We Mafians Chit-Chat: For Science!

[DarqFeonix]

Link to the last thread (http://www.hcrealms.com/forum/showpost.php?p=5573836&postcount=1003)

The question is, do we continue all this Rapture talk and face reporting?

[DroppinSuga]

We march on!

[DarqFeonix]

I probably should have had something witty prepared. Oh well, next time.

[PaxZRake]

Politics!

Religion!

Sex!

[Thawmus]

Darq gets a hug, a chin rubbing, and 1000 boondollars from Thawmus, for showing everyone else how this new thread #### should be done.

[EmperorNorton]

Darq gets a hug, a chin rubbing, and 1000 boondollars from Thawmus, for showing everyone else how this new thread #### should be done.

And looking at the prize it's suddenly no secret anymore why everyone else does it differently.

[HavokAndChaos]

What is the conversion rate on boondollars to schrutebucks?

[DroppinSuga]

What are the rules for opening a new thread? I opened the last one and apparently failed... :confused:

[Thawmus]

And looking at the prize it's suddenly no secret anymore why everyone else does it differently.

You're just jealous.

You shouldn't be.

I'd twirl your hair for you too. ;)

What is the conversion rate on boondollars to schrutebucks?

Boondollars immediately incinerate upon conversion attempts to schrutebucks.

That has a lot more to do with the nature of schrutebucks. Boondollars are awesome!*















*But equally worthless!

[Thawmus]

What are the rules for opening a new thread? I opened the last one and apparently failed... :confused:

There aren't any, really.

You're supposed to close a thread that hits 1000 posts, and make a new one. That's the short story.

My preferred way of handling it, is to close a thread with the last post having a link to the new thread.

The link to the old thread is perhaps handy, but it's a lot easier to manage after-the-fact.

[DroppinSuga]

Alrighty! I closed the old thread as soon as DF posted the link to the new one, so it was a dual success!

[DarqFeonix]

There aren't any, really.

You're supposed to close a thread that hits 1000 posts, and make a new one. That's the short story.

My preferred way of handling it, is to close a thread with the last post having a link to the new thread.

The link to the old thread is perhaps handy, but it's a lot easier to manage after-the-fact.

Plus you can't be get_1.

Some people think that part of the rule is unwritten, but no, I have it right here, "Get_1 cannot start a new thread."

[Thawmus]

Plus you can't be get_1.

Some people think that part of the rule is unwritten, but no, I have it right here, "Get_1 cannot start a new thread."

Can we change it to "get_1 cannot *", and just leave the wildcard there?

[K-ness]

This new thread feels magical.

[hail_eris]

You know what they say about any sufficiently advanced technology...

http://www.scienceexclamationpoint.com/science!.jpg

[DarqFeonix]

Someone link to the XKCD comic. You know the one.

And someone shrink hail's picture. :p

[sstralkowski]

Title reminds me of Mythbusters.

Mafia has kinda become the rough equivalent of playing a game of Survivor with the same group of people for years.

I'm Boston Rob.

[JackAssterson]

I'm Boston Rob.

I'd say Iceman is our resident Boston Rob judging from the Realms Survivor.
And I'm Coach!

[PaxZRake]

Title reminds me of Mythbusters.



I'm Boston Rob.

I'm Russell! #### you, I'm burning your socks!

[hail_eris]

Someone link to the XKCD comic. You know the one.

And someone shrink hail's picture. :p
Science will not be constrained by your window sizes!

[get_1]

You're all bastards.

[DarqFeonix]

You're all bastards.

Actually, we simply all have God Complexes...

...Complexii?

[DroppinSuga]

Sorry get :nervous:

[Thawmus]

Sorry get :nervous:

<========== not sorry

[Ouchmaker]

Ah yes, Rapture. Nothing to worry about unless they learn to open doors.

And yes, I did read xkcd, and that was the first thing that came to my mind.

[DroppinSuga]

Shhh, we tell him we're sorry so he feels better.

[DocDoom187]

<========= not get


thank god!

[Ouchmaker]

You're all bastards.

Says Wilden druid with a bunny fetish, huge amounts of charima that has no use on him, and delusions of sex appeal and a need to procreate despite having no reproductive organs whatsoever.

You just go shiftered.

[Thawmus]

Shhh, we tell him we're sorry so he feels better.

........

I don't understand. :noid:

We're talking about get_1, right?

[DroppinSuga]

........

I don't understand. :noid:

We're talking about get_1, right?

I think so... Yes, we are... Right? :nervous:

[Rokk_Krinn]

You know what they say about any sufficiently advanced technology...

http://www.scienceexclamationpoint.com/science!.jpg

That she uses it to blind you, Mr. Dolby?

@Stan - Darn you for sniping my quip while I was working. I was going to say "It's true. Unbelievably to the new and relatively newish folks there was a time I was thought of relatively well - the season 2 Australia Colby of the Realms - and now I'm Boston Rob."

But if Stan wants to be Rob, well, it's probably because that shaved crewcut is still going to seem like jackpot for him, but it's okay either way. ;)

[DroppinSuga]

I'll be Jimmy Johnson. :cool:

[Rokk_Krinn]

I'll be Jimmy Johnson. :cool:

At least you feel strong enough to admit you need the help. :)

[sstralkowski]

I'd say Iceman is our resident Boston Rob judging from the Realms Survivor.
And I'm Coach!

Ok Coach, can I be Rupert then?

@Stan - Darn you for sniping my quip while I was working. I was going to say "It's true. Unbelievably to the new and relatively newish folks there was a time I was thought of relatively well - the season 2 Australia Colby of the Realms - and now I'm Boston Rob."

But if Stan wants to be Rob, well, it's probably because that shaved crewcut is still going to seem like jackpot for him, but it's okay either way. ;)

:laugh: I love Rob's hair. It's dreamy.

[DarqFeonix]

And I'll be Richard Hatch.

Stare at my fat, naked body, and rejoice!

I CAN SEE FOREVER!!!!

[DroppinSuga]

DF blinded me with science

and fat nakedness

[DarqFeonix]

Hmph, interesting fact, "I can see forever" is not actually from HP Lovecraft at all, it stems from a Family Circus cartoon which ihad Cthulu underpinnings.

Thanks Know Your Meme (http://knowyourmeme.com/memes/oh-god-i-can-see-forever)!

[get_1]

Actually, we simply all have God Complexes...

...Complexii?

The correct plural of "complex" is "cockfaces."

You simply all have cockfaces.

[get_1]

That she uses it to blind you, Mr. Dolby?

@Stan - Darn you for sniping my quip while I was working. I was going to say "It's true. Unbelievably to the new and relatively newish folks there was a time I was thought of relatively well - the season 2 Australia Colby of the Realms - and now I'm Boston Rob."

But if Stan wants to be Rob, well, it's probably because that shaved crewcut is still going to seem like jackpot for him, but it's okay either way. ;)

Oh! Oh!

I wanna be Yul Kwon!

Pick me!

[DarqFeonix]

Oh! Oh!

I wanna be Johnny Fairplay!

Pick me!

Corrected it for you. :)

[Rokk_Krinn]

The correct plural of "complex" is "cockfaces."

You simply all have cockfaces.

Sounds more like some Korean takeout menu. :grin:

[ChiRocker]

I don't believe in the Rapture. There is not enough Biblical evidence to even call it a religious topic.

[Ouchmaker]

I don't believe in the Rapture. There is not enough Biblical evidence to even call it a religious topic.

Biblical evidence? Isn't that an oxymoron?

[ChiRocker]

Biblical evidence? Isn't that an oxymoron?

I can't respond to this without getting warning points. Feel free to PM though =P

[DarqFeonix]

Uh-oh, ####'s about to get real up in here. :noid:

[DroppinSuga]

So. Cheese.

[Ouchmaker]

So. Cheese.

I like cheese. [/wallace]

[Ouchmaker]

I can't respond to this without getting warning points. Feel free to PM though =P

Sorry, it was a low blow, everyone has a right for their own beliefs.

And now I feel sad that I can't compare biblical evidence of the Rapture and the Twilightian evidence of heterosexuality. Oh well, the moment has passed.

[K-ness]

*feeds Chi a ham sandwich*

[DroppinSuga]

*feeds Chi a ham sandwich*

with CHEESE? :nervous:

[K-ness]

with CHEESE? :nervous:

I was going to say "No... with "Chi"eese" or something to that effect, but then I got mental images of... Let's just end that there.

[get_1]

Uh-oh, ####'s about to get real up in here. :noid:

It got real in here as soon as my thread-ownership rights were stolen the first time.

[ChiRocker]

BTW guys, Chi is pronounced with a hard "Ch" (like in "Character") and a hard "I" (like in "Hi"). Think the word "Sky" but with no "S".

Also, I am not from Chicago.

