As for the book … very different stuff. It’s so clearly just the tip of the iceberg that I don’t know if I can say much about this issue per se, but I’m definitely (a) intrigued, and (b) stickin’ around.
More specifics later if they happen to occur.
TWL
No no, it’s LOS ANGELES where dreams go to die.
I liked the first issue. Wasn’t crazy about the art, but I didn’t dislike it either. Story-wise, I kinda feel like I’ve been tossed in the deep end, but the first couple issues of Spyboy were like that too, so I assume we’ll get some more info on what the heck is going on within a few issues.
And I know you hate having your work compared to Joss Whedon’s … so I’ll just shut up now.
Good stuff, though.
So Dolf was a painter, writer, polititian that says “Ja” and runs a bar named Furors.
Is Benny short for Benito?
My impressions of Fallen Angel:
50% Aeon Flux
25% American Gothic
25% The Abominable Dr. Phibes
…and yet it all makes _sense_
I’d like to nominate PAD for this year’s Most Accomplished Dangerous Lunatic in Comics. Stracynski’s claimed the title unopposed for too long.
To be honest…I don’t know.
It’s definitely got potential. It’s a great setup. But…some of it was forced and too obvious, such as the bar name and the bartender (for some strange reason, I’m reminded of Mel Brooks and his fascination with the subject in question), and the “twists”. Maybe I’m just jaded at this point, but I felt like I saw everything coming, that nothing really suprised me.
Again, that might be me. I’m going to keep buying it at this point and see if it grows on me, because like I said, it’s a great concept.
JSM
I didn’t much care for it, but that’s not a value judgment on the work. I prefer stuff that’s more superhero- or anime-flavored on the comic spectrum to the Vertigo-esque stuff. For example, I prefer the first Captain Marvel run to the second, though I collect and enjoy the current run as well.
I thought it was pretty good, though I think the big surprise at the end was rushed. Seemed like something that could have been held back for a little while.
Still, pretty good.
I don’t think this is your best work and, just to be honest, too predictable. Then again, yu’re my favorite author–honestly!–and I look forward to seeing how things develop.
Oh, in case you didn’t already know, peanuts are a rich source of resveratrol, the nutrient in red wine that helps keep your ateries from furring and is thought to be responsible for the “French Paradox.” Resveratrol acts as an antioxidant and can reduce the oxidation of bad cholesterol in the arteries. Antioxidants like resveratrol and vitamin E, also found in peanuts, are believed to reduce the risk of cancer as well as heart disease. An ounce of peanuts contains about the same amount of resveratrol as almost 2 pounds of grapes.
I fanyone is wondering why I’m including all this in my comments, reread page 1 of FALLEN ANGEL.
Well, I for one thought it rocked! Perhaps, that’s because I think Lee is actually Linda Danvers. Why, you ask? When she causes the gun’s telescope to shatter, it sounds like a TK blast. She definitely has Super Strenght evidenced by her kicking major A**. Her sense of humour is dark and sarcastic just like Linda’s. And finally, I think Lee is some sort of Homage to Leesburg. Also, totally off topic but am I the only one who thinks Cir-el is actually Linda Danver’s and Superman’s Daughter Ariella from Supergirl #80. Remember the Spectre’s promise to Linda that Ariella would be alright and go on living.
From my review which will hopefully be up soon at ToonZone.net:
Well, I have to say, this is a VERY strong debut. The book balances just the right amount of mystery, humor, and tension to really draw the reader in. The cast of characters is uniformly intriguing, and it seems in Bete Noire (the town where the series takes place) everyone has an angle, and it’s up to the reader to try to figure it out before it’s revealed, which is really quite enjoyable. I look forward to future issues. I give this a 9 out of 10.
Enjoyable, with a lot of potential. It will depend on how that potential plays out as to whether this series will work, but it’s off to a strong start.
I pondered about what Fallen Angel would be about, following the basis to the last issue of Supergirl. Do I think ‘Lee’ is Linda Danvers? Yes. Seems funny that she’d be happy to see a stain glass window of three angels be destroyed, as well as knowing a bowler wearing man named Benny. If this is what Linda Danvers’ travel is, then I hope it goes beyong the issues of Supergirl. I did not like the art though. While its paced well, the quality needs improvement.
Finally–a comic that cuts through the jaded sensibilities I’ve developed over the last couple of years about most titles. I thought the story was intriguing and I loved its perspective. The characters were very well defined–I can see that things are going places. A lot went into populating this world with an intricate fabric. The art and coloring was great. For the first time in a while I’m excited about a title again (I hit 40 next month, so this is a good thing for an aging fan like me). I have a very good feeling about this book–can’t wait until the next issue.
Ðámņ it… I will have to wait a few weeks to be able to get it over here in the SOuth Hemisphere….
At least, I enjoyed that article about the book that was on the Newsarama.
COncerning this Lee and Linda Danvers thing. I think it will end up being PAD’s, cheeseman…. hahaha
More until I can get the book on my hands….
If Lee is Linda, then I’m very intrigued. If Lee isn’t Linda, then I’m still very intrigued.
Interesting stuff here. Some of the villains remind me of other characters — and Slate reminds me a bit of Peter Lorre. The “Shadow Boxer” bit made me laugh heartily.
