I was never sold on the Rippaverse no dislike for July but the concept was flawed from the pitch. It focuses more on the universe than the characters it doesn’t feel inspired to tell a story. The comics universe didn’t become a thing until decades after the characters were well established. This feels like trying to build a castle while forgetting to build the road and door into it.
This is true. That’s why they come with the rippaverse ethic talking about reboots, and no alternate timelines, etc. he’s not even three issues into his flagship character and he’s already branching out into others and talking about reboots. He needs to focus on his characters, an extended universes can come later.
I wholeheartedly agree on your take about deconstructed heroes. I'm sick to death of it, I want to see heroes who do the right thing because it's the right thing! That being said, what would you think about a story of a retired deconstructed superhero meeting an aspiring young hero and using the mistakes he made during his hero career to prevent the young hero from going down the same dark path he did? Basically, a story where "hero-who's-secretly-a-jerk" is retired and tries to make up for his past by making sure the next generation of heroes are genuinely good people. Idk if it would be a break from the deconstructed hero trope or if by virtue of having a character that was once that, it would just perpetuate the trope. What do you think?
That could work. The key is being consistent to the archetype you're writing. It doesn't sound like you'd be using any analogues of already established heroes either, so there would be no expectations or foundational deconstructions to worry about.
@@ProfessorGeekMCor better yet, have a story where there's a conspiracy that was destroying and demoralizing the heroes of the last generation to prop up a newer and "better" generation of heroes, and the story focuses on an aspiring young hero who still believes in the same older heroes he looks up too and inspires them to return to the fight.
Squadron Supreme is the definitive "what if the Justice League were jerks" story and it came out in 1985 or something. Since then we have seemingly dozens of evil Superman analogues... We need more straight up Superman good guy analogs if anything (Alan Moore Supreme is the example i can think of, probably my favorite Alan Moore besides Swamp Thing.)
Don't even bother with the Isom books. I don't have a dog in the Ethan/Rippa nonsense but Ethan's reviews completely summed up my feelings on both of those books. I can't bring myself to buy Isom 3, I really hated Alphacore and don't want a 2. And I ultimately have no interest in anymore Rippa things. I'm glad ypu brought up thst character death. It might have worked if we got to know him better but it was just too soon, un-earned and meaningless.
That expositional dialogue that feels unnatural... the easy fix is to make it a thought bubble. I've been re-reading old Claremont X-men, and it's FULL of exposition thought bubbles. He will constantly have Colossus revealing the ins and out of his powers in his thoughts, and it's done to get new readers up to speed, and to let us know the stakes and to justify the characters actions. So if the X-men are all underwater, and all the X-men have oxygen tanks except for Colossus, it will show Colossus thinking to himself about how they didn't have enough oxygen for everyone, but that he will be okay, because in his organic steel form he doesn't need to breathe. And he will be at the back of the group, since he's heavy and walking, while the rest of them are swimming. And they are approaching an island that nullifies their powers. Uh oh. Colossus turns to a normal human, has no oxygen tank, and he can't call for help as all the other X-men swim on ahead. If you want to reveal that the Solaris guy is invulnerable, but that he still feels pain, just have him think to himself, "Yiao! I may be invulnerable, but I can still feel the sting of those bullets. He's going to regret doing that." Expositional thoughts work better, since you can have complex thoughts that would amount to lengthy phrases and even paragraphs if spoken aloud, but when they are abstract thoughts in your mind, they can take place in an instant.
That's a shame. One of the things that made me start to get out of comics was this deconstruction trope. And when Injustice came out and was such a big hit I thought ,"Here we go again" Trash.
I will never, EVER understand this need writers have to make all of their main characters a bunch of A-holes. For crying out loud, I clean up after A-holes for a living. Why would I want to follow their misadventures in my fiction, be it comics, anime, video games or what have you? I just don't get the fascination at all
That's why Godzilla Minus One i so awesome! Verry few made deconstruction of heroes worth reading/watching and I agree that this comic is garbage - Chuck was hired, he did the work and took paycheck, I bet he keep his good stories for himself.
Man , is THAT hard to build a hero story? I am writing a VERY long story, almost 10 books now, and i try to keep all the heroes honest to themselves, and don't fall in the" deconstructed" characters trap!
It aint that hard but its about creativity vs formity . Eric july is very creative and he wants to bring something out without compromising his creativity at this point . I would assume that he has grown up with the deconstructed heroes that he prefers to read and is less interested into archetypes . Some people cant work with limitation while others do . Its a balance act to find the creative ground that you have on those limitations to get something that isnt deconstructed but still fresh to get into. Pulp-stories like Doc Savage , the shadow and conan the barbarian are more setting-driven than character-driven because you know the powers/abilities of the heroes and even their background and personality . The adventure is more concentrated than the characters on itsself . And those kind of stories are more easier to hold the archetypes than deconstruct them because deconstruction os always bounded to character-driven stories than setting-driven .