[K-ness]

BTW guys, Chi is pronounced with a hard "Ch" (like in "Character") and a hard "I" (like in "Hi"). Think the word "Sky" but with no "S".

Also, I am not from Chicago.

I don't believe you.

[get_1]

So it's "X."

Should've just spelled it "XRocker" :cheeky:

[ChiRocker]

click my ebay link (next the H/W and Quote links below this post).

[K-ness]

My world is shattered.

[Ouchmaker]

My world is shattered.

Yeah, I know, "85"?
:cheeky:

[ChiRocker]

Yeah, I know, "85"?
:cheeky:

As is 1985 =P

[ChiRocker]

Check out my About Me on facebook too

[K-ness]

Check out my About Me on facebook too

Me, me, me.

Geez, you ever think there are other people out there? It isn't all about you, ya know.

[ChiRocker]

I figured I would bask for a bit before Wade starts taking all the light for not being here.

[Rokk_Krinn]

Okay, I'm going to get wordy again so those of you who skip it because of ADHD, I understand. :)

I know we have a comics thread but, the way I see it, the Mafia group is a place where we can and do talk about everything...including things from throughout other spots of the Realms. It's because this is Our Place...where we hang out and we're a family. Like any family we have our fights but we also like to share good stories and laugh together and, hopefully, at the end of the day, have each other's backs (seriously - even those of you I fight with due to personality disputes...I've said it before and I'll say it again: I will have your backs because you're part of this Community.)

Just was catching up on my backlog of comics and finally got around to "Superman #701" and, y'know, for all the garbage JMS tends to write these days, sometimes he can still knock it out of the park and this issue just got to me and I have to recommend it for anyone who ever asks the question, "Why is Superman such a big deal?"

I admit, I've never understood how people don't like Superman. They complain about his powers (but will still be gung-ho for Thor) and miss that it's about the personality. They say he's "irrelevant" in today's world...and completely miss that now, more than ever, we should all aspire to be Superman.

That's the thing about DC's Trinity - they are all Standard Bearers. There are plenty of cool superheroes who do great things but when you get down to it - GL and Flash? They're just cops - cool cops (and not saying good police shouldn't be admired and respected) but still don't really "stand" for anything. Wolverine? He slices things and angsts (and for all their talk about "world that doesn't understand them" the X-Men are usually ultra good-looking and lead pretty darn good lives and could easily just hang out as normal people). Spidey - he's got something in that he tries to teach about responsibility and Cap too when a writer isn't using him as a mouthpiece. But most superheroes? They're just "fighters".

Wonder Woman - she's about love and peace but also how sometimes you really have to fight for those things. In a lot of ways, she's an Avatar of National Duty...any nation, really. About how you want to try and do things diplomatically as far as possible but sometimes you have to fight so if you're going to, make sure you do it decisively and then offer an open hand at the end.

Batman - He's Perserverence and Vengeance and Justice. A lot of superheroes say that's their area but really, he's the Big Emblem of it. He's the one that shows you can achieve if you have the reason...the motive...and the depth to just push through anything to achieve your goal, even a dark one. Folks frequently compare him to Cap because they're both "ultimate humans with willpower" but, y'know, while I love Captain America (had an RA who used Marvel heroes for everyone's doors to represent them and he had no hesitation putting Cap on my door)...while I love Cap, he got to cheat. He got the magic potion and the super-powers (minour but powers they be). Bruce lived through one of the most terrible things possible and drove himself Every. Single. Day. for the rest of his life...all to make sure that no other child had to live through the same. He knows he fails every day too...but he still tries not just out of vengeance but because at least the one child he prevents from going through the same is worth all that pain he bears. Back in college, Batman was the one that would often inspire me (see my comment about why I keep the Kitty Genovese obit on my wall)...that you sacrifice your own happiness so others can have theirs...but you know what? There's another way and it's the guy so many people laugh at these days...

...Superman. Like I said, the one we should all really try to aspire to and -that- is why he's still relevant. He may not be the "coolest guy on the block" and his stories may seem "been there done that for the last 80 years" at times...but that's missing the point of why he matters. Oscar Wilde said it's better to shoot for the stars and miss than shoot for the manure pile and hit...and I think he might agree shooting for Superman is an acceptable substitute for the stars. He's the guy who says "You stand your ground here and just do what's right, even if no one else pays attention at first...because, eventually someone will...and then another one...and so on and by making Here the Right Place, the Wrong Things will go Over There...and if you've set the right example, Over There will also stand its' ground and eventually Everywhere becomes Here...and there's no where else for the Wrong Things to go." Being a hero - according to the him in the story I read that just nails his character - is to live your life in a small cell whose bars are the principles and rules that define what you will and won't accept...and then points out when Thorea was in jail for civil disobedience and asked what was he doing in prison his question was, "What are you doing out there?" That's Superman's question for everyone - what are you doing outside of the cell of principles and values you can create for yourself? It's too easy...too lazy...to say "It just doesn't matter what I do because the rest of the world doesn't care or pay attention or try to do the same or they'll just laugh at me."...but that's precisely why you -should- do it, because even if the only life you better is your own, that's one life. One life is huge. We have massive arguements across nations over the value of one life. We spend billions in court cases all about one life. So when did changing just one life become so...uncool? And because One Life is so valued and important do you really think that at least One Other Life won't eventually take notice and that One Other Life may influence Another Life and so on....until we've all stopped taking the time to wallow in the manure piles and reached those stars?

So, yeah, if you read this far, thanks. If you didn't, as I said, I understand, but to both groups I say, thank you for being part of my One Life (and, if you want to, go read Superman #701 - it's worth the few minutes it takes. Remember, without Superman we wouldn't all be hanging out together!)

[ChiRocker]

I like how the DC Trinity is all about the Pathos/Logos/Ethos.

[Ouchmaker]

Here's a little test:

We all know (well those that read Rokk's epic post) that the DC Trinity consists of Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman.

Then please list in your head some big DC heroes. You know, this one is fourth, that one is fifth, etc. And answer this question after you've been thinking this list for a while:

What number was Aquaman?

[DarqFeonix]

It's quite simple why. Most of us are Americans.

We hate kings

[Rokk_Krinn]

What number was Aquaman?

Funny, I was just telling Truff the other night that when I was around first grade or so, he was the Super Friend I usually picked when I would organize "Let's Play Super Friends" on the playground (I always made my cousins - who were twins but both females - be the Wonder Twins, natch :) ).

It could have been it was because he had the hot redhead for a wife - and usually whatever girl I was flirting with/crushing on at the time got that role :rolleyes: - but also because he just had that darn awesome special effect for his power on the cartoons. Kind-of like the way we all felt Black Manta was cool purely because of his voice (because he did -nothing- else).

I still believe he deserves his role in the Magnificent Seven pantheon.

[malakim2099]

I call dibs on Jeff Probst. Because he's evil.

Like me. :)

[Truffle Shuffle]

<----------- has Goddess complex

[malakim2099]

Well, if it's the Rapture, I'm getting out all the heavy metal I can, because I'm a Zen Viking.

RAGNAROK AND ROLL BABY! :cool:

[Truffle Shuffle]

I aspire to marry Superman.

[malakim2099]

I aspire to marry Superman.

Does Lois know about this?

[K-ness]

Is it a complex when you are one?

<----------- has Goddess complex

[Rokk_Krinn]

See, I was going to say folks have it wrong. I don't have a God Complex - I have an Aspires to be Superman Complex...but after Truff's comment I could get in serious trouble for saying that. :laugh:

[Thawmus]

In yet more job news, I may very well be looking at a new job in a few weeks, at a collections firm.

DOING THE STUFF THAT I AM ACTUALLY GOOD AT.

[Truffle Shuffle]

Is it a complex when you are one?

*in booming, yet sexy goddess voice*

Yes my little follower, feed the complex!



:grin:

[The BoyBlunder]

Oh hey, I'm missing a lot of actions for Valve Mafia. It's been a while since I've run a game, and somehow I forgot about that missing actions feeling.

[K-ness]

I sure would like to eat some donuts...

*sigh*

[malakim2099]

In yet more job news, I may very well be looking at a new job in a few weeks, at a collections firm.

DOING THE STUFF THAT I AM ACTUALLY GOOD AT.

Tracking people down and getting their money? :)

[get_1]

I just looked through the picture thread (http://www.hcrealms.com/forum/showthread.php?t=317904), and...why is it so many people in there don't bother to ... I dunno, get a haircut? Or shave? Or if not the haircut, at least brush that hair?

I mean it's really not that hard, and it would totally help with the "funky gamer" stereotype.

[K-ness]

I just looked through the picture thread (http://www.hcrealms.com/forum/showthread.php?t=317904), and...why is it so many people in there don't bother to ... I dunno, get a haircut? Or shave? Or if not the haircut, at least brush that hair?

I mean it's really not that hard, and it would totally help with the "funky gamer" stereotype.

My pics, I am completely made up. I take pride in my appearances.