All of that said … I didn’t fall in love with this as much as I thought I might. I may on a subsequent reading (and I think this is a book that will require multiple readings to catch everything), as my problems weren’t with the plot, per se.
The plot didn’t surprise me much — I’ve read a ton of Andrew Vachss’ work, and this reminded me a bit of that — but it was very well executed, as always. And the last scene was a surprise.
My main problem was with some of the dialogue. Lee’s conversation with the client was very clever. Benny’s scenes were great. But the way we learned everyone’s names seemed a little bit forced.
It’s not a major complaint. I like that we got hit with a large number of characters all at once. (Reminscent in a way of my favorite current TV show, HBO’s The Wire, where you just sorta keep up or don’t, and the show plows on ahead.) But some of it felt just a little rushed.
I’d still easily give this 7 out of 10 stars, and I fully expect future issues to go all the way to 11. And, like I said, a second or third reading may push this up even higher.
And wouldn’t it be swell to see another spooky PAD heroine — the Empress — show up in here? 🙂
Oh, and we should start a rumor that Bete Noir is based on a real-life city, same way Denny O’Neil’s Hub City in The Question was. Even if it’s not, it would be a nifty little urban legend to get going.
Based on the line “Where dreams go to die,” I’d say Memphis, Tennessee, but that’s just my own psychosis talking. 😉
I liked it. And as a comics store owner, when I like it, I push it harder than other new stuff (like “Trouble” for instance). We sold out late Thursday and I’ve ordered more. Good job, PAD.
I thought it was great (art and story). One of the great things about David’s writing is that I almost NEVER can guess where the story is going, like a good mystery writer where you can never figure out whodunit. It’s different, well-done and if it’s like his other work, you’ll think you have it figured out, or might guess where it is going and once you read it, you’ll have been hit with something completely different. I’ll be reading it every month, for sure.
-Adam
For the last few months I was worried that PAD had lost it. The last 8 or so issues of Captain Marvel and the first issue of TMNT had me wondering if I should stop reading PAD titles. Then I read Fallen Angel and TMNT #2 and all my worries went away. I enjoyed both of these issues and will continue to read PAD’s books.
Keep up the good stories.
I thought it was a great first issue. The ending was a jaw-dropper and Lee’s less-than-heroic attitude was cool without being cliche’. The town was a neat character in itself.
The issue also came across to me as a less sensationalized version of Dark Horse’s Ghost series from a few years back. It’s nice to see a female hero not flashing her chest all over the place. It was also nice to have a comic that my wife enjoyed too.
I really enjoyed it. Intriguing is a word lots of folks are using to describe it and they are right. We met a number of characters, and were given tid bits about the city. Really I don’t KNOW anything – but that is a good start, because I want to know.
I just hope this book survives. PAD is not a hot writer, and this is not a known character…I hope it gets ordered enough because I would like to see a nice long run.
I liked it. I know you don’t like it when people compare your stuff to other works, (because of the implication that you “stole” ideas or whatever), but I felt some echoes of Sandman in this book, and I hope you take that as a compliment. There’s lots of great storytelling possibilities here. I’ll be reading.
I really enjoyed the book, and didn’t think the art was as bad as many have commented. I felt that its darker edge was pretty gritty and well developed. I also think that Lee could possibly be Linda with a new hairstyle. I mean, her name is Lee. Wasn’t that Linda’s surname in the movie of Supergirl, as well as her orphanage name? As if to say she’s an orphaned hero or something symbolically cheesy like that? It would be so awsome if she was. If not, lets hope Linda does make an appearance, since this is the place people go who have become crestfallen. And considering that Linda was down in the last issue of Supergirl, this place seems to be up her alley.
I must say that I liked the first issue alot and I am very interested in seeing where this series leads me. Now I like the chess thing that was very cool. Good girl Lee vs. Bad guy Dr.can’trememberhisnameandamtoolazytogolook. White vs black. nice. have a nice day.
Really enjoyed the comic, got it yesterday you have some great interesting characters in it.
I like the whole is she Linda? thing you have going.
I didnt hate but wasnt in love with the way Captain Marvel was going but the Coven storyline has been great and Fallen Angel looks great as well.
I liked it. I was expecting a more obvious connection to Supergirl, but I’m happy to wait and see what develops (the series was already on my pull list before #1 came out).
On the art front, I didn’t really think much of the covers I’ve seen, but that applies to Sandman too (I’ve never really “got” Dave McKean’s art). But I liked the way the comic itself was drawn – I prefer this more realistic style to the more cartoony art that I’ve seen elsewhere.
Interesting subplot with the policeman – presumably he was actually a thief, given Lee’s comment that there aren’t any police in that town, so it’s “unheroic” that she didn’t intervene. On the other hand, Lee didn’t actually make a profit from this outing, which is more traditional.
I didn’t actually see either of the two twists coming at the end, so it was nice to be surprised.
Nice to see a couple of familiar terms appearing from other PAD stories. I recognise “chumlies” from “Hulk: Future Imperfect”, and the leader of Haven (in “Psi-Man”) was called the Magistrate.
The only quibble I had with this issue was the dialogue on page 9:
Lee: “And you disapprove?”
Monica: “Of course! What mother wouldn’t?”
Lee: “One unable to accept her son using his natural gifts to bring a little temporary warmth in this cold world to some desperate women in exchange for remuneration.”
