Comments for PackRat Comics

Comment on Thoughts on Kevin Smith’s Comic Book Men by Rich trask

Rich trask — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 19:40:11 +0000

I wish they did more of a Big Brother type of approach with the show. Assorted cameras placed all around the store capturing the daily conversations and interactions then editing the scenes down for the hour show, along with the intermittent podcast discussions with Smith… lose the Pawn Star aspects and maybe just do small cameos from toy experts and other collectors talking to the guys about featured eras and items of toys and comics and all things collectable. But it is an interesting show thus far; I just become weary of the contrivances and scripted situations.

Comment on Why Does Everyone Hate Superman So Much? by Jack Tiberi

Jack Tiberi — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 03:33:18 +0000

Wow, It’s great to see someone so passionate about the character! I agree that the world doesn’t have to be grim and gritty, especially in comics. Ever since Watchmen and the Dark Knight (and arguably before) comics seemed to have taken a shift to darker subject matters and characters, and there is absolutely a place for that, but Superman is meant to be the shining beacon in the grim and gritty world. Thanks for reading and commenting, but most of all, thanks for loving comics!

Comment on Why Does Everyone Hate Superman So Much? by Rich Trask

Rich Trask — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 22:38:40 +0000

On many things you’ve discussed I agree with. And I find Superman to be the quintessential Super Hero by every right and yet, that does lead to backlash from a cynical comic book fan base mostly looking for darker, more complicated, and morally ambiguous fare. But he is this amazing thing; he’s the character that draws people into the world of comics in the first place. He’s brightly colored, pleasing and heroic to the eye. He seems like your dad, or you wish he could be, he’s safe and reliable, small kids like that. But then they meet Batman, and then they start to relate to the terrible parts of this world that makes you wish for heroes. As a comic book fan grows up and moves further into the real world; they are faced with many hardships and frustrations… that’s what then creates a relatable hero, someone who struggles, forced to deal with terrible circumstances or an rough upbringing that shape their view of the world, the evil that exists in it, and the motivation to do something about it.
Superman lacks a lot of that struggle, things are easy for him. He was too young to have any connection to his dead planet Krypton, but was raised by a warm and loving adoptive family. It’s a testament to everything going right, that America is a land of promise and good fortune, good people and traditional values. And that’s Superman, and that’s fantastic… sometimes when Darkseid or Luthor are being just SO bad, Superman literally can’t believe it, like “Dude… why?” But that’s because Superman can’t relate to evil. He’s a saver, and a savior, but not really a fighter. He’s powerful, but rarely uses all his power. He never really ends a crisis by just punching it, or killing it, or ‘sploding it, not because he can do all these things, but because he’s more interested in solving a crisis peacefully and tries to make the world better for it. And that’s what makes him a viable character in comics because THAT IS his struggle. He treats the world like he was treated as a child, with warmth, love, and understanding.
And I like Superman for those reasons. The concept is so strong that there doesn’t need to be another, and if anything, his existence in the DC Universe serves to make the other characters stronger and more interesting by comparison. Superman is the character that all others are measured by. Batman becomes infinitely more interesting when paired with Superman for the very fact that they are opposites but not enemies, their methodologies are vastly different, but each respects the other and takes value in their diversities. Superman is a great character, and all the changes have yet to change that, all characters evolve and modify with the times, but he’s never been corrupted or stripped of his core values, and that’s key. He’s a true pillar and a reliable character of the comic book universe.

Comment on Josh’s Pick: Batman – The Long Halloween by Joshua Irish

Joshua Irish — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 21:12:07 +0000

I’m only MANk Jack! Give me time, you scoundrel!

Comment on Josh’s Pick: Batman – The Long Halloween by Jack Tiberi

Jack Tiberi — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 21:10:51 +0000

What a great Batman story! You’re absolutely right on all points Josh, but you haven’t read the whole story until you’ve read Dark Victory!

Comment on Why Does Everyone Hate Superman So Much? by Jack Tiberi

Jack Tiberi — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 19:43:24 +0000

I agree, Mark. Clark Kent is a hero through and through and the fact that he isn’t driven by a thirst for vengeance, or constantly being stricken with moral dilemmas doesn’t make him less interesting as a character, just different. I also think that a lot of people (in at least a sub conscience sense) see him as a fatherly or authoritative figure and get turned off because it’s always hard to relate to someone in a place of authority in a person to person sense, but just because they’ve got some kind of power over you doesen’t make them any less of a person, it just affects your view of them. Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoy the other writers articles’ just as much!

Comment on Why Does Everyone Hate Superman So Much? by Jack Tiberi

Jack Tiberi — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 19:28:52 +0000

Absolutely! My favorite Superman stories portray Clark as a very powerful individual, but challenge him with an enemy or event that illustrate just how useless his abilities are. Some of what Geoff Johns did with the character really struck the right chord for me, All-Star Superman is another good example. Thanks for reading, sir!

Comment on Why Does Everyone Hate Superman So Much? by mark anderson

mark anderson — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 18:22:39 +0000

jack, once again, well thought out and written. personally, i haven’t collected the titles (except the few one shots) in several years. my problem has been that dc’s trying too hard to change the book too many times. decrease powers, raise powers, only survivor, many survivors, strong personality, wimp – - as you wrote, he is an icon, a travellor from a distant planet; there is a pathos to him, but his beliefs define him, not his tragedies. it seems it’s easier to accept magic rings and radioactive insects than “truth, justice, and the american way”, as if that is the bigger stretch. and, his rogue gallery isn’t the best, either ha! ok, that’s my 2 cents worth (or 1.14 cents adjusted for inflation)

Comment on Why Does Everyone Hate Superman So Much? by Madlogic

Madlogic — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 17:39:08 +0000

Very good article. I think you really hit the nail on the head. I don’t get all the hate either. For those who use the “he’s too powerful” argument, good writing can give him backbreaking challenges, powerful enemies and really make his life difficult.
Maybe he can bench press an aircraft carrier, but his powers would be useless if a friend were diagnosed with terminal cancer. How would he cope with that? COULD he cope with what would be a very unfamiliar feeling of helplessness?
There are so many ways to explore superheroes as people without even getting into their powers, and I think a lot of sub-par writers neglect that.

Comment on Thoughts on Kevin Smith’s Comic Book Men by Jack Tiberi

Jack Tiberi — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 05:25:58 +0000

I feel like this show is right on the precipice of greatness, but one thing holds it back every episode. The first one was the pawn stars rip off and the second episode had… Jason Mewes… poor choice.