Post by eric the pilot on Apr 3, 2008 22:46:41 GMT -5
Since we'd lost the board, here's an archived copy of the first comment thread, saved on or around Februray 20th, 2008. Every post appears here without any alterations or changes, copied exactly from the archived copy.
If anyone commented after that point, please take the time to recomment on the title, and if you haven't done so already, now is a great time.
At the time of the archiving, the poll put up had seven votes, broken down as such:
5 Stars - 2 votes
4 Stars - 4 votes
3 Stars - 1 vote
Comment One
Originally posted by Idlewilder on Oct 27, 2007, 9:13am:
Fantastic debut of the Maximum! line, Jay! It was kinda neat seeing Batman before he was the G-D Batman, learning his way around the night, and facing criminals before he made them into such a cowardly and superstitious lot... I don't think many of them will be laughing atn the shadow of the bat after this issue's beatdown!
Loved the relationships between the principles, specifically between Bruce and a (young!) Alfred. And being the editor, I have enough inside knowledge to say I'm really looking forward to the dynamic between Batman and a certain young Gotham PD officer...
I think this issue accomplishes its mission: this presentation of Batman is stripped down, intense, realistic and uncluttered by continuity. And Diablos Kitten has delivered a cover that is simply beautiful.
This is a 5 star effort all around!
Comment Two
Originally posted by Riz! on Oct 27, 2007, 12:08pm
I'm not as happy with it as Dave is, maybe because it read like a report more than a comic...
There were a lot of good things in this issue, but somehow it didn't really grab my attention...
I give you 3,5 stars.
Comment Three
Originally posted by UltimateDC on Oct 28, 2007, 2:06am
This was a good starter issue for Batman; it establishes the story we all know and love and are a bit tired of, but it still managed to keep me hooked til the end. Nice stuff.
So what seperates Earth: Maximum! from Mainstream DCU or DC2?
-UDC
Comment Four
Originally posted by Arcallian on Oct 28, 2007, 2:49pm
Maximum! Batman starts today. Right now. No history, no decades of continuity tying everything down. Everything's fresh and new.
Comment Five
Originally posted by batarang on Oct 28, 2007, 8:10pm
Very nice. I like the idea of starting the DC heroes over again a la Marvel's Ultimate line, since many these characters have been around over sixty years.
It makes sense to me that the criminal element would react the way they do here. I mean, a guy dressed in a Halloween costume is gonna kick my ass? Like the solicit says, Batman will teach them all fear.
It seems you'll also delve more into the Bruce/(young) Alfred relationship, plus go further with Bruce's persona than the bored playboy act so familiar to fans of the character. You have a blank canvas on which to paint and I'll be interested to see what your take is on the bat-mythos. Plus I'll be looking forward to seeing what you do with the classic bat-villain gallery.
Batman begins again, and I'm on board.
Comment Six
Originally posted by UltimateDC on Oct 29, 2007, 1:14am
So basically, it's an "Ultimatized" version of mainstream DCU. Didn't we already get something like that with DC2? I'm not complaining, i'm just want to know what to expect.
-UDC
Comment Seven
Originally posted by Arcallian Oct 29, 2007, 6:10am
More like an "All Star" or "Year One". DC2 has it's own continuity stretching back years; there's just lots of those stories we haven't read. Whereas this is a true reset to zero. Also, other Maximum titles won't have to be in the same continuity as this one.
Now go read Teen Titans at DC2, dangit!
Comment Eight
Originally posted by UltimateDC on Oct 29, 2007, 6:40pm
I did. Just haven't posted yet.
-UDC
Comment Nine
Originally posted by starlord on Nov 1, 2007, 8:38pm
I finally had a chance to read this and was very impressed. It had its own unique spin and still stayed true to the mythos, itself. Although one line really struck me, and made me know that this Batman was in great hands.
I'm paraphrasing this, but the line that spoke of Batman being satisfied but not sure if it was because he had saved a life, or put fear in the thugs eyes, made me grin. That's Batman! A great beginning. Can't wait for the next one.
Comment Ten
Originally posted by zirron on Nov 18, 2007, 9:30am
I think Jay has a way of bringing in the reader to really show how much Batman can be something different, except it follows very much the way Batman should be written.
