Tales of the TMNT 50

[Raph's Girl]

Midtowncomics.com is listing this as coming out Wednesday Sept 17th.

This is the TMNT and Leatherhead vs another version of the 13 monsters (Jersey Devil, Bigfoot, ect)

[Ninjinister]

The TMNT movie definitely would have seen benefit from Leatherhead....

[Andrew NDB]

I think the TMNT movie could have benefitted from a lot of things.

[jerome]

really? this issue features the jersey devil and some of the 13 monsters?:roll: why why oh why...when will we get back to the awesomeness of tales 36?

[Ninjinister]

really? this issue features the jersey devil and some of the 13 monsters?:roll: why why oh why...when will we get back to the awesomeness of tales 36?

You should really take a look at the preview on ninjaturtles.com. These aren't the same monsters. For example, the Jersey Devil looks more like the traditional version than the diminutive, demon-like creature Nightwatcher fought in the movie.

[Raph's Girl]

really? this issue features the jersey devil and some of the 13 monsters?:roll: why why oh why...when will we get back to the awesomeness of tales 36?

It's the sequel to Tales of the TMNT vol 1 06 that featured a monster hunter. Same monster hunter appeared in in the 2K3 series with a pink R2D2 named Amilia....

[Ninjinister]

It's the sequel to Tales of the TMNT vol 1 06 that featured a monster hunter. Same monster hunter appeared in in the 2K3 series with a pink R2D2 named Amilia....

Which is really strange, as I never would have thought that Marlin would have survived the events of that issue.

[Raph's Girl]

Which is really strange, as I never would have thought that Marlin would have survived the events of that issue.

It's a comic book. Comics don't need to make sense in explaining how somebody thought to have been killed turns up very much alive...or turns into a god... :P

[Ninjinister]

It's a comic book. Comics don't need to make sense in explaining how somebody thought to have been killed turns up very much alive...or turns into a god... :P

Yes, I do realize this... but you would think that of all people, the one shot average human villain would be one to just freakin' die after falling all that way.

[TristanHuwJones]

Marlin will never be coming back... His connection to this story is explained, as is what happened to him after Tales #6. These monsters aren't connected in any way to the 07 movie either.

The villains in this one are set to appear in two more stories in 09 too. Paul has dominated this one with art too. If you liked what he did in 36, he zooms past that in this.

Oh... Jerome... 6 months time and the #36 follow-ups start happening. I just saw the cover to issue 56 and am really excited! #59 is actually the story I wanted to directly follow #36 up with. It's a similar sort of story, slightly more fun/tongue in cheek, but still very much within the #36 vein. The story following that is both a follow up on #50 and #36, and the story after that is more of a flow-on from what happens after #36 and the stories that follow.

[Venom]

Just came in the mail today with the first part of Mikey's trilogy! :D

I'll read it and comment on it later tonight, but right now I'm going to bed - 21 hours is a loonng time to be awake. :sleep:

[TristanHuwJones]

You got it already!? Boo-urns!!

[Venom]

Heh, yeah, sometimes I get lucky and get 'em a couple days early. Katie's a nice lady, Tris!

[Andrew NDB]

Circumventing Diamond? I want a copy early.

[TristanHuwJones]

She is! I just wish I got mine early! Very green of you Michelangelo... Stang...!

[Venom]

Yeah, being a dedicated Turtle fan has its perks sometimes :D but fwiw, it's mostly a lucky strike. Usually she gets mine sent out the day the book is released and I get it about three days later.

Now, onto the book: Tris, you and Ryan crafted one helluva story! One part "The Most Dangerous Game", one part "Jurassic Park" (the setting's vibe), and all-out action!

One thing that really struck with me, and it's something I've not truly seen since the E&L books, was the relationship between Raph and Mikey. In the early books Mike was Raph's best buddy, so it was nice to see they still have that connection in your story.

You've got a very dynamic writing style, Tristan. It's not often that I get into a story enough to evoke an emotion, but throughout the story I found myself getting excited and suspenseful!

The characterization of the Turtles was spot on! Raph swearing and ready to kill, Mike popping off quips and using his creativity to defuse a situation, Leo assessing the events around them, and Don keeping cool under pressure. It was also quite nice to see Don take control and jump into action after the incident with Leo...:teek:

Paul's art was spectacular! Razorback's outfit looks a lot like the suits from the "TimeShift" game, which is a cool design. There was one minor hiccup where he drew Marlin's arm on the left side, while the others were on his right.

I really love how he draws the Turtles and Leatherhead! You can really feel LH's massive and ominous presence and static power. The only thing I wished from this book was a few extended panels of action: mostly Don and Leo's minor altercation and when the Turtles had to take on LH, and the rooftop scene.

To clarify, I saw a program recently about crocodilians and how turtles are one of their favorite snacks, followed by a very graphic (and disturbing to us who love turtles!) clip of a a croc bursting from under the water to snap a turtle in his jaws and literally crush the poor thing in an explosion of blood and shell shrapnel! In my mind I could see a few more panels of the Turtles avoiding becoming food for their friend and right as LH is about to deliver the death bite is when he comes to.

I may add to this after I've thought a little more about it, plus I'm monitoring my words for spoilers. :twink:

All in all you have another winner on your hands!! :tgrin::tgrin::tgrin::tgrin:

[Venom]

Do the bunyips of legend really have beaver/platypus tails, or was that creative liberty Paul took there?

And you had to have a boomerang didn't you, Tristan? :tlol::tgrin: That was cool!

Oh, and what is the missing word Razorback speaks on page 17, panel 3, "They'll #$%@ the odds out." I couldn't think of an adequate swear, unless you switch "out" with "up", or just interjecting "even" where the symbols are makes sense.

I want to ask about Leatherhead's injury after more have had a chance to read the story, because it's not clear where it was delivered. I see where it appears to be, but it also looks more superficial a few panels later.

And I love Marlin's fate, very fitting that nature will prevail over those who harm her and her creatures.

[Andrew NDB]

I'm actually very excited about #50. Excited because I know Tales #36 was badass and that Tristan will deliver, excited because it's the same team, and excited for Tristan because I know this is a huge thing for him... how can it not be? :)

Can't wait to grab my copy.

[Ninjinister]

Do the bunyips of legend really have beaver/platypus tails, or was that creative liberty Paul took there?


They typically have horse-like tails.

[Raph's Girl]

Do the bunyips of legend really have beaver/platypus tails, or was that creative liberty Paul took there?


Most Bunyips have horse tails but the tails appear to differ from area. These are Bunyips depicted on stamps:

http://www.cryptozoology.com/cryptids/images/bunyip01.jpg

http://www.cryptozoology.com/cryptids/images/bunyip02.jpg

http://www.cryptozoology.com/cryptids/bunyip.php

[Venom]

Cool, thanks Dierna! The second depiction is closer to the one Paul utilizes in this story.