[Silver Lantern]

BTW guys, Chi is pronounced with a hard "Ch" (like in "Character") and a hard "I" (like in "Hi"). Think the word "Sky" but with no "S".

Also, I am not from Chicago.

Shenanigans! You will forever be CHICAGO-Rocker in my mind! :p

[DarqFeonix]

"Would she go down with you to the theater."

Bravo, American Idol. Bravo.

That's almost as good as the Ferris Bueller redubbing of the coal-into-a-diamond bit

[sstralkowski]

In yet more job news, I may very well be looking at a new job in a few weeks, at a collections firm.

DOING THE STUFF THAT I AM ACTUALLY GOOD AT.

Gratz!

I just looked through the picture thread (http://www.hcrealms.com/forum/showthread.php?t=317904), and...why is it so many people in there don't bother to ... I dunno, get a haircut? Or shave? Or if not the haircut, at least brush that hair?

I mean it's really not that hard, and it would totally help with the "funky gamer" stereotype.

Your complaints do not apply to me.

[Quebbster]

I just looked through the picture thread (http://www.hcrealms.com/forum/showthread.php?t=317904), and...why is it so many people in there don't bother to ... I dunno, get a haircut? Or shave? Or if not the haircut, at least brush that hair?

I mean it's really not that hard, and it would totally help with the "funky gamer" stereotype.

TdoVWX3JPeI

[sstralkowski]

@Rokk - I like how a lot of the marvel characters are traditionally flawed. They feel more real that way. DC is catching on though so there are quite a few DC characters I've grown to love in the past 5 years.

[EmperorNorton]

In yet more job news, I may very well be looking at a new job in a few weeks, at a collections firm.

DOING THE STUFF THAT I AM ACTUALLY GOOD AT.

Nothing?

They'd pay you for that?

[EmperorNorton]

@Rokk - I like how a lot of the marvel characters are traditionally flawed. They feel more real that way. DC is catching on though so there are quite a few DC characters I've grown to love in the past 5 years.

DC's big three are not are not characters, they are allegories of philosophical concepts, which Rokk did a decent job to describe.*
The problem is that they cannot be written consistently and with a consistent level of quality over decades. In a way they are wasted on weekly comic publication.





*Just to balance that out: I'm Batman to Rokk's Superman. And I consider the dark knight to be the champion of humankind more than Superman could ever be. Because he is human.

[sstralkowski]

DC's big three are not are not characters, they are allegories of philosophical concepts, which Rokk did a decent job to describe.*
The problem is that they cannot be written consistently and with a consistent level of quality over decades. In a way they are wasted on weekly comic publication.


*Just to balance that out: I'm Batman to Rokk's Superman. And I consider the dark knight to be the champion of humankind more than Superman could ever be. Because he is human.

Oh I know. I'm a big Batman fan, or at least a fan of the theory of Batman since his execution is spotty. I just prefer characters I can relate to. Gods and Goddesses don't fit that bill. I'm flawed and thus prefer flawed characters.

[charlesx]

In yet more job news, I may very well be looking at a new job in a few weeks, at a collections firm.

DOING THE STUFF THAT I AM ACTUALLY GOOD AT.

Collecting bottle caps? Collecting stamps? Collectiing interesting bits of barbed wire? Collecting dust?


:laugh:

[charlesx]

Argh.

Well, it's day 4 of the new job and so far I have yet to be able to keep up with the rhythm of life. Feels like the "ludicrous speed" button has been pushed, and though I have tried to be caught up by the end of the day, it's been a real challenge.

Sincere apologies to those whose mafia games have been negatively impacted by my disappearance and only occasional reappearances. Got me lynched just recently, which I understand completely. I am still trying to do what I can to get things to where they were just one week ago, hoping to earn some forgiveness at some point.

(On the home front, this is a 100% change for the better. It's an excellent career move that has landed finally doing a job that I wanted to be doing for the longest time. Better than that, the income will be steady and I won't have to worry about being unemployed a couple of months from now. It is definitely taking some adjustment, though.)

[sstralkowski]

No worries, man. Family comes first.

[ChiRocker]

Argh.

Well, it's day 4 of the new job and so far I have yet to be able to keep up with the rhythm of life. Feels like the "ludicrous speed" button has been pushed, and though I have tried to be caught up by the end of the day, it's been a real challenge.

Sincere apologies to those whose mafia games have been negatively impacted by my disappearance and only occasional reappearances. Got me lynched just recently, which I understand completely. I am still trying to do what I can to get things to where they were just one week ago, hoping to earn some forgiveness at some point.

(On the home front, this is a 100% change for the better. It's an excellent career move that has landed finally doing a job that I wanted to be doing for the longest time. Better than that, the income will be steady and I won't have to worry about being unemployed a couple of months from now. It is definitely taking some adjustment, though.)

Hey, there will be some timing issues with you getting organized and me going awol, so you might want to replace me in Fish v. Donuts.

[Quebbster]

Today's weather:
Sunny
Thunderclaps
Sudden hailstorm
Downpour of rain
Sunny again

my favorite part was when the hailstorm triggered a car alarm.

[Thawmus]

Tracking people down and getting their money? :)

Nothing?

They'd pay you for that?

Collecting bottle caps? Collecting stamps? Collectiing interesting bits of barbed wire? Collecting dust?


:laugh:

GO TO HELL!!!! :cry:

[charlesx]

Hey, there will be some timing issues with you getting organized and me going awol, so you might want to replace me in Fish v. Donuts.

Seriously? Are you going awol? Because I was hoping to have the game up and running today, after replacing two players. Would that make you replacement number 3?

If so, please let me know as soon as you can. Thanks!

[ChiRocker]

today will be fine. I am leaving town for 8 days starting Sunday.

[Thawmus]

It is currently my opinion that anyone else who needs to be replaced in Charles' game needs to find their own replacement.

[ChiRocker]

I would be cool with that.

[DroppinSuga]

I just woke up. It's raining. :disappointed:

[sstralkowski]

I just woke up. It's raining. :disappointed:

IqjUC8tDH9s

[PaxZRake]

Oh I know. I'm a big Batman fan, or at least a fan of the theory of Batman since his execution is spotty. I just prefer characters I can relate to. Gods and Goddesses don't fit that bill. I'm flawed and thus prefer flawed characters.

I prefer to read about characters who are nothing like me.

[Thawmus]

I just woke up. It's raining. :disappointed:

Switch places with me.

NOW.

[EmperorNorton]

GO TO HELL!!!! :cry:

Often enough I think I'm already there.

[sstralkowski]

I prefer to read about characters who are nothing like me.

Funny, I thought you liked the villains.

[ChiRocker]

Oh I know. I'm a big Batman fan, or at least a fan of the theory of Batman since his execution is spotty. I just prefer characters I can relate to. Gods and Goddesses don't fit that bill. I'm flawed and thus prefer flawed characters.

Later this summer, I think I am going to sit down and write a constructed paper on the differences between Marvel and DC and how Marvel is literary realism and DC is literary romanticism. Think about how the people in the DC universe respond to Superman and his godlike nature compared to how the people in the Marvel universe respond to Thor.

[sstralkowski]

Later this summer, I think I am going to sit down and write a constructed paper on the differences between Marvel and DC and how Marvel is literary realism and DC is literary romanticism. Think about how the people in the DC universe respond to Superman and his godlike nature compared to how the people in the Marvel universe respond to Thor.

I'd be very interested in reading something like that.

[DroppinSuga]

I'd be very interested in reading something like that.

I second this.

[Immortal_Raven]

Today's weather:
Sunny
Thunderclaps
Sudden hailstorm
Downpour of rain
Sunny again

my favorite part was when the hailstorm triggered a car alarm.

When did you move to Colorado?
We can get 4 seasons in a single day.

[DroppinSuga]

When did you move to Colorado?
We can get 4 seasons in a single day.

Also sounds much like Vermont.

[malakim2099]

GO TO HELL!!!! :cry:

I work in Student Loan collections.

This seems a tad redundant. :cheeky:

[sstralkowski]

Later this summer, I think I am going to sit down and write a constructed paper on the differences between Marvel and DC and how Marvel is literary realism and DC is literary romanticism. Think about how the people in the DC universe respond to Superman and his godlike nature compared to how the people in the Marvel universe respond to Thor.

I saw your poll. Hate to be blunt, but it's a tad transparent. Plus, I prefer character driven stories, but I tend to focus on writers/stories that do so in both universes. Simone, Winick, David, Dini, etc. Where do I fit?

[Thawmus]

*is so shocked by mal and emp's responses*



*so shocked*

[sstralkowski]

*is so shocked by mal and emp's responses*



*so shocked*

*insert "shocker" inuendo*

[DroppinSuga]

*insert shocker*

[ChiRocker]

I saw your poll. Hate to be blunt, but it's a tad transparent. Plus, I prefer character driven stories, but I tend to focus on writers/stories that do so in both universes. Simone, Winick, David, Dini, etc. Where do I fit?