It looks like the multiple negatives have got a bit confused here. Monica is asking “What mother wouldn’t disapprove of her son being a whørë?”, i.e. “What mother would approve of this?” Lee is describing someone who wouldn’t approve. Now, this can be chalked up as confusion on the part of the characters, rather than a writer’s error, but it does diminish Lee’s image a bit.
Recently, I picked up Fallen Angel #1, the Supergirl trade paperback (I never read the original issues), and One Knight Only (which I haven’t read yet).
I don’t have an opinion either way of Fallen Angel. I usually wait a few issues before I start forming an opinion, because I feel PAD’s writing can’t be judged by a single issue but rather how it develops over several issues (it’s like judging Babylon 5 based on the series’ premiere).
SPOILERS FOLLOW…
However, the Supergirl trade left me confused. It seemed like a knockoff of “The Kingdom” where Xenon was killing parallel-world Supergirls rather than Gog killing parallel-world Supermen. I didn’t understand who Xenon was or his motivation. Was Supergirl from Hypertime (it certainly seemed so)? Can someone explain these things to me?
My wife and I both enjoyed it, she a little more than I. I think it started a little slow, and the scne with Boxer was a bit stilited, but the story built up nicely, and then ended with the kind of twists that made way “I’m in.” My wife figured there was a connection between Juris and Lee, and I figured the mother wasn’t all she said she was, but neither of us guess both twists.
I’m a little uneasy about the implications regarding Dolf. If he really is AH living Bete Noire, it could be interesting, or it could be vulgar and inappropriate. I do trust you a heck of a lot more not to make this into a sensation, however, than I would Marvel.
I loved the art. I miss this kind of realistic yet impressionistic work these days.
In all, I’m looking forward to what comes next. I’m reminded of Starman, due to the city, and of Aztek, due to the general weirdness. This could be a really cool thing. At the very least, it’s different, a reimagining of super-heroics in line wth a lot of what DC is doing now; and it’s not thw usual PAD comic. If your other DC work was “Buffy” – serious much of the time but also titled towards humorous dialogue and moments of levity – thi smay be your “Angel” (no pun intended), darker and less reliant on the quip but still about heroes.
Can’t wait to see what comes next.
Not a bad first issue, with a great twist in the end. The main character is very cool, has sort of a Batmanish kind of toughness without being derivitive of a male hero.
It’s an auspicious start.
It did the job of first issue quite nicely, something that too few books manage to do these days: it gives the lay of the land without indicating every single rock and tree, it establishes a tone without closing off possibilities for tangents and developments, and it both reveals and conceals enough to create dramatic interest. Well done.
I must confess that I saw both twists in the issue coming (the “familial” one is something that’s been played elsewhere, and the last-page reveal came into my head as soon as I saw Dr. Juris’ desk), but I don’t see that as problematic. Unlike too many other comics, FA #1 had plenty of other things going on for it besides these surprises. There’s an interesting axis of characters here (heh, heh) if nothing else. 🙂
Ultimately, though, what I’m most intriqued by is Bete Noire itself. I think you may be onto a really rich vein here and look forward to seeing this place come alive in the coming months. I couldn’t care less about whether Lee is our dear old Linda (Lee) Danvers, actually, as I see that story as told and done, as much as I hated the cancellation of that title.
I’ll definately be back for more.
I’ve also wondered, thanks to the clues such as the name Lee, if the angel here is actually Linda taking up a different career. I’m also interested in reading it when it becomes available by me.
I quite enjoyed FALLEN ANGEL, and I’m adding it to my short stack of regular buys. Some of my thoughts (like the “Furors” bar bit) have been touched on already, so I’ll hit some other points.
1) Finally, a strong female lead who doesn’t wear tight blouse, bustier, or spandex sports bra!
2) I’m *very* surprised that no one’s made a comparison between this book’s last page and the last scene of HILL STREET BLUES’ pilot episode. I’m very curious where this is going.
3) I never read Supergirl (never gravitated to it), so I have no reason to wonder or think if Lee is Linda Danvers. Frankly, I don’t *care*, and if it turns out that I needed to have been a regular reader of Supergirl in order to fully appreciate Fallen Angel, then I will drop this book instantly. I really feel this book should stand on its own and be accessible to new readers. So far, so good.
4) I like the mysterious atmosphere. Was that cop getting ready to rob the old couple? Maybe. Is “Dolf” really an aged Adolf Hitler? Who knows? Is Benny (and his hat) significant, or merely a world-building detail? Could be either. By that same token, I found I really liked that Lee’s powers were undefined and mysterious. She’s fast and strong, sure, but how did get the sniper-scope glass to explode? I don’t know, and I don’t care. How did she know that the sniper was there? Ditto. Why did she just happen to have an airhorn handy for the phone trick? Who cares, it was a nice scene. Normally, I like being able to catalog what a character can do (it’s the RPG gamer in me), but leaving it deliberately vague like this was VERY nice.
Keep up the great work, and however much they’re paying the art team, it’s not enough — they did a wonderful job! In particular, I rather liked that Bumper’s gender was vague (femme guy or butch woman, could be either), and the little touch of makeup visible on Toby’s cheeks really added to him being presented as a boytoy gigolo, rather than Generic Hunky Guy.
Eagerly waiting to buy #2.
– Isaac!
