Well, PAD, I would have read Fallen Angel #3, but my copy is cut and bound improperly and reading is impossible. I’ll have to get a replacement copy later today.
I still think we’re too early in the series to make a definite call on things. I’m guessing that the current storyline will be the Secret Origin tale.
I do enjoy reading the series, but at this point don’t feel like I know what is going on and what will happen next. Which is probably better than going, “Yep, it’s issue #3. Time for the crossover with Batman.”
Hurricane Heeran
P.S. Just to get off subject, but the storyline for Soulsearchers & Co. #61 was pretty good. I liked how you refered to the wedding scenes in the Fantastic Four and Teen Titan series, one of which became a cliche.
I haven’t been to the shop yet this week. FA, however, is waiting there for me. Issues 1 and 2 were not enough for me to make up my mind about this book (meaning I didn’t go “GØÐÐÃMN! YEAH!” nor “Pfft. Whatever”), which would usually mean this issue is the one I decide upon. However, this being one of yours and one of four parts, and me a fan and all, I think I’ll stash them, read the arc completed and decide then. Meaning you have till #6 to convince me…and I hope you will. What’ja think?
I liked issue #3 the most and have enjoyed all of them so far. I like it when there is little in a particular issue that prompts the “is she really Linda?” topic.
This series should really be about so much more then that question.
Having said that, a definitive answer to the “Linda” question before issue 12 would be nice. (Heh! Or will that particular story element end up being your long, drawn-out Bruce Jones-ism?)
I enjoyed it over all. I still find the art just servicable and uninteresting. Since this is a creator driven project, did you pick or have a say in the artist chosen?
The story line is intriquing, but I agree that if the “Lee” mystery is dragged on to long I would lose interest.
It’s good, but a first rate artist could make it great.
well, it looks like the artwork is improving. the characters seem more solid and there facial expressions believable.
Well, I’m enjoying this so far, but feel like we need to see more before I can make up my mind. I love the art, I like the plots, and I really don’t know the characters at all. Compare this with Runaways, where we knew the characters right away. After two issues, I could tell you who was who clearly. That hooked me. Here, we gets a lot of enigmas, a whole cast of them. I need something more to know about to hook me.
That said, I am beginning to like Slate. But Lee is still too much of an unknown. I hope by the end of the story, she’ll be more in focus.
Personally, I believe that Lee’s identity should remain a mystery. She has the potential to be a worthy yet more aggressive successor to “The Phantom Stranger,” whose mystique was ruined for me after Secret Origins #10 way back in the mid-to-late 80s.
Margaret Weis once said during a book signing for the latest “Dragonlance” hardcover that if there’s a haunted mansion on mountain, its best if it remains unexplored and its mysteries undiscovered, because the reader’s imagination is more potent than anything that the writer could dream up. Once the proverbial castle was explored and the fear is faced, it lost its power. It was one of her main complaints about the handling of the “Lord Soth” character during the time she wasn’t writing for TSR/Wizards of the Coast.
Personally, I’d rather Lee NOT be Linda, because I would rather see her as “Supergirl.” But regardless, whether she is or isn’t, I believe she works better as an ambiguous character…at least for now. Lack of knowledge about her past can make for a lot of surprising “loose cannon” moments, and that’s the best part of this series. Her moral code, and the unpredictable ways she goes about revealing it.
I personally like the mystery. The scant hints and whispers make me anxious to learn more.
I thought it was just about perfect. I’m happy that the first two issues were stand alone, self-contained stories that sort of set up who Lee is and what she does.
This was perfect timing to get into a multi-parter. I’m hoping we learn a bit more about the Fallen Angel, but note everything. Also, I’m hoping for some more supporting character development (the supporting characters are a Peter David forte IMO).
*SPOILERS NEXT**
*
*
*
*
*
Certainly having Lee get thrown down an elevator shaft and then having the elevator fall on top of her suggests she is invulnerable or at least quite resistant to harm.
My guess is that Lee might be, not Linda, but the “Angel” part of Linda that she was seperated with during the Supergirl series. That might be interesting.
Jeff
It’s certainly a little darker than the previous issues. If there’s any doubt that this book needs a Mature Readers Only label, this issue shows why. A friend of mine was reading this at McDonald’s earlier and he nearly choked on his Big Mac at *that* scene (those who read the issue will know what I’m talking about). Nonetheless, it’s a fine series so far.
