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The Official Thread for Thor's Comic Column

post #1 of 755
7/8/03 at 1:47am
Thread Starter 
The idea for this thread started after the discussion about The Losers #1, and I figured that the Column deserved it's own space besides the rarely used "Much Love for Thor's Comic Column" thread, so here goes.

Is the column good? It is great. Definitely worth reading admidst the onslaught of news and reviews from the main chud site. Have I ever had issues with the column and Sean? Sure, but I've talked about certain suggestions with him but I've also seen his points as well, so we're cool.

<a href="http://chud.com/board/ubbhtml/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=12;t=000859" target="_blank">Here's where the idea for this thread started.</a>

<a href="http://www.chud.com/news/june03/june29thor.php3" target="_blank">And here's his previous column (at least I think it is).</a>

Share your thoughts and opinions about his column, as well as suggestions and/or criticisms. Also, I'll try to update the thread with links to the newest column, but if I run behind, would one of you be so kind as to post the link here? Thanks.

Cheers!
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post #2 of 755
7/9/03 at 11:18pm
I'm assuming Nick is responsible for the hilarious new graphic to accompany the ratings.

God bless you.
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post #3 of 755
7/9/03 at 11:29pm
Just caught the latest Thor's Comic Column. I've always loved Harley Quinn. I'm glad to hear this character is evolving beyond the world of slumber parties and shopping malls. Thanks, Sean!
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post #4 of 755
7/10/03 at 2:30am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Sean Van Zan Fahey:
I'm assuming Nick is responsible for the hilarious new graphic to accompany the ratings.

God bless you.
Him? Or me for suggesting a new ratings design? Were you being sarcastic?

Either way, the new graphic is beautiful!

Honestly, sometimes I skim through the CHUD reviews and sometimes when I really tired or busy but I want to hear your word on a comic book I want to see the rating and I'll read the rest of the review later.

<img src="http://www.chud.com/graphics8/3halfviking.jpg" alt="" />

This makes things soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo much better.
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post #5 of 755
7/10/03 at 3:15am
damn, that's cool.
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post #6 of 755
7/10/03 at 4:59am
Thread Starter 
<a href="http://www.chud.com/news/july03/july10thor.php3" target="_blank">Here's this week's installment.</a>
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post #7 of 755
7/10/03 at 7:53am
Quote:
Prisoner of the NEGATIVE ZONE:
3 and a half... what a surprise. wink
My favorite rating.

If I was only going to review one book, it had to be one that was a three and a half. Harley Quinn was pretty good.
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post #8 of 755
7/10/03 at 10:33am
Nice article, Sean. I've been thinking about picking up this series for a while. Where would you say is a good jumping on point?
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post #9 of 755
7/10/03 at 10:53am
that was a question i was about to post. what issue did the new writer come on board? if it is not too far back i might just go get them all next week.
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post #10 of 755
7/10/03 at 11:55am
Hey, Bonnie Rate got a mention - that's certainly nice to see. I deleted her, but I might have to resurrect her on one of the XBOXs. I'm sure Nick will be excited about that. Anyway, good, brief column, man. I always liked Harley Quinn's character in the Batman animated series and from what little I remember of her in the "Long Halloween" and "Dark Victory" graphic novels - I'm pretty sure she was in at least one of those. This looks like it could be a good pick up. Sounds like a strange, strange book.
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post #11 of 755
7/10/03 at 6:48pm
Quote:
Matt Goldberg:
Nice article, Sean. I've been thinking about picking up this series for a while. Where would you say is a good jumping on point?
Thanks.

Lieberman and Huddleston took over on issue #26. The latest is #34 so if you were interested in getting their entire run, that should still be managable.

To be honest though, issue #33 (the beginning of the current arc) is just as good a place as any to start - especially given that Huddleston did not draw the previous arc (which was only two issues I believe).

I think people will dig this if they give it a shot. It's not 100 Bullets or Ultimates, but it's got potential.

Give #33 and #34 a shot and let me know what you think.
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post #12 of 755
7/10/03 at 6:52pm
Quote:
Agent Blue:
Quote:
Sean Van Zan Fahey:
I'm assuming Nick is responsible for the hilarious new graphic to accompany the ratings.

God bless you.
Him? Or me for suggesting a new ratings design? Were you being sarcastic?
I wasn't being sarcastic. It was a good suggestion to break the rating apart from the review - a move I believe triggered the idea for the graphic in Nick's mind.

Fucking classic.
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post #13 of 755
7/10/03 at 7:03pm
Quote:
Prisoner of the NEGATIVE ZONE:
Oh, and this time I agree with you on the rating. This is one book where the 3 and a half fits just fine.
Thank fuckin' Christ! I knew it would stick eventually.