I was expecting a bit more. I thought the story was ho-hum, nothing particularly exciting about the characters, and the atmosphere of the story isn’t really my thing. The last page revelation was intriguing but not enough to bring me back. I was also not thrilled at all with the artwork, it seems to be a prevailing style that I’ve seen a bit too much of lately and it really didn’t stand out at all.
Fallen Angel is a creator owned comic.I assume Second Age Inc. is you Peter. I can’t say I liked the book at all. The constant reminder through dialogue of how mysterious and badass she is rather than spend the time to show us leave me cold. It reminds me how Geoff Johns would have every character say how inspiring Captain America and what a good leader he was rather than show us. Feh! I’ll pass.
I liked it. I think that it’s a story that CAN stand on its own (as a single issue) but that will be a better story when it has four or five issues following it.
Eric
I, for one, decided to read this book with a clear mind, rather than searching for connections to everything else.
And I found it to be very entertaining. While I did see a few of the plot twists coming (I tend to do that a lot, so it doesn’t necessarily mean they’re predictable), I still need to see the next issue. I want to learn more about the characters, and about the city.
I liked it.
It feels a lot like Sierra’s Gabriel Knight games; I wouldn’t be surprised if Lee winds up having to follow some ridiculous pattern of nonsequential actions in order to perform some extremely mundane act.
A fun book. Unfortunately, I think the best part (the air horn) was shown in Previews.
Not as great a debut as Aquaman, Supergirl, or Young Justice, but it left enough intrigue to hold interest for a couple more issues.
The book feels a little pulled. In one direction, it’s supposed to be darker than a superhero tale, but in the other direction, it isn’t supposed to be a Vertigo tale.
It should have went one way or the other. Sitting the fence it going to keep this series boxed up and hampered.
Thought it was great.
I haven’t read much of Mr. David’s work in the past, but I definetely liked the character, feel and mystery of this book.
Can’t wait for the next issue.
BT
I really liked it. I picked it up because it was a PAD title and was very impressed. I liked the little touches through the book.
Benny wearing the hat of the older gentlemen that he met while dressed as a cop.
The air horn through the phone.
“Do you want to be saved?”
Dolf!
The last page.
I am hooked. I told my comic shop to add this to my pull list immediately.
Excellent job PAD!
I liked it.
The art is good, the writing is very good, the plot is promising.
But – I did not love it. Yet. As I repeatedly noticed, the strength – and the flaw – of PADs writing is: He doesn
I loved it…
What really got me going was the shot of the stained glass window, did anyone else notice the picture of three angels? One was holding a flaming torch, the other some swirly thing possibly wind (who knows…) and a third who looked to me like she was brushing her hair. A reference to the three earth angels from Supergirl I think.
I’m not sure now that this is Linda, it would be great if she was, but how about her being another earth angel, but one who has fallen much in a similar vein to the matrix/linda Supergirl?
Whatcha think? Just mad ramblings?
I liked it.
It was an interesting and different story, which is appreciated. Hooking the reader on the mystery of the lead character is a bit daring, and I hope she’s worth the investment. Still I’ll pick up the next issue to find out.
Really liked the cover too. Good luck!
“As I repeatedly noticed, the strength – and the flaw – of PADs writing is: He doesn
I liked the issue. It was a good høøkër… um, it got my interest piqued. I don’t think I can judge the series yet, but I’m definitely sticking around.
Excellent, Peter. Loved the cover (could be a poster!) and Lopez’s interior art was wonderful as well. I was interested because you said there would be SG/FA thematic connection and while I don’t think Linda is Lee (I’d rather not know who she is – love the mystery) I can tell we’re not in Leesburg anymore. Bete Noir seems a much seedier, darker place and that makes it all the more interesting. Looking foward to more and hope you flesh out some more of the citizens some more Twin Peaks style.
Excellent, Peter. Loved the cover (could be a poster!) and Lopez’s interior art was wonderful as well. I was interested because you said there would be SG/FA thematic connection and while I don’t think Linda is Lee (I’d rather not know who she is – love the mystery) I can tell we’re not in Leesburg anymore. Bete Noir seems a much seedier, darker place and that makes it all the more interesting. Looking foward to more and hope you flesh out some more of the citizens some more Twin Peaks style.
Liked it!Loved it!Bought the t-shrt!!
Great art, great dialogue…great beginnings. This comic is what a first issue should be. It introduced the characters immediately, and clearly. Gave us a good setup, and was a very consise, one issue story.
The art was crisp,fun, dark…the colors were beautiful…Let’s not forget that awesome Stelfreeze cover!
I’ve read it twice since I brought it home late last night.
Now, before everyone dismisses this as gushing, understand that I haven’t been thrilled with TMNT or even Captain Marvel of late. No, Fallen Angel definitely deserves it’s own place in comics and the pantheon of PAD’s works.
And I could care less if she’s Linda Danvers or Linda Gray.
Good stuff PAD! In a time when mostly I regret paying my almost-$3 for a comic, this one I felt I got my money’s worth.
Col
I loved it. Yes, the horn was shown in Previews, but without the context. Now, Peter, you’ve given me the perfect idea for dealing with telemarketers.
And that last panel!!! Wow! Definitely a series I will follow.
• 
“Welcome to Bete Noir… where dreams come to die.”
I thought that was Patchougue…
I thought that was Patchogue…
Nah. Cleveland.
