Hey guys, X here with some splainin' to do. I wound up reading 4 issues of the Teen Titans last night(issues #80-83), as well as Titans #24, and I have to say, not one of those comics left me wanting to bother doing a review for them. Sorry, but I HATED all four issues of the Teen Titans, which surprised me, because I figured the return of Kid Flash and Superboy would have me doing back-flips, but alas, that was not to be. The Static story was painfully dull, and the current Search for Raven story makes me want to bash my head into the wall... How many times will we have a Search/Hunt/Quest/Wild-Goose Chase for Raven? First off, I don't even like the Raven character, and secondly, the writing in this series has just been barreling downhill since GEOFF left the series years ago. As for Titans #24, it didn't do anything for me. I mean, it was okay I guess, but it definitely wasn't anything special. I'd call it vaguely interesting, which is bizarre for a comic that had two of my favorite DC villains(Lex Luthor and Deathstroke)in it.
To be honest, when it comes to blogging, I go through some very distinct peaks and valleys. I can feel myself heading into one of those dreaded valleys... I'm just not feeling the whole blog thing right now. Maybe it's the lackluster comics I read last night, maybe it's the lackluster comics I have waiting for me on my nightstand(4 issues of Secret Six and an Outsiders?!), maybe it's the fact that I've posted almost 60 posts this month(which is a bit much), but I just don't feel that burning desire to review the comics I've been reading. So what to do... I think my best bet would be to try to just post reviews for comics I know my few readers would want to read about. I mean, why bother posting reviews for Nova, Daredevil, Superman, etc, if nobody is going to bother reading/commenting on them? That's just a waste of my time. So I think I'm going to change some things up a bit here, at least until I get out of this valley and hit a peak again. Instead of reviewing EVERYTHING I read, I'll probably just list what comics I've read during the week on... let's say Saturday, and if any readers are interested in discussing one of those comics, cool. If not, whatever. Besides that, I'll just review stuff I know you, my loyal X-Maniacs want to read about. Or better yet, since I'm always listing what I'm reading during my Comic Gazing posts, if you want me to review something, drop me a comment, and I'll do a review. I think that'll be it for now. So no new reviews tonight, and tomorrow will probably be the first time since last year that I won't bother posting anything new at all(unless something interesting comes in the mail that is!). Good-bye all.
Damn bro, good post. I see your point though, I try to comment on everything I've read and you've reviewed but I know what ya mean, and I don't wanna give ya pointless replies on stuff I don't read just for the sake of doing it so I get ya. Hopefully the change is for the better.
ReplyDeleteI feel you on Teen Titans, I kinda want them to scrap it and start from scratch or something because there's too many people on the team and at least three of them should get the boot. Raven, Beast Boy, and Beetle. Sucks because that's the only place I can read about Superboy, Static and Kid Flash as well as Ravager and I don't even read her co-feature.
You've been posting so much lately that it's not surprising you feel burnt out. I think a post listing the comics you read for the week could be a good solution. Then the ones that elicit the most discussion are the ones you know you can spend more time on, the next time you read an issue.
ReplyDeleteReviewing every single thing you read can take some of the fun out of it, in my opinion. It can turn into a kind of chore, where you feel like you have to write something about a comic even if you don't feel like you have a whole lot to say. I was feeling that way for a bit with my blog, but then I made a conscious decision that I won't be doing reviews for a few of the series I've been reading. And I was feeling that way with only posting once a week, so I can definitely understand how you'd feel that way posting as much as you do.
I wonder if part of the problem is that you read a lot of comics you just don't seem to like. Those Titans issues aside, it seems like there are always a few books that get 0 or 1 in your Comic Gazing posts...why not just drop them, and read something you already have that you haven't read yet instead? Maybe do another "let's talk about" post, or even do a "retro" week and talk about some of those Chronicles trades you got? I'd still love to hear what you think of those.
Anyhow, I think I first stumbled across your blog the last time you were in a "valley." And I think what I said then is that you have a small but dedicated community here, and I hope you keep blogging in whatever way is most fulfilling for you. That's all still true. Hope to see you back soon!
Man, I'm sufficiently depressed by this post, but I know what you mean and where you're coming from.
ReplyDeleteIt's hard to know who (or if anyone) sees your work if you get no feedback. I respect whatever you choose X-Man, because blogging and comics should be about having fun and relaxing.
And as for Teen Titans, I honestly think DC should cancel the line and leave it alone for at least a year. I mean, is there some rule that says there MUST be a Teen Titans series? Maybe that's just me getting older, but I haven't read about the Titans in almost 2 years, and I'm okay with it.
But I also know they have that Young Justice cartoon coming out, as well as a solo Superboy ongoing, so they'll probably revamp it all anyway.
Ah, thanks for the comments mi amigos. I'm definitely going to cut back on the reviews(at least for a while)until I get bit by the blogging bug again. But yeah, I'd guesstimate that I probably spend upwards of two hours doing blog related things a day, and I'd have to say that's a wee bit much! At times it really IS like having a part time job that you don't get paid for! :P
ReplyDeleteI have to say Marc, I wish I COULD just drop certain series but most of them are either subscription books or they have a character(or two)that I want to keep up with(even though the title is really lousy!). For example, I've been really down on Teen Titans for probably about 20 issues or so, but with Kid Flash(and to a lesser extent, Superboy)in that series loyalty to the characters supersedes the horrid storytelling! I think I will do a listing of a few of the comics I've read during the course of the week and leave it up to you guys to say which books we should chat about. And I do like the "Let's Talk About" idea a lot too. That's actually a good way for me to talk about a series without having to meticulously review every single comic.
