Place your bets! Which will there be more of: Athena's ass or her talking?
NOTE: Storyline resumes this episode!
The Previous Athena review can be found here!
Monday, April 21, 2014
Athena #2
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87 comments:
Well that was an improvement on the first issue. Forgive my optimism but I feel like given time this series could become quite good. Even you'll admit that after Avengers 200 and Red Hood and the Outlaws this comic's lack of icky was quite relief.
Maybe you coverd this in the first Athena review (I can't remember) but it would be weird for Zeus to be in the form of an owl as the owl was Athena's symbol. Zeus was mostly assoscated with the eagle. Having Zeus in an owl form is like him wearing Athena's clothes. And given Athena's costume in this that's a really strange image.
I think you were recently asking for requests for reviews? Well if so I'd like to see a sequel to The Top 15 Worst Heroes Becoming Villians. It's a trope writers are still using and judging by your review of The Culling has been a big part of the DCnU. The recent X-men books too from all I've heard.
I'd also love to see that Ultimate Power review you've been promicing for years, pwetty pwease :3
Hey, Linkara? Not sure if you know this or if this is just for me, but it seems like your videos are skipping the advertisements when I load them...and the ads work with other blip videos I watch, so I'm confused. I don't want you to NOT get paid, so...just thought you might want to look into this.
The first thing I thought of when I saw the owl perched on her shoulder juxtaposed to the man with the gun was the owl saying,
"Give a hoot, DON'T SHOOT"
Now now Linkara, some of those reviews you took out had more to them than just that sentence.
That Comic Book Resources' review? The score on the was a 5 out of 10, still a failing grade. Also, the "but" that comes after the Comic Bulletin's review. Also, note that none of those reviewers ever reviewed anymore of the series after the first issue, which has implications in and of itself.
Still, this comic is boring. Just boooooorrrrrriiiiiinnnnngggg. Then again, Dynamite Comics tend to have rather boring comics.
"That Comic Book Resources' review? The score on the was a 5 out of 10, still a failing grade. Also, the "but" that comes after the Comic Bulletin's review. Also, note that none of those reviewers ever reviewed anymore of the series after the first issue, which has implications in and of itself."
Yeah, but what's odd about the ratings is that they never address any of the actual issues with the book. I didn't see any talk about how we knew nothing about her, how there was so much nudity vs. dialogue from her, the points where it felt like dialogue was missing - basically, I'm not sure what the deal was since most of the reviews were glowing, despite the scores given.
But yeah, I did it this way because even four years later I still remember the reviews for the book being really positive for some reason.
Missed Opportunity: With this and the last Athena review, good chance to steal a joke from Spoony, if you're up to it after the antimagic gun threat - the Ass Shot Count from the FFX review.
Also, a question, Mr. Lovhaug: why is it only Athena that you take the time to look at all the variant covers available? Marville had a fair number for each issue, that barely got a passing mention (though given the length of the reviews, I can certainly understand that one). I'm sure some of the weaksauce early 90s you've reviewed also had incentive covers considering the speculator boom.
"Well that was an improvement on the first issue. Forgive my optimism but I feel like given time this series could become quite good."
...said John Mourby at 20140421 10:06
It only lasted four issues. Considering even the lowest-selling ongoings from Dynamite tend to last longer than that, I'd say it squandered its chance.
"Hey, Linkara? Not sure if you know this or if this is just for me, but it seems like your videos are skipping the advertisements when I load them...and the ads work with other blip videos I watch, so I'm confused. I don't want you to NOT get paid, so...just thought you might want to look into this."
...said Anonymous1 at 20140421 10:44
It's not just you, it's me too. I only watch At4W directly from Blip now.
I'm not really surprised that CBR gave this a good review. They kind of have a habit of giving good reviews to comics that may not deserve it. I don't find it at all surprising that whatever comic Marvel or DC is promoting at the time as "THE" comic to pick up that week gets three or four stars. They sometimes have a more varied reviews in "The Buy Pile" feature, but for the most part I don't think it's a coincidence that they tend to serve as the mouthpiece of whatever publisher is giving them access at the moment.
And when most of the praise is about the "potential" of the comic and what it can do, you know you're in trouble. A lot of comics have "potential" to do great things and be a fun comic. It's whether or not the comic itself actually lives up to that promise that determines it's worth. And overhyping a comic doesn't necessarily improve it's worth.
But given that the comic seemed to have died a slow and quiet death, I think that it showed that no one was buying what the sites were selling.
In response to your description of the book. Can anyone put down $20 if her ass is talking? I mean it happened in ASBAR #1.
The̕ ̕Kín̴g͡ ̵o͟f Ẁo̢rmś s͞p̡ots̀ ̷y͟o͏úr̸ ̛l̛itt͠l͟e͠ ga͜me͟,
a͡nd̡ ͠h͢ís ͜clòc̡kwo̢rk s͟o̴ldie͡rs ͠p̷u͠t ͠yo͞ur ͜p҉ǫwer̴s t͞o̧ s͘h́a̶me,
with͏o͢u̵t̸ ̴th̴em͏ ̢and͠ y͏our͘ ͢f̢rie҉nds,͜ you̷ ̕śhalĺ ̕s̡t́an̛d ͞alo͠n͢e̢,̢
̵a͞n̡d t̵he̶ ͠t͢ru͞e Ki̴n̡g͘ ̶s҉ha͠lĺ ̡şmit̢e͟ y̴ou from̀ a̶to҉p his g͢ŗeat͟ t͡hŗonè.