Great story, jay. ****
Comment Eleven
Originally posted by Merai on Nov 23, 2007, 3:01pm
I gave this 5 stars because I was literally blown away with it, moreso than it appears anyone else was, but still. Phenomenal writing, with great attention to detail and well laid out scenes which combined thinking and action. We saw both what Batman was doing and what he was thinking, and all of it was written in an easy-to follow and engrossing style.
I particularly enjoyed the early moments as the criminals have yet to learn the fear of The Bat, and as Batman contemplates the potential difficulty. Really, it was that good that I have little more to say! The best issue of DC3 I've read yet (Though, to be fair, I'm only getting started ) and one of the best fictional DC comics I've ever read online! I'll definitely follow this.
To stick to my constructive criticism rule, I'll say this though- this was very action-centric. Obviously it was a starter issue, but I hope you don't fall into the trap of having "Batman, Alfred and a bunch of enemies." Every character needs a functioning supporting cast beyond his foes, and it might have been nice to see some of them in this issue. Other than that, phenomenal work and I can't wait for #2!
Comment Twelve
Originally posted by Arcallian on Nov 23, 2007, 5:29pm
Thanks, Merai!
Rest assured, next issue will not simply be a "Batman action" sequence.
Comment Thirteen
Originally posted by Rocketeerz on Dec 4, 2007, 11:53am
Hmm... besides the fact that Alfred is the son of the Wayne's old butler and is Batman's age and Bruce Wayne's decison to play the sad son instead of the rich playboy... I don't really see this as being any different at all. Maybe that's not the point... but this basically was a "Batman: year One" Story.
Having said that, it was a well written tale. I don't want to portray the idea that I didn't enjoy it. I'm just unsure how this is different than the DC2 Batman. I know this is a starting point and there is no history behind things... but I'm still not feeling a difference. Then again it's only one issue with lots of time to go to flesh out plots and characters and situations.
I'm going to guess that the kid at the end will eventually turn out to be Dick Grayson, Jason Todd or Tim Drake... and that's where Robin will come from. I also got a weird feeling that we haven't heard the last from the young man with the cement shoes that Batman rescued.
Comment Fourteen
Originally posted by Arcallian on Dec 4, 2007, 2:50pm
I'm sorry if you went into this with the wrong impression, Rocketeerz. The Maximum line is indeed a kind of "Year One....is today!" kind of concept, as opposed to Earth X, which is where things are truly different. The idea behind the Maximum titles is that they are not bogged down by decades of continuity, and we can start over. Perhaps All Star is a better way of putting it.
As for Robin, let me borrow a line from Geoff Johns, "wait and see".
Comment Fifteen
Originally posted by rocketeerz on Dec 4, 2007, 2:54pm
Ahhhhhh. Ok. That makes more sense then.
Ah now I feel like a sort of idiot. Sorry about that.
Comment Sixteen
Originally posted by chris on Dec 4, 2007, 4:53pm
Hey! Great story! I found it very interesting and can't wait to read the next chapter! I am a fan of the stripped down back to concept and fresh continuity. I also found Alfred being young a interesting idea myself!
Again, great job!
Comment Seventeen
Originally posted by batmantwinky on Dec 28, 2007, 3:12am
Excellent issue. I'm very glad I picked it as my first read in the new Multiverse, although, being the huge Batman fan that I am, I couldn't really start with anything else. A few criticisms, comments, etc. here:
A sad, shattered soul is probably less of a disguise than an obnoxious, self centered playboy. I’m thinking in the eyes of law enforcement it would give the still-grieving son more of a motive to become a vigilante than the son who appears to be loving his life of luxury and has everything he wants.
I really liked Batman’s first comments to the jewelry robbers and I liked it even more that he didn’t say anything to the alleyway thugs. You can really see the lessons he’s learning as the issue progresses without actually having to come out and tell us.
Speaking of dialogue; I really like that your Batman doesn't really try to use any snappy remarks or jokes but gets right down to business. And when he does speak to someone, it's to make their lives better and he perfectly straddles the line between being too sympathetic but still maintaining his intimidating image.