As for the book … very different stuff. It’s so clearly just the tip of the iceberg that I don’t know if I can say much about this issue per se, but I’m definitely (a) intrigued, and (b) stickin’ around.
More specifics later if they happen to occur.
TWL
No no, it’s LOS ANGELES where dreams go to die.
I liked the first issue. Wasn’t crazy about the art, but I didn’t dislike it either. Story-wise, I kinda feel like I’ve been tossed in the deep end, but the first couple issues of Spyboy were like that too, so I assume we’ll get some more info on what the heck is going on within a few issues.
And I know you hate having your work compared to Joss Whedon’s … so I’ll just shut up now.
Good stuff, though.
So Dolf was a painter, writer, polititian that says “Ja” and runs a bar named Furors.
Is Benny short for Benito?
My impressions of Fallen Angel:
50% Aeon Flux
25% American Gothic
25% The Abominable Dr. Phibes
…and yet it all makes _sense_
I’d like to nominate PAD for this year’s Most Accomplished Dangerous Lunatic in Comics. Stracynski’s claimed the title unopposed for too long.
To be honest…I don’t know.
It’s definitely got potential. It’s a great setup. But…some of it was forced and too obvious, such as the bar name and the bartender (for some strange reason, I’m reminded of Mel Brooks and his fascination with the subject in question), and the “twists”. Maybe I’m just jaded at this point, but I felt like I saw everything coming, that nothing really suprised me.
Again, that might be me. I’m going to keep buying it at this point and see if it grows on me, because like I said, it’s a great concept.
JSM
I didn’t much care for it, but that’s not a value judgment on the work. I prefer stuff that’s more superhero- or anime-flavored on the comic spectrum to the Vertigo-esque stuff. For example, I prefer the first Captain Marvel run to the second, though I collect and enjoy the current run as well.
Matt
http://www.infiniteplayground.com
I thought it was pretty good, though I think the big surprise at the end was rushed. Seemed like something that could have been held back for a little while.
Still, pretty good.
I don’t think this is your best work and, just to be honest, too predictable. Then again, yu’re my favorite author–honestly!–and I look forward to seeing how things develop.
Oh, in case you didn’t already know, peanuts are a rich source of resveratrol, the nutrient in red wine that helps keep your ateries from furring and is thought to be responsible for the “French Paradox.” Resveratrol acts as an antioxidant and can reduce the oxidation of bad cholesterol in the arteries. Antioxidants like resveratrol and vitamin E, also found in peanuts, are believed to reduce the risk of cancer as well as heart disease. An ounce of peanuts contains about the same amount of resveratrol as almost 2 pounds of grapes.
I fanyone is wondering why I’m including all this in my comments, reread page 1 of FALLEN ANGEL.
Well, I for one thought it rocked! Perhaps, that’s because I think Lee is actually Linda Danvers. Why, you ask? When she causes the gun’s telescope to shatter, it sounds like a TK blast. She definitely has Super Strenght evidenced by her kicking major A**. Her sense of humour is dark and sarcastic just like Linda’s. And finally, I think Lee is some sort of Homage to Leesburg. Also, totally off topic but am I the only one who thinks Cir-el is actually Linda Danver’s and Superman’s Daughter Ariella from Supergirl #80. Remember the Spectre’s promise to Linda that Ariella would be alright and go on living.
From my review which will hopefully be up soon at ToonZone.net:
Well, I have to say, this is a VERY strong debut. The book balances just the right amount of mystery, humor, and tension to really draw the reader in. The cast of characters is uniformly intriguing, and it seems in Bete Noire (the town where the series takes place) everyone has an angle, and it’s up to the reader to try to figure it out before it’s revealed, which is really quite enjoyable. I look forward to future issues. I give this a 9 out of 10.
Enjoyable, with a lot of potential. It will depend on how that potential plays out as to whether this series will work, but it’s off to a strong start.
I pondered about what Fallen Angel would be about, following the basis to the last issue of Supergirl. Do I think ‘Lee’ is Linda Danvers? Yes. Seems funny that she’d be happy to see a stain glass window of three angels be destroyed, as well as knowing a bowler wearing man named Benny. If this is what Linda Danvers’ travel is, then I hope it goes beyong the issues of Supergirl. I did not like the art though. While its paced well, the quality needs improvement.
Finally–a comic that cuts through the jaded sensibilities I’ve developed over the last couple of years about most titles. I thought the story was intriguing and I loved its perspective. The characters were very well defined–I can see that things are going places. A lot went into populating this world with an intricate fabric. The art and coloring was great. For the first time in a while I’m excited about a title again (I hit 40 next month, so this is a good thing for an aging fan like me). I have a very good feeling about this book–can’t wait until the next issue.
Ðámņ it… I will have to wait a few weeks to be able to get it over here in the SOuth Hemisphere….
At least, I enjoyed that article about the book that was on the Newsarama.
If anyone wants to check it, it’s over here:
http://newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&postid=104265#post104265
COncerning this Lee and Linda Danvers thing. I think it will end up being PAD’s, cheeseman…. hahaha
More until I can get the book on my hands….
If Lee is Linda, then I’m very intrigued. If Lee isn’t Linda, then I’m still very intrigued.
Interesting stuff here. Some of the villains remind me of other characters — and Slate reminds me a bit of Peter Lorre. The “Shadow Boxer” bit made me laugh heartily.