[TristanHuwJones]

Yeah, being a dedicated Turtle fan has its perks sometimes :D but fwiw, it's mostly a lucky strike. Usually she gets mine sent out the day the book is released and I get it about three days later.

Dan was telling me that they have a new rep at their printing company, and that they got their copies last week. Apparently it used to be that they'd get all their copies WEEKS after it actually hit the stores! Talk about a bitch!

Now, onto the book: Tris, you and Ryan crafted one helluva story! One part "The Most Dangerous Game", one part "Jurassic Park" (the setting's vibe), and all-out action!

Actually, it started off being called "Most Dangerous Game", and then became "Most Dangerous" and then "World's Deadliest". I can't quite recall the train of thought that went from Dangerous to Deadliest. I think it was more the idea that dangerous was dangerous, but deadliest was beyond dangerous. But nonetheless, I am very glad you picked up on MDG! Ryan was familiar with both the book and the film, whereas I'd only seen the film, but regardless, we were both inspired by the same source material. I'm also a big fan of "Battle Royale" if there are any more fans of Japanese cinema (and manga I guess too).

One thing that really struck with me, and it's something I've not truly seen since the E&L books, was the relationship between Raph and Mikey. In the early books Mike was Raph's best buddy, so it was nice to see they still have that connection in your story.

Thanks mate! That's actually a fairly big aspect of the family I want to explore, and it's something that will be prominent in "Them Again" (can't remember which issue number that will be though). That's also the issue that will feature the Razorbacks again.

You've got a very dynamic writing style, Tristan. It's not often that I get into a story enough to evoke an emotion, but throughout the story I found myself getting excited and suspenseful!

Haha! Wait until Hun comes onto the scene...

The characterization of the Turtles was spot on! Raph swearing and ready to kill, Mike popping off quips and using his creativity to defuse a situation, Leo assessing the events around them, and Don keeping cool under pressure. It was also quite nice to see Don take control and jump into action after the incident with Leo...:teek:

Well... regardless of who you are if someone shot your brother I don't think you'd take something like lightly!

There's an often overlooked aspect of Don's character development that I'm going to be referring to in the next few stories (implicitly). He spent X many months with Splinter in that cave after Vol.1 to better himself, and seeing as all of my stories (except this one) are set just after this period of isolation, Don will be getting in to the thick of things a little more.

Paul's art was spectacular! Razorback's outfit looks a lot like the suits from the "TimeShift" game, which is a cool design. There was one minor hiccup where he drew Marlin's arm on the left side, while the others were on his right.

Yeah, Paul did indeed dominate once again! Having seen Timeshift since (every time I walk past it in the shops, I'm like "f*ck!"), but we didn't have that in mind when we came up with the design. I think initially we were like "it's Boba Fett, Ninja from Metal Gear and Cobra Commander all mashed into one bad arse". Paul delivered awesomely!

As for the glitch... ehhhh... it was... a magic arm... :P

I really love how he draws the Turtles and Leatherhead! You can really feel LH's massive and ominous presence and static power. The only thing I wished from this book was a few extended panels of action: mostly Don and Leo's minor altercation and when the Turtles had to take on LH, and the rooftop scene.

I think my first draft was 32 pages, but we have to pull in at 30 pages. Yeah, I think there was more in the lab fight, and the rooftop, and the chupacabra sequence was a little longer, but I'd rather sacrifice some action panels than story development. I get what you're saying though (I just bit off a little more than I could fit in my mouth!).


To clarify, I saw a program recently about crocodilians and how turtles are one of their favorite snacks, followed by a very graphic (and disturbing to us who love turtles!) clip of a a croc bursting from under the water to snap a turtle in his jaws and literally crush the poor thing in an explosion of blood and shell shrapnel! In my mind I could see a few more panels of the Turtles avoiding becoming food for their friend and right as LH is about to deliver the death bite is when he comes to.

HAH! I've seen that! I spent like an entire day watching croc docos on TV about a year ago (it was a heinous night out prior).

All in all you have another winner on your hands!! :tgrin::tgrin::tgrin::tgrin:

Thanks dude!

[TristanHuwJones]

Do the bunyips of legend really have beaver/platypus tails, or was that creative liberty Paul took there?

I think based on the original designs that they were slightly more akin to ringtail possums, which have a strange sorta nakedy patch at the tip. I think my initial scribble was something like a massive, wet, bipedal dog with huge webbed claws. It was a terrible little drawing, but Paul carried the canine aspect across and went his own way, which I really, really loved! A lot of the "real life accounts" tend to describe them as being more akin to dogs and seals in terms of their appearance. There's a great image of one in a book of monsters I have that makes it look like this savage seal creature. I'll scan it if I can find it...


And you had to have a boomerang didn't you, Tristan? :tlol::tgrin: That was cool!

AH! I was wondering what you were talking about for a second! It was written as a shuriken, though now that you say that it does look like a boomerang! Paul!!

Oh, and what is the missing word Razorback speaks on page 17, panel 3, "They'll #$%@ the odds out." I couldn't think of an adequate swear, unless you switch "out" with "up", or just interjecting "even" where the symbols are makes sense.

F u c k

I want to ask about Leatherhead's injury after more have had a chance to read the story, because it's not clear where it was delivered. I see where it appears to be, but it also looks more superficial a few panels later.

The bullet? I wrote it a little weird, the idea was that it kind of scrapes up his nose and ricochets off his skull near his eye.

And I love Marlin's fate, very fitting that nature will prevail over those who harm her and her creatures.

As I said, he's never coming back :evilgrin:

I'm actually very excited about #50. Excited because I know Tales #36 was badass and that Tristan will deliver, excited because it's the same team, and excited for Tristan because I know this is a huge thing for him... how can it not be? :)

Can't wait to grab my copy.

Thanks for the props mate! Just remember, it's not related to #36. We wanted a more old-school action adventure story. That said, it's still important to what happens AFTER #36 ;)

[QUOTE=Raph's Girl;634210]Most Bunyips have horse tails but the tails appear to differ from area. These are Bunyips depicted on stamps:

I don't think there is a definitive look for them. The only true aboriginal image appeared in a cave painting that's about as straightforward and basic as the letter "O". There's plenty of artistic license when it comes to interpreting that picture I think.

[Andrew NDB]

Thanks for the props mate! Just remember, it's not related to #36. We wanted a more old-school action adventure story.

Oh, I know. I only mention #36 in terms of the quality level we can expect... which #36 set pretty high.

[TristanHuwJones]

Oh, I know. I only mention #36 in terms of the quality level we can expect... which #36 set pretty high.

