Actually, it could very well BE the end of the Marvel Universe. Bill Jemas said in an interview that he'd LOVE to END the regular MU and start up EVERY series in the UU. There is speculation that this is slowly happening with the many unmaskings of long time characters and with the 'THE END' minis. 'HULK: The End' was just the first series that is supposed to give closure to different series. This year, there is supposed to be 3 more 'The End' minis, IronMan, Thor, and a third unnamed character. This bastards idea is to ONLY have the Ultimate line going, since they sell a billion times more copies then the regular stuff.
OK, thats, an exageration, but they DO out sell the regular titles by a huge margin thanks to Walmarts standing order of 1 million copies of each title under the Ultimate banner. I've only seen the books at Walmart being GIVEN away though, which was strange. Before Spiderman came out, they were giving away copies of U-Sp, U-X, or Ultimates with the purchase of ANY marvel action figure. Now, the one by where I live is giving them away AGAIN with the purchase of any HULK toy.
Cerebus: Barbarian, Prime Minister, Pope, Perfect House Guest.
"Graft is as necessary as throwing up when you drink too much."
Originally posted by CerebusActually, it could very well BE the end of the Marvel Universe. Bill Jemas said in an interview that he'd LOVE to END the regular MU and start up EVERY series in the UU. There is speculation that this is slowly happening with the many unmaskings of long time characters and with the 'THE END' minis. 'HULK: The End' was just the first series that is supposed to give closure to different series. This year, there is supposed to be 3 more 'The End' minis, IronMan, Thor, and a third unnamed character. This bastards idea is to ONLY have the Ultimate line going, since they sell a billion times more copies then the regular stuff.
OK, thats, an exageration, but they DO out sell the regular titles by a huge margin thanks to Walmarts standing order of 1 million copies of each title under the Ultimate banner. I've only seen the books at Walmart being GIVEN away though, which was strange. Before Spiderman came out, they were giving away copies of U-Sp, U-X, or Ultimates with the purchase of ANY marvel action figure. Now, the one by where I live is giving them away AGAIN with the purchase of any HULK toy.
If and when they actually DO eliminate the Marvel universe in favor of the Ultimate one, or even officially announce plans to do so, I'll obviously be happy to complain. But people are going batshit against the very existence of these books; to me, that's nuts.
Can't hear your voice Back in the crowd Move up front And shout out loud...
There was an interview in Wizard, I think it was, where they asked Joe Queseda (Marvel's Editor-In-Chief and Head Honcho) if they'd get rid of the Marvel U. He laughed for a while, then said "no".
Some characters don't fit in the Ultimate continuity. It just wouldn't work. But they fit fine in Marvel continuity, which is why Marvel exists in the first place: good stories.
As for Heroes Reborn, I have two words for you: "Clone Saga". Marvel has this way of throwing shit against a wall and seeing what sticks...then when they realize that it still reeks, they just wipe the wall clean and pretend they didn't do anything.
That being said, the Onslaught story was pretty well done, except for the Heroes Reborn stuff. And the Onslaught: Marvel Universe one-shot tied things up nicely...and included Spider-Man. The Heroes Return mini-series actually worked really well. But if anyone else has realized this, let me know: at one point, Spider-Man jumps into the parallel Heroes Reborn Universe with one of the two Hulks (long story), and at the end, BOTH Hulks and Spidey and everyone who'd been in the pocket universe crossed over...along with some heroes that I don't remember even being involved in Onslaught or Heroes Reborn (She-Hulk, I'm talking to you...).
It boggles the mind that Marvel couldn't keep their continuity straight.
Ah well, at least the comics are damned good now.
"I know something that will cheer you up, Wesley" "Are you programmed to be thinking what I'm thinking?" "MAKEOVER!!" Princical Scudworth & Mr. Butlertron; Clone High
Speaking of not keeping the stories straight, didn't a bunch of Heroes Reborn characters pop up in THUNDERBOLTS? Isn't the Demi-Goblin still on the loose? And for that matter, what about the Dark Beast? And for something REALLY mindblowing, wasn't the STAR BRAND used in QUASAR a few years ago?
The Marvel Universe needs to have a CRISIS.
Cerebus: Barbarian, Prime Minister, Pope, Perfect House Guest.
"Graft is as necessary as throwing up when you drink too much."
