In the recent years DC comics has gone on and on several times about their 'Big Three'. Those three being Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman. These three are touted as the cornerstones of the DC. There was even a recent weekly series (Trinity by Kurt Busiek) covering how absolutely essential they are to the fabric of the DC universe. The problem is that I just don't buy it. No matter how many times they say it, I do not see Wonder Woman being on the same level as Batman and Superman.
I'm willing to admit Wonder Woman is entertaining. I can even admit to buying the book during Amazon's Attack, and I continued to buy it. Princess Diane has a fascinating story and origin and I think she can make sense as a mythology/ magic hero next to Bruce Wayne as a technology hero and Clark Kent as a science hero. I can easily see the symbolism and the convenience of a female presence showing the opportunity to empower young female readers as well as male.
The biggest proof of these point is purely in the titles. At most given times Batman will have at least 4 titles (at this time 'Batman', 'Batman and Robin', 'Batman: Streets of Gotham', 'Batman Confidential' and "Detective Comics') along with any mini series (currently 'Batman: Widening Gyre'). Superman is generally in the same boat with ongoing (Currently, Superman, Action Comics) and limited ('Superman: New Krypton', 'New Krypton's Last Stand') series. Not to mention Superman's big event 'War of the Supermen' on the horizon. Wonder Woman has been featured in other books since her debut in 1941, she's had membership in the Justice Society of America (As a secretary to start) and in the current continuity is a founding member of the Justice League of America, but she hasn't had more than one ongoing title.
The reason for this is simple. Wonder Woman isn't as popular as the other two. This is reflected in comics and in the movies. Warner Brothers has understandably put a lot behind the supposed reboot that will come with a new Superman movie, and the recent press release with Christopher Nolan made every fanboys dreams of another Christian Bake Batman come true. Meanwhile the talks of a Wonder Woman remains in movie limbo.
Now this isn't to say Wonder Woman isn't a good read. Since taking over the title Gail Simone has taken us readers through all the roles Princess Diane holds in her life. New villains have been developed and even after being around for nearly 70 years it even feels like she's matured in that time. However that doesn't mean she earns a place at the top of the DC mountain more than the Flash or Green Lantern.
While it may be convenient to have Wonder Woman standing shoulder to shoulder with the worlds greatest detective and the big blue boy scout, its a lie.
I know, I know. We've been bad little boys haven't we. No updates in weeks. And there you sat, little Mike, little Jim, and little Michelle... waiting, watching for any signs from the Unshaven Comic guys... Where are they? You cried. Well, dry those eyes kiddos. We're back. And we got a boatload of an update! So, let's get on with it, shall we?
First off, Chasing Daylight? DONE. That's right. Penciled, Inked, Colored, Lettered, Edited, and (being) proof read folks. Count it. 21 pages of awesome chills and thrills... ready for your enjoyment. After a brief discussion of the times to come, Unshaven Comics has decided that Chasing Daylight will be our debut story (alongside 'The White', and a sneak peak of 'Iron Side') for Disposable Razors #1. No longer a "maxi-sized" comic as we'd originally planned... Disposable Razors will now be a set of 4 issues. 32 pages a pop. You'll be able to get issue 1 at C2E2, and then issue 2 at Wizard World Chicago 2010. Will it be at Stand-Up? You bet. But we'll discuss that at a later time.
So, what all have we been doing individually? Let's check the tally:
Matt finished up his work on Iron Side: Living Will. Some amazing action there folks. Walls breaking, super heros smacking each other through the streets... and a 2 page spread with some kick to it. And true to form Matt kicked butt by doing an amazingly trippy 2 page spread for 'The White' to debut in issue 1. And now? he's working on our secret new project.
Marc finished lettering and editing "Chasing Daylight" since last we spoke. He's also consolidated the files for Ironside to begin final color work there. But starting tomorrow, he'll be hard at work coloring that 2 pager for the White. It's gonna be a doosy.
Kyle's been hard at work too. You'll note he's contributing blogs up here from time to time... He's helping scan, stitch, and color flat Ironside. And he's also tailoring a new story. Will it debut in an issue of Disposable Razors...? Time will tell.
Well, that's all for now. Be on the lookout for more next week. Until then, keep those beards up kids!
Do you prefer individual comics or getting them collected? We have a comments section please let me know which do you prefer? I like to get my individual issues instead of the collections. I have two main reasons for this. One of them is my fault and the other is either the comic industries or every other comic reader in the country.
The first reason if my own impatience. I hate waiting after a cliff hanger to see what happens next. Especially with comics that are known to leave us with cliffhangers. 'Y: The Last Man' and 'Invincible'. So I'll take the blame on this one. I just can't wait long enough for the stories that I want to read.
The other problem is not my fault. You can't be certain what will come out. Some are a given. 'Final Crisis' will be collected in a trade paper back, probably a nice hard cover to. But a lot of comics I get aren't likely to have it happen right away if at all. I bought every issue of of 'Joker: Last Laugh'. I can't say I enjoyed it that much, but if I didn't collect it I might be out of luck.
What's always fun is seeing which comics are going to be collected for us to read. Some are a complete given, like the latest volume of 'Avengers' and the latest 'Batman' mini series. But when looking at the archives, what makes one series more deserving than another?
I always figured it's either a writer or artist that is popular at the time or character/ series resurgence. Jeph Loeb suddenly becomes popular again so its time to collect an obscure series they worked on years before (Emperor Joker).
I do still consider trades a great resource, but not with any real regularity. I think they're great for catching up on series you recently discovered. It's usually cheaper getting the collection than buying the individual back issues. They are also supremely easier to find rather than going from shop to shop looking for the one issue your missing. There are a lot of other reasons but these are the two that matter to me the most.
So if you prefer to wait for trades instead of getting the issues, good for you if you have the patience. It just seems like missing out on any short series that doesn't get the support to reach tradehood.
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