All of that said … I didn’t fall in love with this as much as I thought I might. I may on a subsequent reading (and I think this is a book that will require multiple readings to catch everything), as my problems weren’t with the plot, per se.
The plot didn’t surprise me much — I’ve read a ton of Andrew Vachss’ work, and this reminded me a bit of that — but it was very well executed, as always. And the last scene was a surprise.
My main problem was with some of the dialogue. Lee’s conversation with the client was very clever. Benny’s scenes were great. But the way we learned everyone’s names seemed a little bit forced.
It’s not a major complaint. I like that we got hit with a large number of characters all at once. (Reminscent in a way of my favorite current TV show, HBO’s The Wire, where you just sorta keep up or don’t, and the show plows on ahead.) But some of it felt just a little rushed.
I’d still easily give this 7 out of 10 stars, and I fully expect future issues to go all the way to 11. And, like I said, a second or third reading may push this up even higher.
And wouldn’t it be swell to see another spooky PAD heroine — the Empress — show up in here? 🙂
Oh, and we should start a rumor that Bete Noir is based on a real-life city, same way Denny O’Neil’s Hub City in The Question was. Even if it’s not, it would be a nifty little urban legend to get going.
Based on the line “Where dreams go to die,” I’d say Memphis, Tennessee, but that’s just my own psychosis talking. 😉
I liked it. And as a comics store owner, when I like it, I push it harder than other new stuff (like “Trouble” for instance). We sold out late Thursday and I’ve ordered more. Good job, PAD.
I thought it was great (art and story). One of the great things about David’s writing is that I almost NEVER can guess where the story is going, like a good mystery writer where you can never figure out whodunit. It’s different, well-done and if it’s like his other work, you’ll think you have it figured out, or might guess where it is going and once you read it, you’ll have been hit with something completely different. I’ll be reading it every month, for sure.
-Adam
For the last few months I was worried that PAD had lost it. The last 8 or so issues of Captain Marvel and the first issue of TMNT had me wondering if I should stop reading PAD titles. Then I read Fallen Angel and TMNT #2 and all my worries went away. I enjoyed both of these issues and will continue to read PAD’s books.
Keep up the good stories.
I thought it was a great first issue. The ending was a jaw-dropper and Lee’s less-than-heroic attitude was cool without being cliche’. The town was a neat character in itself.
The issue also came across to me as a less sensationalized version of Dark Horse’s Ghost series from a few years back. It’s nice to see a female hero not flashing her chest all over the place. It was also nice to have a comic that my wife enjoyed too.
I really enjoyed it. Intriguing is a word lots of folks are using to describe it and they are right. We met a number of characters, and were given tid bits about the city. Really I don’t KNOW anything – but that is a good start, because I want to know.
I just hope this book survives. PAD is not a hot writer, and this is not a known character…I hope it gets ordered enough because I would like to see a nice long run.
I liked it. I know you don’t like it when people compare your stuff to other works, (because of the implication that you “stole” ideas or whatever), but I felt some echoes of Sandman in this book, and I hope you take that as a compliment. There’s lots of great storytelling possibilities here. I’ll be reading.
I really enjoyed the book, and didn’t think the art was as bad as many have commented. I felt that its darker edge was pretty gritty and well developed. I also think that Lee could possibly be Linda with a new hairstyle. I mean, her name is Lee. Wasn’t that Linda’s surname in the movie of Supergirl, as well as her orphanage name? As if to say she’s an orphaned hero or something symbolically cheesy like that? It would be so awsome if she was. If not, lets hope Linda does make an appearance, since this is the place people go who have become crestfallen. And considering that Linda was down in the last issue of Supergirl, this place seems to be up her alley.
I must say that I liked the first issue alot and I am very interested in seeing where this series leads me. Now I like the chess thing that was very cool. Good girl Lee vs. Bad guy Dr.can’trememberhisnameandamtoolazytogolook. White vs black. nice. have a nice day.
Really enjoyed the comic, got it yesterday you have some great interesting characters in it.
I like the whole is she Linda? thing you have going.
I didnt hate but wasnt in love with the way Captain Marvel was going but the Coven storyline has been great and Fallen Angel looks great as well.
I liked it. I was expecting a more obvious connection to Supergirl, but I’m happy to wait and see what develops (the series was already on my pull list before #1 came out).
On the art front, I didn’t really think much of the covers I’ve seen, but that applies to Sandman too (I’ve never really “got” Dave McKean’s art). But I liked the way the comic itself was drawn – I prefer this more realistic style to the more cartoony art that I’ve seen elsewhere.
Interesting subplot with the policeman – presumably he was actually a thief, given Lee’s comment that there aren’t any police in that town, so it’s “unheroic” that she didn’t intervene. On the other hand, Lee didn’t actually make a profit from this outing, which is more traditional.
I didn’t actually see either of the two twists coming at the end, so it was nice to be surprised.
Nice to see a couple of familiar terms appearing from other PAD stories. I recognise “chumlies” from “Hulk: Future Imperfect”, and the leader of Haven (in “Psi-Man”) was called the Magistrate.
The only quibble I had with this issue was the dialogue on page 9:
Lee: “And you disapprove?”
Monica: “Of course! What mother wouldn’t?”