Definatly a good story, my problem is getting the right mix of hiding enough to keep the story intersting and revealing enough to make us want to care and know the characters. Right now there are to many question marks, hopefully there will be some answers by the end of this arc to let us know something. Or a Wally like character to point out the basics of the city.
Hey Peter, long time listener first time caller…
I’m really digging FA, and #3 was very cool. Liked the non-linear storytelling and the twist on the “I have this ‘friend’ who’s in trouble” bit. I like the artwork, the city, the supporting cast…solid stuff, I’ve added FA to my pull list at the comic shop.
j leach
Great last page, and excellent last panel/caption. I’m looking forward to next ish.
Travis
QUOTE:
Personally, I believe that Lee’s identity should remain a mystery. She has the potential to be a worthy yet more aggressive successor to “The Phantom Stranger,” whose mystique was ruined for me after Secret Origins #10 way back in the mid-to-late 80s.
Can’t see why the Secret Origins ruind the Phantom Stranger for you, since it gave FOUR POSSIBLE ORIGINS and even hinted that none of them may be the true origin anway (and in the DC Vertigo line Neil Gaiman came up with a fifth origin that also may not be the case).
To me that increases the mystery.
Two words…. LOVE IT.
I am really enjoying the mystery of the series. It is a title that makes you think and I really like that in the books and comics that I read. Keep up the good work.
Because, Rabidwolf, though the titles escape me at the moment, other comics that the “Stranger” has appeared in since SO #10 have shown by implication (throwaway comment here, angelic reference there) that they hold to the “fallen angel” (sic) origin presented in that issue. Therefore, while initially it may have been speculative in the beginning, that particular “possible” origin has been revisited again and again with PS, thereby “ruining it” for me.
that’s RabidWolfe with an “e” – and actually, you are wrong.
Those references to the fallen angel origin are to the Gaimin penned “origin” (which has had hints dropped that it may not be the case) instead of the Secret Origin one you are thinking of.
It was okay. The in media res approach to the story has been done to death, but it pretty straightforward. Seeing a guy mášŧûrbáŧìņg is something I didn’t expect, and I’m thinking that maybe the Powers that Be were right for putting a Mature Label on the next issues, as I do not think this is approrpriate for 13-year olds. It was nice seeing Lee in her daytime job, and I’m curious to see the rest of the story arc.
I agree that the artwork looks MUCH better. The line has improved quite a bit, and the use of blacks was adroit. Panels 1 and 2 on Page 7 were really well-rendered. Panel 4 on Page 13 was perfect. Page 17, panel one was excellently drawn, as was the subsequent sequence. The special “blue energy” effects of the creature are pretty cool. David Lopez’s faces still need a bit of work, particularly in terms of his line and when not to spot blacks, but I noticed in this issue something I didn’t notice before: That the way he draws faces, it looks like he’s influenced by Gary Frank. (Am I imagining things?)
Overall, I’m still reserving judgement on the series as a whole, as I want answers as to who Lee is and what her deal is, but it’s still better than it was in the first issue.
Regarding the Phantom Stranger, one of the stories that Robert Kanigher wrote in the early ’70s had the character identify himself as Philip Strong.
I liked it. I like the mythology you are setting up as well as contrast between daytime and night in the city. I think you’ve made the Fallen Angel a bit too strong and powerful though, that is pushed to her limit a bit too soon. I will start to lose interest if she doesn’t have limitations and weaknesses. I know you enjoy writing about character flaws as a greatest weakness but I like a (tiny) bit of reality grounding my comics. She should spend the next 6 months in bed recovering.
The first two issues I found to be “alright”. Nothing stood out in them that made me say “wow, this is spectacular stuff”. It was very well done, with some well placed intrigue, but I just didn’t find that connection to the series. I was going to keep on reading the series, but only for a few more issues, just to give it a “fair” chance.
But then I read issue 3, and, for whatever reason, things “clicked”. I’m definately going to be sticking around for longer than I planned.
Though I must say, the mášŧûrbáŧìøņ scene was pointless, and could have been left out and absolutely nothing would have been missed. I’m all for the more “mature” elements when they’re appropriate, but this just seemed to be there for the sake of being there, I found. Take out that scene, and then I would have had nothing to complain about the issue.
Otherwise, keep up the great work! I’m sticking around!!
Ah, it was okay. Better thatn 1602. The plot is interesting.
