Go forth and speak. (You do that, and I’ll stop trying to sound like Warren Ellis.)
31 comments on “FALLEN ANGEL #5: So, whad’ja think?”
That’s a good question.
Five issues in, and I find myself enjoying this comic without being sure why. The stories are intestesting so far, though nothing much has been resolved. The art is great. The characters? Well, there’s the sticking point, as Lee remains 75% mystery. An improvement over 90% mystery in the first issue, but still perpelxing.
I like Slate, despite what he is. I like Asia Minor, despite his intentional effort to be a B-movie stereotype. I like Dolph, even knowing who he’s supposed to be. I find them all intriguing.
Lee? The star of the show? I don’t care for her. I don’t I’m supposed to, though. She’s a bitter and hard woman who wants to save the world but not herself. and that alone makes this comic worth paying attention to.
Fallen Angel – Lee’s looks aside – is not a pretty book. It is different, however, and I think is trying an approach few comics with a DC bullet have ever tried. So I’m still in. I just find myself wondering why.
I agree the post above. I live the series so far, but I can’t point to one reason why. The stories have been interesting, but still vauge enough to not know who is who. Lee seems to fit the “heroine” role, but no where near traditionally. She seems to have some reason to be there and do what she does but we don’t know what it is, or why she is there.
And some nagging part of my mind keeps thinking of Linda Lee, but I don’t know why.
Maybe the reason I like is because it is different from all the other comics and I want to see where it goes.
Ðámņ. So everyone else is the same way, huh?
One of the things that intrigues me is that, often, what the characters say does not match up with what they do. There are more levels of ambiguity here than in many books. See, for example, Lee’s treatment of Slate this issue. She says she doesn’t care…but is there too much emotion here? Too much anger? Or is it a cynical, calculated use of force to keep Slate off balance? Or is there just a trace of truth here that it irritates Lee a touch, but not THAT much?
Hmmm…there’s more here than on the surface….
I, too, enjoy the book. I loan it out to select students, and a couple of them have started picking it up (despite the Mature Readers thingy).
Just to jump on another bandwagon, I, too, still find myself enjoying the book despite the rather notable lack of information on the Fallen Angel herself. I also have a little difficulty pinning down why the book is cool, even though it is definitely cool in my book.
I was curious about something from this issue, though: if it’s Mature Readers, why does it go to all that trouble to not show nipples? Does the DC imprint impose a level of censorship on a Mature book that the Vertigo imprint doesn’t? Not that I care too much about seeing Lee’s breasts, but it always amuses me to see carefully placed arms, hair, other people, etc.
Anyway…
Eric
I’ll jump on the bandwagon too. Why not? I have yet to figure out WHY I like the book, but I do. Go figure.
I like how the story is starting to develop, and I’m glad that while Lee is the central character of the book the entire plot does not necessarily revolve around her. I’m looking forward to seeing some of the other characters developed.
Reading this issue I was absolutely amazed at what a fully formed character Lee is after only 5 issues.
I enjoy reading PAD’s Captain Marvel but even Marv after all these issues doesn’t feel as “real” to me as Lee does.
I don’t know if PAD is reading this thread but I would love to know how long has this character been floating around in his head to come out so well formed?
Jeff
Too bad Fallen Angel is DC and not Marvel because I’d love to see Lee and Marv meet up.
Imagine the possiblites.
This was a great issue.
It was interesting seeing how everyone is dealing with this threat.
My favorite part would have to be seeing hos Theresa’s parents have dealt with their loss.
Poor Slate paid a hefty price for his “peep-show.”
I also loved seeing Asia back in this issue. He is by far my favorite character so far(besides Lee).
A couple of months ago, people jumped on my bandwagon…actually, on my neck…in this forum. I simply stated that I thought the covers shown indicated demons torturing and possibly killing innocent children. The attitude was, “How can you say that?”
Because that’s what it looked like, and a good artist will draw a cover relating in some way to the content of the book. Given the recent issue, I suppose I should be supplying those who criticized me with some tasty recipes for crow.
I buy the book. I can’t say why, since the stories are uncomfortable, except I am interested in many things Mr. David does. This exploration of dark, forlorn motives is fascinating to watch.