̧
͠See̢ ͡you͜ ͜s̸o̷on͠, dear̨ f̧rie̛n͝d͠.̵ My c̢o̧u҉s҉i̢n ̴f̛ail̡ed̛..͢. ̛I sh͘all͜ ̷n̸òt҉.
Good review; I especially liked your "one way to find out" how stupid that guy was. Though yeah, considering the last couple of reviews, the pointless fan service in this issue is pretty tame by comparison. Still pointless and stupid, but not completely horrible or anything.
By the way, my computer is having the "skip the advertisements just for this show and not other Blip videos" problem too. Well, it's not completely skipping them; I see a flash of the beginning of the advertisement, and then the regular video just keeps playing. I don't know what that means for your ad revenue (maybe it still counts as me seeing the ad, since it started to play), but you might want to look into it.
Yay story-line is resuming. Even more pathetically done power fantasies.
Yes Linkara, fans like and buy variant covers. Look up Sex Criminal's sales numbers.
So the king of worms has arrived in this dimension it's time to fight him off (this has noting to do with the storyline I'm imagining this is what vice would probably say if he found out about the king of worms)
I love that it looks like that Athena is grabbing her brothers crotch in the final panel of the comic thanks guys
"Yay story-line is resuming. Even more pathetically done power fantasies."
It's been five friggin' years. People had the chance to say for me to not do them. They said they wanted more.
You know how the blip interface works, so you know how to skip it.
It's at the end of the goddamn video AFTER THE CREDITS.
In other words: get over it or go away.
Awwwz man, I was hoping you wouldn't move to the new Blip players, those things suck.
"Awwwz man, I was hoping you wouldn't move to the new Blip players, those things suck."
Yeah, I'm not happy about it either, sadly. However, for some reason the old Blip player seems to be having a problem with Verizon ads and I'm not seeing the same issue on the newer blip player, so until that issue gets resolved, we're going to have to use the newer player. Sorry.
The Catholic church runs a lot of orphanages and schools, most of which are staffed by nuns and the occasional priest, so he could very well have been raised in a nunnery.
First: Yay, more storyline! Personally, I love them. Hell, it was the first Mechakara storyline that got me interested in AT4W in the first place.
Second: I don't know if this was mentioned in the comments of the first video, but if the owl is supposed to be Zeus, the writers don't know their Greek mythology, since Zeus was represented by an EAGLE. Also, Athena *technically* doesn't have a birth mother. (She sprang from Zeus' head fully grown and armored)
So...what will the poor assassin's punishment in Tartarus be?
Actually, even with the newer blip player the ads keep skipping for me when I watch on your blog... think it may be something up with the blog itself? Maybe it'll be cleared up when the new website is up and running. In the meantime I'll just go to your blip page to watch your stuff.
Glad the storyline is resuming. Been seriously itching for more lately.
Nice Review. I hate it when good ideas are wasted on bad comics. As for the storyline, I'm holding off until I can get caught up. Not sure why all the complaining, there's at least some "power fantasy" to it since the Linkara character has to continue since he's also part of the reviews. Any plans on tackling Wolverine: Revolver?
Good Review on a Dull Comic Linkara, just a question did Vyce destroy the Zeonizer or just put a fragment of himself in it ?
@Robert Tanner In Greece, it's more likely to be the Orthodox Church, but same situation.
When he refers to "the sisters", he's clearly referring to having gone to Catholic school as a kid. It's pretty common.
YAY! New story line, the six month wait pays off. Though I am a little confused, why are you trying to make a new morpher when you already have the zeonizer?
Others may say negative but I for one love watching the stories at the end of the reviews. You're a great actor! I actually go back and watch older reviews for the stories themselves.
One particular one that stuck out was Harvey's Christmas Carol.
Keep up the great work!
"YAY! New story line, the six month wait pays off. Though I am a little confused, why are you trying to make a new morpher when you already have the zeonizer?"
As said in the episode - they're trying to invent newer and better weapons. The end of the last storyline showed Linkara's determination to be prepared for Vyce's return, so he's trying to create new powers, new weapons, and new everything because when Vyce comes again, he's not going to be as subtle as he was during Ghost of the Machine.
Great review Lewis! About the whole "The Sisters told me" thing. The assassin looks to be in his 40's or so and when he was a child it was not uncommon for the teachers in many Catholic schools to be nuns. I went to a Catholic elementary school and while my teachers were not nuns, our principal was.
@DMaster "...said John Mourby at 20140421 10:06" Ouch. That's being unnecessary harsh on a guy for being positive. Do you slap people for hoping tomorrow will be sunny?
.... .... .... .... ....