I'm working on this week's now (when I saw "working" I mean reading and formulating a basic idea for a rating) and the books I think I'll write about are all over the place.
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post #14 of 755
7/10/03 at 8:28pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Sean Van Zan Fahey:
Quote:
Agent Blue:
Quote:
Sean Van Zan Fahey:
I'm assuming Nick is responsible for the hilarious new graphic to accompany the ratings.

God bless you.
Him? Or me for suggesting a new ratings design? Were you being sarcastic?
I wasn't being sarcastic. It was a good suggestion to break the rating apart from the review - a move I believe triggered the idea for the graphic in Nick's mind.

Fucking classic.
Glad to be of help.

Have you checked out the latest issue of Ultimate Spider-Man? (Issue #43) Awesome team-up with the Ultimate X-girls if you ask me. And what a cliffhanger. I hope that Geldhoff biotch falls down and goes *SPLAT!* and ends his lame run on the book.
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post #15 of 755
7/10/03 at 10:54pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Prisoner of the NEGATIVE ZONE:
Speaking of Ultimate Spider-Man, does anyone else not like the big honking beaks that the artist draws on all the characters?
And by beaks you mean...?
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post #16 of 755
7/10/03 at 11:03pm
I will never EVER read that book again. Suddenly it became cool to fit the content of one issue over the span of a year. Absolutely nothing happens anymore. Bendis needs to cut down on his books or I will never respect him again. He used to be amazing, and at times (Daredevil) he still is.
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post #17 of 755
7/10/03 at 11:48pm
Thread Starter 
I agree that the pacing for Ultimate Spidey is off, but the dialogue is 100 times better than the shit I had to read through in the 1990-1996 run I collected of Amazing, Spectacular, Web of, and Peter Parker: Spider-Man.
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post #18 of 755
7/11/03 at 12:28am
Quote:
Bateman Nametab:
Bendis needs to cut down on his books or I will never respect him again. He used to be amazing, and at times (Daredevil) he still is.
Daredevil may be the best monthly title that Marvel is putting out. Bendis is truly on top of his game with that book.
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post #19 of 755
7/14/03 at 1:03am
New column.

<a href="http://www.chud.com/news/july03/july13thor.php3" target="_blank">http://www.chud.com/news/july03/july13thor.php3</a>
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post #20 of 755
7/14/03 at 3:11am
Thread Starter 
Sean's kicking ass and taking names. I hesitated to buy Trouble #1, and thanks to Sean I won't at all.

Looking forward to Thor: Vikings #1 coming soon.
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post #21 of 755
7/14/03 at 10:34am
Quote:
Sean Van Zan Fahey:
Quote:
Matt Goldberg:
Nice article, Sean. I've been thinking about picking up this series for a while. Where would you say is a good jumping on point?
Thanks.

Lieberman and Huddleston took over on issue #26. The latest is #34 so if you were interested in getting their entire run, that should still be managable.

To be honest though, issue #33 (the beginning of the current arc) is just as good a place as any to start - especially given that Huddleston did not draw the previous arc (which was only two issues I believe).

I think people will dig this if they give it a shot. It's not 100 Bullets or Ultimates, but it's got potential.

Give #33 and #34 a shot and let me know what you think.
Will do. Thanks for the info and keep up the good work.
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post #22 of 755
7/14/03 at 10:41am
I dig the way USM is laid out. I can see it'd be frustrating for some people, but the detail and texture paid to the story is worth the slow read, and Bendis is on top form with it. It's still the best Spidey title out there, and my favourite superhero title along with NXM.
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post #23 of 755
7/14/03 at 9:42pm
Quote:
Fett (Chi-Chi Cha-Cha):
I dig the way USM is laid out. I can see it'd be frustrating for some people, but the detail and texture paid to the story is worth the slow read, and Bendis is on top form with it. It's still the best Spidey title out there, and my favourite superhero title along with NXM.
I'm in the minority on Ultimate Spider-man. I loved the first year, but could not truly get into it after that. It's bizarre because I love Bendis (Daredevil is the finest book Marvel puts out) and I like Spider-man.

Spectacular did nothing for me. Amazing is the Spidey title of record as far as I'm concerned, but like I said - I'm in the minority on this one.