My guess is that many writers, particularly with superheroes, want to have more moving parts in their stories. Ask yourself, regardless of the current culture war, would you buy a comic of a new superhero that's just one guy with superpowers stopping a criminal group when there's hundreds of classic superhero stories from years before? So there comes the thought that you should do something more. Issue is, that something more has most likely already been done and is toxic to the idea of the hero. IMO, we need reconstructions because plain deconstructions or going back to form might not cut it in the market unless you have a really good hook.
@@Snyperwolf91I think EJ is creative in the music space. But not so much in the writing space. A lot of his characters come off as very generic and not well-thought out. From their designs, to names, to powers seems very surface level. For instance ISOM is the name of his grandfather it doesn’t mean anything, we know he’s strong but not how strong or if he has other abilities, or what motivates him other than vanity.
@@shawnboahene5231 Thats true too . But i would even say that he managed to keep the promise that he sold easily more comics than Marvel and DC brought since a decade . It aint absolutely horrible but really generic at the end. What i really question is if he prefers deconstructed heroes or archetypical heroes and why he took decontsructed heroes instead of normal archetypes for his comics ? Im myself done with those Netflix tier hero shows with superheroes that arent heroes at all . Only Pulp-heroes get this pretty great with being good guys who does their own duties to fight against evil and clean up the streets from criminality .
It's a shame. I was so happy for Eric July because it's nice to see such success coming from independent creator who was speaking out against many for he narratives politically and artistically. And not only was talking the talk but willing to try and do something about it. On that I'm happy for him. But hearing that this came from his company and it fell into the modern traps, despite having every capability to succeed. It's disheartening. But it is what it is. Thanks for being honest and keeping to your credentials. Its one of the reasons I've stuck around and glad there are still voices who speak truth even against the tide. Here's praying for improvement from Mr. Eric July. And here's to you and Sound Engraver finding more fulfilling stories.
Thanks!"I join you on being happy for Eric's success. And I wish him all the best. I just hope he allows the aspirational to breathe and do it's work among all the cathartic/motivational and antiheroes he's fostering.
Have you heard anything about Razorfist’s comic? I ordered it and I’m really excited about it. Seems like a genuine inspiration to write a heroic character also ready for another western comic. Lonesome is a really good western comic.
Oh dang, since he hadn't mentioned what you thought about it I was hopeful that you might have liked it. Oh well, at least you both liked the quality of the medium, lol. Hopefully a different comic from the Universe will impress you both.
I believe that Eric July gave Dixon pretty clear direction over what he wanted. That’s the big criticism Ethan has - although he isn’t the best at articulating it in this case. Eric July is running this like a business rather than a creative endeavor. The use of computer generated imagery; the constant promotion; the treatment of character’s; the editing errors that show its being rushed. I say this as someone who supports Eric’s attempt to create alternative-non-woke voices. I like Eric’s channel and politics. It’s too bad.
I read both AlphaCore and Isom 1 and 2. I think as a story AlphaCore is more cohesive than Isom 1 and 2. I enjoyed it for what it was. When I was reading this I didn’t think it was an analogue to DC’s trinity. I was just thinking of the mythic 3. The AlphaCore works for the government and is somewhat of an antagonist to the character Isom. So I expected some of that behavior. I guess if I saw this as representation of the DC trinity I’d be annoyed too. But I just didn’t see it that way, I guess.
Thanks for the honest review. To me this comic is only getting praise because it exists to oppose marvel and dc and people like that idea. Doesn’t mean it’s good though
I think most of people open their eyes at the Rippaverse, that's why every new title gain less and less in funding. And EJ don't help with all those battles.
Deconstruction without reconstruction/rebuilding is just tearing down. Writers use deconstruction to hide their hatred of the subject/genre and their fans.
While the book wasn't a masterpiece by any means, it did keeps me invested, and is definitely a work in progress like the Isom books, Eric July isn't a great writer, but he has potential, the art unfortunately on both books had some okay points and some very low points, the problem with this EVS/July war is that loyalist of both camps are going to side with the person whom they favor, extracting only the bad parts to the books being reviewed, following the leader so to speak ,like I stated at the beginning Alphacore is not a masterpiece but it did keep my attention ,for example Cyberfrog #0 was a harder read for me ,I tried to give it a chance ,and I couldn't finish it ,but I can't say anything about the art because it was solid he hands down wins in that department, instead of continuing this bad soap opera , this tired back and forth both camps should just call a truce and leave the drama for their comics.