Were I a formally religious person, I might say that Lee seems to be trying to do good without the knowledge or understanding of God, since Bete Noir appears to be a place without any objective sense of morality. Lee’s agonies seem to be that she doesn’t believe in goodness at all. She only tries to lessen the cruelty and evil. And that struggle doesn’t give her any peace or satisfaction.
The one bit of amusement is that people are drawing comparisons with Lee and Mr. D’s work on “Supergirl.” It’s fans reading meaning into the work that doesn’t exist (as far as we know), much like the conspiracy theorists coming up with new assassins for John Kennedy.
I picked up the book when it first came out, not even realizing it was PAD. I’m a random type of person when it comes to buying stuff in comic shops that I don’t already have on my list.
The whole thing was read through before I even thought to glance at the cover and spy DAVID on the left.
Funny I get a feeling that I know this Lee character somewhere, and I don’t know why. It compelled me enough to keep reading and eventually add it to my list.
Tzunny
“A couple of months ago, people jumped on my bandwagon…actually, on my neck…in this forum. I simply stated that I thought the covers shown indicated demons torturing and possibly killing innocent children. The attitude was, “How can you say that?”
Because that’s what it looked like, and a good artist will draw a cover relating in some way to the content of the book. Given the recent issue, I suppose I should be supplying those who criticized me with some tasty recipes for crow.”
I’m not sure why, since we still don’t know whether this invisible monster is a demon or not. And we still don’t know the monster’s motivations for killing the two young females. Maybe they weren’t so “innocent” as you’re readily claiming, since one was involved with a ganglord and his son.
KET
Were I a formally religious person, I might say that Lee seems to be trying to do good without the knowledge or understanding of God, since Bete Noir appears to be a place without any objective sense of morality.
Actually, it’s funny you should say that. The next issue it’s revealed there *is* an objective sense of morality…from an unexpected source.
PAD
I’m surprised nobody is talking about the scars on her back ( uh…wings cut off?) Very similar to Lucifer from Sandman.
i think it’s interesting that so many people on this thread say they enjoy the book without knowing why… they like the book but seem to know nothing about lee…
isn’t that the point? mr. david is presenting us with something mysterious. we’re enjoying the process: questions are posed and we look forward to the answers.
it’s called good writing, guys…
Thomas, you didn’t “simply state” that the cover looked like a demon was attacking women. You also said DC was trying to pander to sadism, and that this book would appeal to those who wanted to see women tortured and abused. (You also stated in no uncertain terms that you wouldn’t buy the book because of the subject matter.)
Now you say you love this book. That’s the root of the “don’t judge a book by the cover” argument–you may have been broadly correct on the subject matter (though you were off on a lot of the specifics–there haven’t been any rapes, for example) but you’ve done a 180 on your attitude towards the contents. Given that, perhaps you shouldn’t be claiming now that you were right all along.
The most exciting part of the story, for me, was seeing the wing scars on Lee’s back. Wow!
I felt a little disappointed that Slate got to see Lee’s tits and I didn’t, but then I remembered that she’s not real.
All in all, a very enjoyable issue, but not very satisfying. But that’s the nature of an issue that is building up a situation to be resolved in a future issue. The purpose is to increase the tension in the story, so that the climax will be that much more, well, climactic.
Okay, I’ll bite.
The first two issues, I really didn’t care too much for. I liked the mystery that was presented in the characters, the city, and the stories. But, for some reason, it just didn’t totally grab me. But, it was enough to bring me back for more.
Issue 3 come along and hooked me. Things were looking up. I enjoyed 4 as well. But the last issue seemed to push me back in the other direction. I love the mystery surrounding the characters still, but…okay, I’ll admit, it’s no fault of Mr. David’s, but, I can be quite prudish at times, and, the darkness, the violence, and yes, the sex (and that mášŧûrbáŧìøņ sequence a few issues ago? What was THAT for?) seem to be getting to me.
I’m not sure if that’s the sole factor, but it’s the biggest one. And, though it may be more “realistic”, to me it’s just as easy to leave out without missing a beat. Most of it, anyways.
