I need a drink

[thebitterguy]

So, there's this list I'm on where I occasionally have to just step away and disengage from the conversation.

Like right now, where a guy is saying that the John Byrne run on Superman was better than the current All-Star Superman stories.

It's too early to start drinking, right?

Comments

[bald-ruminant.livejournal.com]

It's never too early to start drinking!

[zenten.livejournal.com]

But it was.

[redeem147.livejournal.com]

You have to put it in context. I had given up on Superman as something from my childhood until I read Byrne's re-imagining. It sucked me right back in. It made him Clark instead of Superman, and I think that's the key to making him accessible.

All-Star Superman is fun, and pretty and very smartly written, but I think I'm going to have to go with step away guy on this one.

If it's any consolation, I still haven't forgiven Byrne for what he did to The Vision.

[jreynolds.livejournal.com]

'If it's any consolation, I still haven't forgiven Byrne for what he did to The Vision.'

And nor should you. Albino, diaper-wearing barefoot Vision was simply unpleasant.

[redeem147.livejournal.com]

Seeing one of my favourite characters spread out in little pieces on a table on the cover of the issue in my Christmas stocking even more so.

[jreynolds.livejournal.com]

I forgot about that cover. Gluh.

[thebitterguy]

He's one of your favourites? Really? I never knew.

[redeem147.livejournal.com]

He was, up until that issue. I loved his relationship with the Scarlet Witch. Even an Android Can Cry is one of my favourite stories. Ah, well. Nothing lasts.

Engage Hoard Potato Mode

[athelind.livejournal.com]

I've got to go with Redeem here. Byrne redefined Superman in a way that had an enduring, positive impact on the character. That key, core idea that in his own mind, he's first and foremost CLARK, the farmboy from Kansas, has not only survived all the subsequent retcons in the comics -- it's carried over into every subsequent adaptation of the character into different media.*

All-Star Superman is a smart, well-written Elseworlds. It's "better" in that it's written for a more sophisticated audience, but it's not going to change the way anyone thinks about Superman. It's not going to have the same kind of long-term impact. It's simply not as important.

On the flip side, "importance" isn't just a matter of being "in continuity". Despite being mired in the convolutions of the DCU, I think the Byrne run is more accessible to new readers. A lot of the Cool Factor of All Star Superman is its constant referencing to old aspects of the Superman Mythos -- and I'm not sure if that can stand on its own for a reader who only knows the character through movies, cartoons and Smallville.

---

*Superman Returns doesn't count as "subsequent", since it's a direct remake of sequel to the Pre-Crisis, Pre-Byrne movies of the '70s.

[autobotsrollout.livejournal.com]

WHAT

WHERE IS HE

I WILL CUT HIM

[bandersnitch.livejournal.com]

Well you could always fantasize about Batman coming to TV.



Then go have a drink. Have one for me too.

[thebitterguy]

Amusingly enough, I just started reading Gotham Central, which that reminds me of.

[zenten.livejournal.com]

I like that they have the best cast in the picture.

[thetathx1138.livejournal.com]

In this case? No. And I LIKE the Byrne run.

[moondispatches.livejournal.com]

I like how you post that you needed to step away from the Byrne vs. Morrison conversation, and in the process start the conversation with different folks!

[thebitterguy]

I didn't think there would be anyone who disagreed.

[moondispatches.livejournal.com]

Dude, you made a statement on the internet. That was your mistake.