Anyone else out there pick up Spectacular?
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post #24 of 755
7/27/03 at 9:22am
The latest:

<a href="http://www.chud.com/news/july03/jul27comics.php3" target="_blank">http://www.chud.com/news/july03/jul27comics.php3</a>
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post #25 of 755
7/27/03 at 5:17pm
Sleeper is so damned good. It deserves a little recognition. Kudos for recognizing its greatness.
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post #26 of 755
8/5/03 at 11:14pm
<a href="http://www.chud.com/news/aug03/aug5comics.php3" target="_blank">http://www.chud.com/news/aug03/aug5comics.php3</a>

Opening Disclaimer: I haven't read or followed comics in about 10 years.

That is one terrific interview, Sean. I think I might have to pick up those trade paperbacks, and not just because I don't want to be a "pussy." "100 Bullets" sounds like a great story, and that Brian Azzarello sounds like one sharp cat. I loved his perspective and insights on writing. Very inspiring interview, and it looks like it will lead to some royalty checks for Azzarello. Thanks, again.
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post #27 of 755
8/6/03 at 1:59am
Great fucking interview, Sean. Seriously. Great work. I loved every word. Bravo!

I completely agree with you about Azzarello. He transcends any label assigned to him. He is a pure writer, and a fucking brilliant one. I can't wait to read Batman and his Sgt Rock sounds phenomenal as well.
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post #28 of 755
8/6/03 at 5:16am
Best writer in the industry? please.
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post #29 of 755
8/6/03 at 8:14am
As opposed to...?
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post #30 of 755
8/6/03 at 9:48am
Great interview, Sean.

::adds 100 Bullets to his long, long TPB list::
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post #31 of 755
8/6/03 at 11:47am
I can lend you the first three 100 Bullets TPBs. Honestly though, everything else of his I've read has left me cold. His run on Hellblazer didn't do it for me, Banner was nothing special and the less said about his hideous Luke Cage mini-series the better.

I don't think there's such a thing as the "best writer in comics", because everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses. I can't think of a single writer who compels me to read everything they do.
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post #32 of 755
8/6/03 at 12:50pm
Great interview, Sean. Lots of good background on "100 Bullets" (I just read all the trades, thanks to Cesar).
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post #33 of 755
8/6/03 at 1:58pm
Great interview Sean! Got a good feel for where Azarello comes from as far as his character building and dialogue goes.

Grat work as always Lawyer-man!
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post #34 of 755
8/6/03 at 8:24pm
Thanks for all the kind words. Seriously. Glad to hear that new readers are picking up "100 Bullets." I don't think you'll be disappointed.

I also want to publically tip my hat and thank Dave Davis for his help with this. After it was posted and I was reading it over, I noticed a few glaring errors and freaked - Dave quickly fixed them.

As for the "best writer" comments - sure, that type of thing is subjective. Nevertheless, I think I lay out very clearly at the beginning of the interview that this is NOT an objective piece. Every writer has their own strengths and weakness. Everything is a matter of taste.

That being said...Brian Azzarello is the best fuckin' writer in the industry.
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post #35 of 755
8/8/03 at 9:53pm
Quote:
Cardboard Cubed Samurai:
<a href="http://www.chud.com/news/aug03/aug5comics.php3" target="_blank">http://www.chud.com/news/aug03/aug5comics.php3</a>

Opening Disclaimer: I haven't read or followed comics in about 10 years.

That is one terrific interview, Sean. I think I might have to pick up those trade paperbacks, and not just because I don't want to be a "pussy." "100 Bullets" sounds like a great story, and that Brian Azzarello sounds like one sharp cat. I loved his perspective and insights on writing. Very inspiring interview, and it looks like it will lead to some royalty checks for Azzarello. Thanks, again.
If you pick up the trades on the basis of my interview and don't like them, I will buy them from you and pay for the fucking shipping.

I'm serious.
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post #36 of 755
8/8/03 at 10:17pm
I think 100 Bullets is just ok. I find Azzarello's dialogue often trite, and sometimes offensive, and I think the conspiracy is a big fat bore.

Great art though.
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post #37 of 755
8/8/03 at 10:30pm
Azzarelo is the most overrated writer in the industry to me. Outside of 100 Bullets, which like Devin, I only find ok, his stuff do nothing for me at all.

And Nick, hating Alan Moore and complaining about the lack of Age of Apocalypse stuff on a Best X-Men stories article? Nooooooooooooooooo!
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post #38 of 755
8/9/03 at 1:22am
Quote:
Mr. Chapel's got a Golden Ticket:
Fuck, really?
Yes, really.
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post #39 of 755
8/11/03 at 10:48pm
Read through Thor's archives today and paid a visit to the local comic shop. The first two issues of Born are fucking awsome. Looks like I'll be renewing my subscription to all things Punisher.

