Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Posting-Version: Notesfiles; site hpfclr.UUCP Path: utzoo!watmath!clyde!cbosgd!ihnp4!houxm!vax135!cornell!uw-beaver!tektronix!hplabs!hpfcdc!hpfcla!yoshida From: yoshida@hpfcla.UUCP Newsgroups: net.comics Subject: Re: Orphaned Response Message-ID: <57400004@hpfclr.UUCP> Date: Wed, 4-Dec-85 12:40:00 EST Article-I.D.: hpfclr.57400004 Posted: Wed Dec 4 12:40:00 1985 Date-Received: Wed, 11-Dec-85 04:17:31 EST References: <2457@colossus.UUCP> Organization: 04 Dec 85 10:40:00 MST Lines: 67 It's hard not to accept an invitation from Jeff to discuss a relevant topic in "net.comics." And although I wasn't fortunate enough to pick up an issue of Miracle Man #1 or 2 (and what with the price of a back issue running at $5 and up it seems unlikely that I'll read them in the near future), I'd nonetheless like to comment on some of the topics he brought up. The concept of Stage I and II Superheroes is a logical grouping of the comics book characters as they started in their raw form in the late 30's and their present "modern" counterparts in the 80's. (See the parent article for a detailed description.) Jeff makes broad generalizations which are, of course, necessary to try and discern a pattern, and at the same time (as should be) he acknowledges that there are always exceptions. So what we're talking about here are TRENDS. Admittedly, I have a narrower first-hand experience (so to speak) than a lot of people in reguard to the number of comics I've read. My main diet consisted of DC's line starting from the late 60's with only a smattering of Marvel mixed in. However, I'm an avid fan of comic book history, and I've read many an article about the origins of the DC and Marvel Universes. I think Stage III showed itself in the birth of the Independents. (Okay, okay, I know it sounds obvious, but SOMEONE has to say it.) Pacific, Eclipse, First, Renegade, and (to a lesser extent) Epic Comics (to name a few) provided an alternative to the mainstream titles that had long held the market in a stranglehold. One of my first encounters with the independents was "Somerset Holmes" from Pacific Comics, a superb series of intrigue and a first-rate spy thriller. What is more, the main character possessed no super-powers, and you could conceivably convince yourself that, yes indeed, this story might REALLY have happened. The "alternates" had the advantage of having a clean slate; they could do WHATEVER they wanted to without fear of ruining continuity. Maybe this approach was better -- however, it does threaten to repeat past mistakes. The DC Universe started off as a group of characters that knew nothing of the other's existence, and then books like the All-Star Squadron, the Justice League, the (in)famous Flash cross-over story, and so on, created such a miasma of confusion that CRISIS ON INFINITE EARTHS was finally conceived to do some major surgery to the DC legend. So, are the independents ushering in a new age? Will Superheroes have more "believeable" powers and living situations such as "Miracle Man," or will these Stage III characters be bereft of fantastic abilities such as "Somerset Holmes"? The trend, I feel, is DEFINITELY upon us. What its form will be is certainly hard to tell. Most likely from what I've read of the Independents the new Heroes will have less power and more characterization. Everyone looks for milestones, and maybe Miracle Man is that milestone. Unfortunately, only time (and the readers response) will tell... And finally...A Merry Christmas to all you folks out in Netland! Stuart Yoshida "One World (Not Three)" hp-sdd!-------\ hp-pcd!------\ csu-cs!-----\ ihnp4!----->--hpfcla!hpfclh!yoshida edison!-----/ hpbbn!-------/ hplabs!-------/