An Anonymous said "And when most of the praise is about the "potential" of the comic and what it can do, you know you're in trouble". Quite true but in the age of decompressed comics it's rarer (for me atleast) for a comic to make a hit out of the park on it's first issue.
As these days issues 1 & 2 normally just being introduction and set up. It's mostly buy issue 4 or 5 that the general quality has truly established (unless it's the kind of crap that ends up on this show). Or maybe I'm just hard to please with modern comics.
.... .... .... .... .... .....
To Lewis I noticed on your Tweeter you're getting a hard time from some of the commenters. Sad to hear that. For what it's worth I usually enjoy your story lines and they never come across as self glorifying. Linkara is quite often the victim of is own mistakes and flaws. It feel quite
revelling in a Peter David sorta-way.
Not the biggest fan of your storylines but always glad to see them back.
So linkara doesn't have to answer questions about the morpher he states quite clearly that he can't find his zeo nixer which we see is being drained by the cybermatt for the king of worms
Why not try to use the super megaforce morpher as you can use the ranger keys to confuse your enemies
No no no Linkara!
You need to use the Legendary Morpher!
With the powers of all the past rangers you'll easily defeat The King Of Worms!
The crook wouldn't be sent to Tartarus unless he'd done something really bad, like incest or kin-slaying.
Also, Tartaros is not ruled by Hades. It's ruled by Tartaros, one of the primordial gods.
The "Golden Apple" story is an example of "backshadowing", a literary device rarely used because it doesn't work.
First thing's first, would I be a complete swine if I pointed out that you had the DS9/Voyager comm-badge with the TNG costume... And I thought you were a Trek expert. You lied to me! I'll never trust you again!!111one!
*Sarcasm off*
All seriousness it's good to see the storyline back. I've always seen it as your little head nod to the writers you berate, demonstrating that while you can critique comic books you can also present an engrossing, interesting and often far more than adequate story with "Linkara" as a superhero in his own right. With his own gallery of villains and allies to do battle against. Even if he does have some difficulty with the truly vile ones, such as the abysmal Power Ranger's Operation Overdrive (just remove the R and the acronym is perfect)
Best of luck, in whichever arena you chose to do battle against next and I'll see you next week.
Thomas
This issue wasn't nearly as bad as the first. Maybe it's the fact that last week was Roy Harper getting his own version of a magical girlfriend who conveniently has no memory of anything, or the week before just being creepy on every conceivable level, but this was just bland rather than offensive. "She's a Greek goddess in the modern era! She Fights Crime!" There's nothing spectacularly wrong with the premise, and the character isn't truly demeaned in any way, it's just bland. And the artwork choices are questionable. But mostly bland, like this could have been a great comic had better writers been working on it. Maybe that's what everyone saw in the first issue, and the fact that it failed to take advantage of that is an even bigger failure.
I'm not offended by the comic, but I am disappointed that it wasn't better since there was some hope for something good. Not so much as Magical Sexual Goldfish Starfire anyway.
I have a small suspicion about Vyce being the king of worms, but I don't know why...
Ah, I'm sure it has nothing to do with his face to never have been shown or him seemingly possessing a worm-like Cybermat in this episode. It must all be imagination.
On the note of the actual review, why the hell do artists still fall in the trap of "sex sells"? As you said, a lot of high quality porn is available for free on the internet, so putting in spank material in your work either should serve a purpose in-story or be a natural progression of events.
And another thing, about how fanservice actually works:
You can't just take any character, you have to use a likeable one. The best example still is Starfire in the old continuity: Nice, kind-hearted and both very empathetic and sympathetic. Making her a fanservice character works because the readers already are interested in her because they are drawn to her positive attitude.
And while I can't name an example off the top of my head you can also make any character with a negative attitude fanservicable if you make them identifiable.
Athena fails because of a severe lack of characterization. We don't know anything about her, so why would we want to see her in skimpy clothing if we can have the same effect by just looking at parody porn of 300? Another who fails is post reboot Starfire. A vapid sexual goldfish is either just too uninteresting, or more likely appalling, so why don't they just drop all pretense and make her background decoration?
This was yet another rant by someone who should get onto working on finishing the script for the first issue of his webcomic rather than, well, rant... Man, I'm bad at this. I'll put in some manservice in my comic to make up for it. x_x
Although it was dull, at least this comic was an improvement over the last few that have been reviewed. A minor improvement, but an improvement regardless. The only thing that I do have a problem with in the comic is Athena and her Ghost Rider-esque treatment of that guy. Although I've been a bit lax with my Greek mythology, I'm pretty sure that judging the soul isn't one of her powers. Also she can't decide where in Hades to send people (in this case, Tartarus) once they are dead. That's the job of Hades, Persephone, and their three judges.
But whatever, I make no sense. The storyline is back and I'm just itching to find out how off I am with that riddle. XD
On a non-canon, semi-serious note:
I'm sorry to hear that some of the people making comments are getting under your skin, Mr. Lovhaug. I know this doesn't mean much coming from a nameless and faceless person on the internet, but don't let them get to you and I hope that your day gets better.
-I hope Linkara is eventually able to access the power key things that Mega Force uses. Dinokara!