That's cool, I just know that other people seem to be expecting the #36 follow up now. March people! March!;)

[tOkKa]

Most Bunyips have horse tails but the tails appear to differ from area. These are Bunyips depicted on stamps:

http://www.cryptozoology.com/cryptids/images/bunyip01.jpg

http://www.cryptozoology.com/cryptids/images/bunyip02.jpg

http://www.cryptozoology.com/cryptids/bunyip.php



http://www.worth1000.com/entries/338500/338766UbDA_w.jpg

-->> O yes ..i look forward to the free promotion from my comic shoppe distributing baby bunnies depicted as stamps with each copy sold. I hope to collect those bunny stamps as well.



( On that related front, gonna try to purchase a bulk order of 50 to distribute and sell myself. )

>v<

[Andrew NDB]

All right, Tristan, less than a day away. Before I realized Tales #50 was coming out I wasn't planning a trip to the comic store tomorrow (and it ain't close), as there is F-all coming out from DC tomorrow I'm interested in.

If Tales #50 sucks, it's your ass! ;)

[TristanHuwJones]

Bring it!




As a side, all you lucky bastards in the United States will get this before I do! It's not on ANY of the shipping invoices for the shops here in Australia!

[Ninjinister]

Bring it!




As a side, all you lucky bastards in the United States will get this before I do! It's not on ANY of the shipping invoices for the shops here in Australia!

Yeah, but you get to live in the land down under. Where women glow and men plunder.

[Hero]

I hope I get a copy soon. Looking very much forward to this.

===HERO

[TristanHuwJones]

Yeah, but you get to live in the land down under. Where women glow and men plunder.

This is true, and to be completely honest there is very little in this world that I would trade that for :).

[TristanHuwJones]

I hope I get a copy soon. Looking very much forward to this.

===HERO

Actually, let me know when your LCS gets yours in Ken. I'd be interested in seeing whether or not it's JUST Australia missing out this week...

[Roseangelo]

Actually, let me know when your LCS gets yours in Ken. I'd be interested in seeing whether or not it's JUST Australia missing out this week...

I'm actually Ken's "LCS." ^_^

[PAAATE]

My LCS is about 550 kilometres away and makes most of his business on the internet

We don't have a lot of comic shops in Sweden :cry:

[TristanHuwJones]

My ignorance shines through once again. You're a gem (as always) Rose! It's a little bizarre, usually we get comics on par with the U.S., but for some reason it didn't appear on the shop invoices for this week, even though it appeared on Diamond, Graham Crackers and Midtown, whereas Tales of Mike #1 was the reverse... weird.

PAAATE! I feel for you man. That distance is insane. That's like a whole other state away here.

How do you usually get your comics?

[odupianist]

My LCS will get it, but it'll be later than most. They are usually a week or two behind when they say the book will be out.

[PAAATE]

PAAATE! I feel for you man. That distance is insane. That's like a whole other state away here.

How do you usually get your comics?

No need to feel for me... I pay the postage fee and they mail them :P

I usually get the comics about a half month after the release... Which kinda sucks, but could've been worse :P

[Evenstar227]

My shop's been rather hit-or-miss. I've gotten some issues on the day they're released, and others a week later. I did get the Mikey ish on 9/5 (don't know when it was released)...they only got one copy and called me to see if I want it. :tlove:

[Ninjinister]

LCS? Am I missing something? Local Comic Shop, maybe?

If so, my local comic shop still doesn't have Tales of #49.

[DrSpengler]

Actually got mine today! My LCS usually gets Mirage books a week after everyone else.

Gotta say, this is what Tales should be like. A fun story that's self-contained but takes full advantage of previous continuity while setting up threads for future issues. An ideal issue.

I always thought Marlin was a bit goofy in Tales Vol. 1 #6 and even worse in the 2k3 series. Glad to see him presented with a little dignity in this issue and as a major threat, to boot.

Harmon's art is, just as before, a real sight for soar eyes. There's so much about it that I love, but I think I enjoy his use of "lighting" via his inking the most. Just that first page alone, with Don bathed in the flashlights of Ravorback's gang, sets such a glorious tone. And everything after that is just candy.

Honestly, I haven't seen black and white art this spectacular since the old Creepy magazine. He's right up there with Jack Davis, Frank Frazetta, Joe Orlando, Larry Ivie and the rest. If only every issue could look this good.

I did notice one continuity (artwise) error, though. On page 10, Mike is in the vent. On page 11, all 4 Turtles are standing together. Then on page 12, Mike's back in the vent and the Turtles are acting like he was in there the whole time. Still, even Harmon's errors look gorgeous.


One question I have on continuity:

Does this issue take place between Tales Vol. 1 #6 and TMNT Vol. 1 #45? It seems to explain how Leatherhead got that eye injury. Where did you place it in the timeline, Tristan?


Anyway, fantastic job. If only Mirage could maintain this level of quality; maybe they wouldn't be in the black all the time.

[TristanHuwJones]

One question I have on continuity:

Does this issue take place between Tales Vol. 1 #6 and TMNT Vol. 1 #45? It seems to explain how Leatherhead got that eye injury. Where did you place it in the timeline, Tristan?

I would say so, however, in #45 Leatherhead attributes that injury to a battle with Foot Ninjas. So it's a different injury and a between the lines way of hinting at how the mutation has affected Leatherhead. Ultimately it all comes down to where in the timeline people place Leaherhead Too and the subsequnt spin-off stories. The only thing I can say for sure is that this happens prior to City at War.

[DrSpengler]

Cool, man. I stuck it before City At War in my timeline.

I don't typically write fanmail, but I let Dan know how impressed I was with this issue. I actually want to recommend it some of my friends and don't feel embarassed about it, either (as much as I like other issues of the book, I'd never recommend any of Lawson's issues to anybody).

[jerome]

I don't know if it was only like this here in austin but my local shop only had one copy left when i got there today around 6 and i bought it. It was the first time i've seen them sell out of a tales issue since i've been going there.

pretty sweet.

[Andrew NDB]

I don't know if it was only like this here in austin but my local shop only had one copy left

Are you sure they didn't just only order one copy?

Will have mine shortly.

[Dragon Turtle]

My comic shop had only one copy left as well hmm...

Anyways, I thought it was a fun read... would have made a nice companion piece to last years movie.

[Roseangelo]

No comic for me today. Hopefully next week.

[VaughnMichael]

Yeah i'll be waiting till next week also, I get paid tommrow and my shop has all the trades also so I'm finally gonna get those.

[Andrew NDB]

No comic at my store. The owner swears it wasn't on the Diamond invoice, and that probably it didn't hit Washington this week... sounds bullsh*ttish to me, though. He claims he'll raise hell and guarantees he'll have it next Wednesday.

[Ninjinister]

No comic at my store. The owner swears it wasn't on the Diamond invoice, and that probably it didn't hit Washington this week... sounds bullsh*ttish to me, though. He claims he'll raise hell and guarantees he'll have it next Wednesday.

If that's true, I'm boned.

[TristanHuwJones]

Looks like Australia wasn't the only place to get screwed over... I wonder what's going on?