However, the “yutz” scene was just stupid. What, did you have a few panels you needed to fill at the last minute?
I liked her fight with the invisible monster thingie. The art in this series is incredible.
I’m really liking this series so far, Peter. This has the potential to be your best series yet.
Keep up the good work.
-Greg
Read it over lunch at work. Discreetly, yes, but I find it to be no more explicit (sexuality) or shocking (violence) than the first 9 issues of Supergirl – the scenes with Buzz and the cult come to mind. Now some of the Bat/Cat titles – those need ‘mature readers’ plastered on them.
I raced through the issue so fast that the art barely registered on first read – I was in that much of a hurry to read what was happening. So yes, you could say I liked it! Then I went back and re-read it calmly and enjoyed it thoroughly. Quite looking forward to more.
Though I must say, the mášŧûrbáŧìøņ scene was pointless, and could have been left out and absolutely nothing would have been missed. I’m all for the more “mature” elements when they’re appropriate, but this just seemed to be there for the sake of being there, I found.
Y’think so, huh.
Good.
PAD
Seeing a guy mášŧûrbáŧìņg is something I didn’t expect, and I’m thinking that maybe the Powers that Be were right for putting a Mature Label on the next issues, as I do not think this is approrpriate for 13-year olds.
Interestingly, you’re exactly right. It’s that scene that triggered the mandate for Mature labelling. And I have to say, that breaks me up. The violence, the blood and gore…that’s okay. But one guy bringing himself self-gratification, with his back to the viewer, yet…*that* is too much for kids to take.
PAD
However, the “yutz” scene was just stupid. What, did you have a few panels you needed to fill at the last minute?
There is a suc-ker…born ev’ry min-ute…
PAD
You know, PAD, after I read issue 3 I kind of wondered what you would have included had you known at the time that Fallen Angel was getting a For Mature Readers label.
Mášŧûrbáŧìņg? Some people just have dirty minds. I thought he was shaking a bottle of Heinz Tomato Ketchup.
Speaking of the mášŧûrbáŧìøņ scene… having Lee call him a yutz — was that a nod to Farscape? Does that mean Lee is a Farscape fan? Or does yutz come from some real language?
• 
Well, PAD, I would have read Fallen Angel #3, but my copy is cut and bound improperly and reading is impossible. I’ll have to get a replacement copy later today.
I still think we’re too early in the series to make a definite call on things. I’m guessing that the current storyline will be the Secret Origin tale.
I do enjoy reading the series, but at this point don’t feel like I know what is going on and what will happen next. Which is probably better than going, “Yep, it’s issue #3. Time for the crossover with Batman.”
Hurricane Heeran
P.S. Just to get off subject, but the storyline for Soulsearchers & Co. #61 was pretty good. I liked how you refered to the wedding scenes in the Fantastic Four and Teen Titan series, one of which became a cliche.
I haven’t been to the shop yet this week. FA, however, is waiting there for me. Issues 1 and 2 were not enough for me to make up my mind about this book (meaning I didn’t go “GØÐÐÃMN! YEAH!” nor “Pfft. Whatever”), which would usually mean this issue is the one I decide upon. However, this being one of yours and one of four parts, and me a fan and all, I think I’ll stash them, read the arc completed and decide then. Meaning you have till #6 to convince me…and I hope you will. What’ja think?
I liked issue #3 the most and have enjoyed all of them so far. I like it when there is little in a particular issue that prompts the “is she really Linda?” topic.
This series should really be about so much more then that question.
Having said that, a definitive answer to the “Linda” question before issue 12 would be nice. (Heh! Or will that particular story element end up being your long, drawn-out Bruce Jones-ism?)
I enjoyed it over all. I still find the art just servicable and uninteresting. Since this is a creator driven project, did you pick or have a say in the artist chosen?
The story line is intriquing, but I agree that if the “Lee” mystery is dragged on to long I would lose interest.
It’s good, but a first rate artist could make it great.
well, it looks like the artwork is improving. the characters seem more solid and there facial expressions believable.
Well, I’m enjoying this so far, but feel like we need to see more before I can make up my mind. I love the art, I like the plots, and I really don’t know the characters at all. Compare this with Runaways, where we knew the characters right away. After two issues, I could tell you who was who clearly. That hooked me. Here, we gets a lot of enigmas, a whole cast of them. I need something more to know about to hook me.
