In the "traditional" Marvel, DC and Image universes, superheroes have become an accepted fact of life for the mainstream populace. But a frequent theme that has been tried a lot is to publish a book that takes place outside the "main" universe, and examine what really WOULD happen to society if super powered beings existed.
Examples I can think of off the top of my head are: Marshal Law, Powers, and of course, the Watchmen. One could argue that "Marvels" and "Kingdom Come" sort of deal witht he same theme, even though they're written within the mianstream universes of Marvel and DC, respectively. They generally tend to have a grittier, far less cheerful view of the world w/ superheroes in it than the mainstream books do, with heroes often adapting villain like behaviors. They explore the darker side of power; if you really could tear the door off a bank vault, and tear anyone who tried to stop you apart with your bare hands and fly away before anyone could catch you. . . .who among us wouldn't at least THINK about it? If you could profit off your powers and become a commercial & merchandising success. . .hell, why wouldn't you? And would the populace REALLY accept this new breed of vastly superior beings as their protectors and practically worship them, or would they be afraid to go near them? Hate them? Loathe them?
Much as I like the superhero genre (and when it's done well, I really do like it), for some reason I'm utterly fascinated by the "what if" franchises. I'm a big fan of all the ones I mentioned above, but IMO you gotta give the title of best to The Watchmen. These books are just incredibly well written and dense w/ meaning in almost every panel of artwork. It did nothing short of change the industry, and is a main reason my 36 year old ass is still reading comics (and believe iot or not, it's a main reason many of you younger folks are, too; the coolness you enjoy today may not have come to pass w/o Watchmen).
Does anyone else like this particular style of book, and what's your favorite?
Examples I can think of off the top of my head are: Marshal Law, Powers, and of course, the Watchmen. One could argue that "Marvels" and "Kingdom Come" sort of deal witht he same theme, even though they're written within the mianstream universes of Marvel and DC, respectively. They generally tend to have a grittier, far less cheerful view of the world w/ superheroes in it than the mainstream books do, with heroes often adapting villain like behaviors. They explore the darker side of power; if you really could tear the door off a bank vault, and tear anyone who tried to stop you apart with your bare hands and fly away before anyone could catch you. . . .who among us wouldn't at least THINK about it? If you could profit off your powers and become a commercial & merchandising success. . .hell, why wouldn't you? And would the populace REALLY accept this new breed of vastly superior beings as their protectors and practically worship them, or would they be afraid to go near them? Hate them? Loathe them?
Much as I like the superhero genre (and when it's done well, I really do like it), for some reason I'm utterly fascinated by the "what if" franchises. I'm a big fan of all the ones I mentioned above, but IMO you gotta give the title of best to The Watchmen. These books are just incredibly well written and dense w/ meaning in almost every panel of artwork. It did nothing short of change the industry, and is a main reason my 36 year old ass is still reading comics (and believe iot or not, it's a main reason many of you younger folks are, too; the coolness you enjoy today may not have come to pass w/o Watchmen).
Does anyone else like this particular style of book, and what's your favorite?
