i lit a fire that wouldn't go out
I've spent the day reading comics, so let's talk about that.
Batgirl
I broke down and decided to read the first two issues of the new Barbara Batgirl, and I didn't particularly like it. Not even because she's not Oracle anymore, but because it just felt off. Like, as Batgirl, she's all by herself, whereas when Steph and Cass were Batgirl, they had her, and, occasionally, the Birds of Prey, and sometimes Robin or Nightwing (or the occasional Superfam member) to work with. I don't read these things for the lone hero approach. I read them because I like the character interactions. That said, I do like the new villain dude. He is interesting. And the roommate seems cool so far. Dick shows up in the next one, and I'm curious enough about their relationship in this reboot to check it out, but on the whole, it didn't thrill me, and it needed to in order to get over my bitterness about the whole thing. (also, see this hilarious injoke in a preview image: Jason's marketing schemes could use some work, eh?)
Birds of Prey
I enjoyed this more, because DINAH, and I like Starling and Katana so far, and am intrigued at how Ivy is going to fit in, but jesus, I really hate that they have completely ditched the history of the Birds of Prey as Oracle and Black Canary's team, and everything it meant to them and their relationship. I liked seeing Barbara show up here, but really, it was like pouring salt in the wound. Also, I miss Huntress and Misfit and Zinda. (Speaking of whom, please tell me that someone has written some Zinda Blake/Steve Rogers or Zinda/Bucky fic. Especially Zinda/Bucky with their appreciation for beer and bar brawls.) I can see myself checking in with this every few months, but not really loving it the way I loved the original team.
Huntress
Speaking of Helena, I enjoyed the first part of her miniseries, and was so pleased to see her costume offered complete coverage. I'm looking forward to the rest of this, and also to see how she fits into Gotham now.
Supergirl
Wtf is up with that costume? Otherwise, I liked it - the art was really pretty, I thought, and had a nice sense of motion - but I feel like this, more than other stuff I've read so far (except Blue Beetle, see below), is just a retread. It got really good reviews, but I'm not sure why, unless it's just because other people also enjoyed it?
Wonder Woman
I also really liked the art on Wonder Woman (DIANA. GUH.), and now that I've adjusted my expectations, I'm less confused than I was after the first issue. I liked all the innuendo and punning going on, but I think this is just where I realize I'm not good at being a comics reader because I hate having a story doled out to me in tiny chunks once a month.
Superboy
ILU ROSE WILSON! CALL ME! (One day someone will write me the story where after that whole weird undercover in the Jersey mob arc, Dick trains her to be his Robin instead of dumping her with the Titans and it will be AWESOME.) Otherwise, meh. I did not dig this at all. Who is this character they're calling Superboy and why did they get rid of the Superboy that I love? He's not even likeable as a riff on the animated!YJ Superboy, whose heart is at least in the right place. Otoh, I am amused that apparently they're trying to pair him up with Rose and Tim with Cassie this time around. I feel like someone read the memo and got mixed up, because it should clearly be Rose/Cassie and Tim/Kon, but whatever, DC. Whatever.
Blue Beetle
The art is really cool but it really pains me to be like, wtf? I don't like what they're doing. The best part - or one of the best parts - of Jaime's original series is that EVERYBODY KNOWS HE IS A SUPERHERO. Well, not everybody, but his family and close friends, which means he is spared having to be a douchewad to everybody about having a secret identity. And now Khaji-Da is keeping him from telling and I DO NOT APPROVE. Otoh, I like seeing the other infiltrators so early on. I am just going to have to accept that the editorial staff at DC are dumbasses (which, yes), and instead of just continuing on with Jaime's story as it was, they felt the need to rewrite his origin even though it was PERFECT. So this also feels like a lesser retread so far.
