Friday, June 3, 2011

[New post] DC Comics and their Identity Crisis

DC Comics and their Identity Crisis

DC Entertainment (as they now known) has once again decided to radically alter their heroes to reach the ever depleting audience of comic book readers. This marks at least the fourth instance of DC turning back the clock to restart their comic book universe (the most important one being Crisis on Infinite Earths in 1985, the same period that Watchmen and Frank Miller's Dark Knight rocked the world). The approach then was viewed as a tool to appeal to readers that were attracted to the more sophisticated Marvel Comics across the street (back when the rival companies really were across the street from each other).

Since the first time The Flash (Barry Allen) visited an alternate reality where an earlier version of the Flash seen in print (Jay Garrick) lived, the multiverse of numerous Earths had created a universe of fantastic worlds where heroes from various periods fought evil in divergent manners. This was far too silly for the growing adult audience that wanted to see a reality that was more believable (according to DC editorial at the time). The solution was two-fold, a massive event that brought into view all of DC's heroes for one last battle against their biggest challenge ever, leaving a clean slate to address the many 'problems that needed fixing.' Editorially it was a mixed bag and resulted in some successes and many continuity problems (the shaky realm of security that comic book fans rely on).

Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, the Flash, Green Lantern, Hawkman, the Justice League and the rest started over again and the readers responded with interest. Some of the biggest names in comics were involved: John Byrne, Dick Giordano and Jerry Ordway on Superman, Frank Miller and David Mazzuchelli on Batman, George Perez on Wonder Woman, Tim Truman on Hawkman... etc. The revival worked. Some devotees to the old guard were disgusted, but the insurgence of new readers looking for a new take on classic heroes that had gotten stale stayed around, finding a new readership for DC to publish more articulate comics such as the new Swamp Thing by Alan Moore, Hellblazer by Jamie Delano, Doom Patrol by Grant Morrison and Sandman by Neil Gaiman (eventually leading to a new imprint called Vertigo).

Not long afterwards, DC felt they needed to fix the many problems again... and again... and again. Each time, readers fluctuated as some dropped comics in frustration, others attracted to the opportunity to get in on the ground floor of a character rather than trying to connect to a long line of continuity drawing back ten or twenty years.

The latest attempt at this need for revision is brought about by the new creative directors Jim Lee and Geoff Johns, both of whom are famous for revising characters from a writer's or artist's point of view.

Via TimesDaily:

DC Comics made two announcements Tuesday. The first is, starting Aug. 31, DC will release digital editions of its comics on the same day the print versions go on sale. In a world of iPads and Kindles, that was bound to happen, and you can bet DC's chief rival, Marvel Comics, won't be far behind in making the same move.

The second announcement, however, is more baffling. It's a sign of desperation.

DC is rebooting its entire superhero universe. No one is safe. Not Superman. Not Batman. Not Wonder Woman. All of the company's superhero comics are going back to square one, which includes each of them getting a brand new issue No. 1.

But that's just the window dressing. Inside, familiar characters will be younger, their costumes altered. (They're intent on making Wonder Woman wear pants.) DC is, if not going back to the beginning, at least turning back the clock.

Apparently, DC's powers that be — primarily Chief Creative Officer Geoff Johns and Co-Publishers Jim Lee and Dan DiDio — have decided they've done such a lousy job of running DC Comics for the past several years that the only thing to do is blow up their superhero universe and start again.

They're half right about that. Virtually the only readable DC superhero comic of the past decade, apart from an occasional gem such as Paul Cornell's "Knight and Squire" miniseries, has been Grant Morrison's "Batman," which actually did something remarkable: It changed the status quo.

But changing the status quo is unforgivable when it comes to corporate-owned superheroes.

The author goes on to state that Marvel Comics poorly executes 'okay ideas' in their comics and that DC Entertainment is attempting to repackage an old idea in a new look. I partly agree, in that DC Comics is once again attempting to revisit their heroes from their origins, changing not just the appearance but identity of their heroes. The end result will be that readers will once again see Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman's origins, once again tackled from a more modern approach.

The need to do revise, in my opinion, is informed by a misconception that DC Comics' creations should ever be updated. The very appeal of Superman and Batman is that they are timeless icons. They are modern myths, untouched by the passage of time. The Rolling Stones didn't feel the need to release a techno album. Superman should not feel that he needs a fade haircut to fit in with 'the kids.' In contrast, Marvel's heroes are pulp characters who are very much a part of the current psychology of the modern world and they adapt to being changed and reworked (in good ways, anyhow).

Via NY Times:

For anyone who ever dreamed of owning a copy of Action Comics No. 1 they will have their chance in September. On Tuesday afternoon, DC Comics announced that starting Aug. 31, the company would renumber its entire line of superhero comic books.