[Ninjinister]

I'm used to it. MY CBG never got Case In Point, any of the C.O.W. Boys crossovers, Bad Moon Rising #2, or Blind Sight #2-4.

[TristanHuwJones]

What a bastard! I'd be raising hell if my shop was like that...

[Roseangelo]

My CBG said Diamond lost his entire July Previews (September) order. :P

I think the distribution problems might have been on Mirage's end for at least some of those comics The S listed. I know I had problems getting some of those myself and had to go to other places.

[TristanHuwJones]

Actually Dan was telling me that they just recently changed their rep at their printer and I believe a little earlier in the year at Diamond, so it might have had something to do with their previous reps at both or either ends, but ultimately you're very right, it could have been something on Mirage's end. Still, it's odd that some shops are getting it and others aren't. As was pointed out, Midtown and Graham Crackers both had it on their weekly lists, but it only appeared on Diamond's site this morning... Batzarro!

[Andrew NDB]

I blame Tristan, personally. :)

[TristanHuwJones]

That's goddamn right. None of you hosers get any till I do. The few that slipped between the cracks will die tomorrow.

[junkboy]

Mine is shipped from Midtown yesterday.

[tOkKa]

-->> R.B. rocks and reminds me just a little of..

http://www.brianstoys.com/store/images/products/Star%20Wars/GentleGiant/SW_Statue_BobaFett_Animated.jpg

>v<

[Jon]

That stinks (for the folks whose shops haven't gotten it yet).

Got my copy yesterday, from the comic shop I go to.

[odupianist]

My LCS had it, so I picked it up today. Great issue Tristan. You and RB are a great team, and I personally hope to see more from you two. I could say this is how I imagine my TMNT. There was a minor family theme, jokes, good action. I really enjoyed it. As for the timeline of it, LH looked significantly bigger than the turtles and even Marlin (on pg 25), so I figured it would have been after Tales Vol 2 #23, but what do I know. Oh yeah, and I love the wrap around cover. I miss that. I thought the comic dialogue (literally the dialogue about comics) was hilarious.

[Ninjinister]

I went to the comic shop today... after not showing up after two months, they STILL didn't get any issue in. Last one I've gotten is #48....

[twopinacoladas]

I picked it up a couple days ago good issue love the art :)

[Andrew NDB]

If it's not at my store on Wednesday, I'll be out for blood.

[twopinacoladas]

Musta just been issues with the distributer I guess... Im in Ontario Canada I would think that we would get it later then the US if there were issues tho. kinda weird, im just assuming u live there btw. Your shop owner is gonna be shakin in his boots if u walk in with a katana or something and the books not in next week;)

[Bry]

Hey Tristan! Since you're kicking around here, I just wanted to toss a little more praise out there for the issue. I was a really big fan of "To Serve and Protect" in issue 36, so I had a good idea that I'd enjoy this issue as well. Obviously it's a much different kind of story than #36, but I enjoyed it a lot - it was a really tight, engaging read, the characters felt spot-on, and it had just enough scenes of that bloody-but-fun kind of violence to feel like classic Mirage TMNT. ;)

And Paul's art impresses yet again, particularly his take on Leatherhead. Really great stuff, guys.

Also, glad to hear you've got a few more issues coming next year - definitely looking forward to 'em!

[TristanHuwJones]

Hey Tristan! Since you're kicking around here, I just wanted to toss a little more praise out there for the issue. I was a really big fan of "To Serve and Protect" in issue 36, so I had a good idea that I'd enjoy this issue as well. Obviously it's a much different kind of story than #36, but I enjoyed it a lot - it was a really tight, engaging read, the characters felt spot-on, and it had just enough scenes of that bloody-but-fun kind of violence to feel like classic Mirage TMNT. ;)

And Paul's art impresses yet again, particularly his take on Leatherhead. Really great stuff, guys.

Also, glad to hear you've got a few more issues coming next year - definitely looking forward to 'em!

Thanks for the kind words Bry, and I'm glad you liked both stories too! They'll eventually intersect in a way I think only one person on this board is truly aware of, so keep an eye out next August/September!

I thank god everytime I see Paul's work, because I can't believe how amazingly close it is to what I'm seeing in my head and I'm really excited by what he's going to be doing on #56 and #59. If you haven't checked out his Hun yet, check out the other thread I started just below this one...

That said I'm also REALLY looking forward to working with Jim, as it was meant to happen a couple of times now, but the dude was always busy! The fourth artist is still TBA, but if it is who I've heard it might be then it'll be a kicker of an issue too!

Yeah, if it doesn't have a bit of blood in it, it's just not Mirage :lol:

Keep an eye out too, because Paul's working on some side stuff that should be really exciting too!

[VaughnMichael]

I just got this issue today, and my comic shop has 3 more copies if anyone needs one so let me know soon as I'm sure they will sell out.

The front art by Dooney is simply amazing and differnt from what I've seen from him before, I can't help but wonder if that was done digitally.

With that being said this was seriously a great issue and I loved the demise of Marlin.

The art was very nice but I can't help but feel that it's not as good as the art in Tales issue #36.
I'm not saying there anything wrong with it though, just seems as if something is missing that was in the first time Harmon was brought in.
It is most def. a welcome change from the Jim Lawson fest that has become Mirage comics, as one of my favorite things about the Turtles comics at Mirage has always been the use of differnt artists.

I think the best thing about this is how huge Paul draws Leatherhead.
I'm looking over it right now and I think I notice what's differnt and it seems like this issue has more of an anime look to allot of the characters faces than issue #36 did, but hey that could just be me and anytime I see anything remotely anime these days I get turned off from the product.
I know you guys are so going to take that defensively but you shouldn't as it's hardly noticeable and could just be me over analyzing the art.
Like I said I'll take Pauls art monthly over what we've been getting, I got this issue and the Third Kind Mikey #1 and seriously there is no contest in which comic is better.

The story was great and I think you did a damn good job Tristan, I think you wrote Mikey really good also if not a little to funny like in the cartoon.
I can't say I've ever laughed at him in the comics, but this is good and I'd like to see more of it.

WE NEED A MONTHLY SERIES DONE BY THIS TEAM, YOU HEAR THAT MIRAGE?

The back story was fun also and I enjoyed the art in that also, now we know how Leatherhead got to the sewer and he wasn't flushed down a toilet as stated before in another issue.
I would like to know what the hell was going on though with those people shooting up a storm? Like why was that going on?

And I know I'm a pretty harsh critic of Jim's art allot of the time BUT (and that's a big but :P ) when something is great I'm going to say so.
His pin-up in the back of this issue is what I've been stating for the longest time. & that is that the team of Lawson and Talbot is not a good one, just look at Jim's art there and how well done and detailed it is.
This is some of the best art I've seen from Jim in years and perhaps they should just put out the comic like this every month without inks.

