Friday, September 3, 2010
While we're on the subject of how Keith Giffen destroys series, I decided to go looking for another letter column that I remembered once being especially critical of Keith Giffen's art. From 1986's Hex #18 (the final issue):
While most editors wouldn't print so much negative press in their letter columns, maybe because Hex was being canceled, or maybe because he had received a 3-to-1 ration of anti-Giffen letters, writer/editor Michael Fleisher filled the series final letter column with responses to Giffen's art. Nearly a quarter of a century later, and it doesn't seem that the reading public's opinion has much changed.
Have a happy Labor Day/Dragon*Con Weekend, everybody!
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tiggerpete Posted on Sep. 3, 2010 at 05:55:15 PM
wow, my favorite part is that nobody would pay 75 cents for a comic with perceived inferior art. I wonder if they would pay 2.99 for it now? (wouldn't it be awesome if comics were still 75 cents each?) I know my wallet would be happier
Boosterrific [Official Comment] Posted on Sep. 3, 2010 at 06:28:03 PM
I think that it's great that he opens his letter by vowing never to buy another issue following issue #15, then later admits that he "will buy HEX until issue #20." Now _that_ sounds like the fanboys that I know.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Following TGB's weekend comments over his feelings about Giffen & DeMatteis' take on Booster Gold (as detailed here), I decided to look through the old "Justice Log" letter columns for examples of people who felt the same way about G/D's original run. It didn't take too long to find this in the letter pages for JLA #38:
TGB, maybe it will make you feel any better to know that some people have shared your opinion for 20 years.
[The response was written, presumably, by Andy Helfer, editor of Justice League America at the time. JLA #34 was the infamous KooeyKooeyKooey incident. Coincidentally or not, JLA #38 was the first issue following Booster's original resignation from the League.]
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tiggerpete Posted on Sep. 2, 2010 at 06:03:28 PM
and here's the kicker, this is pre-internet, shocking when you realize that this is nearly identical to various forum posts that you can come across on both sides of a given issue
Fanboys=consistently upset about something since the beginning of letter columns
I believe the saying goes "you can please some of the people some of the time, but you can't please all of the people all of the time"
Boosterrific [Official Comment] Posted on Sep. 3, 2010 at 04:13:26 AM
The more things change....
Harry Posted on Sep. 3, 2010 at 09:36:07 AM
G&D are divisive writers. To create humor, they are often left to disparaging one or more characters (or at least portraying them in a less than flattering light). Many fans are protective of their favorites and many others are resistant to their comics being "silly". When I was collecting this comics, I must admit that I cringed several times at B&G's antics. It made the characters targets for mockery by my friends (and by proxy, me as well for being a fan). But it also created fans that adored the characters and who would defend them (and G&D). Polarization of the fanbase may not be the way to universal acceptance and top ten sales... but it could be the way to consistently selling 20k issues over 5-10 years. I would hate to see BG regress to immaturity. But I would hate to seem him stagnate as a character. I intend to do my best to enjoy the ride.
TGB Posted on Sep. 3, 2010 at 11:34:53 PM
And it isn't just that - it's become so darned formulaic. Look through each G&D issue and about 1/2 to 2/3s of the way through it, they have Booster monologue about how it isn't right for him to be there, how he's changed so much over time, how they weren't REALLY idiots but were content to let people think so... It's like it's their way of justifying it all. The problem is that here you have polarization of a relatively small fanbase. BG was selling around 20k before the change... does dividing the fanbase keep it at 20k?
Boosterrific [Official Comment] Posted on Sep. 3, 2010 at 11:45:32 PM
Just for you, TGB (this was going to be a future post, but you can have it now -- happy Labor Day!), from JUSTICE LEAGUE AMERICA #24:
See? They were using the fun-loving dudes excuse even back in 1989. [Again, this is presumably editor Andy Helfer responding.]
