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Post by Idlewilder on Jul 3, 2008 21:29:08 GMT -5
Well, it's been a while, but Issue #2 is finally here!
Please let us know what you think!
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Post by UltimateDC on Jul 4, 2008 3:33:31 GMT -5
It has indeed been a while, but I must say i'm glad to have our favorite bad good guys (Or is it good bad guys?) back on the scene.
Showing the CSA in their free time is interesting. What do despots to when they're not out despot-ing? Anything they want. These people are crude, despiccable and yet we can't help but read about their exploits
The Insiders and CSA fights are excellent action sequences, particularly the powerless human brawl of Ollie, Dick and Thomas. This is what happens when someone with Bruce's abilities and no restraint has a grudge match and it's completely brutal (in a good way).
I've gotta say, of all the things seen in this issue, I am most happy about Dick changing his alias. I would have accepted almost anything over Nightwatcher and Deathwing seems perfect for him. Although I must say i'm disappointed that Manhawk stayed around. I mean really, you guys couldn't come up with something better? Call him the Avian. Call him the Sky Soldier. Call him Carter Hall, the dude with wings coming out his f*cking back but don't call him Manhawk.
And a new Power Ring comes on the scene. I would have liked to see what Killa did with the ring, but seeing where Johns goes should prove equally interesting.
Please keep this series up. It's amazing.
-UDC
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Post by Idlewilder on Jul 4, 2008 8:26:33 GMT -5
It has indeed been a while, but I must say i'm glad to have our favorite bad good guys (Or is it good bad guys?) back on the scene. LOL! Let's call them the "protagonists" or the baddest of the bad. (And thanks for coming back to check us out after a 9 month hiatus--- the next wait won't be quite so long, we promise!) That's just it. This is power wedded to an utter lack of responsibility. Poor old Uncle Ben would be spinning in his grave! As co-writers, Brian and I have a policy of not revealing which of us wrote what in the issue, as we have a tendancy to add our own accent to each other's work, making it a true collaboration--- but I will say that was a totally crazy scene that floored even me! LOL! Umm... what's wrong with Manhawk? I agree it's not horribly original, but this is a cold-blooded killer-mummy, not a spandex-wearing villain... And isn't it kinda late to change his name? This is a brutal world, and I guess we'll never know what Kyle would have done with the Ring of Volthoom--- but given his nefarious proclivities, probably nothing good! BTW, the Ring of Volthoom is nothing like an Oan power ring (as some probably know), and we will be exploring just exactly what that means in a future arc called "The Curse of Volthoom" As long as people seem to like it and read it, Brian and I will continue to write it! Thanks so much for reading and for the feedback, UDC! We really appreciate you giving this title another chance! |
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Post by Lissilambe on Jul 4, 2008 11:59:19 GMT -5
Everything was in place for this issue, that's for sure. Vicious fight sequences, mean people doing mean things to each other, hatred and treachery as virtues, and poor Lex trying to be a hero. That poor villain.  It all fit together nicely, and set up for some interesting slugfests for next issue. Take care Don |
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Post by Idlewilder on Jul 4, 2008 12:42:37 GMT -5
Everything was in place for this issue, that's for sure. Vicious fight sequences, mean people doing mean things to each other, hatred and treachery as virtues, and poor Lex trying to be a hero. That poor villain. It all fit together nicely, and set up for some interesting slugfests for next issue. Take care Don Thanks for reading, Don, and for the feedback. It is appreciated! But--- and don't take this the wrong way, I'm not trying to instigate--- why do I feel like you are reaching to say something positive? You tend to choose your words very carefully, and I can't help but feel like the above can be interpreted as less than complimentary. I respect that this may not be your cup of tea, if that is indeed the case, and I know that Brian and I can both benefit from your criticism. Again, thanks for taking the time--- and if I'm off-base, and you did like the issue, sorry for doubting your sincerity (however well-intentioned your sugar-coating was meant to be). |
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Post by Lissilambe on Jul 4, 2008 12:48:48 GMT -5
I'm not reaching for something positive to say, necessarily. It was good. Well-written, because you and Brian are excellent wordsmiths. I view Brian as one of the best in our little "business". But yeah, my words are picked carefully, and to me, this issue just...was. It was good. Solid, told its tale, set up for the conflicts and fight scenes in next issue nicely. But there was nothing to hook me, grab me and pull me along. A book like this is tough in that manner, for certain. But yeah, for me this issue was okay. It did the job it set out to do, and did it solidly. But there was nothing negative to bring it down, that's for sure. It just didn't hit any soaring heights either. Which for a monthly, isn't necessarily a bad thing nor an unexpected thing. So long as the reader keeps coming back, then the issue has done it's job and provided entertainment. Take care Don Edit: and there's not intended any snark or condescension in that either. It looks like it could be read that way, and it's not meant that way. There's nothing negative, no real criticism. All the notes were hit and the action ramped up at a suitable pace. Very good pacing too. Just some issues, they just act as a bridge and fail to grab (at least for me). But as long as I come back (and I will), then the issue succeeded in its primary goal.  |