[TristanHuwJones]

I just got this issue today, and my comic shop has 3 more copies if anyone needs one so let me know soon as I'm sure they will sell out.

The front art by Dooney is simply amazing and differnt from what I've seen from him before, I can't help but wonder if that was done digitally.

It could be something of a mix. The shark image for the cover of the next Turtles Vol.4 looks as though it was done in a similar fashion...


With that being said this was seriously a great issue and I loved the demise of Marlin.

Glad you dug it and the death scene too V!

The art was very nice but I can't help but feel that it's not as good as the art in Tales issue #36.
I'm not saying there anything wrong with it though, just seems as if something is missing that was in the first time Harmon was brought in.
It is most def. a welcome change from the Jim Lawson fest that has become Mirage comics, as one of my favorite things about the Turtles comics at Mirage has always been the use of differnt artists.


It could just be that it's a very different story from #36 (?). I knew going in that we'd be doing a lighter story with somewhat wilder visuals, so that may have had a hand in it.

I think the best thing about this is how huge Paul draws Leatherhead.
I'm looking over it right now and I think I notice what's differnt and it seems like this issue has more of an anime look to allot of the characters faces than issue #36 did, but hey that could just be me and anytime I see anything remotely anime these days I get turned off from the product.
I know you guys are so going to take that defensively but you shouldn't as it's hardly noticeable and could just be me over analyzing the art.
Like I said I'll take Pauls art monthly over what we've been getting, I got this issue and the Third Kind Mikey #1 and seriously there is no contest in which comic is better.


Yeah, Ryan and I were both amazed when we saw what Leatherhead became!
I can kind of see where you're coming from though, and I noticed a slight visual difference too. I'd say it's probably more comic-booky if that makes sense. But it could just be that where #36 was darker and more shadowy, here there are more open and exaggerated spaces and characters. I could be wrong, as I'm just offering up my own perceptions (I'm looking at a PDF and #36 as it STILL hasn't come out here in Australia!).

The story was great and I think you did a damn good job Tristan, I think you wrote Mikey really good also if not a little to funny like in the cartoon.
I can't say I've ever laughed at him in the comics, but this is good and I'd like to see more of it.

Thanks mate, that means a lot. Are you saying I may have put too much silly Mike in? My last story for 09 is going to be told by Mike... :lol:

The back story was fun also and I enjoyed the art in that also, now we know how Leatherhead got to the sewer and he wasn't flushed down a toilet as stated before in another issue.
I would like to know what the hell was going on though with those people shooting up a storm? Like why was that going on?


I thought peeps would dig this! Ryan did a smashing job on it and I was stoked to see it when I did! Make sure you let Ryan know!


And I know I'm a pretty harsh critic of Jim's art allot of the time BUT (and that's a big but :P ) when something is great I'm going to say so.
His pin-up in the back of this issue is what I've been stating for the longest time. & that is that the team of Lawson and Talbot is not a good one, just look at Jim's art there and how well done and detailed it is.
This is some of the best art I've seen from Jim in years and perhaps they should just put out the comic like this every month without inks.


This is the ONLY part I haven't seen completed yet! Can't wait to now!!

[odupianist]

Are you saying I may have put too much silly Mike in?

I think this was a great level for Mike. He made his quips but didn't overly do it and it didn't seem forced. I'm with VM, I laughed out loud with the lines in this issue (the ones that were meant to be laughed at of course), and I would like to see more of it. I think that is a quality of the turtles. In a sense (not in Vol 4 but the Tales), they are teenagers. Teenagers are supposed to be smart ass, quirky, and things of the such. Again, PHENOMINAL work Tristan. I look forward to the next issue of yours. (You hear that PL? lol)

[TristanHuwJones]

Thanks Od! I'll be slipping more of Mike in, simply because he's the closest to ow I tend to say and verbalise things in reality, so writing his dialogue here and in #36 was a snap. He has some moments in #59 that I love, and there are some more little bits and pieces that I think will go down fairly well as they're in a very similar vein...

[TristanHuwJones]

Paul's been waiting for his account to be confirmed here and asked that I pass this on...

i really appreciate the comments and critiques. I saw Vaughn's post about 36, and I think it's really interesting. I definitely think overall I did a better job with 50, it's mostly a lot of things that people wouldn't notice but I think 36 gave me better since of my range from light to darks. But it's not to say 50 is flat out better than 36 it's just 50 came maybe closer to what I wanted/had in mind then 36...maybe, even though i abolutely love 36, but that's because I had the experiance of 36 under my belt. It's always hard and a little dissappointing for me to look back at any of my work I just see the little flaws. I personally didn't like some of my characters faces in 36 as much as 50, haha so go figure. But I do think they are somewhat apples and oranges, I absolutely love 36 themes and subject matter, turtles working in shadow, are unseen, the foot operate much of the same way, it lent itself to an absolutely dark vision, whereas 50 has much more of a great action adventure feel. Tristan has written a very powerful story with 56 and I want to reflect the cinematic nature and intensity in my art. It will be very noir-ish, very intense and environmentally imersive, and involve heavy lighting, to once again match what tristan's written. I'm really hoping to evolve with each issue for better or for worse, hopefully for better, but I can almost guaruntee that no two of my books will look alike..but i'm confident 56 will be my strongest. I'm gonna be sending tristan layouts and it will be up to him to post, (he has to filter the spoilers) but when you compare 56 layouts to 50 you will imediatley be aware of my new approach for this tale. Once again thanks so much to all you for your comments and feedback! If you have any questions I will be more then happy to respond once my account activates but I'm not very good at keeping up with forums.
thanks!
p

[Spitfire]

I went to two different comic stores this weekend and neither of them had it and claimed it wasn't out yet. Course I had talked to someone that same day who had it already. The East Coast got it first I guess.

[TristanHuwJones]

It showed up here in Australia today, so hopefully that means that the shops over in the US and the rest of the world that didn't get it will now have it in stock :)

[Ninjinister]

I just got this issue today, and my comic shop has 3 more copies if anyone needs one so let me know soon as I'm sure they will sell out.

Lord, I don't know when and if my CBG will get the issue.... <.< By the time I find out for sure, your shop will be long sold out.

[VaughnMichael]

Lord, I don't know when and if my CBG will get the issue.... <.< By the time I find out for sure, your shop will be long sold out.
Well if they are there next time i'll buy the other copies my shop has.

[Roseangelo]

My CBG said he'd phone me when it came it, so I wouldn't have to make a trip out there for nothing. He didn't call me today, but he's not always reliable about that... Hmmm.

[TristanHuwJones]

Di-a-mOOOONNNNND!!:x

[oldmanwinters]

This is a tremendous issue. Great job to Ryan Brown, Paul Harmon, and Tristan!