That said, I am beginning to like Slate. But Lee is still too much of an unknown. I hope by the end of the story, she’ll be more in focus.
Personally, I believe that Lee’s identity should remain a mystery. She has the potential to be a worthy yet more aggressive successor to “The Phantom Stranger,” whose mystique was ruined for me after Secret Origins #10 way back in the mid-to-late 80s.
Margaret Weis once said during a book signing for the latest “Dragonlance” hardcover that if there’s a haunted mansion on mountain, its best if it remains unexplored and its mysteries undiscovered, because the reader’s imagination is more potent than anything that the writer could dream up. Once the proverbial castle was explored and the fear is faced, it lost its power. It was one of her main complaints about the handling of the “Lord Soth” character during the time she wasn’t writing for TSR/Wizards of the Coast.
Personally, I’d rather Lee NOT be Linda, because I would rather see her as “Supergirl.” But regardless, whether she is or isn’t, I believe she works better as an ambiguous character…at least for now. Lack of knowledge about her past can make for a lot of surprising “loose cannon” moments, and that’s the best part of this series. Her moral code, and the unpredictable ways she goes about revealing it.
I personally like the mystery. The scant hints and whispers make me anxious to learn more.
I thought it was just about perfect. I’m happy that the first two issues were stand alone, self-contained stories that sort of set up who Lee is and what she does.
This was perfect timing to get into a multi-parter. I’m hoping we learn a bit more about the Fallen Angel, but note everything. Also, I’m hoping for some more supporting character development (the supporting characters are a Peter David forte IMO).
*SPOILERS NEXT**
*
*
*
*
*
Certainly having Lee get thrown down an elevator shaft and then having the elevator fall on top of her suggests she is invulnerable or at least quite resistant to harm.
My guess is that Lee might be, not Linda, but the “Angel” part of Linda that she was seperated with during the Supergirl series. That might be interesting.
Jeff
It’s certainly a little darker than the previous issues. If there’s any doubt that this book needs a Mature Readers Only label, this issue shows why. A friend of mine was reading this at McDonald’s earlier and he nearly choked on his Big Mac at *that* scene (those who read the issue will know what I’m talking about). Nonetheless, it’s a fine series so far.
Definatly a good story, my problem is getting the right mix of hiding enough to keep the story intersting and revealing enough to make us want to care and know the characters. Right now there are to many question marks, hopefully there will be some answers by the end of this arc to let us know something. Or a Wally like character to point out the basics of the city.
Hey Peter, long time listener first time caller…
I’m really digging FA, and #3 was very cool. Liked the non-linear storytelling and the twist on the “I have this ‘friend’ who’s in trouble” bit. I like the artwork, the city, the supporting cast…solid stuff, I’ve added FA to my pull list at the comic shop.
j leach
Great last page, and excellent last panel/caption. I’m looking forward to next ish.
Travis
QUOTE:
Personally, I believe that Lee’s identity should remain a mystery. She has the potential to be a worthy yet more aggressive successor to “The Phantom Stranger,” whose mystique was ruined for me after Secret Origins #10 way back in the mid-to-late 80s.
Can’t see why the Secret Origins ruind the Phantom Stranger for you, since it gave FOUR POSSIBLE ORIGINS and even hinted that none of them may be the true origin anway (and in the DC Vertigo line Neil Gaiman came up with a fifth origin that also may not be the case).
To me that increases the mystery.
Two words…. LOVE IT.
I am really enjoying the mystery of the series. It is a title that makes you think and I really like that in the books and comics that I read. Keep up the good work.
Because, Rabidwolf, though the titles escape me at the moment, other comics that the “Stranger” has appeared in since SO #10 have shown by implication (throwaway comment here, angelic reference there) that they hold to the “fallen angel” (sic) origin presented in that issue. Therefore, while initially it may have been speculative in the beginning, that particular “possible” origin has been revisited again and again with PS, thereby “ruining it” for me.
that’s RabidWolfe with an “e” – and actually, you are wrong.
Those references to the fallen angel origin are to the Gaimin penned “origin” (which has had hints dropped that it may not be the case) instead of the Secret Origin one you are thinking of.
It was okay. The in media res approach to the story has been done to death, but it pretty straightforward. Seeing a guy mášŧûrbáŧìņg is something I didn’t expect, and I’m thinking that maybe the Powers that Be were right for putting a Mature Label on the next issues, as I do not think this is approrpriate for 13-year olds. It was nice seeing Lee in her daytime job, and I’m curious to see the rest of the story arc.
