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I think a lot of the reason people are rooting for the downfall of comics is because for years people have just gotten fed up with the BS from the big 2. I don't need to rehash all the issues with their stories and marketing decisions since thats been discussed at length by basically everyone. People are just ready for them to collapse because they're exhausted with trying to hope things will get better.

I love the book and I loved the film. I do prefer a darker comic film than the slap stick ones. Keep up the good work guys

I like the idea of Wolverine's introduction being a remix of the Weapon X stuff, but the way they killed Nightcrawler and Mystique almost feels like there isn't much investment in the X-Men's future in this universe. I feel like Wolverine will just start killing off all the fan favorites and only leave a few that are going to show up in Avengers. That said, I prefer Peach Momoko's approach where the X-Men are focusing more on the teenager aspect, but I wish they invested in the Xavier Institute concept. Maybe have Xavier as a teacher who helps the girls out, and they even form a club with him as an advisor that sets up Xavier's Institute after Armor's story ends. Either case, would love a bit more classic elements with Momoko's run and less deaths of classic characters in Wolverine so far. Maybe it would have been better for Momoko's to be called Generation X or Young Mutants instead of X-Men?

I always find it fascinating in this time of woke and gender swapping that that no actresses are demanding a dedicated 'Mrs Manhattan' movie.

I only stuck with Absolute Superman. AWW is really just not my jam and AB is just too over the top for me. Looking for Absolute Flash because Lemire is worth the check. His Green Arrow new 52 run is top notch.

I agree. It was a decent issue, but it was a weird decision to change artists and halt the main storyline, only 3 issues in. But then alot about the comic book industry is weird or doesn't make sense! The first issue of Abdolute Batman is my favourite due to the kinetic artwork, the fight scenes, and the surprises.

I'm going to drop Absolute Batman if issue 5 is anything like issue 4 (and will be checking inside every single issue from now on to make sure they hired a comic book artist instead of an WB executives 9 year old kid or whatever.) Already dropped Superman and Wonder Woman. Was looking forward to Flash but that character looks like Megan Rapinoe so suddenly completely uninterested. Not into Al Ewing at all anymore.

i think putting your kids on the ian flynn sonic comics would be aa good idea, ken penders had some strange ideas but the more recent comics seem good for younger kids

I would agree that comics over last 50 years have gradually focused more on an older audience. But kids are largely uninterested in comics, mainly because they are far too expensive. My 9 year old daughter loves TEEN TITANS GO but has little interest in buying a comic. Meanwhile, at the cinema, fans seem to prefer the darker takes. Marvels, Flash, Shazam, Blue Beetle, Ant man 3 are all family friendly, and all bombed. We can't really blame Marvel and DC studios then, when it's the darker films that sell tickets - Pattinsons Batman, DP & Wolverine. Although I would agree with the trend you are pointing out, I do think there are still options for kids. And speaking from my own p.o.v. I prefer the darker and more adult tone. Can't please everyone I guess!

Feels harsh. Batman using an axe is also not Batman but y’all are enjoying that book. Batman is huge af and y’all don’t think it’s too far from Batman. Batman has flashbacks in every issue and a whole issue dedicated to backstory and y’all are still enjoying that story. Just feel like you’re being very critical about the other two without giving it enough of a chance. I think the 6 issue mark you said is probably enough time to get a decent feel for a comic tho.

I'm still enjoying Absolute Superman. I'm wary of Aaron, too, but I like what he has done by changing Superman's origin story from being a Moses allegory to being about climate change. I think he's trying to make Clark more relevant for young people today. Story wise, it might be very on the nose, but at least it's a different take. I know you guys want the traditional version of Superman, but this is meant to be a different one. If things were kept the same people would be complaining about that. Sometimes, it seems writers can't win with fans! I'm wary of Gunn, too, but I'm still hopeful for the movie, and I enjoyed the trailer. I'm just glad it's not another origin story. We've been and done that twice already!

Just wanna say that I told you that the Absolute Universe would suck. Glad I never bothered with it. It was plain to see from the beginning and DC's track record. Some times you just gotta read the writing on the wall.

I think Superman already IS cool. I think DC can stand to make him a little cooler. Nothing wrong with that. Just as long as it's not the main focus of his character.

DC fans aren't gonna agree with me but I'm gonna say it anyway. The Trunks are dumb. Superman needs to move on from them. They were great for their time but they need to be left in the 40s where they belong.