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Post by Idlewilder on Jul 4, 2008 13:14:09 GMT -5
Gotcha! Again, thanks for the feedback! No offense was taken at all . As for my co-writer, you couldn't be more correct. One of the draws for me in writing this title is working with Brian Burchette. A more generous, inspiring and talented writer I do not know! But if that wasn't enough--- we've got Riz on covers! Don't you just dig that goovy, boogie-liscious pic! |
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Post by Lissilambe on Jul 4, 2008 13:21:36 GMT -5
You know, i'm an idiot about those things. I keep thinking each time "remember to compliment the cover too, you twit!" and I hit "enter post" and there it is...forgotten again. D'oh! But oh yeah, the cover is great! The lighting effect on our evil "Travolta" is just fantastic, and the cover captures the vibe of the opening scene wonderfully. You definitely are blessed with awesome partners  Take care Don |
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Post by mockingbird on Jul 4, 2008 19:51:15 GMT -5
Overall, good. Action-packed, but you're doing a fairly good job of keeping it centered around Who's involved, and not just how many punches get thrown. I'm looking forward to seeing where you go with all the players-- nobody can count on aliances staying the same on E3. Few smaller thoughts,
Kent Clarkson made me laugh out loud.
So did the bus full of schoolkids, honestly. It's just a little over-the-top XD "Wow, this guy must be evil, he threw those orphans and their adopted puppies off a cliff!"
I couldn't read the epilogue. You lost me at "Killa". I'm sure I could make the effort, and it's pretty dumb of me, but i just tuned right out after that. Gangster-speak bugs me.
Edit: and following Don's forgetful lead, the cover is as ridiculous and awesome as it was when i first saw it. Great work and great effects
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Post by arcalian on Jul 4, 2008 23:17:45 GMT -5
You know, it sounds strange, but I kind of like Johnny Quick in this issue. He's the kind of villain I can dig; a "champion" of sexual degeneracy, luring other people to follow him down the weedy path of lust and vice. That, friends and neighbors, is my kind of villain!
I especialy enjoyed Owlman and Deathwing going at it, it had a whole heavyweight vs crusierweight kind of vibe. And owch, poor Trickshot. Double owch, poor Alfred!!
Go Mankiller, nuke Ultraman's ass!
Go Insiders!!
What exactly are the "them" that Black Beetle and Terra are going for, that Owlman will try to stop? An evil JSA in hibernation?
The ring of Volthoom reminds me of nothing so much as the One Ring of Power from LOTR!
Did I mention, Go Insiders!!!
Edit: I hope the new Power Ring joins the Insiders!!!!
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Post by starlord on Jul 4, 2008 23:29:56 GMT -5
Thanks to everyone that has read this and commented. This is really a fun book to be a part of. I feel that David and I really click as writers and I hope the feeling is mutual. Thank to both David and Don for the very kind words. I won't say what my first reaction is because I may find Don knocking down my door and throttling me.  And Jay... you just keep shouting that mantra: Go Insiders!!! ;D Edit: I hope the Insiders get their own book someday. LOL! ;D |
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Post by Idlewilder on Jul 7, 2008 18:25:10 GMT -5
Overall, good. Action-packed, but you're doing a fairly good job of keeping it centered around Who's involved, and not just how many punches get thrown. I'm looking forward to seeing where you go with all the players-- nobody can count on aliances staying the same on E3. Few smaller thoughts, Kent Clarkson made me laugh out loud. So did the bus full of schoolkids, honestly. It's just a little over-the-top XD "Wow, this guy must be evil, he threw those orphans and their adopted puppies off a cliff!" I couldn't read the epilogue. You lost me at "Killa". I'm sure I could make the effort, and it's pretty dumb of me, but i just tuned right out after that. Gangster-speak bugs me. Edit: and following Don's forgetful lead, the cover is as ridiculous and awesome as it was when i first saw it. Great work and great effects Thanks for reading, Mock! Too bad you couldn't muddle through the epilogue, because something significant to the series happens at the end. For the record, (so-called) "gangsta-speak" bugs me, too, but that was the milleu of the character, and it's not inappropriate to place him in that context (however clumsily I may have done that). As may be painfully obvious by the prose, it's miles away from my own experience, so I had to rely upon the hours of painstaking research (okay, hour of Law & Order re-runs ). Thanks for checking back in and leaving feedback, Sam! |