I could go on and on about the awesomeness of this issue, but I think I might have spotted a little mistake in the art:

On pages 10-11, Mike is hidden away spying on the hunters while the other 3 turtles are listening in and watching the roof. But on page 11 we see two panels of all four turtles outside. Very much reminded me of the classic OT mistakes.:D

[PAAATE]

On pages 10-11, Mike is hidden away spying on the hunters while the other 3 turtles are listening in and watching the roof. But on page 11 we see two panels of all four turtles outside. Very much reminded me of the classic OT mistakes.:D

Déjà vu :o

[oldmanwinters]

p.10: Mikey's in the chute, Don/Leo/Raph outside listening in.
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a56/slimer2erasmus/TMNT/TT50mistakea.jpg

p.11: A mysterious fourth turtle joins the other three to witness the unveiling of the Jersey Devil?
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a56/slimer2erasmus/TMNT/TT50mistakeb.jpg

Reminds me of this:
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a56/slimer2erasmus/TMNT/2Raphsand2leos.jpg
And my favorite OT mistake from Wererats from Channel-Six, where Donatello "goes to get the blimp" then apparently accompanies the others to the airport, fights the wererats on the plane, and then falls out only to be saved by the Turtle Blimp piloted by... Donatello. WTC?!?:lol:

Seriously though, this issue is awesome. This little slip up doesn't take away from it, it just threw me for a loop and out of the moment for a few minutes.

[TristanHuwJones]

AHAHAH! That's awesome!! That one even slipped by me! Oh, man. That's one for the ages. I think Paul signed up here, recently as dogmeatsausage, so when he starts posting you'll have to let him know! Let's call it an homage and make everyone think we're beyond genius in our injoking ;)

Glad you liked the issue though! Paul's had a really neat idea for the Turtles in the next issue, which I've posted up on my blog for people to check out. He's also working on a new inking technique which I'm very excited to see unfold! And with the absence of Turtles in #56 (well not entirely, but they're in there less than they were in #36), there probably won't be any more "OT Homages" ;)

[trustno1]

picked this up today! very cool to see my home city mentioned in there! hobb's gate isn't real though right?

really loved these baddies too, hopefully there will be more of them in the future. I only noticed the art goof after it was pointed out here too!

[Buffy]

I just got my copy of tales #50 and I really loved it! More of these issues please!
I noticed the mysterious 4th turtle who joined the group while Mike was somewhere else. I kept thinking I missed something and that I was reading too fast. :)

[dogmeatsausage]

thanks everyone I'm so glad you guys had fun with the issue it was tremendous amount of fun to do! Hahah yes that was a .....homage. or maybe mike felt so left out he was having an out of body experience? There's actually a fairly big mistake towards the end that I don't think anyone caught, I don't want anyone digging through the whole book with a microscope so i will just say it's with pages 26 and 27 and is a result like the mysterious mike of doing pages out of order, but usually I really try and look out for those continuity issues and I almost remember thinking there was one turtle too many but after working so close to it you get a little snow blind.

[TristanHuwJones]

Hahahah! This is why I avoid nitpicker websites for movies -- as soon as I know there's a mistake, I see it every time! If I don't see it, then it's not there... :D

[R-iZZy]

Finally read the issue today. Everything about this issue was just top-notch. The art was just beautiful; the inking, the tones, the depth, it all just went together so perfectly. Also, the script was just awesome. I loved Michelangelo's character really coming through in a way I'm more used to in this issue. The interactions between the brothers as they were paired up were on-point. And what a surprise to see Marlin again (sorry, didn't read any previews for this issue).

Really, Tristan Jones and Paul Harmon have got to be the best tag team for the TMNT universe since Peter Laird and Kevin Eastman tag teamed to start the entire series.

[TristanHuwJones]

Finally read the issue today. Everything about this issue was just top-notch. The art was just beautiful; the inking, the tones, the depth, it all just went together so perfectly. Also, the script was just awesome. I loved Michelangelo's character really coming through in a way I'm more used to in this issue. The interactions between the brothers as they were paired up were on-point. And what a surprise to see Marlin again (sorry, didn't read any previews for this issue).


Thanks for the kind words R-izzy! Mike's someone I plan on using a fair bit over the next few stories, so I'm glad you liked what we were doing!

[dogmeatsausage]

yes thanks you r-izzy! you are too kind. :)

[Raph's Girl]

Welp. Finally was able to read this today. Awesome issue. I found it interesting that there were several of each of the creatures. Don mentioned there being several Moth men and Chupacabra amongst the Jersey Devil, Bunyip, and Sasquatch.

Cool that there's a secret group that protects em.

I also rather loved the back up story that shows Leatherhead's origin. :D

Incidentally there's an upcoming tv series (premiers this friday actually on sci-fi) that deals with a group of Cryptid hunters (the website shows an image of a group of Chupacabra).

[TristanHuwJones]

Welp. Finally was able to read this today. Awesome issue. I found it interesting that there were several of each of the creatures. Don mentioned there being several Moth men and Chupacabra amongst the Jersey Devil, Bunyip, and Sasquatch.

Thanks RG!

Yeah, the reason I did that was because I looked at them more as animals than mystic creatures... it would be highly unusual for there to be just one of any creature on the face of this planet. Not impossible sure, but unusual.

Cool that there's a secret group that protects em.

I also rather loved the back up story that shows Leatherhead's origin. :D

Yeah! How sick was is! All Mr.Brown's doing :)

Incidentally there's an upcoming tv series (premiers this friday actually on sci-fi) that deals with a group of Cryptid hunters (the website shows an image of a group of Chupacabra).

Can you link me up? I'd be interested in seeing that!

[Raph's Girl]

Can you link me up? I'd be interested in seeing that!

It's called Sanctuary. Started as a web series. The first ep premiered last night and showed a mermaid, a lizard man (Leatherhead?), a turtle like creature, a dragon (er I think), Dr. Jekyl/Mr. Hyde, a Caveman, and some other creatures.

http://www.scifi.com/sanctuary/home.html

[TristanHuwJones]

It's called Sanctuary. Started as a web series. The first ep premiered last night and showed a mermaid, a lizard man (Leatherhead?), a turtle like creature, a dragon (er I think), Dr. Jekyl/Mr. Hyde, a Caveman, and some other creatures.

http://www.scifi.com/sanctuary/home.html

Damn... makes me wish I could still afford cable... thanks for the link though!

[Raph's Girl]

Damn... makes me wish I could still afford cable... thanks for the link though!

U can see the eps on the website. That's what I love about the major networks. They stream their shows on their websites in case you missed it. They don't stream the cartoons...altho 4Kids seems to be good at doing that.

[junkboy]

Sanctuary is indeed great. There were 8 webisodes i believe. Than turned to a tv series. Really recommended.

[Raph'N'Roll]

Just got my hands on this issue today, I wasn't expecting issue 36 goodness but I was still disappointed, loved the look of Leatherhead though, he's meaner than ever!

