Justice #17, Marvel Comics New Universe line, cover-dated March 1988.
"Spirit Against the Flesh," by Peter David, with art by Lee Weeks & Tony DeZuniga.
Is issue #17 too late to tell a character's origin story? Or is issue #17 too early to retcon a character's origin story? What if it's Peter David who is brought in to revive the title? What could go wrong with this plan? Listen to the episode and find out!
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Next Episode: Tailgunner Jo #6, DC Comics, cover-dated January 1989
or X-Files #0, Topps Comics, 1996.
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Hi Professor Alan!
ReplyDeleteThis episode featured the best intro EVER!! More of that guy, please!
I've been playing catch up and listened to your most recent three New Universe episodes. So much fun! Like you, I'm a fan of self-contained new universes (lower case). New Universe. 2099. Ultraverse. Dark Horse's Comics' Greatest World. Tangent. Amalgam. etc etc
I loved the New Universe at launch! I bought all the first issues, and initially stuck with Starbrand, Psi-Force, DP7, and Nightmask. Somewhere along the lines I dropped DP7 and Nightmask. Not due to lack of love for the characters, but I suppose I had to make a choice. I followed Starbrand and Psi-Force through to THE PITT, THE DRAFT, and so on. Even picked up the Warren Ellis reimaginings too. Not sure I'll get the new book, but will try it on the Marvel Unlimited digital app in six months.
Bearing in mind that I haven't read these comics since the 1980s, I felt you may have been too harsh a critic of Starbrand and Nightmask. The Starbrand character was very down to Earth and likable. He felt like a real guy who was doing his best at the hero racket, and making some mistakes. Nightmask, while admittedly a rip-off of the movie Dreamscape from 2 years prior, felt very creative and interesting. Considering the amount of story packed in and decent art, I'd still put these up against modern $4 decompressed standard superhero comics. Again, I'm wearing 30 year old glasses on these memories, so maybe I'm being too generous.
I never read Justice, but heard good things about the book. While it starts in the middle of a plot, it sounds like this issue was a good jumping on point. Or perhaps you just described it well. :)
And if you are looking for a New Universe whipping boy... look no further than KICKERS, INC. It was the NFL SUPERPRO of the New Universe. Seriously. Look it up. Second in line for mocking would be SPITFIRE AND THE TROUBLESHOOTERS. Ridiculous name and weak early issues. They rebranded and dropped "and the Troubleshooters" in an effort to keep the book alive.
Looking forward to more Dead Universe coverage! Keep up the great work!
The Irredeemable Shag
The Fire and Water Podcast Network
PS: Thanks for the Ultraverse Network digs. Because I didn't have enough guilt in my life already.
PPS: Please consider doing more Micronauts coverage. Can never get enough of that!!
Thanks, buddy. Glad to have on the show, Terrific appearance. You've never been better!
DeleteI enjoyed the New U when it came out, as well, but these selections just weren't as fun as I was hoping. May have been bad luck on the selection process, who knows?
And yes, KICKERS, INC is not worth a quarter ... I have left them behind in the quarter-bins many many times.
Micronauts ... that's a good thought. We'll see.
Legitimate question... In the 65 episodes, have you ever reviewed a comic that WASN'T worth the quarter? I don't recall any failing the test.
ReplyDeleteThere have been a few that were close ... off the top of my head, Stormwatch: Team Achilles #4 was probably the worst one, with Nick Fury's Howling Commandos and El Diablo a close second. Next episode's issues is a little ... shaky, as well.
DeleteAnother great episode, Professor. The New Universe is something I have yet to dig into, but the element that most interests me in doing so is how several of the creators involved then went on to be key spearheads in both the Valiant and Ultraverse lines. Even if the titles don't entirely hold up, I'd be intrigued to see how it works as an early draft of what was further honed in those newer new universes.
ReplyDelete