-Is there a specific website for Power Force(if I am remembering the name properly)and what is it?
-Aside from Maximum Carnage,what are some Spider-Man comic suggestions you have?
Wouldn't call a bullet a "ball" - not to mention that lead balls used for slings were a lot larger -, but I'm surprised they did enough research to know that slings had quite a large range (much larger than a handgung, and in fact even larger than most bows used in ancient times) o_O
And sideshots of her make the "helmet" look a bit stupid. It only really covers parts of her face, and seeing how sharp and angular it is, getting it in the head will probably result in the helmet cutting her. Especially those massive downards spike-things could slit her throat.
Oh, and it also seems like it is glued onto her, since we don't see straps or anything. Well, they could be hidden by the hair, but it's hard to tell.
Storywise, it's nice that stuff seems to finally happen (the last one was a bit slow if I remember correctly), but the overal premise of "Greek gods re-enacting greek mythology stories for some reason" sounds a bit lame.
Also, they really don't seem to have a lot of time giving Athena a proper characterization, what with all the police stuff, flashbacks and her split-personality (or real personality, depending on how you see it).
You would think that a modern day Athena comic would've been good.But, man is the idea poorly executed. I still don't like Athena's armor. It probable gets a lot of things checked on the Female Body Armor bingo card. Also, while I have my ad blocker down for this site. Is still can't see the adds and on the subject of the plot. I wonder of Pollo has a "worm" in him squirming around.
The weirdly faced man at 14:25 - the one Linkara says is like melted butter - reminds me of Pumaman's Pal, Vadinho. Vadinho would never have a place in a title like Athena, due to his each-man-is-a-god belief.
Will we ever get Vyce's complete backstory? Where he's from, who he was before he became Lord Vyce?
You'd think the King of Worms would have learned from the Star Trek Christmas review to stop all the rhyming. You don't want to split your cybermat fandom down the middle.
Also, pure speculation, but I wonder if a sign of being a clockwork soldier will be incessantly speaking in rhyme. It would be a clever way of explaining his appearance in the Christmas ad bumper while still acknowledging that he's supposed to be possessed at that point.
NO...NOT THE ZEONIZER!!!! That was an awesome form! (and if a Gosei Morpher won't work then what exactly will be your next weapon?)
And yeah, Athena is boring and bleh; I don't get what the reviewers were trying to say. But hey, more Dull Surprise.
Historic dress armour (the stuff worn on parade, not in combat) used in ancient Greece was just as ridiculous as Athena's costume, to be honest. Breastplates complete with sculpted pecs, abs, and nipples have been found. Also, they weren't very big on pants.
That was a weird looking morpher. Though my knowledge of Power Rangers comes from, well, you and mostly things seen on AT4W so maybe that's a really normal looking one.
It was cool to see Linkara testing out the new weapons.
I noticed we had Tom Servo in the shot again, his head is definitely facing to the side. Ever since Pollo was in the body I've been glancing at it from time to time and I noticed you filmed the new bumps in front of it.
Given how things are weird with the Cybermats I'm going to GUESS that's important but what do I know, might just look better in the shot to have him turned.
As for the comic, Athena's costume is still hella-stupid and I wish they'd explain why when she digivolves to her battle form she can't remember anything (not knowing what a gun was) but this felt FAR less icky than last week's comic. (which, I'm still not over. The first line Starfire has in the Teen Titans cartoon is "And that is the secret to going faster than light," (or something close to that) showing us her intelligence right off the bat.)
As for the ads, the newer player tends to play the ads (I've been going straight to Blip for old eps lately) but there was no ad for the mid-roll.
After experiencing so many shit comics that range from utterly sexist to straight-up rock stupid, I have to ask a question, Linkara. Have you ever considered making a "How-To" book on writing and drawing comics? You've seen the full spectrum of god-awful stories, why not offer some insight on how to make a better comic? You could point out the wrong ways to make one by citing your past reviews and point out some good examples. I'm sure there are many talented artists that can offer lessons on how to properly draw characters (I.E. NO GRATUITOUS ASS SHOTS OF WOMEN) and scenes. This is just an opinion, but, after slogging through such shit, there has to be a way to teach up and coming creators to make a better comic. I'm just saying.
BTW, great to see the latest story arc. Hope you're prepared for the King of Worms.
I want to stress to you all that Dynamite is a lot better than this. DO NOT judge Dynamite for this ONE comic. From their recent relaunching of Gold Key comics with Turok: Dinosaur Hunter and Magnus: Robot Fighter, their recent series like the Pathfinder comic and steampunk pulp hero mash-up Legenderry, to their (recent, since Gail Simone) Red Sonja comics, Dynamite is a publisher that deserves more focus, even if it is mostly licensed stuff. They have Mark Waid writing Green Hornet and Chris Roberson writing Doc Savage; need I say more? Oh, and coming soon: Nancy Collins writing Vampirella.
I rest my case.
"Ouch. That's being unnecessary harsh on a guy for being positive. Do you slap people for hoping tomorrow will be sunny?"
...said John Mourby at 20140421 13:31
...sorry? Bit of an overreaction there...