So, in all honestly, I’m going to continue checking out the series for now, but haven’t decided for how long. Depends on how things go. (Again, for the record, the writing and art are very well done. It’s just a personal thing)
I’m enjoying it, mostly because it intrigues me, and there’s usually a scene or two that I think is really effective in one way or another. I’m still not sure how I feel about any of the characters, although I do have to say that I’m happy whenever Asia Minor is onstage.
I’m most curious about the city that disappeared, and what that could mean for Bete Noir.
Rob
Wing scars??
Wow, I didn’t even notice that bit…however I did seem to notice the tag sticking up on her panties, go figure.
I’ll go back and check those scars out though. Good job and thanks for picking up on that.
I can be quite prudish at times, and, the darkness, the violence, and yes, the sex (and that mášŧûrbáŧìøņ sequence a few issues ago? What was THAT for?)
Funny you should ask…
PAD
I liked the first two issues of the series, and I think that I commented on both of them here (certainly the first one). When the third issue came out, I figured that I should wait until the four-part story was over before commenting. When the fourth issue came out, it was ok, but I found that I was having trouble remembering what had happened previously.
So, when I got the fifth issue, I re-read all four of the previous issues before I started the new one, and it definitely benefited from that. One thing that had confused me before was the actual sequence of events. Since #3 started with Lee at the bottom of an elevator shaft, and then went into flashback mode, I thought that this was actually describing the events that led her to Bete Noire initially (the vague first case that Asia Minor helped her with). It wasn’t until today that I realised she’s working at a school during the day, simultaneously with spending nights in the cape.
Dr Juris is now starting to remind me of the Patrician (from Terry Pratchett’s “Discworld” novels) a bit, in the sense that he prefers order to chaos, even if that means allowing illegal activities. I was very interested to see that he feels a responsibility to the world, which suggests that he’s motivated by duty more than empire-building.
The scene in the bathroom surprised me in a couple of ways. Firstly, because I’ve never had any particular trouble with getting out blood-stains (e.g. if I get a nosebleed, and put my handkerchief in the washing machine afterwards). Secondly, because Lee’s comment about “I don’t care if you’ve seen my tits” was rather cruder than I’d expected. It didn’t offend me, but after all the shadow-dancing with carefully placed objects in the artwork, this comment made quite a contrast by being so direct about the subject. Still, just because she’s not fussed about that, it doesn’t necessarily mean that she’s a complete nihilist. It could simply be an attitude of “Oh, grow up – I’ve got bigger things to worry about”. I’ve certainly known a few people (male and female) who have similar attitudes.
Anyway, I’ll be sticking with the series, and I look forward to seeing how it develops in future issues.
I noticed the tag, too. I thought it was a nice tocuh — made them seem less like a bikini bottom.
Rob
(feeling a faint flush of shame at devoting a post entirely to comic book panties)
Very good issue. And the Scars was a nice touch….
Well, I gave it five issues, and have dropped the title now. Why? The stories are boring. I have NO emotional vestment in any of them.
Peter, you are MUCH better than this. This does NOT read like a PD comic at all.
Sorry…
Doug, you said:
“Thomas, you didn’t “simply state” that the cover looked like a demon was attacking women. You also said DC was trying to pander to sadism, and that this book would appeal to those who wanted to see women tortured and abused.”
I haven’t looked in the archive for my original quotes, but I think you’re playing Bill O’Reilly with me here. But I’d still agree that, of course DC will try to pander to sadism. A lot of the sexually frustrated males who read comics want to see the people who frustrate them (women) suffering. Even if the story doesn’t call for it specifically (and Mr. D’s story didn’t) a cover that suggests they’d get their “fan service” will sell more books.
You also siad, “(You also stated in no uncertain terms that you wouldn’t buy the book because of the subject matter.)”
No. I said that FROM THE COVER ALONE, I wouldn’t buy the book. If I didn’t know who was writing it, and gave it a benefit of a doubt, I wouldn’t. The same sadistic covers or worse show up on Anne Rice, Robin Cook, Todd McFarlane and other books, and they’ll NEVER get my money.
My argument remains the same: a book cover provides hints of what is in a book. Given the covers alone, “Fallen Angel” looks vicious to women. And that’s a selling point to quite a few fanboys.
Peter, you are MUCH better than this.