I actually think it's a good idea to have other heroes already exist in this new Universe that Gunn is creating. I'm not gonna watch it obviously, but one of Superman's biggest problems is that a lot of people always said he felt like a god among men. The main reason people felt that way was because Superman movies always put him in a world full of ordinary humans. So of course he'd feel that way by comparison. The solution is to put him in the actual DC universe. If he's surrounded by other Heroes his powers won't seem too special and he wont seem as "above". If you're all familiar with the Incredibles Movie remember the saying: "if everyone's super, then no one is." So to me it's the perfect way to make him feel normal in the context of his universe and less like an overpowered god. It's his *character* that should stand out from everyone else. Not his powers. It's a smart move. Thats probably the only praise I'm going to give Gunn aside from the inclusion of Krypto.

Thing is these movies have already done the origin stories SO many times it would be repetitive and tedious to do it again.

Nothing intelligent I'll tell you that. lol.

This issue was awful. The art is scribbles. The back story wasn't interesting. I had high hopes based on issues 1-3 that Absolute Batman would be killer for at least the first arc (and had expected Dragota to draw.) Very disappointing. I'm going to have to flip through the pages in issue 5 to make sure it's not these scribblings considering i paid $6 for the cardstock cover. This is the last Absolute title im still on after 3 issues, and considering i dropped Absolute Wonder Woman because it had similar art to this issue very deflating.

Love Absolute Batman. Dropped Absolute Wonder Woman. Charging $4.99 for such low level art is insulting. Probably going to pick up Superman 3 but on the razors edge of dropping it.

Right now I’m currently reading through the original Luke Cage as well as Iron Fist, cause I know they eventually become Hero’s for Hire and I’d like to get to that eventually. Really enjoying both series.

Also adding - reading less, but enjoying it more in 2024! The dollar bin at my local comic shop has been a wellspring of really entertaining titles that my brother and l missed the first time. Brave and Bold from the 70's. Mystery Incorporated by Alan Moore! Early issues of Marvel's Defenders! DC's Doc Savage titles from the 80's! LOTS of terrific material if readers spend a little more time looking through the discount bins! Walking out if the shop with a stack of comics for only $10 feels like a winner!

Glad you enjoyed THE SANDMAN, which l thought was an excellent short series. I really enjoyed the art too, probably more than most. USAGI YOJIMBO was also excellent, as was the monthly Conan by Titan. I liked the Hellblazer mini series too, although l had trouble finding some of the issues. I enjoyed Redcoat, but still waiting for that WOW issue that cements my mist-read purchase. Happy New Year's, guys, and Thanks!

My top comics of the year in no particular order. -The Savage Sword Of Conan -Conan The Barbarian -Conan: Battle Of The Black Stone -G.I. Joe A Real American Hero -G.I. Joe (image comics) -Wolverine: Deep Cut -Flash Gordon

I put Batman Off-World,Ice Cream Man and EC Epitaphs From The Abyss in my personnal list.

Great lists! Looking forward to checking out some of the stuff you guys mentioned that I hadn't heard of yet. Just got my Conan vol. 1 trade back from my friend who's a diehard Robert E Howard fan, and he loved it! Definitely going to be lending him the next two trades once I'm done with them. My favourites this year were definitely the Black Label Zatanna series, Immortal Thor, Fantastic Four, the Ghost Machine stuff (nice to hear you shouting them out Reed!) and Ain't No Grave. Some really inventive stuff happening right now, and I hope that some of the Absolute stuff ends up on your best of list next year! But as you said, time will tell.

Not a top 10 or in any particular order, but GI Joe, Transformers, Rook, Red Coat, Dick Tracy and Flash Gordon are my favorites from this year

Please don't let the Hulk go down a similar path like Superman had with all of the assorted "flavors" of Kryptonite.

Real question, how busted would the Hulk be if he became a Red Lantern?

I see your point, but Peacemaker and the Suicide Squad were bright spots in the DCEU. And it makes sense for Gunn to want to keep the parts that he created. It works so why throw out the baby with the bath water? It’s not that hard to comprehend that only the Gunn parts count. When DC did the original Crisis reboot, they kept elements that were working (New Teen Titans). Same with Flashpoint- Green Lantern and Batman weren’t affected. And Cena and Davis are a ton of fun in those roles.

Episodes about Joe Kubert, Wally Wood, Gene Colan and Murphy Anderson would be appreciated.

DC editor Julius Schwartz is widely credited as the person who revived the superhero with the decision to revise and update the Golden Age Flash.