Originally posted by CxMorgadoMy point is that getting THAT worked up (see above) over what amounts to a What If or Elseworlds story is retarded. Comparing the Ultimate books to the Onslaught fiasco is equally retarded because in that case they took all those characters OUT of regular continuity to do it. That's not what is happening here; the regular Marvel continuity is not getting affected by what happens in the Ultimate universe because they aren't the same. Being pissed off because an ALTERNATE VERSION of the Hulk ate somebody is like getting pissed because an ALTERNATE VERSION of the Scarecrow was an undead Nazi in JSA: The Liberty File. IT'S NOT REGULAR CONTINUITY. If you don't like it, don't read it. Just don't act like it's the end of the Marvel universe and decades of history, cuz it ISN'T. The Spiderman and the Wolverine that YOU want to read are still around in their own titles so this alleged slap in the face you say you're getting exists only in your own head.
Damn.
I'm not complaining because they're putting out a re-imagining, necessarily. Shit, I loved Kingdom Come, and that was an Elseworlds story. I'm upset because this is a transparent marketing ploy, trying to sell poorly-written crap as something worth reading. You know, like the Image universe. The slap in the face is that the assholes behind it expect drooling fanboy morons to lap it up and love it because it's "Ultimate".
And, as Cerebus said, this IS fairly likely to kill off the regular continuity, at least the canon versions of the Ultimate books. If Wal-Mart continues to buy them up in that sort of massive quantity, they won't even think twice about it. What do they care if they're being given away? They've already gotten their money.
Kansas-born and deeply ashamed The last living La Parka Marka: HE raised the briefcase!
Originally posted by Mild Mannered MadmanAnd Ultimate Spidey's Carson Daly reference was brilliant.
Yes, I'm sure 30 years from now when we look back on brilliant moments in comic book writing, we'll have Miller's Batman vs. Mutant Leader from Dark Knight Returns, Moore's apocalyptic finale to Watchmen, Busiek's original Astro City miniseries....and Bendis' Spider-Man name dropping Carson Daly
So one would just generally assume you hate pop culture references, right? Perhaps I overstated my enjoyment over "Find this Carson Daly... And kill him"
Your other references...
There was many things better in Watchmen than the finale. Rohrshach's dual identities, Janey's realization of her background...
Ok, fine. Pick ANY of those things you listed. You're still placing Spider-Man's name dropping Carson Daly in that category by calling it brilliant.
In the situation you referenced, he could have said Flash Thompson instead of Carson Daly, and it would have been JUST as funny.
I don't hate pop culture references, but if you don't think they date the book in a way that will make it lame/confusing/stupid/all three to readers in the future, I don't know what to tell you.
Originally posted by Nate The Snake This is just as pointless and money-grubbing as Heroes Reborn, and for exactly the same reasons. They're trying to fix shit that isn't broken, solely for the purpose of making a buck. Hell, at least Heroes Reborn had the excuse that the books weren't selling all that well, and the characters weren't as popular as they used to be. Does anyone really believe that we NEED another friggin' X-title?
Sheeeeeezus, it sounds like someone is MAKING you read it.
Pointless? Yes. Money-grubbing? Yes. Entertaining? As far as I'm concerned, yes. That last one is the only one that really matters.
For someone who thinks it is "poorly written crap," you sure seem to know a lot about it. Either that, or you're just talking about a book you've never read.
I believe Chris Hyatte, yes I said the dark name, a few months ago put up the amount of Ultimate comics compared to regular Marvel Universe. Only Spiderman was making any real ground along with Ultimates. Which shocked some people considering how much people were saying Ult. was out selling Amazing which we found out really wasn't that true. From what I have seen in my local comic book shop, there are three camps. One camp that buys both, but complains about X-Men's characters and Ultimates always delayed shipping. 2. One camp that just buys Ult. Spidy, but still buys Amazing. 3. The last camp refuses to deal with Ult. universe and sees it as one big what if? If you look on the walls of the store, you see tons of regular X-Men books, but a handfull of Ult. Both Amazing and Ult. Spidy are tough to find and there is a good stable of Avegners and Ultimate copies to be had after Ult's first story. All in all, I think its the same. Walmart may buy a ton of them now while comic books are the new in thing, but Quesda knows its the hardcore and regular fans that are in for the long run.
A Fan- Either way, I'm just going to do Ult. Spidy and Ultimates for now. Ult. X-Men is way to convaluted for me.
Originally posted by KaneRobotSheeeeeezus, it sounds like someone is MAKING you read it.
Pointless? Yes. Money-grubbing? Yes. Entertaining? As far as I'm concerned, yes. That last one is the only one that really matters.