Lee: “One unable to accept her son using his natural gifts to bring a little temporary warmth in this cold world to some desperate women in exchange for remuneration.”
It looks like the multiple negatives have got a bit confused here. Monica is asking “What mother wouldn’t disapprove of her son being a whørë?”, i.e. “What mother would approve of this?” Lee is describing someone who wouldn’t approve. Now, this can be chalked up as confusion on the part of the characters, rather than a writer’s error, but it does diminish Lee’s image a bit.
Recently, I picked up Fallen Angel #1, the Supergirl trade paperback (I never read the original issues), and One Knight Only (which I haven’t read yet).
I don’t have an opinion either way of Fallen Angel. I usually wait a few issues before I start forming an opinion, because I feel PAD’s writing can’t be judged by a single issue but rather how it develops over several issues (it’s like judging Babylon 5 based on the series’ premiere).
SPOILERS FOLLOW…
However, the Supergirl trade left me confused. It seemed like a knockoff of “The Kingdom” where Xenon was killing parallel-world Supergirls rather than Gog killing parallel-world Supermen. I didn’t understand who Xenon was or his motivation. Was Supergirl from Hypertime (it certainly seemed so)? Can someone explain these things to me?
My wife and I both enjoyed it, she a little more than I. I think it started a little slow, and the scne with Boxer was a bit stilited, but the story built up nicely, and then ended with the kind of twists that made way “I’m in.” My wife figured there was a connection between Juris and Lee, and I figured the mother wasn’t all she said she was, but neither of us guess both twists.
I’m a little uneasy about the implications regarding Dolf. If he really is AH living Bete Noire, it could be interesting, or it could be vulgar and inappropriate. I do trust you a heck of a lot more not to make this into a sensation, however, than I would Marvel.
I loved the art. I miss this kind of realistic yet impressionistic work these days.
In all, I’m looking forward to what comes next. I’m reminded of Starman, due to the city, and of Aztek, due to the general weirdness. This could be a really cool thing. At the very least, it’s different, a reimagining of super-heroics in line wth a lot of what DC is doing now; and it’s not thw usual PAD comic. If your other DC work was “Buffy” – serious much of the time but also titled towards humorous dialogue and moments of levity – thi smay be your “Angel” (no pun intended), darker and less reliant on the quip but still about heroes.
Can’t wait to see what comes next.
Not a bad first issue, with a great twist in the end. The main character is very cool, has sort of a Batmanish kind of toughness without being derivitive of a male hero.
It’s an auspicious start.
It did the job of first issue quite nicely, something that too few books manage to do these days: it gives the lay of the land without indicating every single rock and tree, it establishes a tone without closing off possibilities for tangents and developments, and it both reveals and conceals enough to create dramatic interest. Well done.
I must confess that I saw both twists in the issue coming (the “familial” one is something that’s been played elsewhere, and the last-page reveal came into my head as soon as I saw Dr. Juris’ desk), but I don’t see that as problematic. Unlike too many other comics, FA #1 had plenty of other things going on for it besides these surprises. There’s an interesting axis of characters here (heh, heh) if nothing else. 🙂
Ultimately, though, what I’m most intriqued by is Bete Noire itself. I think you may be onto a really rich vein here and look forward to seeing this place come alive in the coming months. I couldn’t care less about whether Lee is our dear old Linda (Lee) Danvers, actually, as I see that story as told and done, as much as I hated the cancellation of that title.
I’ll definately be back for more.
I’ve also wondered, thanks to the clues such as the name Lee, if the angel here is actually Linda taking up a different career. I’m also interested in reading it when it becomes available by me.
I quite enjoyed FALLEN ANGEL, and I’m adding it to my short stack of regular buys. Some of my thoughts (like the “Furors” bar bit) have been touched on already, so I’ll hit some other points.
1) Finally, a strong female lead who doesn’t wear tight blouse, bustier, or spandex sports bra!
2) I’m *very* surprised that no one’s made a comparison between this book’s last page and the last scene of HILL STREET BLUES’ pilot episode. I’m very curious where this is going.
3) I never read Supergirl (never gravitated to it), so I have no reason to wonder or think if Lee is Linda Danvers. Frankly, I don’t *care*, and if it turns out that I needed to have been a regular reader of Supergirl in order to fully appreciate Fallen Angel, then I will drop this book instantly. I really feel this book should stand on its own and be accessible to new readers. So far, so good.
4) I like the mysterious atmosphere. Was that cop getting ready to rob the old couple? Maybe. Is “Dolf” really an aged Adolf Hitler? Who knows? Is Benny (and his hat) significant, or merely a world-building detail? Could be either. By that same token, I found I really liked that Lee’s powers were undefined and mysterious. She’s fast and strong, sure, but how did get the sniper-scope glass to explode? I don’t know, and I don’t care. How did she know that the sniper was there? Ditto. Why did she just happen to have an airhorn handy for the phone trick? Who cares, it was a nice scene. Normally, I like being able to catalog what a character can do (it’s the RPG gamer in me), but leaving it deliberately vague like this was VERY nice.
Keep up the great work, and however much they’re paying the art team, it’s not enough — they did a wonderful job! In particular, I rather liked that Bumper’s gender was vague (femme guy or butch woman, could be either), and the little touch of makeup visible on Toby’s cheeks really added to him being presented as a boytoy gigolo, rather than Generic Hunky Guy.