Appreciate the honesty. The most revolutionary storyteller today is someone that writes a genuine good heroic character. Superman 1978 is the best Superhero film. alphacore sounds marvel-tier dialogue, subversive where nothing matters and society(=people) are not worth protecting.
This is quite sad... I was hoping it would be different but it's more of the same deconstructions like you said. Why the analogues to DC? Where is the actual Superman inspired characters that aren't just making a pseudo-Superman character? I agree, it has to stop...
I'm not calling anyone who has a problem with him "just part of the dogpile" or anything. If people have valid issues with him, that's between them and him. But I have seen A dogpile at times. And some have tried to strong-arm me into joining the anti-ethan front, which I refuse to do.
I have seen people go from Praising both Rippa and EVS. EVS is a bit of a firebrand so he tends to rub people the wrong way. In Rippa's case, it just seems a lot of jealousy for making so much, so soon. The way the book sounds. It feels more of this comic trying to take on DC's big three in their universe and pummel them, which seems a bit petty. Maybe Chuck is mad he couldn't write for any of them or how the DC and Marvel have turned their characters into something akin to what Alphacore is, but again. We don't want to see that from heroes since it reminds us of what they've become.. Like Prof. Geek said; It's been done so many times it might as well be a trope. If Dixon played around more with the idea of superheroes needing to work for the government and they don't like it, that would at least be a fresh take on it, but this sounds like anything you would see on Adult Swim or something.
In my opinion its not jealousy, but rather Eric’s actions. The night letter, telling him to toe the line, and downplaying crowd funding. But mostly it seems it’s his inability to accept criticism and the poor quality of Eric’s books. That being said I don’t like of childish EVS is taking this, but he does have some valid points
The nicest thing I can say about this stuff is that it sounds like Eric is writing for an audience of 1 (ie himself, and more specifically a black, anti-government Libertarian). As a starting point that's reasonable (or at least forgivable), but you have to evolve beyond that pretty darn quickly (especially when this level of money is being risked by a hungry/trusting audience). If he can't make a more universally appealing story for his core audience (and at least resist using such tropey straw-men to represent every idea/group he personally dislikes) then this whole endeavor will end up boiling down to "Your identity politics bad; MY identity politics GOOD".
@@cameronjames3499 Yes, I've seen people get a mega ego because their book sold to a small audience. If Rippa doesn't take criticism to heart, he'll just become Marvel and DC.
Thanks for your review - it really helps that you explain where you are coming from and that you are not part of the drama surrounding the Rippaverse so I figure you are as objective as possible. I'm kinda invested in the Rippaverse so my favorable take is definitely biased and so are a lot of the people I listen to. I sense that this was an honest look at the book and these are objective points.
I was kind of curious about what parts of this book are a deconstruction. I've never read it so I kind of hoped that you would talk about what things in the plot and what elements you hated, I know you weren't trying to spoil it but you should do a spoiler review that really says more than just that it was a horrible experience. I do have to agree with everything you said about deconstructions being so overdone now. I see everyone praising Invincible and the Boys and Injustice and the Snyderverse and I can't for the life of me get the appeal. The characters are shallow and only manage to hook people in because they have surface level similarities to the characters we love ... and those characters we love, they aren't exactly in the mainstream anymore outside of cartoons that aired over 15 years ago! Sure we still get DC animated movies, but that's definitely not something people get excited about the way they used to because when they started incorporating shared universe and New 52 aspects it killed the momentum of having the self-contained adventures that function like their own movie.
Pretty sure it's not Chuck dixon's fault. Pretty sure Eric July is molding the characters and story with his non-existant experience in writing and Chuck has to try to put the pieces together
As a lover of Grimm, I feel I have to at least stick up for it. While I wholeheartedly agree with the thoughts on Juliette's character during seasons 3 and 4, season 5 when they bring her back (won't spoil it if you haven't gotten there), is I think really well done and a good direction to have taken her after where they left her in season 4. That's to say, don't give up on the series because there was some definite missteps in the middle, but I think it finished as well as it could with the final season (6) being cut to 13 episodes.
@@ProfessorGeekMC I'm curious to hear your thoughts on Renard's arc in season 5. Personally, no spoilers, I think it was inevitable given the kind of man he is. Also curious to see how you feel about Adeline by the end of the show. I think she has the best arc in the show. She's such a great example of all the weakest/worst parts of a woman who learns how to be so much more. For all the flaws Grimm has, there's some brilliant work in it as well.