Loved the Review, but if I could add one thing you could have added to the review would have been a Percy Jackson reference (the whole Gods in Modern Times), though Percy Jackson does a way better job than this comic. Maybe if do you more reviews of Athena comic.
As for the Storyline I am so excited to see where it will go! This is amazing and I can't wait to see more of the chaos. (And more Drunk Jaeris/Jaris)
Keep up the great work Linkara! You are awesome!
Wait a minute, was Paris's brother named Hector?
...Really?
Guess we know what happens to him in an issue or two.
The comic: Dull, but it could be a lot worse.
Your Arc: ... Well, that *is* why most tech goes through testing before people use it...
The King is active again it would seem. It'll be interesting to see what comes of this.
Fiery Little One
It's interesting how writers still cling to the literalistic interpretation of the Greek myths.
A lot of ancient Greeks knew that they were metaphors and there were plenty of historians who looked at the myths in terms of their political and cultural influence.
It would be nice if writers combined the literalistic and metaphorical interpretations as well as the cultural and political aspects of the myths.
Also, Athena had more than one brother, not counting her half brothers or mortal brothers.
A certain confrontation with which brother?
Where are all these horrible comments Linkara has been talking about. Did Linkara decide not to publish them? I always knew that this "I want to read every comment" was just a thinly veiled way to filter comments he doesn't like.
Glad we've clarified that.
In regards to the close-up shot of the dude; with modern digital photography, it's completely possible to pick a person-of-interest from a crowd and create a headshot from it. Heck, I could probably do it in Photoshop.
*sigh*
Lord Vyce AGAIN?
These storylines are like the "Legend of Zelda" videogames: every time you play a new one, you THINK Link is fihting against a new villain, you THINK the villain is gonna be a new and interesting character and BAM! Ganon turns out to the villain of the game. Every single time.
Same thing here: does Vyce need to be shoehorned into EVERY storyline? Can't you honestly give the character some rest? This is supposed to be about the King of Worms, why is Vyce necessary?
You are a Teen Titans fans, right? Imagined if Deathstroke was the villain in EVERY Titans comic you read. You'd hope to see the Titans fight Trigon, or Bother Blood, or the Fearsome Five, or Blackfire, but nope, it's Deathstroke every time.
I don't want to sound too whiny, but it frustrates me to see Vyce used as a villain AGAIN.
I do actually like the idea of this comic's story
at least in this issue
like the idea of someone trying to re-create the events of a legend in contemporary times
After you pointed out the "golden=-eyed" variant cover, I kept noticing that the comics portrayed her eyes as blue. One of Pallas Athena's most notable epithets was Athena Glaukopis, or Grey-Eyed Athena. Giving her grey eyes is not exactly the most difficult thing to screw up.
I will forgive the Aphrodite/Helen thing for a simple reason. The gods of Greece exist as both physical beings and allegories to their offices. Paris was offered a choice between power, wisdom, and physical love. He, like the Paris in this story, chose the latter. Thus, choosing Aphrodite is essentially the same as choosing Helen so a modern retelling essentially could interchange the two.
Well it wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be, but yes its boring and also the alternate body armor design should have been used.
Aside the Trojan war metaphor um why was Aries sent there? Wasn't he in the first issue fighting a war with the Archangel Michael?? Uh Zeus I don't think you need to be having your important field commanders leaving the battle just to drop by on his "sister's job" Just saying, but oh well.
Awesome!!! Patton Starfleet Captain(or was it commander) Linkara is back!!!
Also NOOO!! Not the Zeo Morphers Damn you King of Worms you sneaky bastard!! But it was brilliant so I'll give you credit.
Ares: I...I know you...your true self...your true name...reveal yourself to me! Shed this disguise and show your true form....Nemesis!
Athena: What are you talking about? I...I...
*"Athena" screams in pain as her fleash burns and melts horribly. The diguise is shed. The charade is no more. "Athena" is gone...and in "her" place stands Nemesis, the Spirit of Vengence!
Nemesis: PARIS! Your soul is stained with the blood of inncents!
*Nemesius turns towards the rest of the mobsters*
Nemesis: All you here have shed innocent blood, and I'm here to avenge it!
*Nemesis turns towards Ares*
Nemesis: You have no place here, god of war. I appreciate you helping me recover my true for, but if you have any sense in you, you will go back to Olympus, for nothings stands in the way of the Spirit of Vengeance!
*Nemesis turns towards the owl*
Nemesis: The same goes for you, Allfather. I need your protection no more. Fly back to Olympus, your children, and the children of Ares, need your guidance. And next time, use your eagle form instead of assuming such a ridiculous shape
*meanwhile, we cut to the cops, who are watching the scene unfold*
Cop 1: What the hell is going in here?
Cop 2: I don't know!
Cop 3: It's one of those magical thingie stuff happening...we better call the Angry Joe Army, they know how to deal with this shit!
"Where are all these horrible comments Linkara has been talking about. Did Linkara decide not to publish them? I always knew that this "I want to read every comment" was just a thinly veiled way to filter comments he doesn't like.