Nightwing
Fuck you, he's an acrobat. Um, I mean, did you know Dick Grayson is from a circus background? Oy. He was very pretty in this and I'm glad he got laid but seriously, guys, another redhead from his past? Could he maybe hook up with someone he didn't know when he was 15? I feel like it is either very meta - Dick can't move forward past old relationships (Bruce's influence?) - or just very unimaginative. Otoh, I'm interested to see what is up with him and Barbara in the next Batgirl. and also how they've gutted his relationship with Starfire, if that ever comes up Also, is the circus going to end up being some weird training ground for assassins or something and that's why this Saiko guy thinks Dick is a killer? I'm not seeing this go anywhere good.
Red Hood and the Outlaws
This was about 1000x better than the first issue, mostly because Kori is hardly in it (and that hurts me to say) so they couldn't fuck her up too badly. I don't like much about this version of Roy and I really hate what they've done with Kori, but oh my god, Jason. Trying to out-Bruce Wayne Bruce Wayne in his sharp suits and smooth manners. Jason, you sly dog. I really love this Jason and his main storyline and how he seems to be less focused on How Bruce Done Him Wrong and more focused on getting shit done. I just hate everything else Lobdell has surrounded him with.
Batman
The combo of Bruce, Dick, Jim Gordon, and Alfred working cases will never not please me, even when they are occasionally dumbasses, and the art was pretty.
Batman & Robin
Oh, Bruce, no. I just... there is so much WRONG with how he's approaching Damian, and how he acts as if Damian hasn't had all these months working with Dick and how that's helped Damian grow as a person. I didn't think it was a big faux pas for Bruce to buy a dog instead of a cat for Damian, mostly because I think the Damian loves cats thing is more a fannish creation than actual canon (that one future what-if issue notwithstanding) - I like that Bruce is making an effort. I think Alfred's "you're the boys' moral compass" was a little ridiculous, considering Jason, but whatever. I like that they finally put the kibosh on the gross "Talia roofied Bruce into having sex" business, that Bruce admits his culpability in Damian's conception, though again, I feel like he's completely failing to see his own hand in why Damian is how he is. But my feelings about Bruce's parenting aside, I have one HUGE problem with this issue and that is DAMIAN WOULD NOT JUST KILL A BAT AND TOSS IT INTO A CHASM. WHAT THE FUCKING FUCK WAS THAT? Ugh. So gross, and not because of the animal harm, though that is gross, but because it is clearly shorthand for LOOK! DAMIAN IS A SOCIOPATH AND BRUCE IS GOING TO "FIX" HIM WITH PETS AND CRIME FIGHTING. WHAT. THE. FUCK. Please tell me I was totally reading that wrong. Parsing the art in comics is difficult for me, so it's possible I completely misread what happened, and I would prefer that explanation than what I think I saw.
Batwoman
Oh, man, the artwork is so gorgeous and I love Kate and Bette and Maggie Sawyer and Cameron Chase! I liked the daddy issues joke about going to work for Bruce. There was just one line I found exceptionally jarring and, well, wrong. "Dead sidekicks have a way of coming back as supervillains." REALLY, BRUCE? REALLY? YOU REALLY WANT TO GO THERE? So I have a lot of ~feelings~ about that particular line. Ahem.
Captain America and Bucky
Speak of the devil. *snerk* That segue would be much smoother if the above wasn't behind a spoiler cut. IJS. Anyway, I have really enjoyed these WWII stories from Bucky's POV, but as always, I'm ambivalent about some of it for various reasons, and this issue definitely hit that spot for me. I am excited by the preview for the next issue, though, and of course, the news about a new Winter Soldier ongoing starting in January.
Tiny Titans
YAY TINY TITANS ALL BATGIRLS ISSUE. \o/ BEST AND FAVORITEST. I love how Robin is basically Charlie Brown in this. Also, if it were for a slightly older audience, I would say he is living the dream because he's got Barbara and Starfire both dressed in Batgirl costumes, not to mention Raven. I also loved the Robins v. Cows soccer match. Tiny Titans Damian is the most hilarious thing ever, and the bats! And Bruce! I draw a million sparkly hearts around this whole enterprise.
***
This entry at DW: http://musesfool.dreamwidth.org/391260.html.
people have commented there.