It is a bit transparent, but I don't make it obvious which options I think people will pick. I know it isn't scientific or anything, I was just curious to see if my hypothesis would hold true if enough people voted honestly.

This info won't really change anything I write, just thinking of writing the paper reminded me of the poll I thought about posting a while ago.

Also, who are you most favorite characters?

[DroppinSuga]

I answered the poll question, but it's hard when you like both Companies. I just chose "Marvel, character driven".

[DarqFeonix]

today will be fine. I am leaving town forever starting Sunday.

Fixed it for you.
*sings*And That's A Callback*sings*

[sstralkowski]

It is a bit transparent, but I don't make it obvious which options I think people will pick. I know it isn't scientific or anything, I was just curious to see if my hypothesis would hold true if enough people voted honestly.

This info won't really change anything I write, just thinking of writing the paper reminded me of the poll I thought about posting a while ago.

Also, who are you most favorite characters?

Right now I'm reading X-Factor, Birds of Prey, Gotham City Sirens, Green Lantern Corps, and Walking Dead. (This doesn't include whatever random TPB's I get ahold of for real cheap.) All of the ones I listed by name are very character driven. Historically, I'm a huge X-Men zombie, but in recent years, I've switched over to some DC books. I can say without question that I prefer character driven stories and team books over solo books.

[DarqFeonix]

Right now I'm reading X-Factor, Birds of Prey, Gotham City Sirens, Green Lantern Corps, and Walking Dead. (This doesn't include whatever random TPB's I get ahold of for real cheap.) All of the ones I listed by name are very character driven. Historically, I'm a huge X-Men zombie, but in recent years, I've switched over to some DC books. I can say without question that I prefer character driven stories and team books over solo books.

Hence why you need to read The Umbrella Academy. If I was coming back anytime soon, I'd give 'em to ya :(

...also, Invincible, but I think I remember you giving that a try and not enjoying it

[sstralkowski]

Hence why you need to read The Umbrella Academy. If I was coming back anytime soon, I'd give 'em to ya :(

...also, Invincible, but I think I remember you giving that a try and not enjoying it

I've got the Umbrella Academy books on my list to check for at WWE. Invincible I did not like. Astonishing Wolfman was cool though. I think Kirkman can be hit or miss, though more hit than miss.

[PaxZRake]

Oh, ya, I see Stan LOVING Umbrella Academy. Right up his alley.

NOT!

(I'm bringing that back)

[sstralkowski]

Hence why you need to read The Umbrella Academy. If I was coming back anytime soon, I'd give 'em to ya :(

...also, Invincible, but I think I remember you giving that a try and not enjoying it

What titles/TPB's are you reading right now?

[sstralkowski]

Oh, ya, I see Stan LOVING Umbrella Academy. Right up his alley.

NOT!

(I'm bringing that back)

Why do you say that I wouldn't like them? I'm always intrigued by people's perceptions of me.

[DarqFeonix]

What titles/TPB's are you reading right now?

Well, I've been on a Green Lantern binge lately, but it means I'm so far behind because of the Hardcover versions not matching my shelf.

Invincible is probably one of my favorite books of all time, but I consume that through Trades.

My other fav, but likely not up your alley, is DMZ. Comic book mana from heaven for the political nerds.

[kontrol]

"Would she go down with you to the theater."

Bravo, American Idol. Bravo.

That's almost as good as the Ferris Bueller redubbing of the coal-into-a-diamond bit
I walked in the door on that mess. You don't butcher a classic like that. You just don't. From what I heard, that girl had little to no understanding to the undertones of that song.

[PaxZRake]

Why do you say that I wouldn't like them? I'm always intrigued by people's perceptions of me.

Describe your love for Grant Morrison in three words.

...

Did you do it?

You just described how much you'll enjoy the Umbrella Academy!

[charlesx]

OK, OK.

Fish Vs Donuts is finally open again.

Once more, apologies for the long wait. Hope that we pick up the rhythm of the game again...

This has been a mafia public service announcement.

[DarqFeonix]

You got Grant Morison from TUA? Really? Hmph, I honestly never made that connection.

I think Stan's Morrison hate is him butchering his favorite characters to fit his own needs. But I could be wrong

[PaxZRake]

You got Grant Morison from TUA? Really? Hmph, I honestly never made that connection.

I think Stan's Morrison hate is him butchering his favorite characters to fit his own needs. But I could be wrong

I did, and Gerald Way did, and Grant Morrison, Warren Ellis, and everyone else who praised the book did.

I think I'd sooner give Stan Casanova.

[DarqFeonix]

Casanova is the worst piece of #### I've ever read.

Just saying' :p

[charlesx]

Actually, Stan should give the Preacher TPB's a go. They have that Garth Ennis sick sense of humor that Stan would probably appreciate.

Me, I read the 1st TPB of Umbrella Academy. The only word that comes to mind when thinking if it is "Meh." :disappointed:

[DroppinSuga]

Preacher is a great read. I'd highly recommend that. I agree with Charles, Umbrella Academy is "meh".

[DarqFeonix]

Love Preacher. But like my love of Transmetropolitan, I just don't see Stan digging it. Could be wrong, obviously.

[sstralkowski]

Describe your love for Grant Morrison in three words.

...

Did you do it?

You just described how much you'll enjoy the Umbrella Academy!


Ugh! *scratches the book from The List*

You got Grant Morison from TUA? Really? Hmph, I honestly never made that connection.

I think Stan's Morrison hate is him butchering his favorite characters to fit his own needs. But I could be wrong

Honestly, I didn't like most of the characters that Morrison screwed with aside from ape-Beast so that's not the root of my hatred. He just seems to have a ton of abstract ideas crapped all over a page with no true direction or conclusion or logical end at all. I just remember it being like a huge acid trip. While more tolerable due to the artwork, his WildCATs was pretty much the same.

[Rokk_Krinn]

@Rokk - I like how a lot of the marvel characters are traditionally flawed. They feel more real that way. DC is catching on though so there are quite a few DC characters I've grown to love in the past 5 years.

First - Disclaimer: As a lot of folks know I buy/read waaaay too many comics. My weekly pull list is...embarrassing. So I enjoy things from both companies.

You know, that's been Marvel's big PR push for years and I think it works in that a lot of folks believe it but I don't think it's as cut and dried as that.

Marvel has Spidey who is flawed - seeks to espouse responsibility and often screws it up somehow...and, of course, there's Hank Pym...you can maybe toss in Namor (does general crankiness due to superiority complex count as flawed? Someone ask Pax ;) )...and not so much as you think in other ways.

Yes, the X-Men "angst" but, really, most of their angst is more soap-opera than flawed ("I'm Scott Summers - I am angsting because I'm the respected leader of my people and have an ongoing love triangle between my gorgeous yet witchy redhead sometimes dead wife - who also loves Wolverine because it creates pathos - and the dropdead beautiful blonde ice queen who's turning over a better leaf because of my examples....how terrible is my life?").

The Fantastic Four? Okay, they squabble like a family...and not much else in the flaw section beyond standard people.

Captain America? Next.

Thor? Next.

They don't really have any more flawed characters than DC - who has been doing it for more than just the last few years as seen back in the 70's with the heavy work done on Green Arrow and GL. Green Arrow is a loud-mouthed womanizer who constanty screws up the best things in his life because he can't keep his opinions quiet or his arrow in its' quiver. Green Lantern (Hal Jordan) is basically Tom Cruise from "Top Gun" (or most of his other movies from that era) - cocky and flashy to the point it alienates others. Hawkman has the "angst" of the eternal resurrection love-loss cycle (as long as we're counting X-Men angst I figure his counts) plus he's hot-headed and violent and imperious. Speaking of imperious, you have Aquaman who had his son killed decades ago (RL) which led to a rocky - and eventually "over until recently" - marriage and his split loyalties.

Basically, for each "flawed character" in one company you can come up with examples in the other company. Heck, some are easy...

Daredevil? He's blind...but Dr Mid-Nite had that going on long before to Matt.

Vision? See Red Tornado or Cyborg (who, admittedly, is more recent but also works as analogy of the Thing and he is also used to discuss parapalegics/handicaps more than I see in Marvel).

Honestly, I believe it's a myth that one company or another has a monopoly on "flawed and realistic" -or- "overpowered and unrelatable"...because they both do it pretty darn equally and have been so for decades now.

[hail_eris]

Collecting bottle caps? Collecting stamps? Collectiing interesting bits of barbed wire? Collecting dust?


:laugh:
Being 40. Happy Birthday, Thawmus!

[charlesx]

Ugh!

