Legion World Forums LEGION COMPANION Dr. Gym'll's Cultural Rarities the Squadron Supreme thread

**********SPOILERS for #8**************
Hyperion vs. Dr Spectrum! Boy, when they get around to action, they don't mess around do they? We've seen Nighthawk's sheer brutality, and here we're exposed (yes, that's a pun on the fact that the combatants' clothing was getting shredded) to the raw power posessed by these two. It was like an immovable object versus the unstoppable force. The surprising thing to me was the change in Hyperion. That first experience of pain either did something to him, or it was an influence from the crystal -- maybe it triggered a subconscious need for him to posess it? Hard to tell for sure, but his recitation of those questions over and over had me wondering.

[B5 detour]As an aside, it also reminded me of "Babylon 5" and the questions Sheridan heard when he was "dead" that were repeated time and again over the series. The part where he makes contact and the crystal/ ship "sings" to him reminded me of the transcendant yet inexplicable experience several characters had when seeing a Vorlon in its natural state.[/B5 detour]

I shouldn't have been surprised that the confrontation failed to bring any kind of resolution or major (or obvious) change to the characters -- it's something we've come to expect from the way other stories are told, but JMS is taking his time here as well as when he had Hype meet Blur and Nighthawk -- the groundwork is laid and it's still unclear what will come from this first meeting.

The first part of the fallout from this fight is the confessional scene, which was a tad chilly seeing Hyperion on the edge here. He's finally expresing some of his resentment and it shows he's not necessarily the altruist he's been trying to be -- if anything, it makes him seem more human. It's still a good sign that he went to a priest -- that he still acknowledges a higher power perhaps and that he would seek guidance from another as well.

****SPOILERS FOR #9*****
Hyperion sets out to get some answers but gets more than he bargained for from Gen Casey. The past two issues have been very Hyperion-centric as he makes a break from his government handlers and tries to find out about his origins. I certainly understand since he's the focus of the book, but I'm missing the others. We've seen only glimpses of them so I long to see more. The Spectrum/Amphibian connection certainly implies she and Spectrum will be close (or she will be to him at least). Since it seems Hype and Princess Power are getting together, I wonder if round two will be the battle of the super couples?

The two scenes appraising Hype's power -- from his megadeath ratings, to the notion of using a two ton press to push a spike into a baby -- chilling stuff that enhanced Hypes "stroll" through the military base.

Oh, and that last page ... wow. Looks like Hype is a lot more powerful than the other incarnations we've seen of him -- it only brings more possibilities of what he's going to actually do with the world once he sets a goal.

Issue 9 was great as always and I appreciated the brief Doc Spectrum/Amphibian scene. I'm still hoping that ultimately Hyperion will form the Squadron Supreme.

Advance solicits say Power Princess makes the scene next issue- Hooray!

Although I can't fathom how they will segue the end of # 9 into the intro of Zarda.

I just read the trade and, amazingly, I'm not that bothered that Hyperion's the main focus character. I really like the others but his tale is a bit on the tragic side innit? There's only so much sympathy to go round...

But I'm glad Zarda's coming back! I was a preturbed to see that she's been bricked up behind that wall for 2000 years or whatever!

Does anyone think this is a bit on the slow paced side though?

This book definitely has a slower pace, but the frustration only comes from the fact that this book is so G-damn good and I wanna know what happens next!

A lot actually happens in most issues -- whether it's character development, creating atmosphere or just introducing all the various "Squadron" members, but JMS is taking his time with it and that's fine with me because he's creating something with real depth.

I agree that there is an enormous amount happening in each issue, and I've been thrilled with this series so far--definately a candidate for Marvel's best current series.

This past issue was very nicely done, and showed further characterization of Hyperion (and General Casey). I'm really looking forward to seeing the other characters start meeting up with each other, but there's no need to have the story rushed along.

On to Power Princess!

Holey Canoli, according to the Marvel solits, there's going to be a "Dr Spectrum" mini! That's great news since the main book is focused on Hyperion and there hasn't been enough room to really delve into the other "Squadroners'" stories (I also can't help but like Dr Spectrum since he's based on Green Lantern).

But Jeepers H. Christmas!! When is issue # 10 coming out?? It's later than a pregnant girl's period!

LOVED the last page of #9... shades of KINGDOM COME...!

Issue #10 hits the stands tomorrow, May 26th - I can't wait!

***SPOILERS for #10****
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hehehe.... titties....
-- Power Princess makes her debut and man, what a body! (I'm talking about the first time we see her when she's all wrinky and sagging and stuff... eewwww) No matter how many times they showed her naked after that, I still have that first impression in my mind {{shiver}}
-- as with the other issues, we have no idea what the Princess' agenda is. She also seems as robotic as Spectrum did when he was posessed by the crystal. The prophecies hint that she'll be a force for good, but it doesn't seem like it so far.
-- JMS really plays up the "birth" angle with the repeated fetal positions and nakedness (Spectrum was naked too for his "rebirth", and Amphibian's always naked)
-- The Amphibian/ Spectrum exchange was kinda sweet. I look forward to seeing them together again soon so they can build on their friendship (assuming it all doesn't go to hell).
-- Considering Hype was injured in the explosion, could that mean Nuke will be an adversary to be feared??
-- Despite the slow pacing and lack of "big" events this issue, JMS and Frank manage to convey that what we're watching are historic moments that will determine the fate of the world. It's like we're counting down to something ... what, I don't know, but I'll be there for it!