No comments? Unimaginable. Especially for someone as important as Infantino, criminally underrated as a creative force in the Silver Age. My first exposure to him was in Adam Strange, and I was hooked.

I'm not reading Conan but we need more good indies stuff. Marvel is pretty lame lately.

I'd like to see what you guys think of the indie comics that are coming out and how they stack up against the mainstream

The new Conan run is next on my tbr list

Loved this whole event. I only read the first trade of the current Conan run (just ordered trades 2 and 3 as an Xmas gift for myself), so I was worried I'd feel out of the loop. Boy was I in for a surprise. Easily the best mini-series I've read since Avengers Twilight. Question for Mike: can you recommend a good Bladerunner collected book or a run of the comic I should try and get my hands on? Titan deserves more of my money. Glad you fellas called out how good their back material has been. I think Ghost Machine comics and maybe Immortal Thor are the only ones to rival that great additional content in the Conan comics. Wish we saw more of that stuff these days.

I think this was probably my favourite issue of the Absolute Batman run so far. It feels like the setup is done and it's time to let the characters play a bit more. Looking forward to seeing the crescendo on this first arc. Just cannot wait till Absolute Martian Manhunter comes out, now that those covers have been released. I want to see J'onn get a good run in the midst of all this hullaballoo

Would agree. Although I enjoy Ab Batman and I will stick with it, it's becoming a guilty pleasure. I would rather it was more grounded and street level. The whole giant bat tank, transforming to Batmobile with ejector seat, to Batsubmarine is just too much. And anybody who wants to figure out who Batman is just needs to look for the small number of 7ft bodybuilders in Gotham, lol. Saying all that it is alot of fun and the art is first class. I just expected more from Snyder. It has been a surprising and entertaining 3 issues, but not very meaningful, cohesive, and believable. Yes, it's a comic, I know, but still... Snyder can, and has done alot better.

My problem with Smart Hulk tends to be two things; one, it takes away from what made the character unique compared to similar characters, and two, there are other characters who can play that role. You guys mentioned The Thing which inspired the Hulk's creation, but there are others like Beast (although more agile than strong, shares the monstrous appearance and outcast vibes), Strong Guy (more strength based, but still an outcast character), Red Hulk, She-Hulk, Red She-Hulk, Venom (even has the duel personality thing), and Power Man or Luke Cage. There's more if you dig for it, so there isn't much reason to change Hulk when you have alternatives that work just as well. However, I do like some depictions where the Hulk isn't a savage monster but still isn't Banner with brawn. The comedy cartoon Superhero Squad Show made Hulk the dumb, lovable brute which was a fun character amongst the silly depictions of the Avengers cast. Earth's Mightiest Heroes predominantly features the Hulk over Banner and establishes relationships with the other cast members, but it does a good job separating the two as unique characters with their own personalities as well as different relationships with other characters; plus, Hulk comes off more as the brooding loner than another genius with an attitude which makes him stand out with Tony or T'Chala. Lastly is the anime Future Avenger which unfortunately doesn't have Banner, but does a good job establishing Hulk as a gentle giant with anger issues with a strong bond with Makoto (the leading character of the show) built on their outcast backstories. All tackle different aspects of the Hulk that I feel encapsulates his character's core traits while keeping him the dominant or only personality in their respective shows without needing to make him Smart Hulk or stray too far from his wild card anger. Ultimately, my favorite Hulk is when a clear distinction exists between Banner and Hulk. This leading to them being in conflict most of the time, but makes moments like them working together way more satisfying. Like, an opponent too smart for the Hulk to fight who is endangering Betty or their friends and Banner devises a plan that the Hulk uses to save the day, or Banner is struggling to escape a facility but can't afford to go full Hulk as it could get someone he cares for killed so Hulk lends a fraction of his strength so Bruce can still be sneaky while being strong enough to do what he has to. "Smart" Hulk to me only works if it is the two versions compromising on singular tasks instead of a full blending of two personas in one body.