As for the Teen Titans, I agree with JT and Kello 100%! That line needs to be dropped for a good year or so, left alone, and then given to a competent, preferably up and coming writer to relaunch it. And to JT's point about there being too many people, that's SURE the truth! I was thinking the exact same thing last night. In one scene there were 10 Titans on one mission! I know, I counted!! Anything over 7 is overkill, and 10 is just plain ridiculous!
Anywho, thanks for the kind words guys, I can say with confidence, if it wasn't for the likes of you three I'd have closed up shop here LONG ago!
What you guys are saying about Titans reminds me of a great blog post I read a while back, called "How to Make the Teen Titans Not Suck":
ReplyDeletehttp://iceberglounge.blogspot.com/2010/05/oped-how-to-make-teen-titans-not-suck.html
I might have actually posted that link before, I can't remember. But as well versed as you guys seem to be with the Titans, I'm sure he'd appreciate your comments if you have thoughts on the post!
The Titans thing also reminds me of the beginning of Kurt Busiek's run on Avengers, where one of the issues was actually titled "Too Many Avengers!" It was a pretty good issue, and it pared the number of people on the team down from 40 to like 6 or 8 or something. Sounds like Titans could use the same thing!
X, that sounds like a great idea. You do tons of work for us, the people, who don't necessary always have the time/resources to read all the comics that we like. I am sure that for ever active commenter that you have on your blog, there are at least 5 non actives who read your work. We non actives (myself included) need to leave you more comments so that you know we appreciate the work that you do. And it totally makes sense for you not to review a comic unless you want to, or if one of your people (the so called "X-Maniacs") requests it. Although I read your blog almost every day, I know I've only comment a once a month on average. I will personally try to make more of an effort to comment on one post a day.
ReplyDeleteIn regards to Teen Titans membership, I think that it is safe to say that Blue Beetle has left the Teen Titans to join the Justice League, Lost Generation title. That makes membership at 9 if you include Raven (who I thought was kidnappped...idk). I anticipate Aquagirl or Bombshell leaving the team soon, thus leaving the membership with an 7 or 8, of which an 8 team membership is acceptable. I, however, strongly disagree with canceling this comic for a year because of a bad writer, but I would suggest that they get a new writer. Maybe remove GEOFF from one of the current comic he is writing (which, if I remember correctly, you do not like) and put him back on Teen Titans. Those, my friend, are just my ramblings.
L8r days!
DemonHunterCole
Aww I'm late an all but now I feel so sad. :'( I can definitely see where you're coming from.
ReplyDeleteI feel that way every time I sketch/blog. I'm a graphic designer, and I've put that passion on hold to sketch and have fun and it's beginning to not be fun any more. I mean I enjoy it, but it's like I blog and I get comments from you and JT every post with an occasional one from Marc, Nagash and kello. And I appreciate it so much. But it's like, I started the poll to get a lead on what everyone would like to see, and when it comes time to sketch and post, my two trinity buds are there to comment :) It's almost like I sketch just for the hell of it, something to do to keep me from being bored. Almost on the verge of not blogging, just blog about stuff I like and go about my happy merry way. :\
Can definitely be a bit depressing. BUT I think your idea is good. Post what you see is getting a lot of talk. It'll be easier on you and plus you can read other stuff you're interested in and not feel like you HAVE to blog about it, just enjoy the comics. :)
Hope things get better sir. :)
Hey Falisha,
ReplyDeleteI can say that I honestly haven't ever read your blog, but if you throw a link up I'll try following it. In regards to your sketchying/blogging, Why not try to start a little comic to do on your blog? There are a lot of people out there who are making a living doing that, and they just started from scratch. It's just an idea.
Anyways, I hope everyone is enjoying their Friday and l8r days!
Thanks for the suggestions Demon Hunter, here's a link for you, http://creativefiasco.blogspot.com/.
ReplyDeleteI really appreciate you given me the idea, but sketching/drawing, isn't my first love anyways. Lol, doing a comic would only seem more of headache for me. I'll stick to sketching for fun. Including comics in sketching was a way to kind of try and relate with X, Marc's, and JT's blogs. Kind of like a little blog family.
But I'll definitely try and keep my head up and stay positive about it.
I love this blog & got reinvested in comics because of you & your crew. I noticed more & more has been posted. I loved it & didn't know you were getting burned out. Do what's best for you take a while to remind yourself what your priorities are. I will be waiting for you when you decide you are ready to begin again. Thanx for everything!
ReplyDeleteAww, thanks again for all of the kind words folks. You all know how to make a guy feel loved! :-)
ReplyDeleteWith all of the love around here, how could I stay away for long? Granted, I still plan on cutting back a bit, but much like the esteemed Ra's Al Ghul, you can't keep me down for long... Huh, what a strange thing to say. Plus think of it like this, if I end up doing a few less reviews, the reviews I do wind up posting should be THAT much better... BWA-HAHAHAHAH!!! *sigh* Better reviews... Sometimes I really crack myself up! :P
HA! Better reviews!!! Someone get this guy a slot on Leno! Lol kidding, but glad we could keep ya motivated dude, you guys remember this when I get burned out! :P Kidding, and X has a crew? Here I thought they were my crew :( Lol joking.
ReplyDelete