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
From Larry Evertt's Massively.com interview with DCUO's Chris Cao:
The last system we have is really meant to give you the sense of this rich, deep city. We have a series of exploration quests [for when] you're tired of fighting or just want to get deep in the DC lore. We have Booster Gold, who is this [smarmy], chill, NASCAR superhero. He actually wears the stickers of sponsors, so he's the ultimate sell-out. We use him as the tour guide [for] Booster Gold Tours Metropolis, [with] little kiosks that are conveniently placed [by] safehouses. If you go and take that tour, it will actually let you go to key areas like Crime Alley where Bruce Wayne's parents were murdered, or the Daily Planet, which is actually under duress here because of Brainiac's attacks -- [places] that really matter in the DC Universe. There's a cool cam that actually rotates around, telling you in Booster Gold's voice about any point of interest. You can just go, do these, and explore.
And so the secret of Booster's role in DC Universe Online is revealed! Find the whole interview (it's a pretty big and revealing multi-part interview) on Massively.com.
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Eyz Posted on Sep. 2, 2010 at 05:59:31 AM
That's actually pretty cool!
Not that I will ever play this game..But nice for those who will!
Harry Posted on Sep. 2, 2010 at 08:58:18 AM
That is a relatively high profile spot for BG. I would prefer less emphasis by the designer on him being a schill and sell out... but such is the life of the greatest hero that you have never heard of.
Boosterrific [Official Comment] Posted on Sep. 2, 2010 at 01:47:43 PM
I have to admit that I was opposed to the game -- nothing against DC or Sony, I've just had my fill of MMOs -- until I heard this. Now that I know that I can encounter Booster Gold at will (plus the opportunity that maybe, just maybe, I'd get to encounter him on one of his behind-the-scenes missions), I'm interested in giving the game a try.
Harry Posted on Sep. 3, 2010 at 09:40:39 AM
I am tempted as well... but this is not a cheap game. I would want to know that it is something I will play regularly before investing the capital. I wonder if they will have some type of trial option?
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Russ Burlingame quizzes Dan Jurgens about his reasons for including Claw the Unconquered and Starfire in his latest "Gold Exchange" column at Newsarama.com. I'd advise those of you who haven't managed to find a copy of Time Masters: Vanishing Point #2 to stay away from the interview until you grab a copy of the book. I'm not implying that it's a spoiler filled interview. I just think that it will make more sense once you've read the issue.
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Monday, August 30, 2010
Late last week, Shag from Once Upon A Geek called this to my attention:
After 2 decades, DC has finally licensed a Booster Gold symbol t-shirt! (Deadman is getting one, too. And he's been around since 1967. That's patience! Of course, he's dead, so it was easy for him to wait for the opportunity.)
This sucker is in the September Previews. It won't be available for several weeks, but fear not! You can order it from your favorite LCS. Or, if you're the procrastinating sort, you will one day be able to order it directly from Graphitti's website here.
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Shawn Posted on Aug. 30, 2010 at 12:11:31 PM
I did actually order this, it was just too awesome to pass up.
Harry Posted on Aug. 30, 2010 at 04:58:37 PM
Honestly, I would prefer a simple gold shirt with a weathered blue star... classic look. That being said, love to see BG get some marketing love.
tiggerpete Posted on Aug. 30, 2010 at 07:16:58 PM
well, that's one more comic t-shirt I will be wearing
Erin Posted on Aug. 30, 2010 at 07:33:00 PM
Still gotta get the other shirt but this is another must have.
TGB Posted on Aug. 30, 2010 at 10:38:15 PM
Love. Want.
Lissbirds Posted on Sep. 1, 2010 at 09:25:22 PM
I hope the gold part of the shirt is shiny. That would totally make my day.
That, and if it came in women's sizes...
Eyz Posted on Sep. 2, 2010 at 06:01:01 AM
Wow! Very nice!
I want one!
Wouldn't it have been better with more yellow on the top part?
Speaking Out Part 2