I'm currently writing a superhero story book, because I'm also sick of this whole desconstruction of superheroes. Despite some of my heroes not being paragons of virtue, this is used as character development arcs, not as an descontruction of the concept of a hero, even because the protagonist (a tokusatsu heroine named "Mayday") is presented as heroic since the beginning, even before becoming "Mayday". Just a sample: she dashes to help a paramedics team (she is a Medicine college student) to rescue a group of people stuck in a combat between groups of super-powered people, even though there is harzardous, radioactive material on the area. Another thing I put on my story is that both heroes and villains have the same origin basis: they were affected by a disease caused by radiation. So, becoming a hero and a villain is presented as a matter of choices on my story.
I'm so tired of Superman being torn down and deconstructed and made evil all the time. It's gotten to the point that a lot of normies are starting to think of Supes as a villain by default, which I just can't stand. Even DC does evil Supes way too often (like the recent SS game) and it's their own cash cow's reputation they're killing. The rest of the JL being torn down sucks too, but the way people treat Superman especially breaks my heart.
The only "bad Superman" that worked for me, was Hyperion from the Squadron Supreme limited series from 1985. In that case, Hyperion WAS a good guy, he was just working on the wrong side of the fence. He was able to be talked into seeing things from Nighthawk's position and after his death, Hyperion was good on his word and dismantled the Utopia project. He was flawed, not mean or outright evil. Unfortunately, any "bad Superman" tropes have all gone the evil route. Like you, I'm so tired of it. That's why in my own books, I make sure my heroes are the good guys. The villains are the bad guys. I keep it all ages, the way I feel comics work best. I'm tired of all the shades of gray because of what it's all lead to. No more deconstruction. No more grim n gritty. Let's get back to noble heroes and vile villains!
The art looks very early 2000s and I don't know about the writing but it's probably not that good. Nothing against Eric July, but to use one of his phrases the Rippaverse is "dead in the water"
I presonally think that the deconstruction is t the issue. Its that its just not very good at all. Same with ISOM. Its just not very good AT ALL. The Ripaverse loves to advertise how its all cool and badass and whatever but its all so badly written. The art in Alpha Core is the best. The art in ISOM is horrendous.
I get the feeling that even if Bryan Solari wasn't a jerk that you would still dislike the character. You're just parroting similar sentiments EVS brought up.
I was one of the oddballs who preferred Isom 2 to Alphacore. I actually like the Rippaverse art style so Im okay with that bit. I like Alphacore but Isom 2 is better in my opinion because I see a greater element of a hero who accepts the Call to Adventure. Avery started his journey because he felt compelled to do the right thing as favor to his sister and a a church lady who was a friend of his mother's, then became personally invested when he and his pride were injured. However by Isom 2, he seems more committed to doing the right thing no matter how many twists and turns his quest takes. I am intrigued as Yaira as a character, I am more interested in Goodying as he seems to be the most aspirational character in this universe.He is in it not just for profit but mainly to serve the underserved in his community(but without being a self righteous busybody). I hope thr next time we visit alphacore explore their motivations as I think they are aspirational in design but some of their execution is deconstructionist. I am not familiar with the Soska Sisters work so will have to see about Yaira when the book comes out.
I feel bad for Eric July. Ive been watching his videos since 2016. He's not a bad guy but he got into an industry he doesn't belong in. He should have stuck to music and politics. Still can't beleive people keep trying to bring down Ethan van sciver again and again. Really sad. Good review bro. You stuck to the facts and ignored the drama.
![Lp. Последняя Реальность #107 РОДНОЙ ДОМ [Финал] • Майнкрафт](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/IK3QKzKUlHM/mqdefault.jpg)
I begin with a disclaimer. If you want to jump straight to the review, it's at the 3:00 mark.
I was never sold on the Rippaverse no dislike for July but the concept was flawed from the pitch. It focuses more on the universe than the characters it doesn’t feel inspired to tell a story. The comics universe didn’t become a thing until decades after the characters were well established. This feels like trying to build a castle while forgetting to build the road and door into it.
Nicely put!
This is true. That’s why they come with the rippaverse ethic talking about reboots, and no alternate timelines, etc. he’s not even three issues into his flagship character and he’s already branching out into others and talking about reboots. He needs to focus on his characters, an extended universes can come later.
No no no you are hating he's the black Stan Lee 👀
I wholeheartedly agree on your take about deconstructed heroes. I'm sick to death of it, I want to see heroes who do the right thing because it's the right thing! That being said, what would you think about a story of a retired deconstructed superhero meeting an aspiring young hero and using the mistakes he made during his hero career to prevent the young hero from going down the same dark path he did? Basically, a story where "hero-who's-secretly-a-jerk" is retired and tries to make up for his past by making sure the next generation of heroes are genuinely good people. Idk if it would be a break from the deconstructed hero trope or if by virtue of having a character that was once that, it would just perpetuate the trope. What do you think?