As the devoted know, Wednesdays are the days that new issues of comic book series arrive in stores and a typical week sees the release of more than 10 Marvel or DC titles each. But on Aug. 31, DC will release just two titles: the final issue of the "Flashpoint" mini-series, about an alternate timeline that has affected the DC Universe of characters, including Superman, Batman, Flash and Wonder Woman, and Justice League No. 1, written by Geoff Johns and illustrated by Jim Lee. (Last February, the two men were promoted to crucial positions in the company: Mr. Lee was named co-publisher along with Dan DiDio, and Mr. Johns was named chief creative officer of DC Entertainment.) Starting in September, more No. 1 issues will follow for DC's superhero line, which includes Action Comics, Superman, Detective Comics, Batman, Wonder Woman and more.

According to an article in USA Today, Mr. Lee has redesigned some of the character's costumes and Mr. Johns has said his Justice League will focus on the interpersonal relationships of the team.

The renumbering rumors have been recent fodder for discussion on columns and message boards of various comic-book Web sites. One of the big questions regarding the move has been whether these are simply new directions for the various characters (say, Batman moves to San Francisco) or a "reboot" (a new take on the character that ignores previous continuity, say, Batman is now a teenager or an alien from the future).

I think former EIC Joe Quesada said it best when he stated that DC has the best characters around. 'They have Superman and Batman,' Joe said. 'We (Marvel) should not be in business.' It's true. I'm a devoted Marvel Zombie, but DC's stable of heroes are gods in comparison to the Marvel line of madcap creations. The only thing getting in the way of DC's success is DC. The incessant revisions and reboots, successful in 1985, are a danger of drawing current readers away and alienating their creations from a public expecting to see the iconic versions of their favorite characters and instead finding new versions that have no relation to their understandings of the heroes from their childhood.

I have seen this failure in many ways in my interactions with fellow fans. The Batman animated series drew from the classic identity of the Batman mythos, different but similar enough to appeal to fans of the comics. The Justice League cartoon drew on these strengths and built on the history of the Batman cartoon. This crafted a long continuity that fans of the animated universe could call their own and that was similar enough to the printed world that it fit the legacy image of the icons. When the animated films started getting released direct on DVD, DC Entertainment chose to release stories that were divergent from the animated universe and the comic book continuity. Viewed on their own, the animated projects are fantastic, but to fans looking for a continuation of the animated universe they so adored, there was nothing but frustration. This was not the same Batman they had watched on TV, in fact in some cases it wasn't even the same voice. It alienated an audience that was hungry for the products that DC was releasing. The new Young Justice series is another example. I highly recommend it, but Young Justice presents viewers with yet another version of their animated universe, different enough to be distracting to anyone looking for continuity.

In my opinion, DC Entertainment has in its possession the most important modern mythology of heroes ever created and they are failing to use them correctly, leaving a large group of potential customers eager to purchase toys, DVDs, video games, and even comic books in the dust.

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Latest articles from Retro To Go

Latest articles from Retro To Go


Reclaimed Tap Light

Posted: 02 Jun 2011 09:07 AM PDT

Taplight 
As we urged to consider how much we throw away and waste, we are seeing more and more of these products that find new uses old things.

This Reclaimed Tap Light is the latest and probably one of the more unusual. Industrial piping has been refashioned (or up-cycled as it is often called!) to create a desk lamp that is a bit different without looking too much like a novelty item.

It costs £115 from Graham and Green.

The Modernist Magazine launching this month

Posted: 02 Jun 2011 09:05 AM PDT

Modernist

If you have a passion for midcentury and modernist architecture and design, you might want to subscribe to the forthcoming Modernist Magazine, although the content is very much focused on the north of England.

The magazine is the work of the Manchester Modernist Society, which organises events around the north of England, focusing on its 20th century art, design and architecture. The magazine follows a similar path, with general articles covering Oscar Niemeyer's Brazil, Esperanto, logos past and original mods, to more specific regional pieces on Liverpool, Manchester and Blackburn's heritage, to name just a few things.

With a foreword by Jonathan Meades, the magazine launches in late June with a launch party in Manchester. But you can pre-order or subscribe now at the website.

The Modernist Magazine website

Via Modculture

Naomi Murrell Citroen Brooch

Posted: 02 Jun 2011 08:49 AM PDT

J-72
This Citroen Brooch is by the Australian designer Naomi Murrell, whose wooden birds we featured last month.

The brooch is in the shape of a vintage Citroen car, cut from rock maple wood with a brass clasp on the back. It would look cute pinned to the lapel of a retro-style jacket. It costs Australian $29 (around £19) plus an extra $9.90 for international shipping (free if you are in Australia).

Buy it online from Naomi Murrell's Big Cartel store.

Koziol Babell cake stand

Posted: 02 Jun 2011 07:31 AM PDT

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Forget 1950s cake style with this Koziol Babell three-tier cake stand.