According to the Monkey word translator, I think that Stan was trying to say:

"I don't particularly care for Morrison's inane portrayal of man's inhumanity to man. I'd rather type all of Shakespeare's complete works by typing on this here typewriter with the rest of my monkey crew for eternity. And could I please have a cup of Earl Grey tea with jam and poo-flinging on the side, please?" :laugh:

[DroppinSuga]

Ugh, looks like I'll be picking up an issue of Green Arrow now. :tired:

[sstralkowski]

Love Preacher. But like my love of Transmetropolitan, I just don't see Stan digging it. Could be wrong, obviously.

Another book I found to be a waste of time. Have you guys checked out the IDW Transformers stuff? It was a nerdgasm on paper. The continuing storyline was great and then somehow they made the leap to "All Hail Megatron" which I think I missed. That story has been good as well. Very character driven as well as nostalgic. The spotlights are fun, too. Not all of them are amazing, but they're fun reads. The Kup one is phenominal. It's got to be my #1 favorite single issue story in a long long time.

[PaxZRake]

How do you go from Transmet to Preacher?

Preacher has real human characters.

Transmet stars a cartoon.

[DarqFeonix]

Religion and politics. Two of Stan's favorite things.

[sstralkowski]

*snip*

I think the "flawed and real" argument is a sweeping generalization that you could easily find exceptions to. Heck, even my relatively recent exposure to DC has shown me that. I was a Marvel only person for something like 17 years.

According to the Monkey word translator, I think that Stan was trying to say:

"I don't particularly care for Morrison's inane portrayal of man's inhumanity to man. I'd rather type all of Shakespeare's complete works by typing on this here typewriter with the rest of my monkey crew for eternity. And could I please have a cup of Earl Grey tea with jam and poo-flinging on the side, please?" :laugh:

*scratches butt*

Ugh, looks like I'll be picking up an issue of Green Arrow now. :tired:

Dude, I loved Winick's run on GA. Check it out.

[sstralkowski]

Religion and politics. Two of Stan's favorite things.

I say again, UGH!

[Ouchmaker]

In yet more job news, I may very well be looking at a new job in a few weeks, at a collections firm.

DOING THE STUFF THAT I AM ACTUALLY GOOD AT.

How does playing D&D help at a collections firm?

Oh, ya, I see Stan LOVING Umbrella Academy. Right up his alley.

NOT!

(I'm bringing that back)

First, I'm a bit shocked that you know what Stan's alley looks like, and what are you doing with Stan's back? I think he needs it.

[get_1]

Oh I know. I'm a big Batman fan, or at least a fan of the theory of Batman since his execution is spotty. I just prefer characters I can relate to. Gods and Goddesses don't fit that bill. I'm flawed and thus prefer flawed characters.

Alcoholic Tony Stark?

[DroppinSuga]

Alcoholic Tony Stark?

Not! :confused: :nervous:

[Rokk_Krinn]

Alcoholic Tony Stark?

Reminds me of a recent line from "Superhero Squad" when Tony and Falcon first encounter Nebula...

Iron Man: Hi. This is Falcon. He lives with a bird. I'm Iron Man - rich, single and a lot of fun at parties.

:)

[DroppinSuga]

Reminds me of a recent line from "Superhero Squad" when Tony and Falcon first encounter Nebula...

Iron Man: Hi. This is Falcon. He lives with a bird. I'm Iron Man - rich, single and a lot of fun at parties.

:)

Three things I am not. :ermm:

[DarqFeonix]

The real broad generalization for why characters like Superman, Wonder Woman, and the rest of the Magnificent Seven (Minus Batman) don't get the... respect?... that Marvel gets is, I believe, because their villains suck. Superhero comics books are defined by there villains, and aside from Luthor - who is a character who is technically always the underdog - they have no impressive rogue's gallery.

Obviously, this is in the past, DC has upped it in the past decade... but yeah, weak antagonists.

[kontrol]

I think part of Rokk is referencing stems from the cross-pollination that has occurred at the company's and have since Marvel became big in the 70s/early 80s. I don't think Marvel really did the flawed character so much as they did the consequences for those flaws.

I won't really touch on X-Men because they were shoehorned to fit as an allegory for the Civil Rights movement.

But Thor's arrogance gave him a human identity and one that was physically weaker than an average man.
Spider-Man's irresponsibility led directly to his Uncle getting killed.
Hulk's a walking disaster just waiting to happen.

Until Marvel kicked it up a notch DC didn't have a lot of direct consequences to their actions. Things happened to DC characters yes, but rarely because of their own personality traits.

Though I have to say, Cap shouldn't be compared to Batman, he should be compared to Superman. That's the role Cap fills. Iron Man fits more in line with the role Batman does.

[Rokk_Krinn]

The real broad generalization for why characters like Superman, Wonder Woman, and the rest of the Magnificent Seven (Minus Batman) don't get the... respect?... that Marvel gets is, I believe, because their villains suck. Superhero comics books are defined by there villains, and aside from Luthor - who is a character who is technically always the underdog - they have no impressive rogue's gallery.

Obviously, this is in the past, DC has upped it in the past decade... but yeah, weak antagonists.

Find me someone from our generation / demographic who doesn't remember (and probably have fondness for) the Legion of Doom.

Heck, we even thought Black Manta was cool just because he spoke weird (kind-of the same effect we see with Soundwave down the road). He did nothing but he was -cool- (plus, unbeknown to most children, he killed Aquaman's son back in the 70's).

Bizarro and Brainiac may not be Magneto name recognition - though maybe more than we realize - but hardly "weak sauce".

While individually they may not stand out, you have the Flash Rogues Gallery.

Pretty sure Sinestro has been getting upped for more than just the past decade, though I do admit much of his popularity is relatively recent.

Overall though, yes, the DC Villains Gallery needs better PR/improvement - maybe the DC stories were more concerned about the characters than the battles they fought. :cheeky: *jk*

[kontrol]

The real broad generalization for why characters like Superman, Wonder Woman, and the rest of the Magnificent Seven (Minus Batman) don't get the... respect?... that Marvel gets is, I believe, because their villains suck. Superhero comics books are defined by there villains, and aside from Luthor - who is a character who is technically always the underdog - they have no impressive rogue's gallery.

Obviously, this is in the past, DC has upped it in the past decade... but yeah, weak antagonists.
Yeah I have to agree here too.

Magneto shows up and you're like uh oh. Cheetah shows up and you :shrug:

[get_1]

Wait...what? Batman doesn't have an impressive Rogue's Gallery?

I think he's got the most recognizable gallery of anyone.

[get_1]

I won't really touch on X-Men because they were shoehorned to fit as an allegory for the Civil Rights movement.

I thought it was AIDS.

Where have I been getting my info? :confused:

[DarqFeonix]

That's why I said "Minus Batman". And his is more impressive seeing as he had to deal with the campiness of the 60s/70s.

In regards to Legion of Doom... no. I have no memory of them form my childhood. *shrug*

The Flash's Rogue's gallery *had* to be impressive, because your hero's one ability is to run fast. Hell, I always considered Aquaman better than the Flash becasue of that.

Sinestro... again, I was a Marvel Zombie growing up, and I knew of him, but it wasn't until GL: Rebirth and Yellow Rings coming to prominence that I ever respected him as a character.

[Rokk_Krinn]

The Flash's Rogue's gallery *had* to be impressive, because your hero's one ability is to run fast. Hell, I always considered Aquaman better than the Flash becasue of that.


Wow, definitely a difference of opinion here because I figure a guy who can do things at the speed of light is practically the definition of overpowered.

If Flash is swinging a fist at 3x10^8 m/s and it takes you 0.1-100 m/s (dependant on the action you're taking you may not be using exclusively myelinated sheathed axons) just to even begin to register to react...you're kind-of screwed. He's already beat you to a pulp before you ever even knew he was there.

[get_1]

I kind of agree with Rokk here, because I always saw The Flash as an uber-power as well. Guy can move so fast that you're all literally standing still to him. No way you can do anything to him if he doesn't want you to.

[HavokAndChaos]

Yes, the X-Men "angst" but, really, most of their angst is more soap-opera than flawed ("I'm Scott Summers - I am angsting because I'm the respected leader of my people and have an ongoing love triangle between my gorgeous yet witchy redhead sometimes dead wife - who also loves Wolverine because it creates pathos - and the dropdead beautiful blonde ice queen who's turning over a better leaf because of my examples....how terrible is my life?")

I disagree at least on the X-Men front as I see a lot more of their character suffering from angst vs. soap-opera. I would probably go with other examples first but let's stick with Scott. He is more angst driven because he has got it in his head it's impossible for him to be a leader and a hero.

Casandra Nova, "No More Mutants", Deadly Genesis, Danger's sentience, Nation X, Messiah Complex, etc. All of this has thrust a man from trying to be a good example of the mutant race to defacto leader of an endangerd species. On top of that, the man whose dream he has made his own since he was a kid has been revealed to have more than one skeleton in the closet, crusing his ideal template of a mutant leader. Sure he still has some one like Steve Rodgers to look up to but he will always make excuses for why he could never be Steve Rodgers (similar to your example earlier of people making excuses to not be "like" Superman.)