That could work. The key is being consistent to the archetype you're writing. It doesn't sound like you'd be using any analogues of already established heroes either, so there would be no expectations or foundational deconstructions to worry about.
@@ProfessorGeekMC Thanks for the reply/feedback! I felt like the concept had potential but, it's reassuring to hear that from a pro!
The Boys did the whole "superheroes as jerks" better. I like Chuck Dixon but he's no Garth Ennis.
I'd be interested in a story like that.
@@ProfessorGeekMCor better yet, have a story where there's a conspiracy that was destroying and demoralizing the heroes of the last generation to prop up a newer and "better" generation of heroes, and the story focuses on an aspiring young hero who still believes in the same older heroes he looks up too and inspires them to return to the fight.
Squadron Supreme is the definitive "what if the Justice League were jerks" story and it came out in 1985 or something. Since then we have seemingly dozens of evil Superman analogues... We need more straight up Superman good guy analogs if anything (Alan Moore Supreme is the example i can think of, probably my favorite Alan Moore besides Swamp Thing.)
Don't even bother with the Isom books. I don't have a dog in the Ethan/Rippa nonsense but Ethan's reviews completely summed up my feelings on both of those books. I can't bring myself to buy Isom 3, I really hated Alphacore and don't want a 2. And I ultimately have no interest in anymore Rippa things.
I'm glad ypu brought up thst character death. It might have worked if we got to know him better but it was just too soon, un-earned and meaningless.
12:53 - Integrity? Altruism? Nobility? Heroism?
That expositional dialogue that feels unnatural... the easy fix is to make it a thought bubble.
I've been re-reading old Claremont X-men, and it's FULL of exposition thought bubbles. He will constantly have Colossus revealing the ins and out of his powers in his thoughts, and it's done to get new readers up to speed, and to let us know the stakes and to justify the characters actions.
So if the X-men are all underwater, and all the X-men have oxygen tanks except for Colossus, it will show Colossus thinking to himself about how they didn't have enough oxygen for everyone, but that he will be okay, because in his organic steel form he doesn't need to breathe. And he will be at the back of the group, since he's heavy and walking, while the rest of them are swimming. And they are approaching an island that nullifies their powers. Uh oh. Colossus turns to a normal human, has no oxygen tank, and he can't call for help as all the other X-men swim on ahead.
If you want to reveal that the Solaris guy is invulnerable, but that he still feels pain, just have him think to himself, "Yiao! I may be invulnerable, but I can still feel the sting of those bullets. He's going to regret doing that."
Expositional thoughts work better, since you can have complex thoughts that would amount to lengthy phrases and even paragraphs if spoken aloud, but when they are abstract thoughts in your mind, they can take place in an instant.
That's a shame. One of the things that made me start to get out of comics was this deconstruction trope. And when Injustice came out and was such a big hit I thought ,"Here we go again" Trash.
I will never, EVER understand this need writers have to make all of their main characters a bunch of A-holes. For crying out loud, I clean up after A-holes for a living. Why would I want to follow their misadventures in my fiction, be it comics, anime, video games or what have you? I just don't get the fascination at all
Hey Brian! I agree!!
@@Wolf10media hey man! Long time no see! And yeah, I'm just so over this whole trend SMH
Insecurity and fear of being sincere.
That's why Godzilla Minus One i so awesome!
Verry few made deconstruction of heroes worth reading/watching and I agree that this comic is garbage - Chuck was hired, he did the work and took paycheck, I bet he keep his good stories for himself.
It's all they know.
Man , is THAT hard to build a hero story? I am writing a VERY long story, almost 10 books now, and i try to keep all the heroes honest to themselves, and don't fall in the" deconstructed" characters trap!
It aint that hard but its about creativity vs formity .
Eric july is very creative and he wants to bring something out without compromising his creativity at this point . I would assume that he has grown up with the deconstructed heroes that he prefers to read and is less interested into archetypes . Some people cant work with limitation while others do .
Its a balance act to find the creative ground that you have on those limitations to get something that isnt deconstructed but still fresh to get into.
Pulp-stories like Doc Savage , the shadow and conan the barbarian are more setting-driven than character-driven because you know the powers/abilities of the heroes and even their background and personality . The adventure is more concentrated than the characters on itsself .
And those kind of stories are more easier to hold the archetypes than deconstruct them because deconstruction os always bounded to character-driven stories than setting-driven .