For someone who thinks it is "poorly written crap," you sure seem to know a lot about it. Either that, or you're just talking about a book you've never read.
(edited by KaneRobot on 2.3.03 0524)
I gave it a chance, much like I gave Heroes Reborn a chance, not to mention all the other Elseworlds-ish stuff. And, like Heroes Reborn, it turned out crappy. If you're entertained by it, that's fine and dandy. I'm not, so all it is to me is a cheap gimmick to squeeze money out of their readers.
Kansas-born and deeply ashamed The last living La Parka Marka: HE raised the briefcase!
Marvel's Stupid Ideas, A Retrospective By Freeway420
Killing off Aunt May [Amazing Spider-Man #400] -Peter reveals his true identity to his aunt, on her deathbed, and she tells him she knows and understands. A great issue admist the crappy Clone Saga... -RUINED...when stupid writer Howard "I Hate Fans" Mackie decides to retcon the ENTIRE story, revealing that it was actually an actress PRETENDING to be Aunt May dying and that the original Green Goblin (originally killed in the classic Amazing Spider-Man #122, right after Gwen Stacy died) was really alive the entire time and replaced Aunt May with the actress. Ugh.
Bringing Back (or Replacing) Dead Characters The Green Goblin [died in Amazing Spider-Man #122, replaced by his son in Amazing Spider-Man #136 (he died in Spectacular Spider-Man #200), replaced by his son's shrink in Amazing Spider-Man #176 (and he died in issue #180) and finally brought back to life in Peter Parker: Spider-Man #75] Doctor Octopus [died in Spectacular Spider-Man #221, replaced with a female Doc Ock in Amazing Spider-Man #406, resurrected by ninjas in Amazing Spider-Man #426] Kraven The Hunter [shot himself, replaced by his son...who also got killed...and HE was replaced by ANOTHER son]
Replacing Heroes With Different Versions of Themselves -Iron Man (The Crossing) -Thor -The Hulk (Gray Hulk, Green Hulk, Banner Hulk, two Hulks during Heroes Reborn era...) -Spider-Man (The Clone Saga) -Captain America (Man Without A Country) -The Fantastic Four
Stupid Crossovers -The Crossing (replacing regular Tony Stark with teenage Tony Stark from the past and saying that the original Stark was actually EVIL guy planted by Kang into the past) -Heroes Reborn -Atlantis Attacks -The Evolutionary War
"I know something that will cheer you up, Wesley" "Are you programmed to be thinking what I'm thinking?" "MAKEOVER!!" Princical Scudworth & Mr. Butlertron; Clone High
Hey now, what was wrong with Atlantis Attacks?! I actually enjoyed the Clone Saga myself, I wouldn't call it a guilty pleasure or anything though. I'm a diehard Spidey fan, what can I say? I stick with my favorites through thick and thin.
HrdCoreJoe, I appericate the thick and through mentality, but you have to admitt, Clone Saga sucked. I waded through Maxium Carnage then to get to the Clone Saga that was enough for me. The worst crossover I thought was Onslaught or the Infitiny War or Crusade. I loved Infinity Gauntlet which is why I was pissed at all of the Infinity crap that came out later. Onslaught was a waiste of time. If they wanted to get Magneto back fine have White Queen or a legion of telepathes revert him back don't give me a huge ass story that goes on forever with titles I don't want to buy. Yuck!
I will say I enjoyed The Age of Acolypse Crossover. I thought that was quality work. I will say early 90s X-Men ruled with a ton of great stuff like Xavier mind wiping Magneto, Cable and X-Force, Wolvie losing his adementuim and Scott/Jean's wedding. What happened to stories like that in X-Men. Grant Morrision is a hack.
A Fan- I thought the Annual Crossovers were fun and helped you get used to new characters.
No, I can't honestly admit to thinking it sucked. I enjoyed it thoroughly. Now I do understamnd a great many fans hated it, but oh well for them. I got my money's worth and am happy I collected them all. I will share the love with you on the Infinity Gauntlet. That was kick-ass in every aspect. Unfortunately I also liked Onslaught, but once again, to each their own. As we've all seen time and time again our mileages may vary on a great many things.
I'd like to agree with about everything Freeway just said. The return of the Green Goblin turned me off Spiderman comics until JMS. (They had another new young here Green Goblin who starred in his own book, and the hobgoblin too.) The Spider-Clone story I liked because it was different and a new direction. Until they wimped out and cancelled the double switch where the clone was the real Spiderman.
I'll also say the best crossovers were the Age of Apocolypse. Anything with Apocolypse in it is good.