So he tries to do what he thinks is right for his people to ensure their survival knowing he'll some day be judged by for his less heroic choices, like creating a black ops wetwork team. While he is still a respected leader of his people he knows that could all evaporate with the next tough choice (ex. Beast, one of his oldest friends, has lost some in him and left.)

I'll give you the love triangle but that has really faded into the background since one member isn't anround any more. All in all, I won't deny their is a lot of soap opera drama in the X-Men (like in most team books, their roster is just bigger so its more prevelant) but I also think more of their angst is based character flaws.

[DarqFeonix]

I kind of agree with Rokk here, because I always saw The Flash as an uber-power as well. Guy can move so fast that you're all literally standing still to him. No way you can do anything to him if he doesn't want you to.

Oh, sure. But at least in the cartoons he was never really presented that fast.

And really, even Superman had kryptonite and magic to stop him. If your power is to move so fast that you can't be touched (and shouldn't even be seen), it hurts a medium that relies on dialogue and visuals.

I did like how Waid/Ross treated The Flash in Kingdom COme though, just him running around non-stop in his city, stopping every crime before it started

[kontrol]

Wait...what? Batman doesn't have an impressive Rogue's Gallery?

I think he's got the most recognizable gallery of anyone.
missed the "(minus Batman)" part didn't you?

[PaxZRake]

I don't think Batman has an impressive rogues gallery.

Insane guy with a gimmick over and over and over again.

[get_1]

missed the "(minus Batman)" part didn't you?

Chose to ignore it, because it's kind of unfair to say "let's compare these two, but let's remove one side's biggest advantage from the discussion."

[Thawmus]

I kind of agree with Rokk here, because I always saw The Flash as an uber-power as well. Guy can move so fast that you're all literally standing still to him. No way you can do anything to him if he doesn't want you to.

Well, I mean, consider the impact the Flashes have had on Crisis events and such.

It's not like they've ever been able to make anyone incredibly powerful look silly. Like the Anti-Monitor, or Superboy Prime.

[Rokk_Krinn]

Oh, sure. But at least in the cartoons he was never really presented that fast.


No, in the cartoons he'd just circle the planet a few hundred times to find the villains or he had his other power of vibrating his molecules to do a zillion things. :noid:

He'd slow down for a fight - using the justification he'd "overshoot things otherwise" - yeah, because otherwise it would make for an uninteresting story.

Villain robs bank and the Flash's police radio informs him of it in progress...villain takes a step towards exiting bank...Flash defeats him. So, yeah, they had to slow him down and have him use "speed tricks" or you'd never have a threat to him (except for, say, Zoom).

[get_1]

I don't think Batman has an impressive rogues gallery.

Insane guy with a gimmick over and over and over again.

It's impressive in the sense that even non-comics fans will recognize them.

Lex Luthor - "Who's that bald guy?"
Circe - "Is that a drag queen?"
Red Skull - "Is that...is that a Nazi? WTF?"
Loki - "He has a funny hat and talks funny."

[Truffle Shuffle]

It's impressive in the sense that even non-comics fans will recognize them.

Lex Luthor - "Who's that bald guy?"
Circe - "Is that a drag queen?"
Red Skull - "Is that...is that a Nazi? WTF?"
Loki - "He has a funny hat and talks funny."

As a non-comics fan, I can comment here.

Lex Luthor - yes
Circe - who?
Red Skull - again, who?
Loki - Norse Mythos, not a comic book villian

[Rokk_Krinn]

I disagree at least on the X-Men front as I see a lot more of their character suffering from angst vs. soap-opera. I would probably go with other examples first but let's stick with Scott. He is more angst driven because he has got it in his head it's impossible for him to be a leader and a hero.


I specifically used Scott because it's well known around here that I'm a big fan of Mr. Summers (enough that get even tried to meta-kill me in one game because he was -so- positive I had to be the one who would pick Cyclops :) )...and I agree with many of your points, except that the majourity of it has been fairly recent development (besides the ongoing Jean romance angst and "Can't risk taking off my glasses.").

The PR line from Marvel was that the X-Men were always "flawed outcasts" but taking a look at the early X-Men comics, other than the PR push and the occassional "We don't want help from mutants...but we wouldn't know you were mutants as opposed to, say, someone like an Avenger if you didn't boast about it." you didn't really see it. They were just "normal teenagers" personality-wise. Heck, Jean used to be a fashion model and clothes designer - she wasn't exactly "suffering for being a mutant" (as opposed to Dazzler in her GN decades later) or having personality flaws that made her life tough.

Basically the big difference between DC and Marvel on the "reality factor" was Stan Lee. Stan Lee is up there with PT Barnum and the other great salesmen of the years - he knew how to spin a product and he did it damned good. He knew they had to differentiate their company somehow and he nailed it. DC, frankly, never had anyone in his class for that.

[PaxZRake]

It's impressive in the sense that even non-comics fans will recognize them.

Lex Luthor - "Who's that bald guy?"
Circe - "Is that a drag queen?"
Red Skull - "Is that...is that a Nazi? WTF?"
Loki - "He has a funny hat and talks funny."

I don't find that to be impressive.

[DroppinSuga]

I don't find that to be impressive.

I think that was the point... :cheeky:

[DarqFeonix]

Chose to ignore it, because it's kind of unfair to say "let's compare these two, but let's remove one side's biggest advantage from the discussion."

I excluded Batman, because in my mind, he is the exception that proves the rule. The initial point I took from Rokk's starting post was to focus on why Superman is relevant (or not), so focusing on his problems - a lack of an impressive rogue's gallery - makes sense to me when you take away Batman (and, I suppose The Flash) from the equation, because their whole setup as a character forces their villains to be more robust

Well, I mean, consider the impact the Flashes have had on Crisis events and such.

It's not like they've ever been able to make anyone incredibly powerful look silly. Like the Anti-Monitor, or Superboy Prime.

Whatevs, I consider it writer's laziness. The writer's of all those subsequent arcs have even said "Oh, another Crisis? We need to have The Flash... for symmetry!"

No, in the cartoons he'd just circle the planet a few hundred times to find the villains or he had his other power of vibrating his molecules to do a zillion things. :noid:

He'd slow down for a fight - using the justification he'd "overshoot things otherwise" - yeah, because otherwise it would make for an uninteresting story.

Villain robs bank and the Flash's police radio informs him of it in progress...villain takes a step towards exiting bank...Flash defeats him. So, yeah, they had to slow him down and have him use "speed tricks" or you'd never have a threat to him (except for, say, Zoom).

*shrug* Again, it falls under the same trap with Superman in that you know he's never in any real danger. Or shouldn't be.

[Rokk_Krinn]

Red Skull - "Is that...is that a Nazi? WTF?"


No, he's the guy who works for the organization with an octopus symbol (Hydra)...because Marvel has to be able to market world-wide and so the Nazis keeps getting replaced by Hydra as the group that Cap and the rest of the world banded together to fight. :tired:

(Seriously - this Hydra replacement thing fast became distasteful to me.)

[sstralkowski]

Alcoholic Tony Stark?

This is funny on so many levels.

Though I have to say, Cap shouldn't be compared to Batman, he should be compared to Superman. That's the role Cap fills. Iron Man fits more in line with the role Batman does.

Agreed.

In regards to Legion of Doom... no. I have no memory of them form my childhood. *shrug*

Sinestro... again, I was a Marvel Zombie growing up, and I knew of him, but it wasn't until GL: Rebirth and Yellow Rings coming to prominence that I ever respected him as a character.

Agreed.

I don't think Batman has an impressive rogues gallery.

Insane guy with a gimmick over and over and over again.

Yeah, I'd say they're recognizable, not impressive.

[DarqFeonix]

Basically the big difference between DC and Marvel on the "reality factor" was Stan Lee. Stan Lee is up there with PT Barnum and the other great salesmen of the years - he knew how to spin a product and he did it damned good. He knew they had to differentiate their company somehow and he nailed it. DC, frankly, never had anyone in his class for that.

Disagree. The big difference between DC and Marvel on the "reality facotr" was that Marvel comics took place in New York City. That was huuuuuge.

[ChiRocker]

Just so that everybody knows, I just sent off the order for the dice. I ordered at least 1 pair extra of each die, so if you missed out, let me know.

[get_1]

To all the naysayers: I call (box office) scoreboard!

#allidoiswin

[sstralkowski]

No, he's the guy who works for the organization with an octopus symbol (Hydra)...because Marvel has to be able to market world-wide and so the Nazis keeps getting replaced by Hydra as the group that Cap and the rest of the world banded together to fight. :tired:

(Seriously - this Hydra replacement thing fast became distasteful to me.)