And as Starlord said earlier, perhaps the best part of the issue was when Batman felt better but he wasn’t sure if it was because he saved a life or because he’s made someone afraid of him.
The last thing I have is that I found myself reading Alfred's dialogue with an elderly, father figure's voice in my head. I think it's gonna take some more exchanges between him and Bruce as peers and seeing them spend some more time together to really get a younger Alfred voice in my mind.
Lest I forget, a very cool and appropriate cover to go along with this first issue.
Overall, I felt like giving this issue a 4.5 because I really enjoyed it but it wasn't perfect. But since the poll is for whole numbers, I decided to round up to 5 stars. See ya next issue!
P.S. I can’t wait to see Gordon introduced!
Comment Eighteen
Originally posted by Eric the Pilot Jan 12, 2008, 10:34pm
This is an interesting take on the Batman.
You do a good job, I think, marking differences between your version of the Bat mythos and the DC version. Alfred in particular is an interesting development that should give you a lot of different storytelling options.
The issue also gives a good sense of Burce's development and progression as Batman., and is fairly action packed, which is nice.
Out of curiosity (since I know a lot of writers do this) is Milligan Street supposed to be a shoutout reference to X-Men and Infinity Inc's Peter Milligan? Also seemed to pick up potential references to Tom Grummet and George Perez.
The only major suggestion I would make is that I found the storytelling seemed a little detached, which took away a little of the impact. I'm not suggesting it felt like the narrated parts had a Steven Wright sort of monotone or anything like that, but it still felt like it took a little of the energy out of the action sequences all the same.
But still a good job, I look forward to seeing where you're headed from here, and look forward to the next issue.
Comment Ninteen
Originally posted by Arcallian on Jan 14, 2008, 6:37am
Milligan wrote Detective comics for a while as well, which is why I referenced him. Thanks for the feedback.
If anyone commented after that point, please take the time to recomment on the title, and if you haven't done so already, now is a great time.
At the time of the archiving, the poll put up had seven votes, broken down as such:
5 Stars - 2 votes
4 Stars - 4 votes
3 Stars - 1 vote
Comment One
Originally posted by Idlewilder on Oct 27, 2007, 9:13am:
Fantastic debut of the Maximum! line, Jay! It was kinda neat seeing Batman before he was the G-D Batman, learning his way around the night, and facing criminals before he made them into such a cowardly and superstitious lot... I don't think many of them will be laughing atn the shadow of the bat after this issue's beatdown!
Loved the relationships between the principles, specifically between Bruce and a (young!) Alfred. And being the editor, I have enough inside knowledge to say I'm really looking forward to the dynamic between Batman and a certain young Gotham PD officer...
I think this issue accomplishes its mission: this presentation of Batman is stripped down, intense, realistic and uncluttered by continuity. And Diablos Kitten has delivered a cover that is simply beautiful.
This is a 5 star effort all around!
Comment Two
Originally posted by Riz! on Oct 27, 2007, 12:08pm
I'm not as happy with it as Dave is, maybe because it read like a report more than a comic...
There were a lot of good things in this issue, but somehow it didn't really grab my attention...
I give you 3,5 stars.
Comment Three
Originally posted by UltimateDC on Oct 28, 2007, 2:06am
This was a good starter issue for Batman; it establishes the story we all know and love and are a bit tired of, but it still managed to keep me hooked til the end. Nice stuff.
So what seperates Earth: Maximum! from Mainstream DCU or DC2?
-UDC
Comment Four
Originally posted by Arcallian on Oct 28, 2007, 2:49pm
Maximum! Batman starts today. Right now. No history, no decades of continuity tying everything down. Everything's fresh and new.
Comment Five
Originally posted by batarang on Oct 28, 2007, 8:10pm
Very nice. I like the idea of starting the DC heroes over again a la Marvel's Ultimate line, since many these characters have been around over sixty years.
It makes sense to me that the criminal element would react the way they do here. I mean, a guy dressed in a Halloween costume is gonna kick my ass? Like the solicit says, Batman will teach them all fear.