If i have to be completely honest it would have been so much better if Barry stayed dead. The main problem i have with the character is that beside the hystorical importance he doesn't have so much going on in terms of characterization. For those 30 years in which he was the main flash he was a very generic character: a boring and dorky guy whose storylines revolved around the fact that he was never on time for a date with Iris. That or he was a straight up maniac like in Flash #109 (Mirror Master second appearance) where, after defeating Scudder, since Iris dumped him because he never comes on time, he uses Mirror Master's technology on Iris in order to let her see Barry's reflection on every reflective surface and, in this way, induce her in thinking she secretly misses Barry so she has to go back to him... Barry literally used Mirror Master's technology in a more diabolical and realistically evil way than the supposed villain of the story ever did. The dynamic between Iris was also extremely tedious: Iris was costantly nagging on Barry cause he wasn't as fast as the Flash and literally hinted the fact that she found Wiley Summers (a friend of Barry) really sexy while in a relationship with Barry (Flash Vol.1 #111) while Barry (without mentioning the Mirror Master's stuff) continuosly postponed the revelation of his true identity to Iris without any actual reason just to be moved to do so by Jay and Joan Garrick (Flash Vol.1 #173). I know i'm surely in the vast minority but i'm maybe one of the few people that vastly prefers Jay Garrick to Barry Allen: despite using his powers a bit selfishly at the beginning he decides to use them for better purposes on his own and finally becomes a true hero thanks to Joan's motivation. The fact is that it seems that every character in a relationship with someone else has a better dynamic than Barry, even freaking Elongated Man (and for that i mention Pied Piper's second appearance in Flash Vol.1 #138). Truth to be told even Wally started as a pretty boring character but at least he grew out of that phase, Barry has the pre-Crisis stuff that a lot of Barry Allen fans have never read or the post-Final Crisis that took too much of Wally West's characterization or just tried to make Barry more interesting by making him Batman. As for the villains Flash has surely one of the best rogue's galleries ever but again the reason why nowadays a lot of people care about Flash villains has nothing to do with Barry but more with Wally. With the exception of Gorilla Grodd, Reverse-Flash, some stories with Trickster and Abra Kadabra the rest of Flash villains got popular after Barry died: - Pied Piper during the Messner-Loebs' run - Captain Cold, Weather Wizard, Heatwave and so many others with Geoff Johns (who also fixed Doctor Alchemy's mind boggling comic history) - Captain Boomerang in Suicide Squad etc. I agree on the fact that Flash deserves (at least) another ongoing title so that Barry Allen's fans can have their comics and Wally West's fans too. Jay Garrick surely has a lot of potential but unfortunately i don't think that there are so many comic book writers with a lot of solo stories for the character, i surely would love to read it since there's so much untapped potential with Jay (especially now with the return of his daughter) and the guy has his own separate rogue's gallery where most of the villains made some appearances only in the Golden Age and that's it. Shade and Rag Doll made just one appearance in the Golden Age before being brought back in the spotlight therefore someone could do the same thing for villains like the Black Templar, Shrimpo the Great or even the original Star Sapphire.

Mad Cave is going to be publishing Phantom as well as Moonstone next year. Also, Sean Gordon Murphy just did a kickstarter for a modern Zorro story

As someone who grew up on Wally West. I've only really read Barry Allen since his "Rebirth" from writers I usually like (Geoff Johns, Robert Venditti, Joshua Williamson.) and he is the most flat, zero personality a list character I can think of. I'll have to try and get some of that pre Crisis, I have to assume he was a fun character at some point in time As it stands, he had one of the most heroic ends in comic book history, sacrificing his life during the Crisis. And they took that away.

This is one of the few books I really look forward to every month. The cliffhangers are some of the best. It leaves you wondering what happens next. A lot of other comics out now are forgettable.

Is this is a continuation of FG Zeitgeist?

Flash Aaaaaah Saviour of the Universe

New characters suck because often times they have a modern day political agenda attached to them, accompanied by terrible writing and bad art.

I never was familiar with Flash Gordon but my daddy watched the old serials of Flash Gordon and loved.

I loved this movie... Never understood why it didn't get to love it should have gotten... This hulk in this movie this is the hulk that should have fought Thanos... With all the anger and all the fury and all the rage and all the power brought to bear against the mad Titan... This was a great movie... Sorry haters

I have Conan and Flash Gordon on my tbr list, but Dick Tracy is sick af

Great background Reed! I grabbed the initial issue of Flash Gordon, but couldn't get regular copies ordered into my comic shop. I hope I can pick up a trade at some point. My Dad was a huge Flash Gordon fan -- I actually have his copy of some of the radio serials on LP -- and I've always dug the aesthetic. The Voyager episodes that paid tribute to Flash Gordon were always some of my favourites. And the Queen Flash theme rocks! Glad you fellas are enjoying it, and I hope I get to read these soon. And I'd also love to see some Shadow comics rolling out too.