We've been over this, and I still completely agree with you. :cool:

[DarqFeonix]

To all the naysayers: I call (box office) scoreboard!

#allidoiswin

Rank Title (click to view) Studio Lifetime Gross / Theaters Opening / Theaters Date
1 The Dark Knight WB $533,345,358 4,366 $158,411,483 4,366 7/18/08
2 Spider-Man Sony $403,706,375 3,876 $114,844,116 3,615 5/3/02
3 Spider-Man 2 Sony $373,585,825 4,166 $88,156,227 4,152 6/30/04
4 Spider-Man 3 Sony $336,530,303 4,324 $151,116,516 4,252 5/4/07
5 Iron Man Par. $318,412,101 4,154 $98,618,668 4,105 5/2/08
6 Iron Man 2 Par. $312,433,331 4,390 $128,122,480 4,380 5/7/10
7 Batman WB $251,188,924 2,201 $40,489,746 2,194 6/23/89
8 Men in Black Sony $250,690,539 3,180 $51,068,455 3,020 7/2/97
9 X-Men: The Last Stand Fox $234,362,462 3,714 $102,750,665 3,690 5/26/06
10 X2: X-Men United Fox $214,949,694 3,749 $85,558,731 3,741 5/2/03

[get_1]

#1, baby! :cool:

I don't even remember which side of the discussion I was taking anymore. I think ... I think I'm just trollin' for the sake of trollin' now.

[HavokAndChaos]

I specifically used Scott because it's well known around here that I'm a big fan of Mr. Summers (enough that get even tried to meta-kill me in one game because he was -so- positive I had to be the one who would pick Cyclops :) )...and I agree with many of your points, except that the majourity of it has been fairly recent development (besides the ongoing Jean romance angst and "Can't risk taking off my glasses.").

The PR line from Marvel was that the X-Men were always "flawed outcasts" but taking a look at the early X-Men comics, other than the PR push and the occassional "We don't want help from mutants...but we wouldn't know you were mutants as opposed to, say, someone like an Avenger if you didn't boast about it." you didn't really see it. They were just "normal teenagers" personality-wise. Heck, Jean used to be a fashion model and clothes designer - she wasn't exactly "suffering for being a mutant" (as opposed to Dazzler in her GN decades later) or having personality flaws that made her life tough.

Basically the big difference between DC and Marvel on the "reality factor" was Stan Lee. Stan Lee is up there with PT Barnum and the other great salesmen of the years - he knew how to spin a product and he did it damned good. He knew they had to differentiate their company somehow and he nailed it. DC, frankly, never had anyone in his class for that.

Yeah I agree, I just took it with the mention of Emma that you still saw them more that way. They didn't really have significant character flaws till they had established personas and then someone came and started changing things.

[Ouchmaker]

Yeah I have to agree here too.

Magneto shows up and you're like uh oh. Cheetah shows up and you :shrug:

I don't know, Cheetah is the Tigra of DCU, so there's definitely some rawrr sounds and grab-like hand gestures when she shows up. Not as much as with Tigra, but still.

[Rokk_Krinn]

Disagree. The big difference between DC and Marvel on the "reality facotr" was that Marvel comics took place in New York City. That was huuuuuge.

Eh, I think Stan's PR push got people to read the comics so they would see "New York" (and these days you see people still go with Stan's "Reality vs. Powers" comment far more than you do, "I like Marvel because it takes place in NYC.")

Especially since Gotham and Metropolis are both basically New York at different times of day. :) (Though I never figured out how the heck Metropolis was both close to Smallville - out in Kansas - and on the east coast...)

[get_1]

It was a big distinguishing factor for me to know that Marvel used real cities (New York, LA, etc.) and real people (presidents), whereas DC did not (Gotham, Metropolis, Central City, etc.)

[sstralkowski]

(Though I never figured out how the heck Metropolis was both close to Smallville - out in Kansas - and on the east coast...)

ninjas ninjas everywhere

[DarqFeonix]

I always thought Metropolis was Chicago, not New York.

...Heh, thanks to Wiki... looks like Metropolis is Canadian.

[ChiRocker]

Here is the random question of the day:

Have you ever noticed that virtually the entire Bat Family has viable first names for last names, and the entire Supes family has viable last names for first names?

[get_1]

...Lois is a last name?

[ChiRocker]

...Lois is a last name?

Wasn't really counting bystanders.

[Rokk_Krinn]

I always thought Metropolis was Chicago, not New York.

...Heh, thanks to Wiki... looks like Metropolis is Canadian.

Original intent (Toronto), maybe...but for the last 20 years or so, DC really likes to push how Gotham and Metropolis are the "flipsides" of NYC.

Admittedly DC made a mistake in creating a fictional universe when they began..but that was also because of the era in which they started (overlap of Depression leading into WWII) and they were shooting for "a new world where people can escape".

Then there's the Captain Marvel (Shazam!) situation - where back when he was published by Fawcett, he ended up the best selling comic book superhero of all time (even today's numbers don't come close to what he was selling circa WWII, IIRC...though it should be noted that comics overall don't sell as much as they did back then.) So he really puts a twist into things (as he never regained that popularity once DC snagged him post-lawsuit).

[Rokk_Krinn]

...Lois is a last name?

Better than Brainiac (or Vril, I guess). ;)

[hail_eris]

Here is the random question of the day:

Have you ever noticed that virtually the entire Bat Family has viable first names for last names, and the entire Supes family has viable last names for first names?
The next Robin should totally be Grayson Jason.

[get_1]

Wasn't really counting bystanders.

Oh so we're not counting spouses as part of the family now? :cheeky:

[ChiRocker]

Was thinking more of Clark, Henry, and Conner to name a few. It is way more prevalent in Batman though with Wayne, Grayson, Todd, and Drake.

[kontrol]

Then there's the Captain Marvel (Shazam!) situation - where back when he was published by Fawcett, he ended up the best selling comic book superhero of all time (even today's numbers don't come close to what he was selling circa WWII, IIRC...though it should be noted that comics overall don't sell as much as they did back then.)

Hell, do today's numbers even match what was selling in the 80s?

Still there are a lot of factors that goes into why comics sell the way they do now vs the way they did then.

[charlesx]

Hell, do today's numbers even match what was selling in the 80s?

They do not, as a matter of fact. I am fairly sure that the "peak" of comic book sales (in recent times) was in the early 1990's, with the market being rampant thanks to speculators and false scarcity. We have not seen sales even go near the volume of Jim Lee's X-Men #1 (1991.)

[sstralkowski]

They do not, as a matter of fact. I am fairly sure that the "peak" of comic book sales (in recent times) was in the early 1990's, with the market being rampant thanks to speculators and false scarcity. We have not seen sales even go near the volume of Jim Lee's X-Men #1 (1991.)

Still my favorite artist of all time.

[DarqFeonix]

Still my favorite artist of all time.

Yeah, I remember when I put together my senior year project for computer class, my theme was 10 favorite comic artists at the time. Pretty sure Jim Lee was in my top 3, and he's still amazing. His Batman run from a few years ago had some of my favorite pencils.

I miss Ian Churchill, what's he's up to these days?

[Rokk_Krinn]

I miss Ian Churchill, what's he's up to these days?

He was doing the Hulk/Red She-Hulk stuff for awhile...not sure if he's still with that as it's one of the few group of titles I ended up dropping.

[sstralkowski]

He was doing the Hulk/Red She-Hulk stuff for awhile...not sure if he's still with that as it's one of the few group of titles I ended up dropping.

I had to drop so many titles because of money/time it's not even funny. And yet somehow I can't ever seem to get through my two long boxes of "have to read" books. I know that I've been whittling it down and some people have much larger backstocks, but man, that bothers me.

Speaking of "to read" what did people think of Ascension? I completed the series and was thinking of jumping into it.

[DarqFeonix]

Speaking of "to read" what did people think of Ascension? I completed the series and was thinking of jumping into it.

Was that the... Top Cow (?) series about the fallen angel? I think I read the first half... certainly looked pretty, but I think I sold my copies at a yard sale.

[sstralkowski]

Was that the... Top Cow (?) series about the fallen angel? I think I read the first half... certainly looked pretty, but I think I sold my copies at a yard sale.

It's either Image or Top Cow. Can't remember. The art looked amazing so I snagged a few issues at the con years ago. Spent the last two cons trying to complete it. I finally did last eyar and I am just now starting to get through my trades and back into the single issue boxes.

EDIT: It was Top Cow

http://www.coverbrowser.com/covers/ascension

[charlesx]

Still my favorite artist of all time.

Jim Lee is definitely Top 10 in my book. He was one of the masters of the 1990's because he pushed the quality of comic book art to a whole new level. You could almost (almost) say that his drawn people were too darned pretty.

That having been stated, even Jim Lee would understand my personal selection for favorite artist of all time...