Glad we've clarified that."
One of them is the one above calling the storylines a power fantasy, another was in a different comment thread, and the others weren't here.
Get over yourself.
"I don't want to sound too whiny, but it frustrates me to see Vyce used as a villain AGAIN."
I never said Vyce was the villain.
@Captain Sunshine
You clearly have played only two zelda games.
However, like "Legend of Zelda" (quotations, why?) His story lines are awesome.
"Get over yourself."
Says the one getting indignant over a few small comments of negative criticism? Uh huh.
And your response to the power fantasy comment was pretty inane too. If you make a living whining over comics you don't have to read, surely people can still criticize your self-insert fan-fic stories regardless of whether they can skip them or not. Why does that bother you so much?
"Says the one getting indignant over a few small comments of negative criticism? Uh huh."
Oh, pookie, you seem to not know what criticism is.
Criticism is saying, "I don't think this was handled very well / I think it was stupid to do this / This was bad because of this, that, and this."
THAT comment was not criticism - that was an insult directed at me for doing the storylines at all. Criticism I don't mind. In fact, as I've said, you can look back at a number of these comment threads and see criticism of the videos or counter-arguments to the ones I made in the videos. I don't necessarily agree with them, but they're made and that's fine.
"And your response to the power fantasy comment was pretty inane too. If you make a living whining over comics you don't have to read, surely people can still criticize your self-insert fan-fic stories regardless of whether they can skip them or not. Why does that bother you so much?"
And again, what they posted was not criticism OF it, but criticism of the mere concept of them. And here you are saying that I should have to put up with it because I "whine about comics I don't have to read." And if you're calling what I'm doing "whining," then frankly it comes across more like I said something that's pissing YOU off about a comic you liked and you can't get over it.
As for why I get bothered by it? Eh, I don't like getting insults thrown my way. Who does? Well, aside from trolls. They LOVE getting insults because it gives them attention.
But when one works hard on something and people have been asking for almost six months for new storyline material and then when it finally happens I get to see insulting remarks about deceased friends of mine AND that the mere idea that the storylines are back is infuriating to them despite the fact that it literally does not affect them in any regard throughout the video, it tends to get me a little frustrated.
So the troll/hater population on this blog has been growing steadily in the absence of storylines. *sigh*
Why can't people who give us free (!!!) entertainment have nice things?
Here, have some Mr. Lovhaug:: I liked this review, but the dynamic between Linkara and Pollo is probably my favourite part of your show. So it's always nice to see them exchange snark, if only a little.
On a side note:
A criticism of the comic that has only dawned on me as of today would be that Zeus speaks through the owl... Which (mythologically speaking) is supposed to be a companion of Athena and nothing more, also Zeus is supposed to be associated with an EAGLE. Meaning a bird that aside from a carnivorous diet(and anatomical traits that derive from that) has nothing in common with an owl, in terms of symbolism there could not be a more unfitting bird for the allfather to speak through.
at least this time the thong stayed on
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xDF3Id9YzqY
I for one love the storyline. I don't remember the first episode of AT4W that I watched, but I do remember that I stuck around because of the story lines. I saw that there was some element of a continuing plot, so I went from the very beginning and continued from there. (I am still waiting for part 2 of the animated Amazons Attack video with you and Wonder Woman fighting together in the colosseum. Get right on that ;D).
You got a loyal fan because of my obsession with wanting to know how that sort of thing turns out, well done, as always, Lewis.
So, wait. If this Comic is suppose to be an adaptation of the Golden Apple story...and they outright tell us the Golden Apple story...so in other words; They're explaining the Joke!
What was it that the Joker said? "If you have to explain the joke, there is no joke!"
What disappoints me is the fact that there is room for some potential here. But since the Athena story is bogged down, it gets boring. Doesn't really make me feel confident for our Hero either if Zues has to come in and save her butt for every moment she gets into a fight!
Also, why would Athena need to wear armour if she's able to create a force field around herself?
I have a friend who played Athena for a play once. Hate to think what she think of her looks here.
Good to see the Storylines back as well. How can the Cybermats be evil!? They're so cute!
Although...with the talk of Pollo there...could it be...?
Will we get to see his third body for this storyline?
Nice Review, Linkara.
Looking forward to seeing more from you.
"Oh, pookie, you seem to not know what criticism is."
I don't think so honey because as s pointed out here:
"And again, what they posted was not criticism OF it, but criticism of the mere concept of them."
You concede that this is indeed criticism, just not of something you want to be criticised ie, you are happy to have people comment on the points you make in your videos but get all upset as soon as people make negative comments about what elements you choose to include in them. This is surely just as important?
"And here you are saying that I should have to put up with it because I "whine about comics I don't have to read.""
Oh you are perfectly in your rights to respond if you disagree, just be aware that they are simply exercising the same freedom to complain about things that you are, and their comments are no less valid.
"And if you're calling what I'm doing "whining," then frankly it comes across more like I said something that's pissing YOU off about a comic you liked and you can't get over it."
Aw, shucks, you got me. I was just so pissed off about the bashing you gave Marville, my all time favourite series, that I had to point out your acrimonious tone displayed in the comments section!