I disagree. I think this is, in fact, some of the best writing I’ve done in comics in a while. I was reading the black and white proof copy of #7 and thought, Ðámņ, this is good.
This does NOT read like a PD comic at all.
Kind of the point.
Sorry…
Your loss.
PAD
The story is good, and so was the dialogue. I liked how Juris asked Lee to help him, and the shot of him on his balcony looking over Bete Noire as night approaches and Lee has disappeared was a nice touch.
The art continues to be inconsistent. Lee, for example, looks just awful on the first few pages, with a big nose, and a palette/mouth that protrudes outward, but then she looked really hot in those two pages where she offered herself to Asia Minor. The artist(s) continue to spot blacks poorly, constantly putting thick spots or lines of black on the cheeks of Men’s faces (most notably Juris’), without using the same consistent level of black elsewhere in the scene or even in the shot.
Still, I wanna see what happens next. 🙂
I for one enjoy the series (although still a bit confused on what Lee is exactly…i.e. immortal or mortal etc. *scratching head*) anyways I hope I’m not the only one in thinking and I don’t think I am. How many more issues are there gonna be of Fallen Angel?
I haven’t looked in the archive for my original quotes, but I think you’re playing Bill O’Reilly wih me here.
I did check the archive.
My problem is with anything that glorifies sadism. Like the previous cover to this one, showing a similar demon about to rip apart a five-year-old. (5/31/03. Note that you were wrong about it being a five-year-old.)
Sorrow clearly takes this particular cover out of the realm of you gore-lovers out there, who only want women to feel pain and fear. (6/11/03. Okay, I didn’t quote you exactly, but I had the gist of it.)
No. I said that FROM THE COVER ALONE, I wouldn’t buy the book.
No, you didn’t. 5/31/03: It’s still a book I won’t buy for its theme, but at least there won’t be adults screaming in outrage over this cover. No qualifiers. (And go back and re-read your inital post on 5/4/03: there aren’t any qualifiers there, either.)
You also said I have no problem with anyone publishing this kind of book, of course. Which just doesn’t jibe with your later statements.
I just finished reading issue #5, great read. I must say I am on the Linda/Lee bandwagon, is there any connection between the two (literal connection) or not? just wondering,
• 
That’s a good question.
Five issues in, and I find myself enjoying this comic without being sure why. The stories are intestesting so far, though nothing much has been resolved. The art is great. The characters? Well, there’s the sticking point, as Lee remains 75% mystery. An improvement over 90% mystery in the first issue, but still perpelxing.
I like Slate, despite what he is. I like Asia Minor, despite his intentional effort to be a B-movie stereotype. I like Dolph, even knowing who he’s supposed to be. I find them all intriguing.
Lee? The star of the show? I don’t care for her. I don’t I’m supposed to, though. She’s a bitter and hard woman who wants to save the world but not herself. and that alone makes this comic worth paying attention to.
Fallen Angel – Lee’s looks aside – is not a pretty book. It is different, however, and I think is trying an approach few comics with a DC bullet have ever tried. So I’m still in. I just find myself wondering why.
I agree the post above. I live the series so far, but I can’t point to one reason why. The stories have been interesting, but still vauge enough to not know who is who. Lee seems to fit the “heroine” role, but no where near traditionally. She seems to have some reason to be there and do what she does but we don’t know what it is, or why she is there.
And some nagging part of my mind keeps thinking of Linda Lee, but I don’t know why.
Maybe the reason I like is because it is different from all the other comics and I want to see where it goes.
Ðámņ. So everyone else is the same way, huh?
One of the things that intrigues me is that, often, what the characters say does not match up with what they do. There are more levels of ambiguity here than in many books. See, for example, Lee’s treatment of Slate this issue. She says she doesn’t care…but is there too much emotion here? Too much anger? Or is it a cynical, calculated use of force to keep Slate off balance? Or is there just a trace of truth here that it irritates Lee a touch, but not THAT much?
Hmmm…there’s more here than on the surface….
I, too, enjoy the book. I loan it out to select students, and a couple of them have started picking it up (despite the Mature Readers thingy).
Just to jump on another bandwagon, I, too, still find myself enjoying the book despite the rather notable lack of information on the Fallen Angel herself. I also have a little difficulty pinning down why the book is cool, even though it is definitely cool in my book.