Also bought the second TPB of 100 Bullets. Unfortunately, the shop (Oxford, for you ATL Chewers) didn't have the first one in stock.

I ordered it.

I had to.
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post #40 of 755
8/11/03 at 11:12pm
Quote:
Rob Rocco:
Read through Thor's archives today and paid a visit to the local comic shop. The first two issues of Born are fucking awsome. Looks like I'll be renewing my subscription to all things Punisher.

Also bought the second TPB of 100 Bullets. Unfortunately, the shop (Oxford, for you ATL Chewers) didn't have the first one in stock.

I ordered it.

I had to.
Glad you liked "Born." From what I hear, Marvel is relaunching "The Punisher" (keeping the same creative team) to bring the book more in line with what Ennis is doing with "Born." Gone will be the cybernetic trans-sexual Russian assassins - to be replaced by a more psychological and darker experience. It'll be under the MAX imprint.

As for "100 Bullets" - I'll tell you the same thing I told the other guy. If you buy "100 Bullets" based on any representation I have made (either through the Azzarello interview or my reviews) and you do not like it - I will buy it from you and pay for the fuckin' postage.

Latest column has been turned in. Look for it soon.
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post #41 of 755
8/11/03 at 11:16pm
I also bought Born on Thor's reccomendation and have loved it so far. I also picked up the first seven issues of Sleeper, but havent read them yet. Can't wait for his next column.
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post #42 of 755
8/11/03 at 11:28pm
Forgot to mention in my earlier post that great interview with Azzarello. Looking forward to the next column.
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post #43 of 755
8/12/03 at 12:22am
Short one this week...

<a href="http://www.chud.com/news/aug03/aug11comics.php3" target="_blank">http://www.chud.com/news/aug03/aug11comics.php3</a>
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post #44 of 755
8/12/03 at 12:39am
We have a comic column?
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post #45 of 755
8/12/03 at 12:46am
Sean, I'm curious if you've read Superman: For All Seasons by Loeb and Sale. I think that's as iconic a Superman story as has been written, and one that gave me a whole new appreciation for the character. It really emphasized the concious choic Clark makes to consider himself a part of the human race, despite his obvious differences from it, and the idea that he does not set himself above them even though his abilities give him every reason to. It's a very human Superman story that I never fail to recommend to anyone who thinks the character is all about moving planets and super-breath.
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post #46 of 755
8/12/03 at 7:24pm
Quote:
Richard 'Poxy' Dickson:
Sean, I'm curious if you've read Superman: For All Seasons by Loeb and Sale. I think that's as iconic a Superman story as has been written, and one that gave me a whole new appreciation for the character. It really emphasized the concious choic Clark makes to consider himself a part of the human race, despite his obvious differences from it, and the idea that he does not set himself above them even though his abilities give him every reason to. It's a very human Superman story that I never fail to recommend to anyone who thinks the character is all about moving planets and super-breath.
That's an excellent point. The four issues of "Superman: For All Seasons" is sitting in a (sadly) growing stack of back issues I have yet to get to. I was thinking about reading it before writing my column, but just did not have the time. Nevertheless, the point I was trying to make was not so much about Superman's humanity (that was part of it) but more about how Superman comes to life for me when I see him through Batman's eyes.

I'll put this series on top of my stack (and get around to reading it).
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post #47 of 755
8/12/03 at 7:27pm
Quote:
Nick Nunziata:
We have a comic column?
I can see how that would be hard to tell...you'd never know from looking at the staff listing on the CHUD home page.

BOT!
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post #48 of 755
8/12/03 at 11:02pm
Planetary 16 has just been resolicited for August, along with a collection of #13-15, for those who can't remember what happened in the last issue when it came out around 14 months ago.
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post #49 of 755
8/17/03 at 10:32pm
The latest:

<a href="http://www.chud.com/news/aug03/aug17comics.php3" target="_blank">http://www.chud.com/news/aug03/aug17comics.php3</a>
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post #50 of 755
8/17/03 at 11:30pm
Nice column. I feel the same way about 1602, although I feel that the inclusion of the Marvel characters is a gimmick that really takes me out of the book. Hopefully Gaiman will start to explain WHY they're there.

Also, what'd you think about the latest issue of Fables? Personally, I found it a little disappointing. The way the last book set things up, I thought we were really gonna get a chance to develop things between Snow and Bigby, and yet the whole story was so sterile. And also, both Prince Charming and Bluebeard did a complete 180 out of nowhere! Prince Charming's turn was a little bit more convincing, but when did Bluebeard become such a pussy? And one thing that's been irritating the crap out of me for the last two issues: what the fuck happened to Bigby's mouth? Where did it go?
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