JCC ITT we get to know each other, goof around and socialize whilst bashing superheroes

I think some distinction needs to be made between comic books and newspaper strips. While it really wasn't until the advent of online media that the stuff in newspapers started plummeting in popularity (although people like Raymond and Schulz were already dead), comic books had experienced their downfall long before that (and experienced downfalls again). That's my understanding as a layperson, so maybe I'm wrong.

 

I think so too, I think it was computer games that killed comics. Kids found some other stuff to do. Which is not bad in itself. It just is. I'm just trying to salvage the thing I have a vested interest in.

 

At the risk of sounding like Scott McCloud, comics are perfectly fine right now, just weird and democratized and scattered all over the internet. Even with respect to the big publishers we're slowly beginning to see a shift towards online distribution - while Comixology numbers are a closely regarded secret for some reason, there are a few books that, if you follow the physical numbers and know the rough guidelines for what gets a book cancelled, are definitely surviving on digital sales. It's just kind of a transitional time for the medium.

Edit: That said I'm always kind of possessed of a strange optimism with respect to my preferred media formats and their ability to endure so take that assessment with a grain of salt.

 

I share your optimism with respect to my preferred media format.

 

Down with Superman! Not exactly a hot take, but still.

 

They put their money in superheroes because they're very marketable, profitable and popular. The Silver Age proved that when the Martian Manhunter, the Flash/Barry Allen, Green Lantern Hal Jordan, the Atom/Ray Palmer, the JLA and the Fantastic Four were created. Sales and letter campaigns resulted in the revival of other heroes and expansion into additional books for certain characters and teams.

First, there's plenty of non superhero books out there. "The Invisibles" by Grant Morrison, "WE3", also by Morrison. "The Road To Perdition" and its sequels by Max Allen Collins. "The Unfunnies" and "War Heroes" by Mark Millar. "From Hell", "V For Vendetta" and "League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen" by Alan Moore. "Sandman" and it's spinoffs by Neil Gaiman. "Strangers In Paradise" by Terry Moore. "Locke And Key" by Joe Hill.

"Men In Black" as a topic concerns the films and not so much the comics, since there hasn't been any in years. The film discussion fell not because of the other superhero threads, but because the last film came out three years ago. If the rumored crossover with "21 Jumpstreet" happens, it'll come back up. "American Splendor" fell by the wayside because no one had anything to say and so it fell off the first few pages. You can probably do a search to revive it.

Charles Schulz is still popular as his works are constantly kept in print, both in the newspaper format and in book collections. Along with the animated versions of "Peanuts" characters being in constant rotation on television and on DVD, with a new film coming soon. So there's plenty there.

 

I appreciate the feedback, but I think I'll just wallow in my perceived loss some more. Grant Morrisson, Mark Millar, Neil Gaiman and Alan Moore are all British. That's four out of seven authors mentioned to show how American comics are doing fine. Sorta proves my point.

Yes, obviously. Like boy bands. That's why every record company wants its own boy band, and all their music sounds similar. The fact that it's popular doesn't make it a good thing. Now I'm not saying publishers should do anything differently. The public should. Hence: the crusade.

But that's what I'm saying: a field that was once revolutionary is now just regurgitating past glory. Where's the new great comic strip? Where's the new underground? Where's anything big except superheroes? I'll tell you where: in games.

 

Robert Kirkman does "The Walking Dead". Garth Ennis had "Preacher" and is working on "The Boys", which is his critique of superheroes in general. "Red Sonja" by Gail Simone. "Lazarus" by Greg Rucka. "The Sixth Gun" by Cullen Bunn. "Rachel Rising" by Terry Moore. "Criminal" by Ed Brubaker. There's all kinds of stuff out there.

The public likes superheroes. That hasn't changed in seventy six years. That's why these films, television shows, cartoons and the like are doing so well years later.

They're out there. You just have to look instead of complaining. In terms of newspaper strips, there's always new ones cropping up alongside the favorites. Underground, well, that's always something to find.

 

There's a big official thread for this ****, man... this is supposed to be a social thing.

http://boards.theforce.net/threads/official-comics-thread.27231017/

 

*reaction .gif*

 

Aquaman is lame as all hell and you're all a bunch of nerds...especially Kristie.

 

Especially since it was Vincent Chase who protrayed him in the film version from a few years back.

 

So, Aquaman's responsible for Sharknado? No wonder people hate this guy! Seriously though, I have developed an intense dislike for Batman and Wonder Woman. Batman's a billionaire. He's NOT a "regular" or "normal" guy. And (as a woman) I identify with Wonder Woman less than Kevin Smith identifies with Superman. Personally, I'd love to see Lois Lane kick both their asses.