Eagerly waiting to buy #2.
– Isaac!
I was expecting a bit more. I thought the story was ho-hum, nothing particularly exciting about the characters, and the atmosphere of the story isn’t really my thing. The last page revelation was intriguing but not enough to bring me back. I was also not thrilled at all with the artwork, it seems to be a prevailing style that I’ve seen a bit too much of lately and it really didn’t stand out at all.
Fallen Angel is a creator owned comic.I assume Second Age Inc. is you Peter. I can’t say I liked the book at all. The constant reminder through dialogue of how mysterious and badass she is rather than spend the time to show us leave me cold. It reminds me how Geoff Johns would have every character say how inspiring Captain America and what a good leader he was rather than show us. Feh! I’ll pass.
I liked it. I think that it’s a story that CAN stand on its own (as a single issue) but that will be a better story when it has four or five issues following it.
Eric
I, for one, decided to read this book with a clear mind, rather than searching for connections to everything else.
And I found it to be very entertaining. While I did see a few of the plot twists coming (I tend to do that a lot, so it doesn’t necessarily mean they’re predictable), I still need to see the next issue. I want to learn more about the characters, and about the city.
I liked it.
It feels a lot like Sierra’s Gabriel Knight games; I wouldn’t be surprised if Lee winds up having to follow some ridiculous pattern of nonsequential actions in order to perform some extremely mundane act.
A fun book. Unfortunately, I think the best part (the air horn) was shown in Previews.
Not as great a debut as Aquaman, Supergirl, or Young Justice, but it left enough intrigue to hold interest for a couple more issues.
The book feels a little pulled. In one direction, it’s supposed to be darker than a superhero tale, but in the other direction, it isn’t supposed to be a Vertigo tale.
It should have went one way or the other. Sitting the fence it going to keep this series boxed up and hampered.
Thought it was great.
I haven’t read much of Mr. David’s work in the past, but I definetely liked the character, feel and mystery of this book.
Can’t wait for the next issue.
BT
I really liked it. I picked it up because it was a PAD title and was very impressed. I liked the little touches through the book.
Benny wearing the hat of the older gentlemen that he met while dressed as a cop.
The air horn through the phone.
“Do you want to be saved?”
Dolf!
The last page.
I am hooked. I told my comic shop to add this to my pull list immediately.
Excellent job PAD!
I liked it.
The art is good, the writing is very good, the plot is promising.
But – I did not love it. Yet. As I repeatedly noticed, the strength – and the flaw – of PADs writing is: He doesn
I loved it…
What really got me going was the shot of the stained glass window, did anyone else notice the picture of three angels? One was holding a flaming torch, the other some swirly thing possibly wind (who knows…) and a third who looked to me like she was brushing her hair. A reference to the three earth angels from Supergirl I think.
I’m not sure now that this is Linda, it would be great if she was, but how about her being another earth angel, but one who has fallen much in a similar vein to the matrix/linda Supergirl?
Whatcha think? Just mad ramblings?
I liked it.
It was an interesting and different story, which is appreciated. Hooking the reader on the mystery of the lead character is a bit daring, and I hope she’s worth the investment. Still I’ll pick up the next issue to find out.
Really liked the cover too. Good luck!
“As I repeatedly noticed, the strength – and the flaw – of PADs writing is: He doesn
I liked the issue. It was a good høøkër… um, it got my interest piqued. I don’t think I can judge the series yet, but I’m definitely sticking around.
Excellent, Peter. Loved the cover (could be a poster!) and Lopez’s interior art was wonderful as well. I was interested because you said there would be SG/FA thematic connection and while I don’t think Linda is Lee (I’d rather not know who she is – love the mystery) I can tell we’re not in Leesburg anymore. Bete Noir seems a much seedier, darker place and that makes it all the more interesting. Looking foward to more and hope you flesh out some more of the citizens some more Twin Peaks style.
Excellent, Peter. Loved the cover (could be a poster!) and Lopez’s interior art was wonderful as well. I was interested because you said there would be SG/FA thematic connection and while I don’t think Linda is Lee (I’d rather not know who she is – love the mystery) I can tell we’re not in Leesburg anymore. Bete Noir seems a much seedier, darker place and that makes it all the more interesting. Looking foward to more and hope you flesh out some more of the citizens some more Twin Peaks style.
Liked it!Loved it!Bought the t-shrt!!
Great art, great dialogue…great beginnings. This comic is what a first issue should be. It introduced the characters immediately, and clearly. Gave us a good setup, and was a very consise, one issue story.
The art was crisp,fun, dark…the colors were beautiful…Let’s not forget that awesome Stelfreeze cover!
I’ve read it twice since I brought it home late last night.
Now, before everyone dismisses this as gushing, understand that I haven’t been thrilled with TMNT or even Captain Marvel of late. No, Fallen Angel definitely deserves it’s own place in comics and the pantheon of PAD’s works.
And I could care less if she’s Linda Danvers or Linda Gray.
Good stuff PAD! In a time when mostly I regret paying my almost-$3 for a comic, this one I felt I got my money’s worth.
Col
I loved it. Yes, the horn was shown in Previews, but without the context. Now, Peter, you’ve given me the perfect idea for dealing with telemarketers.
And that last panel!!! Wow! Definitely a series I will follow.