BTW: Don't buy Fables. One issue with gun-toting bears shooting at Snow White will have you asking for a refund.
BTW: Don't buy Fables. One issue with gun-toting bears shooting at Snow White will have you asking for a refund.
The gun-toting bears shooting at Snow White is not the reason to ask for a refund... it's the weak endings to both of the story arcs they put out so far.
Age of Apocalypse kicked ass.
Can't hear your voice Back in the crowd Move up front And shout out loud...
Originally posted by Freeway420Marvel's Stupid Ideas, A Retrospective By Freeway420
Killing off Aunt May [Amazing Spider-Man #400] -Peter reveals his true identity to his aunt, on her deathbed, and she tells him she knows and understands. A great issue admist the crappy Clone Saga... -RUINED...when stupid writer Howard "I Hate Fans" Mackie decides to retcon the ENTIRE story, revealing that it was actually an actress PRETENDING to be Aunt May dying and that the original Green Goblin (originally killed in the classic Amazing Spider-Man #122, right after Gwen Stacy died) was really alive the entire time and replaced Aunt May with the actress. Ugh.
Bringing Back (or Replacing) Dead Characters The Green Goblin [died in Amazing Spider-Man #122, replaced by his son in Amazing Spider-Man #136 (he died in Spectacular Spider-Man #200), replaced by his son's shrink in Amazing Spider-Man #176 (and he died in issue #180) and finally brought back to life in Peter Parker: Spider-Man #75] Doctor Octopus [died in Spectacular Spider-Man #221, replaced with a female Doc Ock in Amazing Spider-Man #406, resurrected by ninjas in Amazing Spider-Man #426] Kraven The Hunter [shot himself, replaced by his son...who also got killed...and HE was replaced by ANOTHER son]
Replacing Heroes With Different Versions of Themselves -Iron Man (The Crossing) -Thor -The Hulk (Gray Hulk, Green Hulk, Banner Hulk, two Hulks during Heroes Reborn era...) -Spider-Man (The Clone Saga) -Captain America (Man Without A Country) -The Fantastic Four
Stupid Crossovers -The Crossing (replacing regular Tony Stark with teenage Tony Stark from the past and saying that the original Stark was actually EVIL guy planted by Kang into the past) -Heroes Reborn -Atlantis Attacks -The Evolutionary War
I kinda liked the Evolutionary War, I espically liked how Beast came off looking like a total badass in it.
RIP Curt Hennig: Yeah, they call me a redneck, but you know---that's a beautiful thing!
You don't get it boy, this isn't a mudhole... it's an operating table. And I'm the surgeon. Something tells me to stop with the leg. I don't listen to it. But where in the world is there in the world A man so extroardinaire?
Ok, I know it's not Marvel, but I rather liked the ECLIPSO: The Darkness Within crossover from DC, Bart Sears was god like on the art back then, nuch like his work on The First for Crossgen now.
Worst crossover has to be the RING OF FIRE 5th week event , also from DC 2 years ago where a comic character Kyle Rayner created as a kid comes to life and chaos ensued, making me WASTE $30 of my hard earned cash on a story that did NOTHING for anyone involved.
Millenium comes in at a VERY close secound but it DID give us a cool Manhunter series for about a year.
I also enjoyed the MAXIMUM SECURITY marvel crossover from a few years ago cause it made US Agent look like a billion bucks... to bad nothing came of it though.
Oh year, and OUR WORLDS AT WAR was awe inspiring, the way they kept everything tied in like that, no issue read like it was forced into the story line.
Cerebus: Barbarian, Prime Minister, Pope, Perfect House Guest.
"Graft is as necessary as throwing up when you drink too much."
I'm glad to see the love for Gauntlet and Apocylpse. I will say DC has blown it a hundred times with their crossovers. I tried the Bruce Wayne: Fugitive and Murder stories and I gave up after Fugitive ended. The weak ass ending with Cable, I mean Cain Christ DC I'm begging for some originality here, being the murder. I will say that the Batman: Catcylsm and No Man's Land stories were incrediable. I still don't buy the President leaving Gotham to die, but I got over it. Worlds at War was good however it lacked something at the end. I wanted Luthor gone from office after Kansas got nuked though.
A Fan- I thought another great crossover Zero Hour just for the last two issues.
BTW - found the D-Link 614 (802.11b) at Tigerdirect.com for $39.99 (and like $10 shipping) - and there is a $20 rebate through today (jan 5) only. $20 for the router (even a B) seems like a deal to me.