Batgirl
I broke down and decided to read the first two issues of the new Barbara Batgirl, and I didn't particularly like it. Not even because she's not Oracle anymore, but because it just felt off. Like, as Batgirl, she's all by herself, whereas when Steph and Cass were Batgirl, they had her, and, occasionally, the Birds of Prey, and sometimes Robin or Nightwing (or the occasional Superfam member) to work with. I don't read these things for the lone hero approach. I read them because I like the character interactions. That said, I do like the new villain dude. He is interesting. And the roommate seems cool so far. Dick shows up in the next one, and I'm curious enough about their relationship in this reboot to check it out, but on the whole, it didn't thrill me, and it needed to in order to get over my bitterness about the whole thing. (also, see this hilarious injoke in a preview image: Jason's marketing schemes could use some work, eh?)
Birds of Prey
I enjoyed this more, because DINAH, and I like Starling and Katana so far, and am intrigued at how Ivy is going to fit in, but jesus, I really hate that they have completely ditched the history of the Birds of Prey as Oracle and Black Canary's team, and everything it meant to them and their relationship. I liked seeing Barbara show up here, but really, it was like pouring salt in the wound. Also, I miss Huntress and Misfit and Zinda. (Speaking of whom, please tell me that someone has written some Zinda Blake/Steve Rogers or Zinda/Bucky fic. Especially Zinda/Bucky with their appreciation for beer and bar brawls.) I can see myself checking in with this every few months, but not really loving it the way I loved the original team.
Huntress
Speaking of Helena, I enjoyed the first part of her miniseries, and was so pleased to see her costume offered complete coverage. I'm looking forward to the rest of this, and also to see how she fits into Gotham now.
Supergirl
Wtf is up with that costume? Otherwise, I liked it - the art was really pretty, I thought, and had a nice sense of motion - but I feel like this, more than other stuff I've read so far (except Blue Beetle, see below), is just a retread. It got really good reviews, but I'm not sure why, unless it's just because other people also enjoyed it?
Wonder Woman
I also really liked the art on Wonder Woman (DIANA. GUH.), and now that I've adjusted my expectations, I'm less confused than I was after the first issue. I liked all the innuendo and punning going on, but I think this is just where I realize I'm not good at being a comics reader because I hate having a story doled out to me in tiny chunks once a month.
Superboy
ILU ROSE WILSON! CALL ME! (One day someone will write me the story where after that whole weird undercover in the Jersey mob arc, Dick trains her to be his Robin instead of dumping her with the Titans and it will be AWESOME.) Otherwise, meh. I did not dig this at all. Who is this character they're calling Superboy and why did they get rid of the Superboy that I love? He's not even likeable as a riff on the animated!YJ Superboy, whose heart is at least in the right place. Otoh, I am amused that apparently they're trying to pair him up with Rose and Tim with Cassie this time around. I feel like someone read the memo and got mixed up, because it should clearly be Rose/Cassie and Tim/Kon, but whatever, DC. Whatever.
Blue Beetle
The art is really cool but it really pains me to be like, wtf? I don't like what they're doing. The best part - or one of the best parts - of Jaime's original series is that EVERYBODY KNOWS HE IS A SUPERHERO. Well, not everybody, but his family and close friends, which means he is spared having to be a douchewad to everybody about having a secret identity. And now Khaji-Da is keeping him from telling and I DO NOT APPROVE. Otoh, I like seeing the other infiltrators so early on. I am just going to have to accept that the editorial staff at DC are dumbasses (which, yes), and instead of just continuing on with Jaime's story as it was, they felt the need to rewrite his origin even though it was PERFECT. So this also feels like a lesser retread so far.
