Issues or Volumes, how do you take your super hero?
Chapter One issue of Justice League of America Lightning Saga series
Note: Some of the issues are written by Geoff Johns. The book I have is a compilation of comics 1-5, as well as Monitor Duty and Walls. Reading comics is a much more complicated business than it used to be when I went to the T.G. & Y and got one for a nickel to fifteen cents. I’m in total agreement with Patton Oswalt (wrote the introduction for this book), that comics used to be complete in one episode or in one comic, actually his quote, “Comic books suck these days, and this book is a shining example why.” You’ll need to get this volume to see what else he has to say, but I’ll let you in on the secret, he doesn’t really think comics suck. Now the stories are more complex, there’s continuation of character development, and the plot isn’t going to evolve in one standalone issue.
Since I don’t frequent the comic stores, I’m one of those readers waiting for the series to all come together in one handy volume.
Comic buyers and readers out there, is this wrong? Do you buy issue by issue or wait?
Anyway the other problem I have with the new comics, there are so many characters, especially in this book, with the Justice League of America; the Justice Society of America; the Legion of Super Heroes all coming together in one volume. My head is spinning with super hero identification. And then there seem to past histories that I’m not in on, and I feel I’ve come to the meeting late.
The writing and illustrations in this volume are keeping me going, still trying to figure out who’s who. But believe me I want to find out, I want to know the whole story. I like super hero comics. I like comics to be colorful; all the dark, hard to see action of some graphic novels gets on my nerves. I like the fight for good v. evil, with super heroes struggling with their super hero problems.
I’m treating myself to Brad Meltzer’s comics, looking forward for the others to come. Nostalgic of dime store comics, drinking nickel vanilla cokes at Veazey’s Drug Store and reading under my grandma’s water cooler in 100 degree temperatures.
UPDATE:
While I’m totally confused about who’s who and what’s what in the Lightning Saga, the next issue in the volume Walls, is a superb example of a survival tale. What makes us go into survival mode? What keeps us alive against all odds? This is good stuff in a small package. Also my Interlibrary Loan came in so I have Identity Crisis now.
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Yep the whole story used to be told–beginning, middle and end–in one little comic book (which, to be fair, used to be more pages). I remember when it was a big deal when a story arc went two or three issues!
You do not have to worry about waiting for the trade paperbacks. It is true that there wouldn’t be these compilations unless the actual comic book was successful, so the industry tells you to support the single issues. But there are plenty of people doing that. You don’t have to be one of them.
There! Your conscience is clear! Enjoy!