Talking Comics Podcast 04/29/15

The lead up to and then the discussion of the Dark Knight III announcement had my heart racing the whole time from nerves. Dark Knight Returns is my Bible. I'm a religious person, but DKR is still my Bible thats how much I love it. It's one of those books that I buy every different version I can find. And I was still 5 years away from being born when it came out. So I don't even hold a sentimental value to it from personal history. I just love it. So much. I appreciate everything it did for comics and the character of Batman. The story is incredible. Etc etc etc. It's really hard for me to hear people dismiss it or not remember reading it, but thats because of all things comics, pop culture and literature, this is the only thing to make me leap over my Swiss fence and threaten fisticuffs at anyone who says otherwise (I'm exaggerating.... But not really) But I'm trying to fix that.

I was glad to hear 50% of you guys praise it. Even though our opinions may differ wildly on occasion, I think your train of thought and reasons for your opinions seem to mirror mine most of the time so it's easy for me to enjoy listening to you talk about something I love negatively let alone positively, eg Bob's comment on the Wonder Woman. I enjoy it. You don't. But you still tried it. Even though you knew you would hate it, you tried it.

One thing I NEED to say though, is anyone who listened to this podcast who hasn't read Dark Knight Strikes Again, with all due respect, try it for yourself before listening to opinion. There were a pile of comics I never read for a long, long time just because they were on the ever popular "Oh don't read that, thats terrible" pile that as accumulated over the years. Its not AMAZING. And it's not Dark Knight Returns. Thats the main thing people need to remember: not to go into it expecting DKR. But also don't expect "your" characters. This is a version of them. And there are so, so, SO many amazing moments in this comic, while they may not overshadow the bad to some, it is worth it as a piece of comic history. The art isn't to everyones tastes. But its something different.

To try and persuade at least one person if I can, I'll say this without spoiling too much: The Atom living as a hermit in a microscopic world fighting off bacteria. Elderly Green Arrow with a robotic arm. Batman's introducing moment being him punching Superman with giant, kryptonite gloves and saying "Get out of my cave." It's worth it for that. And even though it may irk Wonder Woman fans... there's a... I'll say "tender" moment to say the least... between her and Superman that I think is both cleverly handled and hilarious.


Anyway, less from a story/character perspective (I'll get to that) and more onto the man that is Frank Miller. I think a book like DKIII coming out is important. Because as modern and progressive as comics have become, its all very, very safe. Sure there's more variety and diversity. There's books like Sex Criminals. But sex is hardly a taboo topic. We live in a time when Bobby Drake being outed is not a huge problem anymore. It's normal. But when the biggest controversey is a variant cover, it starts to make the word "controversy" null. So having someone out there who is still kicking, still creating, from that special time period in comics, with his own personal views that he's not affraid to voice and it leads to discussion and debate between fans, its better than a comic that means nothing that nobody talks about. It's my Man of Steel argument. People are still talking about it. It's still a topic of debate. Which means it made a splash. Iron Man 2 and Incredible Hulk received mild praise and mild reviews. But nobody is discussing or debating them. They've moved on.

Glad to hear the love for Unbeatable Squirrel Girl #4, Bob.This book is truly something special, and i hope it stays around for a while.
And you and Stephanie were right about Adventures of Superhero Girl, i'm almost done reading it and everything about that book feels like Squirrel Girl, from the tone of the book to the art.Really loving it!

I hope it stays around too. There are very few books that havent been "avengerfied or xmenified" in some way.

Agreed. I love the xmen and avengers, I have 0 care for the guardians though. But I also enjoy single character books, not tied to bigger group books... much more. I miss it. Although dc supplies me with a few of my favorites.

Totally Agree on Lazarus. That book is excellent!! Sadly I don't currently read Manifest Destiny.  I missed it early, so now I am waiting until it finishes 2 or 3 arcs and then I will dive in.  I did the same thing with East of West.

I'm wondering is anyone reading They're not Like Us and/or Wayward?  If so, I would love to hear anyone's thoughts.

I agree, I've been enjoying it. It's not a real heavy book, the story flows easily, but there is still enough intrigue to keep me coming back.

I'm glad you mentioned the art, I haven't read any manga, but I was wondering if the art was similar. I like it, and your right the back matter is really interesting.