My guess is that many writers, particularly with superheroes, want to have more moving parts in their stories.
Ask yourself, regardless of the current culture war, would you buy a comic of a new superhero that's just one guy with superpowers stopping a criminal group when there's hundreds of classic superhero stories from years before? So there comes the thought that you should do something more. Issue is, that something more has most likely already been done and is toxic to the idea of the hero.
IMO, we need reconstructions because plain deconstructions or going back to form might not cut it in the market unless you have a really good hook.
@@Snyperwolf91I think EJ is creative in the music space. But not so much in the writing space. A lot of his characters come off as very generic and not well-thought out. From their designs, to names, to powers seems very surface level. For instance ISOM is the name of his grandfather it doesn’t mean anything, we know he’s strong but not how strong or if he has other abilities, or what motivates him other than vanity.
@@shawnboahene5231 Thats true too . But i would even say that he managed to keep the promise that he sold easily more comics than Marvel and DC brought since a decade . It aint absolutely horrible but really generic at the end.
What i really question is if he prefers deconstructed heroes or archetypical heroes and why he took decontsructed heroes instead of normal archetypes for his comics ?
Im myself done with those Netflix tier hero shows with superheroes that arent heroes at all . Only Pulp-heroes get this pretty great with being good guys who does their own duties to fight against evil and clean up the streets from criminality .
It's a shame. I was so happy for Eric July because it's nice to see such success coming from independent creator who was speaking out against many for he narratives politically and artistically. And not only was talking the talk but willing to try and do something about it. On that I'm happy for him. But hearing that this came from his company and it fell into the modern traps, despite having every capability to succeed. It's disheartening. But it is what it is. Thanks for being honest and keeping to your credentials. Its one of the reasons I've stuck around and glad there are still voices who speak truth even against the tide. Here's praying for improvement from Mr. Eric July. And here's to you and Sound Engraver finding more fulfilling stories.
Thanks!"I join you on being happy for Eric's success. And I wish him all the best. I just hope he allows the aspirational to breathe and do it's work among all the cathartic/motivational and antiheroes he's fostering.
Thank you! 🌺
Agree. I have not read it but I am happy for Eric’s success. However, last thing we need is a deconstruction of superman.
Have you heard anything about Razorfist’s comic? I ordered it and I’m really excited about it. Seems like a genuine inspiration to write a heroic character also ready for another western comic. Lonesome is a really good western comic.
It is called 'Ghost of the Badlands' in the event that anyone wants to seek it out.
I haven't heard about it. But I hope it's good.
This was another independent work I had my sights on. Hope it's good!
Sadly, it's a story I can't get behind.
Oh dang, since he hadn't mentioned what you thought about it I was hopeful that you might have liked it. Oh well, at least you both liked the quality of the medium, lol. Hopefully a different comic from the Universe will impress you both.
I believe that Eric July gave Dixon pretty clear direction over what he wanted. That’s the big criticism Ethan has - although he isn’t the best at articulating it in this case. Eric July is running this like a business rather than a creative endeavor. The use of computer generated imagery; the constant promotion; the treatment of character’s; the editing errors that show its being rushed. I say this as someone who supports Eric’s attempt to create alternative-non-woke voices. I like Eric’s channel and politics. It’s too bad.
I read both AlphaCore and Isom 1 and 2. I think as a story AlphaCore is more cohesive than Isom 1 and 2. I enjoyed it for what it was. When I was reading this I didn’t think it was an analogue to DC’s trinity. I was just thinking of the mythic 3. The AlphaCore works for the government and is somewhat of an antagonist to the character Isom. So I expected some of that behavior. I guess if I saw this as representation of the DC trinity I’d be annoyed too. But I just didn’t see it that way, I guess.
Is chuck Dixon. So i can be that
Thanks for the honest review. To me this comic is only getting praise because it exists to oppose marvel and dc and people like that idea. Doesn’t mean it’s good though
I think most of people open their eyes at the Rippaverse, that's why every new title gain less and less in funding.
And EJ don't help with all those battles.
Deconstruction without reconstruction/rebuilding is just tearing down.
Writers use deconstruction to hide their hatred of the subject/genre and their fans.
While the book wasn't a masterpiece by any means, it did keeps me invested, and is definitely a work in progress like the Isom books, Eric July isn't a great writer, but he has potential, the art unfortunately on both books had some okay points and some very low points, the problem with this EVS/July war is that loyalist of both camps are going to side with the person whom they favor, extracting only the bad parts to the books being reviewed, following the leader so to speak ,like I stated at the beginning Alphacore is not a masterpiece but it did keep my attention ,for example Cyberfrog #0 was a harder read for me ,I tried to give it a chance ,and I couldn't finish it ,but I can't say anything about the art because it was solid he hands down wins in that department, instead of continuing this bad soap opera , this tired back and forth both camps should just call a truce and leave the drama for their comics.
