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Loved DOLL MAN's entrance as an action figure wrapped up in packaging as a gift for the 'target's ' son (though it *did* seem like something a villain would do). Until this issue, I really didn't like the new Doll Man. Cynical assassins make great solo characters- but tend to take up way too much space in team books when regularly appearing members, IMO.
But after reading a couple pages of Lester Colt, I really like the guy and can't wait to read more about him.
Though I like the way colors are used for the new PHANTOM LADY, her physical assets (plastic?) overshadowed her personality. We get a glimpse behind the packaging, here-- but not enough. Though there is a piquant poor-little-rich-girl thing going on. Zoftig world-weary hedonist? If the contents of a tube shown later in the issue turns out to be true, it'll be interesting to see how Stormy interacts with Click Here For A SpoilerMISS AMERICA, once she emerges.
Very reluctantly, I also warmed up to Stan Silver, our new THE RAY. I still want to see Ray Terrill, but now I'm conflicted.
Daniel Acuna renders an impressive bit of beefcake when we first see the unmasked RAY, I must admit that plays a big part of why I like him. He also reminds me just a bit of preboot SUN BOY, with his harem of a 'dozen of the world's most beautiful women'. AND he loves the way the use of his power feels. I *always* appreciate the sensory descriptions of what it *feels* like to have and use superpowers.
This was the biggest surprise of the first issue. I expected to *hate* THE RAY-- nothing I'd seen before made me think I wouldn't. Instead, I now look forward to his future role in the DCU. A roll that doesn't come at the expense of Ray Terrill's, I hope.
I've got to give the creative team credit. I didn't *want* to develop a liking for replacement FREEDOM FIGHTER members, but I have.
I *had* developed a liking for the new FIREBRAND in BATTLE FOR BLUDHAVEN, and now I like him even more. His impassioned John the Baptist 'He is coming' speech ingnited the plot, for me. I sort of wish a real Firebrand would interrupt some politician's speech with convictions like his (though I could do without the word 'gestapo'-- oversell!)
"You better hope he brings a good lawyer with him, freak." Hee-hee.
But for me, this exchange cemented my favorite character debut in I don't know when:
FIREBRAND: You don't have to torture me. I'll happily tell you anthing you want to know.
FATHER TIME: You'd betray him? (him being Uncle Sam)
FIREBRAND: Never.
FT: So, you intend to lie.
FB: Nope.
FT: You're trying to make me angry, aren't you.
FB: Not at all. I know what is coming.
FT: And what might that be?
FB: Freedom from tyranny. (later) Uncle Sam represents the voice and the will of the people. You represent only your interests and the interests of your corporate backers. He's building a new team of Freedom Fighters.
Sign me up.
I sure hope this guy survives the mini-series.
And I begin to see what the direction of this mini is going to be. I really hope this becomes an ongoing.
I've been thinking-- remember FATHER TIME's bit about recycling heroic names and legacies from the Bludhaven mini? Is *that* going to be the catalyst that causes the relaunch of the new JUSTICE SOCIETY OF AMERICA, with it's stated mission to protect golden age 'heirs'?
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It's interesting that the team we meet isn't even the the title team. It'll be interesting to see Uncle Sam build his team and the inevitable confrontation with Father Time. I have to wonder if some of Father Time's team will defect. I'm not terribly attached to any of the characters yet but the one I was most interested in wasn't spotlighted (The Human Bomb). The fact that he makes his teammates uneasy is a nice touch.
From: New York, NY | Registered: Jul 2003
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I knew the team we met was the title team. The way the characters were set up in the first issue made it pretty clear that almost all of them would go over to Uncle Sam. I just find it hard to believe they'd all turn face as easily as they in issue 2.
Almost too easy. I think there may be some betrayal to come.
I think I love this Stormy character. I'm still cheering for a Power Girl/Stormy Knight team-up.
From: Canada | Registered: Apr 2005
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This really is an amazing book. I didn't care much for Firebrand in the Bludhaven mini, but you guys are right, he's really making this series really mean something! His devotion to Uncle Sam and the ideals of freedom and America are inspirational. And the preview of the next issue in Newsarama blew me away! Can't wait!
-------------------- Craig C.
- Time travel stories are told in chronillogical order.
From: Santa Ana, CA | Registered: Jul 2003
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The Black Condor is hot!!! Love the art on this book.
quote:Originally posted by Tamper Lad: It strikes me that Stormy is the 21st century equivalent of the debutante socialite that many Golden Agers had as their secret identity.
I hope so that would be a lot more intelligent than Paris Hilton having such an effect on pop culture as to inspire two comic characters.
This is one of my new favorite books, It needs more women though, i was hoping Firebrand would be more like Danette.
but i like this firebrand, ray, condor, phantom lady, even the new human bomb.
I waiting for the new Red Bee, Neon, etc.
[ October 07, 2006, 08:49 PM: Message edited by: Disaster Boy ]
From: Ninja Land | Registered: Nov 2004
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The philosophical aspects of this book make it more than just another superteam. As corny as it might be to have Uncle Sam as a superhero, it gives this book the potential for more real world relevance.
From: New York, NY | Registered: Jul 2003
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True Drake, I think DC's really empahsizing that each of its team books has a really different philosophy and reasons for existing. Which is what they didn't do when they merged the pre-crisis earths together.
So DC ended up with too many teams all similar to the Justice League. Now we have USFF as a social justice team fighting for political ideals. Hopefully this will pay off.
From: Canada | Registered: Apr 2005
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I was a bit disappointed by the last issue. Or, rather, I didn't enjoy it as much as I did the first two. Dunno why. Maybe because a big portion of it was online in previews?
I liked the Black Condor portion-- though I think his 'look' is more that of a villain, but that doesn't really matter anymore, for the most part.
It was kind of weird that he debuted in this title and Super-Chief did as well, over in 52. What, is it Native American Appreciation Month? (There oughta be such an animal-- even if it's a one-time deal). Can't Owlwoman get any play?
Anyhoo-- I'm looking forward to #6 and those battling dopplegangers in stars and stripes.
Any word if this is going to be an ongoing? I think it should be.
From: Knoxville, TN | Registered: Jul 2003
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I enjoyed #4 quite a bit more. There's a *major* boost to one of the character's power-- the explanation of which was a bit dodgy and quite out of the blue.
Even though I'm enjoying all of the characters, I do still miss Ray Terrill and wonder what's up with that version of The Ray.
Click here to read a couple of hints dropped by Justin Gray about some upcoming developments in the mini (still no word about the title's future):
Hyperpath: Email this page to someone!
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