scarykitties on 4/10/2009 at 14:45
No particular reason, except that I never owned any comic books and never really had an urge to pay for any (particularly when there are so many great comics online--for free).
Further, the whole "super-hero" thing always seemed like a Gary Stu concept to me that would stand in the way of the characters really coming alive and their problems really being psychologically real. I could of course be wrong on that point, but what, really, is so special about people with superpowers that makes their stories in any way superior in a philosophical, literary, or psychological sense? It seems rather that such things would hamper all three.
Tonamel on 4/10/2009 at 17:53
Good writers know better than to define their characters by a single trait.
If yo go into a story with the concept of "Person A: Superhero; Person B: Musician; Person C: Jewish" then you're not going to get a lot of nuance out of that story. Just because a writer chooses to give a character superpowers instead of making them a scientist or accountant doesn't automatically mean the writer is incapable of characterization.
Sulphur on 4/10/2009 at 18:07
Personally, I think everybody should read Tintin and the Goscinny/Uderzo Asterix & Obelix.
And Calvin & Hobbes. Calvin & Hobbes takes precedence over just about everything else, actually.
thefonz on 4/10/2009 at 18:10
They're comics.
We're talking graphic novels here...
Sulphur on 4/10/2009 at 18:18
I know that. There's 3 pages of that goin' on. Lots of discourse on mature and pulpy stuff. The OP doesn't seem to exclude 'comic' books, tho'. And I don't see any sense in not broadening your horizons a little.
thefonz on 4/10/2009 at 18:26
Tintin is broadening your horizon?
Sulphur on 4/10/2009 at 18:35
Sure. As far as entertainment goes. You know, the reason why you read this stuff to begin with? We're not talking Nietzsche here. If it ain't your taste, or you're too 'growed up' to read it, that's fine. I'm just saying if you never, ever read any of them, it's probably a good idea to.
thefonz on 4/10/2009 at 19:05
Actually I do agree with that sentiment.
I grew up reading Tintin and Garfield and Asterix (ok not quiet the same). But its natural to progress from those types to the more hardcore graphic novel genre where I am currently.
Rest assured when I knock up some damsel and she pops a young sprog out for me I'll be getting little Fonz jr right into Daredevil and Batman and Sandman*
*there is the slight chance Fonz jr may turn out to be a sociopath if i follow this train of education, but i'm willing to let the future deal with that.
june gloom on 4/10/2009 at 20:28
Quote Posted by scarykitties
No particular reason, except that I never owned any comic books and never really had an urge to pay for any (particularly when there are so many great comics online--for free).
Further, the whole "super-hero" thing always seemed like a Gary Stu concept to me that would stand in the way of the characters really coming alive and their problems really being psychologically real. I could of course be wrong on that point, but what, really, is so special about people with superpowers that makes their stories in any way superior in a philosophical, literary, or psychological sense? It seems rather that such things would hamper all three.
This is the stupidest fucking thing you've ever said and considering your recent posts that's saying something. Before you judge superhero comics based on some silly ignorant idea you have about comics, try READING one or two. I suggest Batman: The Long Halloween just to get you started.
thefonz on 4/10/2009 at 21:12
Now that I think about it; my "intro top 3 comic books for n00bs" would be:
Watchmen
52
Batman: The Long Halloween
Reading through those would give a good idea what to expect from comics.
Then they can graduate to Green Lantern, Captain America, Daredevil and finally the creme-creme: Sandman. Which I have but have yet to read.