JACK KIRBY


All hail to The King, baby, :cool:

[The BoyBlunder]

Was trying to get Valve open, but ran out of time before work. Sorry guys, it'll be a bit later.

[kontrol]

Anybody know a Jennifer Atkinson? Got a friend request and I have no idea who that is.

[sstralkowski]

Anybody know a Jennifer Atkinson? Got a friend request and I have no idea who that is.

Nope...:cool:

[Rokk_Krinn]

Someone go start an X-Men game. I'm in the mood to gamble for a shot at playing as Cyclops in something. :)

[JackAssterson]

Someone go start an X-Men game. I'm in the mood to gamble for a shot at playing as Cyclops in something. :)

Odyssey Mafia confirmed!

[Rokk_Krinn]

Odyssey Mafia confirmed!

Truff gets to be Circe being she didn't recognize the name earlier today. :cheeky:

(And after I just bought her a book on mythology too!)

[DocDoom187]

oink oink oink oink oink oink oink oink oink oink oink oink :cheeky:

(oink oink oink oink oink oink!)

Circe!!!!!!!!!!

[Truffle Shuffle]

Truff gets to be Circe being she didn't recognize the name earlier today. :cheeky:

(And after I just bought her a book on mythology too!)

I am looking her up tonight!

[Rokk_Krinn]

There's something that's been missing from here for a long time...

It's just been waiting for the right moment to return....

Loganspeedo's Mad Music game has opened the door.

wCUm3yUhlfo

Now go sign up because you know you love music. Everyone has at least one song that means something to him or her!

[sstralkowski]

Circe!!!!!!!!!!

Am I blue? Am I blue?

[The BoyBlunder]

Valve Mafia has opened. Hopefully some trends don't continue. Such as missing or late actions, and the mod being delayed in opening.

[get_1]

Now go sign up because you know you love music. Everyone has at least one song that means something to him or her!

I don't think I do...

:noid:

[Rokk_Krinn]

I don't think I do...

:noid:

If you were a better liar you wouldn't get lynched so often. :cheeky:

Figure one out or I'll pick one for you... :devious:

(Seriously, I think the challenge of figuring out a power that fits a song spurs loganspeedo's creativity as he does come up with interesting things for those games.)

[K-ness]

Now go sign up because you know you love music. Everyone has at least one song that means something to him or her!I have too many... it was hard to choose, so I stuck to fun songs.

I should have submitted one I wrote. :p

[EmperorNorton]

What I love about that clip is that you can see how incredibly hard it must be to be Carla sometimes.
Well done, Judy Reyes.

[Quebbster]

There's something that's been missing from here for a long time...

It's just been waiting for the right moment to return....

Loganspeedo's Mad Music game has opened the door.

wCUm3yUhlfo

Now go sign up because you know you love music. Everyone has at least one song that means something to him or her!

You did that trick in the last game, I believe. :p

[charlesx]

I am looking her up tonight!

Just don't look up Medusa - unless you want to get stoned. Literally.

:cool:

[sstralkowski]

Very excited about my latest hobby project. And yes that means the Super pac-Man restoration has been put on hold. I'm very frustrated with my inability to get paint splatter off of that one. Anyway, my new project is to develop a card game based on a very popular engine using characters from my favorite 80's cartoons. I won't be selling these or anything and the printing of them will likely be shoddy, but I am having a blast fumbling around in photoshop anyway.

[sstralkowski]

57zFkL9GSZA

[charlesx]

Am I blue? Am I blue?

Am I blue
Am I blue
Ain't these tears in my eyes tellin' you

(Gee, thanks. Now I have this song stuck in my head for the rest of the day, sung by Batman no less. :cool:)

(Addendum: Awesome allusion to one of my all-time favorite Justice League episodes, "This Little Piggy." Props!)

[charlesx]

Oh you bastard - you ninja posted and got me good!!! LOL!!! :laugh:

57zFkL9GSZA

[sstralkowski]

Am I blue
Am I blue
Ain't these tears in my eyes tellin' you

(Gee, thanks. Now I have this song stuck in my head for the rest of the day, sung by Batman no less. :cool:)

(Addendum: Awesome allusion to one of my all-time favorite Justice League episodes, "This Little Piggy." Props!)

Is that not what Doomsie was eluding to?

[sstralkowski]

Oh you bastard - you ninja posted and got me good!!! LOL!!! :laugh:

*takes a bow*

[charlesx]

Is that not what Doomsie was eluding to?

He was, but Doomsie was probably also alluding to Circe's original appearance in Greek mythology, back in Homer's "The Odyssey". She was a sorceress who turned some of Odysseus' crewmen into pigs - oink oink oink! :)

[eternalrage]

If I'm in one of your games, I'm going to be scarce for the next 9 days. Not replacement worthy, hopefully, just scarce.

[Quebbster]

You have to love it when following the teacher's formatting instructions actually add pages to your paper. :)

[get_1]

Squirrel Girl is coming! Squirrel Girl is coming! (http://heroclix.com/blog/2011/05/20/from-super-soldier-to-secret-avenger/)

:eek:

Be sure to join us next week as we check in with a long awaited Avenger with a penchant for surprising victories!

[Ouchmaker]

Squirrel Girl is coming! Squirrel Girl is coming! (http://heroclix.com/blog/2011/05/20/from-super-soldier-to-secret-avenger/)

:eek:

I never thought I'd say it, but I think get's right.

[K-ness]

Replacements aside, Legend of Zelda mafia is friggin' awesome! This is the funnest time I've ever had moderating a mafia game. Thunderbolts being the second.

[DroppinSuga]

I still don't know vote counts :cheeky:

[DarqFeonix]

How is it possible every picture I see of January Jones as Emma Frost makes her look worse and worse? Is it just the lack of a smile?

http://i.annihil.us/u/prod/marvel/i/mg/e/20/4dd6e0cbc0b00/detail.jpg

[DroppinSuga]

She has nice assets.

[Ouchmaker]

How is it possible every picture I see of January Jones as Emma Frost makes her look worse and worse? Is it just the lack of a smile?

http://i.annihil.us/u/prod/marvel/i/mg/e/20/4dd6e0cbc0b00/detail.jpg

She has nice assets.

It's a shame her assets don't include her face, her nose is just wrong.

[get_1]

It's because she's not Alice Eve.

However, I hear Alice Eve is going to play another one of Marvel's blonde bombshells: Sue Storm.

This is after withdrawing from her part as Emma Frost in First Class due to "script issues." :cheeky:

[K-ness]

I'm assuming in that picture, she's cutting glass.

Here's a thought... instead of the White Queen, why didn't they use Sage? She could have appeared as Tessa at the mansion, then Tessa at the Hellfire Club, then they could digitally re-add her to the end of X3 as Sage.








What? It would be cooler than Psylocke's appearance... :rolleyes:

[The BoyBlunder]

AMqPG4S80bo

He will be missed.

[DarqFeonix]

So I just up and canceled DarqSide. I'm already 3 weeks past my planned start date, and I haven't put any roles together. Work is kicking my ###, need to start studying for my next test... and really, I just didn't feel like it. :(

Sorry to those who signed up if you're participation in other games was dependent on you being in that one.

[PaxZRake]

I don't recommend anyone try drunk parkour, but goddamn is it fun.

[Ouchmaker]

AMqPG4S80bo

He will be missed.

On a somewhat related note:

Please make sure you catch up on what the CDC is saying one should do in case of a zombie apocalypse:

http://emergency.cdc.gov/socialmedia/zombies_blog.asp

[PaxZRake]

####, I didn't realize Ice got to be the romantic interest to Rachel Bilson. Now I'm jealous.

[Ouchmaker]

####, I didn't realize Ice got to be the romantic interest to Rachel Bilson. Now I'm jealous.

This was the first thing I compla, I mean commented to Ice on Facebook on the matter.

[malakim2099]

How is it possible every picture I see of January Jones as Emma Frost makes her look worse and worse? Is it just the lack of a smile?

http://i.annihil.us/u/prod/marvel/i/mg/e/20/4dd6e0cbc0b00/detail.jpg

It's because Betty Draper is a Chaotic Evil #####. ;)

[Rokk_Krinn]

CE? I always figured her for LE due to being so tyrannical.

[DarqFeonix]

####, I didn't realize Ice got to be the romantic interest to Rachel Bilson. Now I'm jealous.

I thought the Rachel Bilson relationship will be just teased, but the pics have him together with James King.

Mreow.

[PaxZRake]

Google image search reveals that James King is not Rachel Bilson.

[malakim2099]

CE? I always figured her for LE due to being so tyrannical.

http://mightygodking.com/images/ac-madmen.jpg

(Not linked because it's a HUGE pic.)

Though I would not say Pete is a LE type anymore. And the original Mrs. Draper should be LG. :)

[The BoyBlunder]

RAAAA! I want to do things!

[Ouchmaker]

RAAAA! I want to do things!

I have a car that could use a wash.