films is very bold and I think a better approach for DC than laying the foundation in a series of one-off films. Can we drop the DC hater-aide going forward and give every bit of news from DC or Warner Bros a fair shot? That's my two cents. Gary Gary, there is no DC hater-aide, as you call it, being served here at Talking Comics. Additionally, there's nothing wrong with not being excited for an upcoming film if the person helming it no longer excites you. I've enjoyed many, if not all, of Zack Snyder's films, but absolutely despised Man of Steel. You said it yourself in your above comment "MOS is a flawed film with a very unheroic hero in the center." Because of this, yes, I'm finding it difficult to get excited about the JL announcement. I'm bored of Snyder being the "go-to" director for the DC filmverse, and you know what? That's okay. Part of what makes the Marvel films so incredible, varied, and fun to watch is that there are several different directors lending their own brand of influence to the characters they've been given. With Snyder coming back time after time it just doesn't get me jazzed for what's to come. You're forgetting two simple truths here. No one from the TC cast is a DC hater in any way, shape, or form (our wallets and enthusiasm for certain DC titles is proof that), and, it's okay to not be excited for a movie. The world will continue to turn and opinions can always be swayed as more information rolls out. Don't get me wrong, I want nothing more than to LOVE Batman vs. Superman AND the promised Justice League film, but it's just not there for me ... yet. |
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Post by hellocookie on May 2, 2014 11:00:33 GMT -5
I cannot believe the Justice League conversation! You guys, with the exception of Bobby, don't get it. They announced the strategy for DC/Warner Bros films to put a pin in the scheduling in the next few years. If you get excited, fine, but it's not about you. Are yo thrilled for another THOR film? I'm not. The entire THOR franchise rests on the shoulders of Tom Hiddleston and he's NOT THOR!! As for JL, Bobby is correct. Your poisonous attitude towards MAN OF STEEL is influencing your reception to the news. MOS is a flawed film with a very unheroic hero in the center. But the dynamic of bringing the JL characters together without origin films is very bold and I think a better approach for DC than laying the foundation in a series of one-off films. Can we drop the DC hater-aide going forward and give every bit of news from DC or Warner Bros a fair shot? That's my two cents. Gary Gary, there is no DC hater-aide, as you call it, being served here at Talking Comics. Additionally, there's nothing wrong with not being excited for an upcoming film if the person helming it no longer excites you. I've enjoyed many, if not all, of Zack Snyder's films, but absolutely despised Man of Steel. You said it yourself in your above comment "MOS is a flawed film with a very unheroic hero in the center." Because of this, yes, I'm finding it difficult to get excited about the JL announcement. I'm bored of Snyder being the "go-to" director for the DC filmverse, and you know what? That's okay. Part of what makes the Marvel films so incredible, varied, and fun to watch is that there are several different directors lending their own brand of influence to the characters they've been given. With Snyder coming back time after time it just doesn't get me jazzed for what's to come. You're forgetting two simple truths here. No one from the TC cast is a DC hater in any way, shape, or form (our wallets and enthusiasm for certain DC titles is proof that), and, it's okay to not be excited for a movie. The world will continue to turn and opinions can always be swayed as more information rolls out. Don't get me wrong, I want nothing more than to LOVE Batman vs. Superman AND the promised Justice League film, but it's just not there for me ... yet. Bob and Steve have already said what I could've wanted to say but I'll add this for my own personal record: Honestly, I couldn't care less if there was another Thor movie or not. I realize you were just putting that in as a comparison but really and truly as far as Marvel's movies go, the Thor films get me as excited as Batman/Superman stuff and you know how that went. |
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Post by tomoe on May 2, 2014 18:17:40 GMT -5
I don't think there's anything wrong with the strategy. Unlike Marvel, DC doesn't really need to use individual movies to introduce their Justice League characters to the non comic book audience; most have already been exposed to them via TV and merchandising. Granted, they won't know the full back story and history of the characters, or realize how the characters in the cartoons are different than the characters in the comics, but they'll at least recognize them. Marvel didn't have that luxury. I'm fairly certain before 2008 I could have found more people who knew that there was a hero named Aquaman than people who knew about Iron Man.
I know I am less than excited about the Justice League because of my experience with Man of Steel. There was no depth, no joy, no soul and no inspiration to the movie. The main character had the outer trappings of Superman, but none of the essentials. This doesn't mean I hate DC. It MAY mean that I am too emotionally invested in the DC characters.
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Post by iamasianbatgirl on May 2, 2014 19:04:33 GMT -5
I don't think there's anything wrong with the strategy. Unlike Marvel, DC doesn't really need to use individual movies to introduce their Justice League characters to the non comic book audience; most have already been exposed to them via TV and merchandising. Granted, they won't know the full back story and history of the characters, or realize how the characters in the cartoons are different than the characters in the comics, but they'll at least recognize them. Marvel didn't have that luxury. I'm fairly certain before 2008 I could have found more people who knew that there was a hero named Aquaman than people who knew about Iron Man. I know I am less than excited about the Justice League because of my experience with Man of Steel. There was no depth, no joy, no soul and no inspiration to the movie. The main character had the outer trappings of Superman, but none of the essentials. This doesn't mean I hate DC. It MAY mean that I am too emotionally invested in the DC characters. My sentiments exactly. I don't think of it as hating DC but loving their characters too much to be excited about a film that shares a director with one of the most disappointing superhero adaptions I've ever watched. That isn't to say that I don't like Zack Snyder. Like Steve, I loved Sucker Punch. But tonally, I don't like his take on Superman and I don't have high hopes for Justice League because of that. If he can't give life and hope to a character like Superman, I just can't be excited to see the rest of the team. That being said, I think by not copying Marvel Studios' strategy, they're doing themselves a favour because at this point they just can't catch up. If done right, they could properly set the stage for a series of individual movies following the Justice League that go beyond a simple origin story. But each needs to have a different tone to be truly successful as a comic book movie adaption. They don't all need to be "Batman-ified" or "gritty" to be realistic or, more importantly, relatable. That is my biggest fear for the next wave of DC films and because of MoS, I don't have a lot of faith in them proving me wrong. Again, that is not to say that I hate DC. I just don't think they have as much faith in the voice of their own characters as they do with Batman and that is so unfortunate because DC has some of the most interesting and intricate characters in the comic book world. |
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Post by angelcakes83 on May 2, 2014 22:18:54 GMT -5
Aw, man... I was hoping for more discussion about the free comic book day titles, though I guess that's going to come after. I think I heard someone in the podcast kind of snicker about the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers title... but I gotta be honest, that's my most anticipated free comic. I'm a huge Power Rangers fan from way back, and back then all the Power Rangers comics were absolute crap: bad writing, awful art, etc. I saw a preview of the comic, and the characters actually look like the characters from the 90s TV show. I'm super pumped that we finally get a decent comic with huge nostalgia cred.
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