NuDC Joker!! Blecchh

[GaryPlaysWithDolls]

Wow, the hits just keep on coming, don't they? Wow, crapping on classics. Other companies would kill to have someone as classic and iconic as the Joker and then what? Lets screw him up!

[samurainoir]

It really is just Image Redux.

Although to Image's credit, at least they really pushed new characters to the forefront and tried to push the envelope (perhaps too far). I've said this prior... outside of Jim Lee's sphere of influence, it's actually 90's Marvel Redux if you look at who's involved creatively in the New 52.

Bob Harras is EIC. Jim Lee is not creating his own characters, but doing remake and remodel on the DC characters, just like he did with X-men. Ditto Liefeld. Tom Defalco, Scott Lobdell, Fabian Niecienza, and I think folks forget that Greg Capullo actually made his big break at Marvel on X-Force (for Bob Harras) prior to being scooped up by McFarlane for Spawn.

[ctc]

Hmmmm....

I dunno. I think it's a tough call for DC and Marvel to make any more what to do with their stuff. I don't think anyone should be surprised by the new Joker; DC said straight up before the current reboot they were aiming for a predominantly male, teenage/young adult audience so the gorehound designs and amped up T&A shouldn't blindside anyone. I can understand not caring for it, especially if you've grown accustomed to another style for the books.... but I think you've got to meet them halfway. They HAVE to shake things up or the books won't sell. It's a new audience out there; one who wasn't socialized by the comic shop scene of the 80's.... and because of that I can understand the Big Two-ish's confusion and desperation: they HAVE to make stuff that will appeal to someone other than the old school comic shop crowd; otherwise they die. That's a new audience, and they're gonna need new books.

But if you crave the older stuff, it's readily available. You want something to read with the kids; pick up the Showcase or Essential books. Cheap, plentiful, huge.... But the complaint I hear there is "they're black and white...." which is where I think you gotta cut the Big Two-ish some slack. You don't like the new direction, you don't like the B&W, Holee Smokes, don't even MENTION digital.... It's very selfish; people profess to love the characters and the books, but only if they're EXACTLY how THEY want them.

....and the worst part is that you miss out on all the awesome out there now! Let a little digital into your life and cruise places like the Digital Comic Museum, or suck up the B&W and the world of heroes from the Golden Age to.... well, now opens up to you. Hell; give the superheroes a rest and check ou some of the tons of other comics out there; independents, digital strips....

>They have lines aimed at kids.

See? There ya go. And if enough folks buy 'em they'll proliferate.

>I know it must be hard listening to all of this 'Get Off My Lawn' Gibber-Jabber

Sometimes, but because I think it's a shame folks are missing out on the good stuff out there. ('Course, my definition of "comic" is a little broader than a lot of folks'.... but even so.) Even something like this; people saw a couple of pics and lost their minds, without knowing any of the substance of the story.

Don C.

[Remco Monster]

Just one of the thousands of reasons I stay away from modern DC and Marvel books.

[Figuremod73]

Im looking into a tablet. Right now I have a small notebook I read digitals on. I bet comics on ipads look really nice.

[TomStrong]

I have read many on digital and enjoyed them. While I don't enjoy it as much as having a printed page in my hands I can't help but feel like we're on the edge of some sort of shift in the age. Wonder how guys felt when the scroll was on its way out? As for the shocking images of iconic characters, I have never understood getting away from good writing. I agree with the other post from above that Bruce Timm is great fare for both kids and adults. I enjoyed his cartoon series more than most comics. I have also never understood the value of something shocking just for the sake of a jolt. But, I grew up as the child of two parents who graduated high school in 61 and were already working in the "hippy" years. My childhood was rather innocent and full of brightly colored super heroes. Hanna Barbera's Super Friends was my favorite show. I don't mind when the writers and artists shake things up (Court of the Owls and Batman Earth One) but don't forget some substance to go with the form.