It seems you'll also delve more into the Bruce/(young) Alfred relationship, plus go further with Bruce's persona than the bored playboy act so familiar to fans of the character. You have a blank canvas on which to paint and I'll be interested to see what your take is on the bat-mythos. Plus I'll be looking forward to seeing what you do with the classic bat-villain gallery.
Batman begins again, and I'm on board.
Comment Six
Originally posted by UltimateDC on Oct 29, 2007, 1:14am
Oct 28, 2007, 2:49pm, arcalian wrote: Maximum! Batman starts today. Right now. No history, no decades of continuity tying everything down. Everything's fresh and new.
So basically, it's an "Ultimatized" version of mainstream DCU. Didn't we already get something like that with DC2? I'm not complaining, i'm just want to know what to expect.
-UDC
Comment Seven
Originally posted by Arcallian Oct 29, 2007, 6:10am
More like an "All Star" or "Year One". DC2 has it's own continuity stretching back years; there's just lots of those stories we haven't read. Whereas this is a true reset to zero. Also, other Maximum titles won't have to be in the same continuity as this one.
Now go read Teen Titans at DC2, dangit!
Comment Eight
Originally posted by UltimateDC on Oct 29, 2007, 6:40pm
I did. Just haven't posted yet.
-UDC
Comment Nine
Originally posted by starlord on Nov 1, 2007, 8:38pm
I finally had a chance to read this and was very impressed. It had its own unique spin and still stayed true to the mythos, itself. Although one line really struck me, and made me know that this Batman was in great hands.
I'm paraphrasing this, but the line that spoke of Batman being satisfied but not sure if it was because he had saved a life, or put fear in the thugs eyes, made me grin. That's Batman! A great beginning. Can't wait for the next one.
Comment Ten
Originally posted by zirron on Nov 18, 2007, 9:30am
I think Jay has a way of bringing in the reader to really show how much Batman can be something different, except it follows very much the way Batman should be written.
Great story, jay. ****
Comment Eleven
Originally posted by Merai on Nov 23, 2007, 3:01pm
I gave this 5 stars because I was literally blown away with it, moreso than it appears anyone else was, but still. Phenomenal writing, with great attention to detail and well laid out scenes which combined thinking and action. We saw both what Batman was doing and what he was thinking, and all of it was written in an easy-to follow and engrossing style.
I particularly enjoyed the early moments as the criminals have yet to learn the fear of The Bat, and as Batman contemplates the potential difficulty. Really, it was that good that I have little more to say! The best issue of DC3 I've read yet (Though, to be fair, I'm only getting started ) and one of the best fictional DC comics I've ever read online! I'll definitely follow this.
To stick to my constructive criticism rule, I'll say this though- this was very action-centric. Obviously it was a starter issue, but I hope you don't fall into the trap of having "Batman, Alfred and a bunch of enemies." Every character needs a functioning supporting cast beyond his foes, and it might have been nice to see some of them in this issue. Other than that, phenomenal work and I can't wait for #2!
Comment Twelve
Originally posted by Arcallian on Nov 23, 2007, 5:29pm
Thanks, Merai!
Rest assured, next issue will not simply be a "Batman action" sequence.
Comment Thirteen
Originally posted by Rocketeerz on Dec 4, 2007, 11:53am
Hmm... besides the fact that Alfred is the son of the Wayne's old butler and is Batman's age and Bruce Wayne's decison to play the sad son instead of the rich playboy... I don't really see this as being any different at all. Maybe that's not the point... but this basically was a "Batman: year One" Story.
Having said that, it was a well written tale. I don't want to portray the idea that I didn't enjoy it. I'm just unsure how this is different than the DC2 Batman. I know this is a starting point and there is no history behind things... but I'm still not feeling a difference. Then again it's only one issue with lots of time to go to flesh out plots and characters and situations.
I'm going to guess that the kid at the end will eventually turn out to be Dick Grayson, Jason Todd or Tim Drake... and that's where Robin will come from. I also got a weird feeling that we haven't heard the last from the young man with the cement shoes that Batman rescued.