The story reminded me of The Condemned, a ridiculous but ok action movie staring Stone Cold Steve Austin and Vinnie Jones, about a bunch of kidnapped prisoners who are dumped on an Island full of CCTV cameras, and have to fight to the death in front of millions of pay per view internet users.
I wish the story had of focused a bit more on leatherhead himself, as we rarely see him in the book.
Thought it a bit strange that after getting shot in the head, that he didn't finish Merlin off without hesitation, that guy has no redeeming features whatsoever and is completely evil, and LH is a crocodile after all, it was a bit like Greedo shooting at Han first.

Just a question about censorship, why are swear words partially hidden, yet it's ok to show a guy getting his brains blown out?
Surely the main audience that reads tales is of the adult variety?
Is this Peter and Dan's choice, or is there some sort of comic censorship body with rules to be followed, it just seems really petty and it's annoying too!

[TristanHuwJones]

Just got my hands on this issue today, I wasn't expecting issue 36 goodness but I was still disappointed, loved the look of Leatherhead though, he's meaner than ever!

Sorry to hear that mate! As I said on my blog, I just completely rewrote the script that brings Razorback to NYC again and it feels much more in line with #36 in terms of storytelling and tone, and if you can hold out until March, that story should more than make it up to you.;)
Was it just these bits you mentioned that led to your disappointment?

The story reminded me of The Condemned, a ridiculous but ok action movie staring Stone Cold Steve Austin and Vinnie Jones, about a bunch of kidnapped prisoners who are dumped on an Island full of CCTV cameras, and have to fight to the death in front of millions of pay per view internet users.

That was actually filmed here I think. Haven't seen The Condemned either, and to be honest I'm not sure I will. Direct to Video and I don't really get along these days :ohwell:

I wish the story had of focused a bit more on leatherhead himself, as we rarely see him in the book.

I don't know. Looking at it, there probably wouldn't be much more to it outside of Leatherhead ploughing through crims and killers. Would've been fun, but as Leatherhead is being controlled, it wouldn't have made much more for character development.

That said, there was a section that had to be cut because of the 30 page limit where Raph and Mike fight two mothmen and a bounty hunter in a sewer tunnel on the island where Leatherhead attacks them too. He ruins the bounty hunter and there's a moment of visual recognition of the T's for Leatherhead, but Leatherhead attacks anyway, playing on that idea of LH being in control of his savage side.

Thought it a bit strange that after getting shot in the head, that he didn't finish Merlin off without hesitation, that guy has no redeeming features whatsoever and is completely evil, and LH is a crocodile after all, it was a bit like Greedo shooting at Han first.

A bullet to the head, in my mind anyway, is like hitting leatherhead with a small (but sharp) stone. It won't kill him, far from it, but it'll piss him off. There's also a large issue of control that I draw from Leatherhead in pretty much all the stories I've read with him in it. He's better than a simple animal, and ultimately lets the justice fit the crime. It's Batman logic. He could kill Marlin, but then he's no better than Marlin really, and if he tore him to pieces, he'd be giving in to the animalistc rage, which he always seems to regret doing in just about everything I've seen him in except the OT. This is the same guy who constructed his own transmat, remember?

Just a question about censorship, why are swear words partially hidden, yet it's ok to show a guy getting his brains blown out?
Surely the main audience that reads tales is of the adult variety?
Is this Peter and Dan's choice, or is there some sort of comic censorship body with rules to be followed, it just seems really petty and it's annoying too!

In defense of that scene, even that was significantly restrained. If you had've seen the same thing in an Avatar comic it would've shown a lot more. I can see where you're coming from and in an ideal world, I wouldn't have the comics censored, but unfortunately American (generalising here sorry) audiences seem to take exception to two things far more than blood and gore -- sex and swearing. Especially in a medium that is easily accessible to children. Swear words have always been partially hidden. Sometimes kids don't know what that word is, and sometimes that is for the better, but any adult can work it out easily enough. Do you read many comics outside of TMNT? I don't mean that to sound condescending at all, as it is out of genuine curiosity. Batman and Daredevil, and even Iron Man now, push a lot of boundaries in terms of themes and violence, but you will never see tits or explicit swearing. Can you imagine the uproar there would've been had All Star Batman had've slipped out uncensored last week?

[Raph'N'Roll]

TristanHuwJones:Was it just these bits you mentioned that led to your disappointment?


I think the way that the story reminded me of The Condemed, left me a bit disapointed, it was kinda like I've seen this before, and I wasn't too keen on the inclusion of the Jersey Devil etc.
I still look forward greatly to future Issue's by you guys, no doubts about that!

TristanHuwJones:It's Batman logic. He could kill Marlin, but then he's no better than Marlin really, and if he tore him to pieces, he'd be giving in to the animalistc rage, which he always seems to regret doing in just about everything I've seen him in except the OT. This is the same guy who constructed his own transmat, remember?

That's true, he always did regret giving in to his animal instincts, he's a bit like an Utrom with a dark side.
I think I just wanted him to do it, although Marlin(can't believe I called him Merlin lol) did get what was coming to him anyway!

TristanHuwJones:Do you read many comics outside of TMNT? I don't mean that to sound condescending at all, as it is out of genuine curiosity. Batman and Daredevil, and even Iron Man now, push a lot of boundaries in terms of themes and violence, but you will never see tits or explicit swearing. Can you imagine the uproar there would've been had All Star Batman had've slipped out uncensored last week?

It's a fair question dude, outside TMNT I would mainly read graphic novels such as Batman, Terminator, wolverine and spiderman, and the odd 3 or four issue mini series.
You are right, they wouldn't feature explicit swearing, not that I'd like comics to be full of f words and the like, I don't think that's appropriate, but in certain situations where a character is in a traumatic situation, I think lesser swear words could be used.
It is crazy though, the way violence is treated less strictly than bad language.
A mad world we live in!

[TristanHuwJones]

I think the way that the story reminded me of The Condemed, left me a bit disapointed, it was kinda like I've seen this before, and I wasn't too keen on the inclusion of the Jersey Devil etc.
I still look forward greatly to future Issue's by you guys, no doubts about that!

That's cool. That said, Condemned sounds slightly derivative of a number of other things, but generally if it headlines a wrestler, I'm not the kind of person inclined to watch it (but I'm a film school graduate).

Admittedly I would've liked to have had it as just Leatherhead and maybe a one other creature with a heavier focus on the humans that were put there, but this was something Ryan and I put together together so I'm sure there were a few moments where we agreed on some things more than others and met in the middle occasionally.

Thanks for the support too mate!

That's true, he always did regret giving in to his animal instincts, he's a bit like an Utrom with a dark side.
I think I just wanted him to do it, although Marlin(can't believe I called him Merlin lol) did get what was coming to him anyway!