I agree that the artwork looks MUCH better. The line has improved quite a bit, and the use of blacks was adroit. Panels 1 and 2 on Page 7 were really well-rendered. Panel 4 on Page 13 was perfect. Page 17, panel one was excellently drawn, as was the subsequent sequence. The special “blue energy” effects of the creature are pretty cool. David Lopez’s faces still need a bit of work, particularly in terms of his line and when not to spot blacks, but I noticed in this issue something I didn’t notice before: That the way he draws faces, it looks like he’s influenced by Gary Frank. (Am I imagining things?)
Overall, I’m still reserving judgement on the series as a whole, as I want answers as to who Lee is and what her deal is, but it’s still better than it was in the first issue.
Regarding the Phantom Stranger, one of the stories that Robert Kanigher wrote in the early ’70s had the character identify himself as Philip Strong.
I liked it. I like the mythology you are setting up as well as contrast between daytime and night in the city. I think you’ve made the Fallen Angel a bit too strong and powerful though, that is pushed to her limit a bit too soon. I will start to lose interest if she doesn’t have limitations and weaknesses. I know you enjoy writing about character flaws as a greatest weakness but I like a (tiny) bit of reality grounding my comics. She should spend the next 6 months in bed recovering.
The first two issues I found to be “alright”. Nothing stood out in them that made me say “wow, this is spectacular stuff”. It was very well done, with some well placed intrigue, but I just didn’t find that connection to the series. I was going to keep on reading the series, but only for a few more issues, just to give it a “fair” chance.
But then I read issue 3, and, for whatever reason, things “clicked”. I’m definately going to be sticking around for longer than I planned.
Though I must say, the mášŧûrbáŧìøņ scene was pointless, and could have been left out and absolutely nothing would have been missed. I’m all for the more “mature” elements when they’re appropriate, but this just seemed to be there for the sake of being there, I found. Take out that scene, and then I would have had nothing to complain about the issue.
Otherwise, keep up the great work! I’m sticking around!!
Ah, it was okay. Better thatn 1602. The plot is interesting.
However, the “yutz” scene was just stupid. What, did you have a few panels you needed to fill at the last minute?
I liked her fight with the invisible monster thingie. The art in this series is incredible.
I’m really liking this series so far, Peter. This has the potential to be your best series yet.
Keep up the good work.
-Greg
Read it over lunch at work. Discreetly, yes, but I find it to be no more explicit (sexuality) or shocking (violence) than the first 9 issues of Supergirl – the scenes with Buzz and the cult come to mind. Now some of the Bat/Cat titles – those need ‘mature readers’ plastered on them.
I raced through the issue so fast that the art barely registered on first read – I was in that much of a hurry to read what was happening. So yes, you could say I liked it! Then I went back and re-read it calmly and enjoyed it thoroughly. Quite looking forward to more.
Though I must say, the mášŧûrbáŧìøņ scene was pointless, and could have been left out and absolutely nothing would have been missed. I’m all for the more “mature” elements when they’re appropriate, but this just seemed to be there for the sake of being there, I found.
Y’think so, huh.
Good.
PAD
Seeing a guy mášŧûrbáŧìņg is something I didn’t expect, and I’m thinking that maybe the Powers that Be were right for putting a Mature Label on the next issues, as I do not think this is approrpriate for 13-year olds.
Interestingly, you’re exactly right. It’s that scene that triggered the mandate for Mature labelling. And I have to say, that breaks me up. The violence, the blood and gore…that’s okay. But one guy bringing himself self-gratification, with his back to the viewer, yet…*that* is too much for kids to take.
PAD
However, the “yutz” scene was just stupid. What, did you have a few panels you needed to fill at the last minute?
There is a suc-ker…born ev’ry min-ute…
PAD
You know, PAD, after I read issue 3 I kind of wondered what you would have included had you known at the time that Fallen Angel was getting a For Mature Readers label.
Mášŧûrbáŧìņg? Some people just have dirty minds. I thought he was shaking a bottle of Heinz Tomato Ketchup.
Speaking of the mášŧûrbáŧìøņ scene… having Lee call him a yutz — was that a nod to Farscape? Does that mean Lee is a Farscape fan? Or does yutz come from some real language?