I was curious about something from this issue, though: if it’s Mature Readers, why does it go to all that trouble to not show nipples? Does the DC imprint impose a level of censorship on a Mature book that the Vertigo imprint doesn’t? Not that I care too much about seeing Lee’s breasts, but it always amuses me to see carefully placed arms, hair, other people, etc.
Anyway…
Eric
I’ll jump on the bandwagon too. Why not? I have yet to figure out WHY I like the book, but I do. Go figure.
I like how the story is starting to develop, and I’m glad that while Lee is the central character of the book the entire plot does not necessarily revolve around her. I’m looking forward to seeing some of the other characters developed.
Reading this issue I was absolutely amazed at what a fully formed character Lee is after only 5 issues.
I enjoy reading PAD’s Captain Marvel but even Marv after all these issues doesn’t feel as “real” to me as Lee does.
I don’t know if PAD is reading this thread but I would love to know how long has this character been floating around in his head to come out so well formed?
Jeff
Too bad Fallen Angel is DC and not Marvel because I’d love to see Lee and Marv meet up.
Imagine the possiblites.
This was a great issue.
It was interesting seeing how everyone is dealing with this threat.
My favorite part would have to be seeing hos Theresa’s parents have dealt with their loss.
Poor Slate paid a hefty price for his “peep-show.”
I also loved seeing Asia back in this issue. He is by far my favorite character so far(besides Lee).
A couple of months ago, people jumped on my bandwagon…actually, on my neck…in this forum. I simply stated that I thought the covers shown indicated demons torturing and possibly killing innocent children. The attitude was, “How can you say that?”
Because that’s what it looked like, and a good artist will draw a cover relating in some way to the content of the book. Given the recent issue, I suppose I should be supplying those who criticized me with some tasty recipes for crow.
I buy the book. I can’t say why, since the stories are uncomfortable, except I am interested in many things Mr. David does. This exploration of dark, forlorn motives is fascinating to watch.
Were I a formally religious person, I might say that Lee seems to be trying to do good without the knowledge or understanding of God, since Bete Noir appears to be a place without any objective sense of morality. Lee’s agonies seem to be that she doesn’t believe in goodness at all. She only tries to lessen the cruelty and evil. And that struggle doesn’t give her any peace or satisfaction.
The one bit of amusement is that people are drawing comparisons with Lee and Mr. D’s work on “Supergirl.” It’s fans reading meaning into the work that doesn’t exist (as far as we know), much like the conspiracy theorists coming up with new assassins for John Kennedy.
I picked up the book when it first came out, not even realizing it was PAD. I’m a random type of person when it comes to buying stuff in comic shops that I don’t already have on my list.
The whole thing was read through before I even thought to glance at the cover and spy DAVID on the left.
Funny I get a feeling that I know this Lee character somewhere, and I don’t know why. It compelled me enough to keep reading and eventually add it to my list.
Tzunny
“A couple of months ago, people jumped on my bandwagon…actually, on my neck…in this forum. I simply stated that I thought the covers shown indicated demons torturing and possibly killing innocent children. The attitude was, “How can you say that?”
Because that’s what it looked like, and a good artist will draw a cover relating in some way to the content of the book. Given the recent issue, I suppose I should be supplying those who criticized me with some tasty recipes for crow.”
I’m not sure why, since we still don’t know whether this invisible monster is a demon or not. And we still don’t know the monster’s motivations for killing the two young females. Maybe they weren’t so “innocent” as you’re readily claiming, since one was involved with a ganglord and his son.
KET
Were I a formally religious person, I might say that Lee seems to be trying to do good without the knowledge or understanding of God, since Bete Noir appears to be a place without any objective sense of morality.
Actually, it’s funny you should say that. The next issue it’s revealed there *is* an objective sense of morality…from an unexpected source.