Appreciate the honesty. The most revolutionary storyteller today is someone that writes a genuine good heroic character. Superman 1978 is the best Superhero film.
alphacore sounds marvel-tier dialogue, subversive where nothing matters and society(=people) are not worth protecting.
This is quite sad... I was hoping it would be different but it's more of the same deconstructions like you said. Why the analogues to DC? Where is the actual Superman inspired characters that aren't just making a pseudo-Superman character? I agree, it has to stop...
I love your reviews. That “not Superman’s” pithy line killed a lobe of my brain.
So give Isom a shot! Whats the problem?
EVS is not being dogpiled, he expressed an opinion and people disagree with him and besides he's a drama queen who can't get his comics out on time.
I'm not calling anyone who has a problem with him "just part of the dogpile" or anything. If people have valid issues with him, that's between them and him. But I have seen A dogpile at times. And some have tried to strong-arm me into joining the anti-ethan front, which I refuse to do.
I have seen people go from Praising both Rippa and EVS. EVS is a bit of a firebrand so he tends to rub people the wrong way. In Rippa's case, it just seems a lot of jealousy for making so much, so soon.
The way the book sounds. It feels more of this comic trying to take on DC's big three in their universe and pummel them, which seems a bit petty. Maybe Chuck is mad he couldn't write for any of them or how the DC and Marvel have turned their characters into something akin to what Alphacore is, but again. We don't want to see that from heroes since it reminds us of what they've become.. Like Prof. Geek said; It's been done so many times it might as well be a trope.
If Dixon played around more with the idea of superheroes needing to work for the government and they don't like it, that would at least be a fresh take on it, but this sounds like anything you would see on Adult Swim or something.
In my opinion its not jealousy, but rather Eric’s actions. The night letter, telling him to toe the line, and downplaying crowd funding. But mostly it seems it’s his inability to accept criticism and the poor quality of Eric’s books. That being said I don’t like of childish EVS is taking this, but he does have some valid points
The nicest thing I can say about this stuff is that it sounds like Eric is writing for an audience of 1 (ie himself, and more specifically a black, anti-government Libertarian). As a starting point that's reasonable (or at least forgivable), but you have to evolve beyond that pretty darn quickly (especially when this level of money is being risked by a hungry/trusting audience). If he can't make a more universally appealing story for his core audience (and at least resist using such tropey straw-men to represent every idea/group he personally dislikes) then this whole endeavor will end up boiling down to "Your identity politics bad; MY identity politics GOOD".
@@cameronjames3499 Yes, I've seen people get a mega ego because their book sold to a small audience. If Rippa doesn't take criticism to heart, he'll just become Marvel and DC.
Thanks for your review - it really helps that you explain where you are coming from and that you are not part of the drama surrounding the Rippaverse so I figure you are as objective as possible. I'm kinda invested in the Rippaverse so my favorable take is definitely biased and so are a lot of the people I listen to. I sense that this was an honest look at the book and these are objective points.
Would you be willing to review my comic?
Don't waste too much money getting a copy of ISOM. I can just mail you my copy.
I was kind of curious about what parts of this book are a deconstruction. I've never read it so I kind of hoped that you would talk about what things in the plot and what elements you hated, I know you weren't trying to spoil it but you should do a spoiler review that really says more than just that it was a horrible experience.
I do have to agree with everything you said about deconstructions being so overdone now. I see everyone praising Invincible and the Boys and Injustice and the Snyderverse and I can't for the life of me get the appeal. The characters are shallow and only manage to hook people in because they have surface level similarities to the characters we love ... and those characters we love, they aren't exactly in the mainstream anymore outside of cartoons that aired over 15 years ago! Sure we still get DC animated movies, but that's definitely not something people get excited about the way they used to because when they started incorporating shared universe and New 52 aspects it killed the momentum of having the self-contained adventures that function like their own movie.
This is very disheartening to hear 😢
Pretty sure it's not Chuck dixon's fault. Pretty sure Eric July is molding the characters and story with his non-existant experience in writing and Chuck has to try to put the pieces together
As a lover of Grimm, I feel I have to at least stick up for it. While I wholeheartedly agree with the thoughts on Juliette's character during seasons 3 and 4, season 5 when they bring her back (won't spoil it if you haven't gotten there), is I think really well done and a good direction to have taken her after where they left her in season 4. That's to say, don't give up on the series because there was some definite missteps in the middle, but I think it finished as well as it could with the final season (6) being cut to 13 episodes.