I noticed a Dr. Spectrum 6 issue mini will be coming in the fall!!!

Issue 1 of the mini will be in the June solicits. Saw the cover on CBR and it looks pretty sharp.

Pov, Dr Spectrum has always been one of my faves so I'll be picking this up!!!! I just wish we could see Arcanna!

Has Lady Lark appeared?

Was there a 'Hawkman' analogue? I don't seem to remember... I'm 'tradesitting' for this title.

Is it now an ongoing? Didn't it begin as a miniseries?

Todd

I'm also looking forward to the Spectrum mini. I've always been partial to him since he's the GL analogue, but I actually like this Joe Ledger as well. The gentle side he revealed this issue went a long way in cementing my fondness for this character.

Mystery Lad, as far as I know, this has always been meant as an ongoing but I'm not 100% sure.

Lady Lark hasn't appeared and I don't know if she will. They showed some design sketches for Nuke, but aside from the members that've already appeared that's the only other Squadroner I know of in this series.

And the Hawkman analogue in the "Squadron" was Blue Eagle.

No appearance as yet by Lady Lark, but some of us are rooting for her.

The first TPB to this book is out already, Todd, I highly recommend it.

To the best of my knowledge, this book is now an unlimited-issue monthly series, already spawning spinoffs such as the upcoming Doc Spectrum mini.

Thanks, DrakeB3003 and Lashie! Barnes and Noble carries it, so I'll order one at work when I go back Wed.

Now for a real toughie... has the Perez illustrated Avengers/Squadron Supreme meeting been released in TPB form? Anybody?

And does SUPREME POWER affect Kyle Richmond of Defenders fame?

Thanks,

Todd

Only thing I don't like about the Doc Spectrum mini is that it is being down by a different team. I was really excited about it when I thought it was going to be JMS/Frank doing it, but now I think I will probaly skip it.

The very first Avengers/SS battle was reprinted in the "expanded" edition of "Supreme Power #1" (which also has some character design sketches) which was released the same time as "regular" #1 (which was just the new story). Maybe you can find it at the CBS or ebay (I don't know if it was reprinted in the tpb though).

And no, this has nothing to do with any of the Squadroners we've seen before. Richmond in Marvel U. proper is not affected.

It's kinda like ULTIMATE SQUADRON SUPREME, Todd, in that the original SS isn't affected by this at all and these characters are completely different. Which I kinda like, as it leaves the whole of Gruenwald's SS stories intact (see earlier pages of this thread for more details).

I'd LOVE to see the Perez SS issues in tpb. They'd include the first Hellcat appearances. Lessee, that would be issues 141, 144 (first Hellcat), 147 & 148 (and throw in 149 to finish off the Patsy/Buzz/Roxxon connection). I have the originals but I'd like a TPB. It'd be kinda small, only 5 issues, so maybe they could price it at $8.99 or something. That would be a treat.

I also want to get the CELESTIAL MADONNA tpb.

Again, thanks DRAKE and LASH. I'll keep my eyes peeled for that 'expanded edition' of SUPREME POWER 1.

I got that CELESTIAL MADONNA tpb, along with the one reprinting the AVENGERS/DEFENDERS 'war'. Rereading those awoke my sleeping Marvel fanitis.

My original copies of everything 70s and 80s are long gone (don't ask...)

So, I'm selectively rebuilding. TPBs are the way to go, for me.

Todd

I'm not sure how much longer I'll be collecting this title. It's not bad, but it is a bit more graphic than I am comfortable with, and the characters feel a bit too alien from the originals for me. I don't mind a new take, I prefer my heroes not punch their fist through people

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Geez, Zarda's first full-frontal put me off the rest of her scenes...

Man, she's creepy...!

Todd, I also highly reccomend picking this up in the trade! A great read, with *great* art!

A Celestial Madonna TPB is a must! About five years ago, I reread the entire Avengers run from #1 to the Brotherhood of Evil taking over Avengers mansion saga, and the Celestial Madonna saga might be the supreme highlight of the post-#16 years! It was just so cool, and kept going with more twists and turns! I also have a strong affinity for Mantis now, and Kang was the ultimate Avengers villian during this era.

The latest Supreme Power was good I thought, and the art continues to stun. I can see why Zarda's continual nudity might put some people off, but nudity has never bothered me . The scenes with her and Hyperion were both tantalizing and creepy at the same time, and I'm curious to see where it's going--is Zarda planning to 'take over' Earth?