PAD
I’m surprised nobody is talking about the scars on her back ( uh…wings cut off?) Very similar to Lucifer from Sandman.
i think it’s interesting that so many people on this thread say they enjoy the book without knowing why… they like the book but seem to know nothing about lee…
isn’t that the point? mr. david is presenting us with something mysterious. we’re enjoying the process: questions are posed and we look forward to the answers.
it’s called good writing, guys…
Thomas, you didn’t “simply state” that the cover looked like a demon was attacking women. You also said DC was trying to pander to sadism, and that this book would appeal to those who wanted to see women tortured and abused. (You also stated in no uncertain terms that you wouldn’t buy the book because of the subject matter.)
Now you say you love this book. That’s the root of the “don’t judge a book by the cover” argument–you may have been broadly correct on the subject matter (though you were off on a lot of the specifics–there haven’t been any rapes, for example) but you’ve done a 180 on your attitude towards the contents. Given that, perhaps you shouldn’t be claiming now that you were right all along.
The most exciting part of the story, for me, was seeing the wing scars on Lee’s back. Wow!
I felt a little disappointed that Slate got to see Lee’s tits and I didn’t, but then I remembered that she’s not real.
All in all, a very enjoyable issue, but not very satisfying. But that’s the nature of an issue that is building up a situation to be resolved in a future issue. The purpose is to increase the tension in the story, so that the climax will be that much more, well, climactic.
Okay, I’ll bite.
The first two issues, I really didn’t care too much for. I liked the mystery that was presented in the characters, the city, and the stories. But, for some reason, it just didn’t totally grab me. But, it was enough to bring me back for more.
Issue 3 come along and hooked me. Things were looking up. I enjoyed 4 as well. But the last issue seemed to push me back in the other direction. I love the mystery surrounding the characters still, but…okay, I’ll admit, it’s no fault of Mr. David’s, but, I can be quite prudish at times, and, the darkness, the violence, and yes, the sex (and that mášŧûrbáŧìøņ sequence a few issues ago? What was THAT for?) seem to be getting to me.
I’m not sure if that’s the sole factor, but it’s the biggest one. And, though it may be more “realistic”, to me it’s just as easy to leave out without missing a beat. Most of it, anyways.
So, in all honestly, I’m going to continue checking out the series for now, but haven’t decided for how long. Depends on how things go. (Again, for the record, the writing and art are very well done. It’s just a personal thing)
I’m enjoying it, mostly because it intrigues me, and there’s usually a scene or two that I think is really effective in one way or another. I’m still not sure how I feel about any of the characters, although I do have to say that I’m happy whenever Asia Minor is onstage.
I’m most curious about the city that disappeared, and what that could mean for Bete Noir.
Rob
Wing scars??
Wow, I didn’t even notice that bit…however I did seem to notice the tag sticking up on her panties, go figure.
I’ll go back and check those scars out though. Good job and thanks for picking up on that.
I can be quite prudish at times, and, the darkness, the violence, and yes, the sex (and that mášŧûrbáŧìøņ sequence a few issues ago? What was THAT for?)
Funny you should ask…
PAD
I liked the first two issues of the series, and I think that I commented on both of them here (certainly the first one). When the third issue came out, I figured that I should wait until the four-part story was over before commenting. When the fourth issue came out, it was ok, but I found that I was having trouble remembering what had happened previously.
So, when I got the fifth issue, I re-read all four of the previous issues before I started the new one, and it definitely benefited from that. One thing that had confused me before was the actual sequence of events. Since #3 started with Lee at the bottom of an elevator shaft, and then went into flashback mode, I thought that this was actually describing the events that led her to Bete Noire initially (the vague first case that Asia Minor helped her with). It wasn’t until today that I realised she’s working at a school during the day, simultaneously with spending nights in the cape.
Dr Juris is now starting to remind me of the Patrician (from Terry Pratchett’s “Discworld” novels) a bit, in the sense that he prefers order to chaos, even if that means allowing illegal activities. I was very interested to see that he feels a responsibility to the world, which suggests that he’s motivated by duty more than empire-building.
The scene in the bathroom surprised me in a couple of ways. Firstly, because I’ve never had any particular trouble with getting out blood-stains (e.g. if I get a nosebleed, and put my handkerchief in the washing machine afterwards). Secondly, because Lee’s comment about “I don’t care if you’ve seen my tits” was rather cruder than I’d expected. It didn’t offend me, but after all the shadow-dancing with carefully placed objects in the artwork, this comment made quite a contrast by being so direct about the subject. Still, just because she’s not fussed about that, it doesn’t necessarily mean that she’s a complete nihilist. It could simply be an attitude of “Oh, grow up – I’ve got bigger things to worry about”. I’ve certainly known a few people (male and female) who have similar attitudes.