Comment Fourteen
Originally posted by Arcallian on Dec 4, 2007, 2:50pm
I'm sorry if you went into this with the wrong impression, Rocketeerz. The Maximum line is indeed a kind of "Year One....is today!" kind of concept, as opposed to Earth X, which is where things are truly different. The idea behind the Maximum titles is that they are not bogged down by decades of continuity, and we can start over. Perhaps All Star is a better way of putting it.
As for Robin, let me borrow a line from Geoff Johns, "wait and see".
Comment Fifteen
Originally posted by rocketeerz on Dec 4, 2007, 2:54pm
Dec 4, 2007, 2:50pm, arcalian wrote: I'm sorry if you went into this with the wrong impression, Rocketeerz. The Maximum line is indeed a kind of "Year One....is today!" kind of concept, as opposed to Earth X, which is where things are truly different. The idea behind the Maximum titles is that they are not bogged down by decades of continuity, and we can start over. Perhaps All Star is a better way of putting it.
As for Robin, let me borrow a line from Geoff Johns, "wait and see".
As for Robin, let me borrow a line from Geoff Johns, "wait and see".
Ahhhhhh. Ok. That makes more sense then.
Ah now I feel like a sort of idiot. Sorry about that.
Comment Sixteen
Originally posted by chris on Dec 4, 2007, 4:53pm
Hey! Great story! I found it very interesting and can't wait to read the next chapter! I am a fan of the stripped down back to concept and fresh continuity. I also found Alfred being young a interesting idea myself!
Again, great job!
Comment Seventeen
Originally posted by batmantwinky on Dec 28, 2007, 3:12am
Excellent issue. I'm very glad I picked it as my first read in the new Multiverse, although, being the huge Batman fan that I am, I couldn't really start with anything else. A few criticisms, comments, etc. here:
A sad, shattered soul is probably less of a disguise than an obnoxious, self centered playboy. I’m thinking in the eyes of law enforcement it would give the still-grieving son more of a motive to become a vigilante than the son who appears to be loving his life of luxury and has everything he wants.
I really liked Batman’s first comments to the jewelry robbers and I liked it even more that he didn’t say anything to the alleyway thugs. You can really see the lessons he’s learning as the issue progresses without actually having to come out and tell us.
Speaking of dialogue; I really like that your Batman doesn't really try to use any snappy remarks or jokes but gets right down to business. And when he does speak to someone, it's to make their lives better and he perfectly straddles the line between being too sympathetic but still maintaining his intimidating image.
And as Starlord said earlier, perhaps the best part of the issue was when Batman felt better but he wasn’t sure if it was because he saved a life or because he’s made someone afraid of him.
The last thing I have is that I found myself reading Alfred's dialogue with an elderly, father figure's voice in my head. I think it's gonna take some more exchanges between him and Bruce as peers and seeing them spend some more time together to really get a younger Alfred voice in my mind.
Lest I forget, a very cool and appropriate cover to go along with this first issue.
Overall, I felt like giving this issue a 4.5 because I really enjoyed it but it wasn't perfect. But since the poll is for whole numbers, I decided to round up to 5 stars. See ya next issue!
P.S. I can’t wait to see Gordon introduced!
Comment Eighteen
Originally posted by Eric the Pilot Jan 12, 2008, 10:34pm
This is an interesting take on the Batman.
You do a good job, I think, marking differences between your version of the Bat mythos and the DC version. Alfred in particular is an interesting development that should give you a lot of different storytelling options.
The issue also gives a good sense of Burce's development and progression as Batman., and is fairly action packed, which is nice.
Out of curiosity (since I know a lot of writers do this) is Milligan Street supposed to be a shoutout reference to X-Men and Infinity Inc's Peter Milligan? Also seemed to pick up potential references to Tom Grummet and George Perez.
The only major suggestion I would make is that I found the storytelling seemed a little detached, which took away a little of the impact. I'm not suggesting it felt like the narrated parts had a Steven Wright sort of monotone or anything like that, but it still felt like it took a little of the energy out of the action sequences all the same.
But still a good job, I look forward to seeing where you're headed from here, and look forward to the next issue.
Comment Ninteen
Originally posted by Arcallian on Jan 14, 2008, 6:37am
Milligan wrote Detective comics for a while as well, which is why I referenced him. Thanks for the feedback.