Making cake and displaying it doesn't have to be about the post-war years and this cake stand shows how 1980s fluorescent bright lights can be combined with the art of cake making (and eating). If you're not much into cake, use the stand to display your ornaments or pretty trinkets.

This funky stand is available from Heal's for £21.00.

eBay watch: Original 1930s art deco three-piece suite

Posted: 02 Jun 2011 07:26 AM PDT

Deco

Yes, we know you can pick up reproductions and replicas. Indeed, we've featured one or two on the site in the past. But for authenticity, this original 1930s art deco three-piece suite fits the bill.

For your money, you get a two-seater sofa and two 'club' armchairs. They have been re-upholstered in the 1960s in a tan leatherette with stud detailing, but apparently, the material used was the same as was used on Concorde. Another talking point thrown in for free! Love those curves though, screaming the era.

Condition is described as 'very good', with the odd scuff and one small tear to the back or the sofa. The frame is 'very solid'. Of course, you have the option of getting it re-covered. The price right now is £250. Lots more detailed images on the seller's page.

Find out more at the eBay website

Set Sail Playsuit

Posted: 02 Jun 2011 07:15 AM PDT

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This set sail playsuit is the ultimate swim suit for those wanting to embrace the fashion from days gone by.

The lovely velvety material is slightly different to your normal lycra swimming gear, but stick with it and you'll have a uniquely beautiful outfit to wear on the beach. It's ideal for lounging around in and if you're feeling brave you could always don this outfit on a night out matched with high waisted shorts. It features navy blue velvet with a bright red anchor stitched onto the chest and white rope lining along the neckline and straps.

Because of the material this swimsuit is best reserved for outside of the pool. It costs $60 (£38) and you can buy yours online from Etsy.

Officially-licensed full-size replica Dalek at Firebox

Posted: 02 Jun 2011 04:44 AM PDT

Dalek

The perfect addition to any Doctor Who obsessive's home - this officially-licensed full-size replica Dalek, which you can order at Firebox.

Not just some knocked-up thing out of cardboard, this icon of 1960s sci-fi (and beyond) is made to order, using the original moulds and specifications from the BBC Props Department, the finished product standing at an imposing 5'3" tall. You can even choose your favourite colour - another of the colour options is pictured over the page.

Dalek2

The arms are mounted on ball joints, allowing them to be moved, while the plunger arm can be extended in and out and the dome can be rotated 360°. It's also on casters, so you can mocha it around the house. Sadly, you can't ride in it, nor does it speak. So not perfect.

But if you have £3,000 to spare, this is certainly going to be a talking point for many years to come. Shame there isn't a matching Davros though.

Find out more at the Firebox website

Herb Lester vintage-style Paris Map by Lord Dunsby

Posted: 02 Jun 2011 04:23 AM PDT

Paris

We have featured the vintage-syle Herb Lester city maps in the past, but we think It's Nice To Be Alone In Paris is the best one yet.

For a start, it's by one of our favourite illustrators, Lord Dunsby and also, because it's about Paris, one of our favourite city to spends days wandering around. This map flags up some pretty leftfield things to do as well, 32 in total, including a taxidermist extraordinaire, mint tea at the Grand Mosque, found photographs at Images & Portraits, along with places to eat, swim, drink, buy vintage 'gentlemen's imagery' and enjoy a solitary ice cream. In short, something for everyone.

It's an A3 (297x420mm) map, folded to A6 (105x148mm) and litho printed on recycled paper. As ever, ridiculously cheap at just £3.

Find out more at the Herb Lester website

James wallpaper by Sandberg

Posted: 02 Jun 2011 03:04 AM PDT

Sandberg james
This James wallpaper is another treat from Sandberg whose Lilly design we showed you last week. While that was aimed for a kid's bedroom, this is a design that will appeal to well-travelled adults. 

The paper is covered with a depiction of old-fashioned travel labels from around the world. The fact that Sandberg are Swedish influences the selection slightly but look closely and you'll see stamps from Vienna, New York and Holland too, to name but a few. 

The paper is available in a variety of colourways - I think this yellow/gray combination works well with the nostalgic feel of the image. 

The paper costs £50 a roll.

Buy it from Wallpapers Direct

Eames House of Cards mugs

Posted: 02 Jun 2011 02:49 AM PDT

Eames mug
Though you won't perhaps get the reference at first glance, this new range of mugs uses images from Ray and Charles Eames's House of Cards

The House of Cards was devised by the couple in 1952 and involves a series of cards that slot together. The images on the cards were taken from their own collections and were intended to be a nostalgic look at the everyday. It's those photographs which have been used to decorate this collection of mugs which are colourful and eye-catching in their own right.

The mug above shows a selection of pills while other designs feature things like cotton reels and crayons. The images were all intended to look good together, so buy a selection and your kitchen shelf will reap the rewards. 

The mugs cost £14.10 each.  

See the range at Made in Design

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