Nightwing
Fuck you, he's an acrobat. Um, I mean, did you know Dick Grayson is from a circus background? Oy. He was very pretty in this and I'm glad he got laid but seriously, guys, another redhead from his past? Could he maybe hook up with someone he didn't know when he was 15? I feel like it is either very meta - Dick can't move forward past old relationships (Bruce's influence?) - or just very unimaginative. Otoh, I'm interested to see what is up with him and Barbara in the next Batgirl. and also how they've gutted his relationship with Starfire, if that ever comes up Also, is the circus going to end up being some weird training ground for assassins or something and that's why this Saiko guy thinks Dick is a killer? I'm not seeing this go anywhere good.
Red Hood and the Outlaws
This was about 1000x better than the first issue, mostly because Kori is hardly in it (and that hurts me to say) so they couldn't fuck her up too badly. I don't like much about this version of Roy and I really hate what they've done with Kori, but oh my god, Jason. Trying to out-Bruce Wayne Bruce Wayne in his sharp suits and smooth manners. Jason, you sly dog. I really love this Jason and his main storyline and how he seems to be less focused on How Bruce Done Him Wrong and more focused on getting shit done. I just hate everything else Lobdell has surrounded him with.
Batman
The combo of Bruce, Dick, Jim Gordon, and Alfred working cases will never not please me, even when they are occasionally dumbasses, and the art was pretty.
Batman & Robin
Oh, Bruce, no. I just... there is so much WRONG with how he's approaching Damian, and how he acts as if Damian hasn't had all these months working with Dick and how that's helped Damian grow as a person. I didn't think it was a big faux pas for Bruce to buy a dog instead of a cat for Damian, mostly because I think the Damian loves cats thing is more a fannish creation than actual canon (that one future what-if issue notwithstanding) - I like that Bruce is making an effort. I think Alfred's "you're the boys' moral compass" was a little ridiculous, considering Jason, but whatever. I like that they finally put the kibosh on the gross "Talia roofied Bruce into having sex" business, that Bruce admits his culpability in Damian's conception, though again, I feel like he's completely failing to see his own hand in why Damian is how he is. But my feelings about Bruce's parenting aside, I have one HUGE problem with this issue and that is DAMIAN WOULD NOT JUST KILL A BAT AND TOSS IT INTO A CHASM. WHAT THE FUCKING FUCK WAS THAT? Ugh. So gross, and not because of the animal harm, though that is gross, but because it is clearly shorthand for LOOK! DAMIAN IS A SOCIOPATH AND BRUCE IS GOING TO "FIX" HIM WITH PETS AND CRIME FIGHTING. WHAT. THE. FUCK. Please tell me I was totally reading that wrong. Parsing the art in comics is difficult for me, so it's possible I completely misread what happened, and I would prefer that explanation than what I think I saw.
Batwoman
Oh, man, the artwork is so gorgeous and I love Kate and Bette and Maggie Sawyer and Cameron Chase! I liked the daddy issues joke about going to work for Bruce. There was just one line I found exceptionally jarring and, well, wrong. "Dead sidekicks have a way of coming back as supervillains." REALLY, BRUCE? REALLY? YOU REALLY WANT TO GO THERE? So I have a lot of ~feelings~ about that particular line. Ahem.
Captain America and Bucky
Speak of the devil. *snerk* That segue would be much smoother if the above wasn't behind a spoiler cut. IJS. Anyway, I have really enjoyed these WWII stories from Bucky's POV, but as always, I'm ambivalent about some of it for various reasons, and this issue definitely hit that spot for me. I am excited by the preview for the next issue, though, and of course, the news about a new Winter Soldier ongoing starting in January.
Tiny Titans
YAY TINY TITANS ALL BATGIRLS ISSUE. \o/ BEST AND FAVORITEST. I love how Robin is basically Charlie Brown in this. Also, if it were for a slightly older audience, I would say he is living the dream because he's got Barbara and Starfire both dressed in Batgirl costumes, not to mention Raven. I also loved the Robins v. Cows soccer match. Tiny Titans Damian is the most hilarious thing ever, and the bats! And Bruce! I draw a million sparkly hearts around this whole enterprise.
***
This entry at DW: http://musesfool.dreamwidth.org/391260.html.
people have commented there.