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Post by Idlewilder on Jul 7, 2008 18:51:44 GMT -5
You know, it sounds strange, but I kind of like Johnny Quick in this issue. He's the kind of villain I can dig; a "champion" of sexual degeneracy, luring other people to follow him down the weedy path of lust and vice. That, friends and neighbors, is my kind of villain! LOL! See! Not all these degenerates are hard to like...! I think this scene was the heart of the issue, and really drives home the brutality and high-stakes of this story. And collateral damage will happen when these crazy SOBs go to war with each other! (More "collateral damage" next issue!) No doubt Ultraman is going to have his hands full next issue! And before they get better, things are going to get a whole lot worse for our Alpha-Male! Funny, that's what Brian says! Hmmm... You'll just have to check back next issue to find out! Stay-tuned on developments there! Not an inapt analogy, actually. Brian, are you hearing all this Insiders love? What are they all going to do when the CSA demolishes them next issue? ;D Thanks for reading, and for the feedback, Jay! |
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Post by >>Riz! on Jul 16, 2008 4:55:01 GMT -5
I finally found the time to read this issue. It was great. My favorite scene was Lex and Alex talking over the comlink with each other while Lex went for the battle... I already miss Lex How can he be so stupid and go after Ultraman and Martian Mankiller alone? He is sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo dead. I liked the background info about Gorilla City and the Amazons a lot. The fights were all very individual and that's great. You managed to show every character from his best/worst side. Great epilogue. Loved how you made me think that Killa would be the next Powerring. Good work. 4.5 stars from me |
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Post by Idlewilder on Jul 19, 2008 7:29:39 GMT -5
I finally found the time to read this issue. It was great. Thanks very much, Riz! LOL! No one is safe on Earth-Three--- but you never know: Lex Luthor hasn't survived this long in such a dangerous world without proving he can go toe-to-toe with the big bruisers... But next issue, he will have his hands full, no doubt (let's hope the rest of the Legion of Justice gets there in time)! Thanks! Expect to see more on that front in future issues! That's the beauty of working with all these twisted characters: there is always something surprising about the way they act. |
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Post by starlord on Aug 3, 2008 3:30:26 GMT -5
Brian, are you hearing all this Insiders love? What are they all going to do when the CSA demolishes them next issue? ;D Move to Australia and get their own book. ;D And thanks for the kind words and beautiful cover, Riz! You're work NEVER ceases to amaze me. |
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Post by UltimateDC on Aug 4, 2008 22:22:16 GMT -5
So...when can we expect Issue 3?
-UDC
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Post by Idlewilder on Aug 5, 2008 21:12:36 GMT -5
So...when can we expect Issue 3? -UDC Good question, UDC! Let's just say the wait for the next issue won't be half as long as the wait for the last issue . (I expect #3 will post October-ish) |
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Post by UltimateDC on Aug 6, 2008 0:08:26 GMT -5
So...when can we expect Issue 3? -UDC Good question, UDC! Let's just say the wait for the next issue won't be half as long as the wait for the last issue . (I expect #3 will post October-ish) God, it's like i'm reading the effing Ultimates again... I feel like I should contribute something, but I don't know what. -UDC |
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Post by Idlewilder on Aug 6, 2008 20:57:41 GMT -5
Good question, UDC! Let's just say the wait for the next issue won't be half as long as the wait for the last issue . (I expect #3 will post October-ish) God, it's like i'm reading the effing Ultimates again... I feel like I should contribute something, but I don't know what. -UDC LOL! Your enthusiasm for the title is more than enough! Thanks for the support, sir! |
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Post by Idlewilder on Aug 22, 2010 14:48:36 GMT -5
After what might possibly be the longest hiatus between issues in history, CSA #3 is coming! The issue is all but finished (just a bit of tweaking and editing to do) and will post in a matter of weeks!
Thanks to all who have stayed with this series through the first two issues. Issue #3 will wrap up the storyline and the title. Brian and I had initially intended this series to be ongoing, but other commitments intervened. These first three issues are a self-contained story, and there may be more CSA minis in the future (or perhaps an Insiders mini, if Brian has his way--- and enough hours in the day); we for sure haven't seen the last of the Crime Syndicate, though--- in fact, look for them somewhere else very soon, indeed...!
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Post by sajinsin on Nov 22, 2011 19:25:06 GMT -5
i would not kill jester like you did last time because I have not seen evidence that Lex and him are best friends
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It all fit together nicely, and set up for some interesting slugfests for next issue. 