Anyway, I’ll be sticking with the series, and I look forward to seeing how it develops in future issues.
I noticed the tag, too. I thought it was a nice tocuh — made them seem less like a bikini bottom.
Rob
(feeling a faint flush of shame at devoting a post entirely to comic book panties)
Very good issue. And the Scars was a nice touch….
Well, I gave it five issues, and have dropped the title now. Why? The stories are boring. I have NO emotional vestment in any of them.
Peter, you are MUCH better than this. This does NOT read like a PD comic at all.
Sorry…
Doug, you said:
“Thomas, you didn’t “simply state” that the cover looked like a demon was attacking women. You also said DC was trying to pander to sadism, and that this book would appeal to those who wanted to see women tortured and abused.”
I haven’t looked in the archive for my original quotes, but I think you’re playing Bill O’Reilly with me here. But I’d still agree that, of course DC will try to pander to sadism. A lot of the sexually frustrated males who read comics want to see the people who frustrate them (women) suffering. Even if the story doesn’t call for it specifically (and Mr. D’s story didn’t) a cover that suggests they’d get their “fan service” will sell more books.
You also siad, “(You also stated in no uncertain terms that you wouldn’t buy the book because of the subject matter.)”
No. I said that FROM THE COVER ALONE, I wouldn’t buy the book. If I didn’t know who was writing it, and gave it a benefit of a doubt, I wouldn’t. The same sadistic covers or worse show up on Anne Rice, Robin Cook, Todd McFarlane and other books, and they’ll NEVER get my money.
My argument remains the same: a book cover provides hints of what is in a book. Given the covers alone, “Fallen Angel” looks vicious to women. And that’s a selling point to quite a few fanboys.
Peter, you are MUCH better than this.
I disagree. I think this is, in fact, some of the best writing I’ve done in comics in a while. I was reading the black and white proof copy of #7 and thought, Ðámņ, this is good.
This does NOT read like a PD comic at all.
Kind of the point.
Sorry…
Your loss.
PAD
The story is good, and so was the dialogue. I liked how Juris asked Lee to help him, and the shot of him on his balcony looking over Bete Noire as night approaches and Lee has disappeared was a nice touch.
The art continues to be inconsistent. Lee, for example, looks just awful on the first few pages, with a big nose, and a palette/mouth that protrudes outward, but then she looked really hot in those two pages where she offered herself to Asia Minor. The artist(s) continue to spot blacks poorly, constantly putting thick spots or lines of black on the cheeks of Men’s faces (most notably Juris’), without using the same consistent level of black elsewhere in the scene or even in the shot.
Still, I wanna see what happens next. 🙂
I for one enjoy the series (although still a bit confused on what Lee is exactly…i.e. immortal or mortal etc. *scratching head*) anyways I hope I’m not the only one in thinking and I don’t think I am. How many more issues are there gonna be of Fallen Angel?
I haven’t looked in the archive for my original quotes, but I think you’re playing Bill O’Reilly wih me here.
I did check the archive.
My problem is with anything that glorifies sadism. Like the previous cover to this one, showing a similar demon about to rip apart a five-year-old. (5/31/03. Note that you were wrong about it being a five-year-old.)
Sorrow clearly takes this particular cover out of the realm of you gore-lovers out there, who only want women to feel pain and fear. (6/11/03. Okay, I didn’t quote you exactly, but I had the gist of it.)
No. I said that FROM THE COVER ALONE, I wouldn’t buy the book.
No, you didn’t. 5/31/03: It’s still a book I won’t buy for its theme, but at least there won’t be adults screaming in outrage over this cover. No qualifiers. (And go back and re-read your inital post on 5/4/03: there aren’t any qualifiers there, either.)
You also said I have no problem with anyone publishing this kind of book, of course. Which just doesn’t jibe with your later statements.
I just finished reading issue #5, great read. I must say I am on the Linda/Lee bandwagon, is there any connection between the two (literal connection) or not? just wondering,