That's encouraging to hear. Thanks! I am enjoying the start to season 5.
@@ProfessorGeekMC I'm curious to hear your thoughts on Renard's arc in season 5. Personally, no spoilers, I think it was inevitable given the kind of man he is.
Also curious to see how you feel about Adeline by the end of the show. I think she has the best arc in the show. She's such a great example of all the weakest/worst parts of a woman who learns how to be so much more.
For all the flaws Grimm has, there's some brilliant work in it as well.
I'm currently writing a superhero story book, because I'm also sick of this whole desconstruction of superheroes. Despite some of my heroes not being paragons of virtue, this is used as character development arcs, not as an descontruction of the concept of a hero, even because the protagonist (a tokusatsu heroine named "Mayday") is presented as heroic since the beginning, even before becoming "Mayday". Just a sample: she dashes to help a paramedics team (she is a Medicine college student) to rescue a group of people stuck in a combat between groups of super-powered people, even though there is harzardous, radioactive material on the area.
Another thing I put on my story is that both heroes and villains have the same origin basis: they were affected by a disease caused by radiation. So, becoming a hero and a villain is presented as a matter of choices on my story.
PG, rippa had the concept and brought on chuck to do the book basically
I'm so tired of Superman being torn down and deconstructed and made evil all the time. It's gotten to the point that a lot of normies are starting to think of Supes as a villain by default, which I just can't stand. Even DC does evil Supes way too often (like the recent SS game) and it's their own cash cow's reputation they're killing. The rest of the JL being torn down sucks too, but the way people treat Superman especially breaks my heart.
Nice Comic Book Cover!😮😮😮
Dixon has had a few bleh stories
The only "bad Superman" that worked for me, was Hyperion from the Squadron Supreme limited series from 1985. In that case, Hyperion WAS a good guy, he was just working on the wrong side of the fence. He was able to be talked into seeing things from Nighthawk's position and after his death, Hyperion was good on his word and dismantled the Utopia project. He was flawed, not mean or outright evil. Unfortunately, any "bad Superman" tropes have all gone the evil route. Like you, I'm so tired of it.
That's why in my own books, I make sure my heroes are the good guys. The villains are the bad guys. I keep it all ages, the way I feel comics work best.
I'm tired of all the shades of gray because of what it's all lead to. No more deconstruction. No more grim n gritty. Let's get back to noble heroes and vile villains!
The art looks very early 2000s and I don't know about the writing but it's probably not that good. Nothing against Eric July, but to use one of his phrases the Rippaverse is "dead in the water"
If there was less drama and more open criticism there could be a chance to right the ship. Yeah the art does nothing
Eric July's ideas are really not that good. And Chuck was working with a bad idea that Eric came up with.
I really think writers need to go back to the roots, which are the turn of the century pulps. And maybe even further back tbh.
I presonally think that the deconstruction is t the issue. Its that its just not very good at all.
Same with ISOM. Its just not very good AT ALL. The Ripaverse loves to advertise how its all cool and badass and whatever but its all so badly written. The art in Alpha Core is the best. The art in ISOM is horrendous.
Excellent review
Seeing how beta Eric acted when he recieved genuine criticism showed that the Rippaverse was merely the fruit of a poisoned tree
I get the feeling that even if Bryan Solari wasn't a jerk that you would still dislike the character. You're just parroting similar sentiments EVS brought up.
Super police brutality!
I was one of the oddballs who preferred Isom 2 to Alphacore.
I actually like the Rippaverse art style so Im okay with that bit.
I like Alphacore but Isom 2 is better in my opinion because I see a greater element of a hero who accepts the Call to Adventure. Avery started his journey because he felt compelled to do the right thing as favor to his sister and a a church lady who was a friend of his mother's, then became personally invested when he and his pride were injured. However by Isom 2, he seems more committed to doing the right thing no matter how many twists and turns his quest takes.
I am intrigued as Yaira as a character, I am more interested in Goodying as he seems to be the most aspirational character in this universe.He is in it not just for profit but mainly to serve the underserved in his community(but without being a self righteous busybody).
I hope thr next time we visit alphacore explore their motivations as I think they are aspirational in design but some of their execution is deconstructionist.
I am not familiar with the Soska Sisters work so will have to see about Yaira when the book comes out.
Great review. Rippaverse is garbage
I feel bad for Eric July. Ive been watching his videos since 2016. He's not a bad guy but he got into an industry he doesn't belong in. He should have stuck to music and politics. Still can't beleive people keep trying to bring down Ethan van sciver again and again. Really sad.
Good review bro. You stuck to the facts and ignored the drama.