I always thought it would be cool to see how Leatherhead lost that eye against the Foot in Dan Berger's stories. Maybe we can do the Slaughterhead stories then :evilgrin:


It's a fair question dude, outside TMNT I would mainly read graphic novels such as Batman, Terminator, wolverine and spiderman, and the odd 3 or four issue mini series.
You are right, they wouldn't feature explicit swearing, not that I'd like comics to be full of f words and the like, I don't think that's appropriate, but in certain situations where a character is in a traumatic situation, I think lesser swear words could be used.
It is crazy though, the way violence is treated less strictly than bad language.
A mad world we live in!

That's true, and admittedly Mirage lets me/us get away with bitch, bastard, ass, but if I showed you the original, unedited script, you'd see that very few of the censored swear words are anything less than and f-bomb. Aussies can be pretty lazy when it comes to saying things and generally prefer to get to the point without too much dicking about, so the f word tends to stand in for a number of sayings and phrases! :lol:

Man, don't even get me started on violence right now. I'm just praying that my copy of Silent Hill Homecoming isn't stopped by customs on its way over here! It was banned here last week. Censorship is getting out of hand here.

[junkboy]

For my part, i am not bothered about censorship in the comics coming from the Big f****** Two :). As long as the story is good.
Does a comic need to be full of swear and curse or gore to be considered as adult. I think my concept of adult is a little bit different. I look at the plot. The level of complexity of it. Or the creativity.. yeah i think creativity is a better term.
Nearly an hour ago a friend of mine came to me on msn and said he wanted to read some comics and if i could recommend one. I did not recommend TMNT cause i know or believe he is not sophisticated enough to see the simplistic complexity or creativity of the TMNt universe ( is there such a word? :) )
He was talking about a few issues of X-men he found at home ( some back issues from the time of Zero Tolerance and Bastion stuff ).
and in the conversation he said something like : I hate that concept that wolverine does not kill ppl brutally...
That seemed really funny to me... I said ; well... then you must read something else.
I believe that sentence of him is a bit irritating. I mean not the brutalism thing. I am a fan of Avatar comics. Liking nearly everyting Warren Ellis or Garth Ennis does. But not cause of the fact that there are some flying organs in some projects or certain issues. Cause of the really good atmosphere at the comic books.
I said my friend to read Vertigo or Avatar comics... Told him to read Preacher,a great comic...He checked out Preacher's plot from Wikipedia and said he HAS to buy all the tpbs of it.

The thing irritating me is that most ppl are considering swear, sex or gore an instant adult theme. In dictionary or general belief adult may mean something like that, but as i said before i will never be able to see it that way.

I believe each comic must be considered on it own right. I mean a comic's situation of being more light or less serious must not be used as a tool of comparison with a darker themed one.

Maybe it was a bit off topic but just wanted to say those after seeing you guys' debate over issue 50 and general situation in comics industry.

All those said, i do not like censor either. But till coming to care about that i believe there are much more important things that need to discussed in comics industry such as the lack of originality in comic books...
well... as Robert Kirkman said at Baltimore... F... you Brian Bendis :) (I like Bendis i just do not like (New)Avengers )

[TristanHuwJones]

I LOVE New Avengers!! :P

[junkboy]

Nothing wrong with Avengers but i could not get used to New Avengers since day one. Whenever i start to read it, there forms and urge in me to leave all Marvel books completely and go back to good old DC , as if there is a situation that i have to choose between 2 companies ( which is a completely silly thought :) )
I think Bendis is affecting Marvel universe too much with whole Avengers franchise. Thats what bugging me.

[Mr._Mutant_Man]

Nothing wrong with Avengers but i could not get used to New Avengers since day one. Whenever i start to read it, there forms and urge in me to leave all Marvel books completely and go back to good old DC , as if there is a situation that i have to choose between 2 companies ( which is a completely silly thought :) )
I think Bendis is affecting Marvel universe too much with whole Avengers franchise. Thats what bugging me.

I didn't have too much of a problem with Marvel until One More Day. The heck were they thinking? I think Spider-Man's marriage was used as a scapegoat for the writers not being able to think of stories that have the same staying power as Spidey from the 60's to the 80's.

Anyway, I liked issue 50. I liked that the Jersey Devil was thrown in there. A nod to the recent movie?

That's cool. That said, Condemned sounds slightly derivative of a number of other things, but generally if it headlines a wrestler, I'm not the kind of person inclined to watch it (but I'm a film school graduate).


I recommend They Live, starring Roddy Piper. A bit hokey, but a fun sci-fi movie. As a fan of the guy though I might not be looking at the movie in the most unbiased light though. :)

[TristanHuwJones]

I didn't have too much of a problem with Marvel until One More Day. The heck were they thinking? I think Spider-Man's marriage was used as a scapegoat for the writers not being able to think of stories that have the same staying power as Spidey from the 60's to the 80's.

I felt the same until I figured out where it all fit in in relation to his current status as an Avenger and everything else going on in the greater Marvel U (Secret Invasion, Back in Black, The Initiative). Now I'm really enjoying it, and I think just about everything Dan Slott touches is gold (admittedly the first arc was a little over the top in terms of comic cliches), but I think he would've done a great job if Peter were still married as well. It all came down to Quesada and editorial I believe.

Anyway, I liked issue 50. I liked that the Jersey Devil was thrown in there. A nod to the recent movie?

Thank you! Actually no! I'd originally intended the creatures to be more like actual animals than the cryptid monsters (my original idea for the jersey devil was scribbled down somewhere, but I lost it and decided it was probably better to let PAul work his magic. I think I just described it as like Jaws with Wings, like this barrel shaped creature with a grotesque amount of teeth). I loved the Mothmen the most though!

I recommend They Live, starring Roddy Piper. A bit hokey, but a fun sci-fi movie. As a fan of the guy though I might not be looking at the movie in the most unbiased light though. :)

Actually, I should go back on what I said. CURRENT movies starring wrestlers and I don't gel. If it's from the 80's it usually works (Princess Bride, They Live...). The fact that They Live is a Carpenter movie works in it's favour too!

[Ninjinister]

I finally got my mitts on this today (but #49 was skipped over... go figure!). I know I'm late to the party, but this was an amazing issue - it actually exceeded all of my expectations!

[CyberCubed]

Just read it today, and yeah it was great both plot wise and art wise.

I also have to say, it was nice to read a new issue of tales without Lawson's artwork. ;)

I'm glad that guy who preserves the safety of the monsters was brought back, he felt rather tacked on back in issue 6 of the original tales, so here it felt more full circle I guess.

[dogmeatsausage]

I finally got my mitts on this today (but #49 was skipped over... go figure!). I know I'm late to the party, but this was an amazing issue - it actually exceeded all of my expectations!
yeaaaa!! so glad you liked it

[Ninjinister]

yeaaaa!! so glad you liked it

Oh Lord, yes I did! You and Tristan are quite the team.