Or it could just be that I was using your perception of the comments you were getting it and turned it back on you for effect. Could be either.
"As for why I get bothered by it? Eh, I don't like getting insults thrown my way. Who does?"
Ah, I see. You're taking some of these comments fairly personally. My intention is not to hurt your feelings or whatever, I'm just calling it how I see it. I may be sarcastic and bitchy about it, but that's just me!
... And about 90% of the internet.
"Well, aside from trolls. They LOVE getting insults because it gives them attention."
Is this a not-so-subtle jab at me inferring I am a troll? ;-)
Not every negative comment comes from someone blindly hating or someone doing it for "lulz". Some people actually mean it.
"But when one works hard on something and people have been asking for almost six months for new storyline material and then when it finally happens I get to see insulting remarks about deceased friends of mine AND that the mere idea that the storylines are back is infuriating to them despite the fact that it literally does not affect them in any regard throughout the video, it tends to get me a little frustrated."
Look, I don't condone the people being nasty regarding your friend, that sucks. But you can't just get pissed off when people don't like the things you include in your videos (your crossover video with Justin being an exception considering that this was something that was very personal to you guys). At the end of the day, different fans are after different things or like different aspects of what you do. It's hardly fair to hold that against them, regardless of how they choose to vocalise it.
It's hardly like even everything your coworkers make is gold. Doug handled the lashing he got for his LP pretty well and that deserved respect, regardless of how Godawful the thing actually was. He seemed to realise it was not a personal insulted and learned from that.
"A criticism of the comic that has only dawned on me as of today would be that Zeus speaks through the owl... Which (mythologically speaking) is supposed to be a companion of Athena and nothing more, also Zeus is supposed to be associated with an EAGLE. Meaning a bird that aside from a carnivorous diet(and anatomical traits that derive from that) has nothing in common with an owl, in terms of symbolism there could not be a more unfitting bird for the allfather to speak through."
Actually, I liked to imagine it was some kind of Mythological telephone system, where he would speak into his eagle and the message sent magically to her owl where the voice comes out of. I just somehow find that image amusing.
Just a nitpick, since Olympios ends in "-os," the feminine form would be "Olympiou," not "Olympio," hence her full name would be Athena Olympiou. But, again, it's an extremely minor nitpick. :)
I'll give this comic some credit, at least the writers didn't make the mistake of confusing Hades with Hell, like I've seen some authors do (i.e. "fiery death in Hades," "burn in the pits of Hades," etc.). At least they correctly named Tartarus as the Ancient Greek equivalent of Hell.
The funny thing is that "Manny" still could have been named Menelaus. Many Ancient Greek names such as Menelaus, Paris, and Athena are still used today. But since Menelaus isn't a common name and hasn't been adopted by other nationalities like Hector, Cassandra, and Helen have, he'd have to be Greek instead of whatever ethnicity he's supposed to be in this comic and it would make the parallel even more obvious than it is.
If Manny's girlfriend was supposed to represent a dual role of Aphrodite/Helen, that would be one thing, but the problem is that this idea doesn't apply to the other two women. When did Athena offer wisdom or military success to the modern-day Paris? When did the Hera equivalent offer him power? They all did the same thing: they got up on stage and danced. So, in effect, they were all representing what Aphrodite offered to the original Paris. It's not like they were on a dating show and the host said, "So, Paris, you have a choice between an army private who's a member of Mensa, the CEO of one of the wealthiest corporations in the world, or the world's most beautiful fashion model."
I just hope that this Hector doesn't have a wife and baby son somewhere. :(
Psh, Zeus gets all protective about his daughter being involved in a shoot-out, but not one word about his son also being involved in the fray? Then again, in many accounts, Athena was his favorite child and he didn't care much for Ares, since he was a bloodthirsty psycho. But is Ares also mortal in his human form and therefore able to be killed like Athena apparently is?
The reveal of Ares just goes to prove how ludicrous Athena's 'armor' is. Because what excuse is there for Athena that there isn't for Ares? Ares is also an immortal god. So, how come he isn't dressed in a thong with his stomach and chest fully exposed? Why doesn't he resemble King Leonidas from Frank Miller's "300," wearing nothing but a cape and glorified Speedo? His stomach is partly exposed, sure, but at least his chest, thighs, and shoulders are fully covered, which is more than I can say for Athena.
"Just a nitpick, since Olympios ends in "-os," the feminine form would be "Olympiou," not "Olympio," hence her full name would be Athena Olympiou. But, again, it's an extremely minor nitpick. :)"
Yeah, I wasn't sure how to pronounce it, but it WAS written as -ou in my script. ^^;
"Then again, in many accounts, Athena was his favorite child and he didn't care much for Ares, since he was a bloodthirsty psycho."
I remember I read the Iliad last year for my college classics course, and there's a bit in that where Ares gets wounded by Diomedes (funnily enough, with Athena's help), and Ares goes crying to Zeus about it.
Zeus' response is something along the lines of 'Ares, no one likes you, all you do is start fights and shit, stop being a crybaby and get out of my sight'.
Funnily enough, when the same thing happens to Aphrodite, Zeus just kisses the cut better. Maybe Zeus just doesn't like the other male Olympians all that much.
SUPER stoked to see that the storyline is continuing!
I started watching just for the comics but then I got hooked on the storyline and had to go back and rewatch in the the correct sequence. There is just an endless supply of references to things that I love. I watch a lot of cartoons with my 6 year old brother, and the story parts of this show and power rangers are really the only live action things he'll watch. He loves it. We thank you X)
"You concede that this is indeed criticism, just not of something you want to be criticised ie, you are happy to have people comment on the points you make in your videos but get all upset as soon as people make negative comments about what elements you choose to include in them. This is surely just as important?"
I don't speak for Mr. Lovhaug here, but I can't help but feel you're missing a key part of this issue.
Criticizing the elements included in the video can be valid, but there's two kinds of criticism: constructive and destructive. Saying, "I don't care for the storylines at all, because it seems like it is done more for your own wish fulfillment than your fan's enjoyment" (NOTE: not my real opinion) would be constructive criticism, because it is geared toward informing why the commenter feels the way they do and how they believe the video could be handled better. Saying that they're "pathetically done power fantasies" is destructive criticism, because its projected intent isn't to evaluate the end product; it's simply to insult the creator of the work. It's not a simple matter of negativity or that they don't like things in the videos; when a criticism is phrased as an insult with the end goal being simply to offend, it loses its validity as a criticism.
Look, I happen to agree that Mr. Lovhaug probably shouldn't have responded as vehemently as he did to that one guy; ignoring him would have been a better tactic. But I don't think that people who choose to phrase their opinions as insults should be defended as having the right to do so.
"Seriously a "grown man" who thinks he's a power ranger is just sad, your only indulging yourself into your own fantasy."
...I don't even know how to respond to this. Is it being sarcastic and mocking the trolls? Is it serious and seems to think that me playing a fictionalized version of myself for the purposes of the review's storyline is my attempt to live out in a fantasy world. Got to say, if that's the case, I'm putting in a hell of a lot of time and effort just to indulge that.
And if you are really being serious with that comment, I'll just say better that than a petulant child who thinks he's a grown man.
Odd, I distinctly remember Zeus turning into a swan in at least one or two stories, but I could be wrong. Anywho, regarding the attacks on the storylines...really guys? If you don't like it, then just don't stick around after the credits. Also, oh how dare someone act out a "power fantasy", c'mon guys let's go stick it to Robert Downey jr, Chris Evans and the rest of those morons acting out "power fantasies".
There's replying to valid criticism, and then there's having to justify oneself against censorship* accusations and weird assumptions from persons like Mr. Hillock who apparently can't tell fiction and reality apart and assume everyone else can't as well.
*) As for censorship, there's a slight difference between deleting every comment NOT from a mindless drone, and then there's letting his own comment sections devolve into something you'd see in a Youtube flame war or a MOBA chat log.
Why do feminists moan about how women are portrayed comics? Are the women just sick of labelling all male readers “virgins”, “losers” “nerds, “fat basement dwellers”, etc for all these years along with the rest of the non-comic reading society?
I am gay so scantly clad women posing for no good reason doesn't arouse me in the slightest. I just roll my eyes.
Huh. So many sexist comics in a row, including a high-profile one from a series with an inexplicably large number of fans, yet so little fanprat arguments rising up, or N. deciding to speak out. Peculiar.
Good review, though it seems like these comics are just ripping off the Witchblade comics with the whole police thing. And I think Witchblade did it better despite some of the problems.
Charlotte:1. I don't see why criticism can't be delivered without insults. I mean if one believes their opinion to be sound and even bordering on a fact, I'd think the opinion would stand strong without insults.
Now if Zeref's comment was more like this "Not really looking forward to any storylines. They strike me as it being self indulgement of the character", the point would be delivered and respected even with any disagreements.
Besides, insults much like shouting tend to distract one from looking at any possible valid point made.
Can you honestly say that you would listen to the criticism of someone who insulted you?
2. Not to mention the power fantasy bit is arguably inaccurate as Lewis isn't afraid to knock his character down a peg or more.
I'd think a power fantasy is making your character perfect in everyway/shape/form.
Well, after the horrible Avengers 200 and the really bad Red Hood and the Outlaws, Athena seems quite a relief if only for less ass shots.
Still, I'll take this comic rather than Marville.
Nice to see the storyline return.
Hope you get to the other issues of Athena.
...Ok, this comic starts with the wrong premise. The Goddess of justice was Δίκη or Dikh. She was a minor Goddess but a Goddess non the less. Athena was the Goddess of Knowledge and Innovation. She had NOTHING to do with justice :S
And I would know, I live in Greece and I was grown up with stories about those gods. In our primary school we don't learn history,we learn about the mythology of ancient Greece.
Just a couple of things.
1. I know Zeus has the power to take the form of a bird, but I thought it was the eagle that he was associated with; not the owl.
2. Oddly, the end credits fade out with Weird Al singing "I'm a man." I wonder... did you plan that?
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