Battleforce Feedback

[Glippernip]

Battleforce #5:

Three heroes team-up to investigate mysterious disappearances, but they might be in over their heads in "Freak Out!"

[fan4]

Glad to see that the Camelot section is alive and well. It's been a while since we've heard something from this section and I'm glad to see that Battleforce is back.

I think this is my favorite issue so far. I liked that the story focused on only three heroes, as you could give them deeper characterization and have them working a small case rather than a giant, sprawling battle. I didn't have to keep checking back and reminding myself who these guys were.

I liked the introduction of a great new villain, who seemed more than a match for our heroes. Big and scary, and a powerful wizard to boot. With the relatively small cast of characters you could really get to some tight descriptions of the characters' various powers.

Another thing I noticed is how the heroes, being so new, didn't know the extent of their powers (and in Spellbinder's case, doesn't even know what all her powers are). I loved where Perseus wasn't sure how he would be affected by Windstorm's gales. To me, this is very realistic as this world is seeing metas in some cases for the first time and no one knows how to react to them, including the heroes themselves. Good storytelling, Joel.

[royharper]

I like how this one was very focused on the three heroes. I think for right now Perseus is my favorite. I feel I got to know them a little. This villain seems interesting. The way you use magic is going to be interesting as well.

[Spider-Man Beyond]

Battleforce #6:

Perseus, Windstorm, and Spellbinder find themselves the prisoners of a wizard. Meanwhile, Starknight is back against his greatest opponent. According to Powerhouse Pritchard, that is!

[Spider-Man Beyond]

Very good, tight issue. Not too much happened here but we get to see Ace, recruiting Starknight....and how Starknight works out...plus more hints to the war with magic. An over all good issue.

[royharper]

I agree nicely packed set-up issue this title keeps getting stronger

[fan4]

I agree that this title keeps improving by leaps and bounds, especially the way you've been focusing on bigger scenes with fewer characters. This one was about Starknight, and I got a good feel for him.

With Powerhouse all I could think of is a bigger Randy "Macho Man" Savage. Great dialogue between Powerhouse and Starknight. And the fight itself was damn entertaining, too.

Perseus' stubborn refusal to quit was a standout trait for me. "...and it was beginning to piss him off." Great line.

It feels like this title is getting ready to really hit its stride soon, especially as the new Battleforce gets fully formed. Great work.

[Glippernip]

Glad everyone is enjoying this. Simply, this series benefits from the fact that I've been messing with these characters since I was a kid! Yes, they've been updated and changed a little along the way, and the journey to what they are now could be an interesting story by itself, but I know them. Perseus' stubborness is part of that. He isn't just bull-headed. For a super strong man, he's smart, and figures that eventually, he's going to find a way to do what needs to be done. And the idea of someone applying constant pressure on an object for hours is one I've never come across before. I'm sure someone has used it along the way, but I've never read it.

Yeah, there is Randy Savage in Pritchard, and a little Hulkster and Ultimate Warrior as well. I was a wrestler, once, and no self respecting indy wrestler would pass up a chance to imitate the big guys. Pritchard comes from that.

I also view Battleforce from a unique perspective as well in that these characters have no other outlet right now. I will give the characters their moments because they do not have their own series to develop them. They aren't Justice League or Avengers. I want to strengthen them as characters and give them solo time if I can. There may be solo mini-series down the road, but not anytime soon.

And, for the record, the team officially forms in January. Be there or be square! (groan!)

Joel S.

[pyrceval]

I agree with royharper, Perseus seems to be my favorite as well. Definately a 'high fantasy' style story, very, very classic comic bookish thus far with basically anything you can imagine being possible. I am taking particular note of your Lee Wakefield character here as he seems to have some similarities with one of my characters, so it will be interesting to see how his abilities develop.

[Glippernip]

Thanks, pyrceval. My intention with Battleforce is to be like an old Justice League or Avengers style of group in a world where these kind of heroes are new and the up-and-comers really don't have a Superman or Captain America as role models. Many of the stories will be very silver-age, but some of the situations they face and some of their character traits will be things I never saw in those old comics. Part of me is surprised everyone seems to like Perseus so much, but looking back, he seems to have more character moments so far than anyone else. Thanks for reading and leaving a comment.

Joel S.

[Glippernip]

BATTLEFORCE #7:

While Perseus, Spellbinder, and Windstorm face the ogrish magician Centaurus, a powerful new threat rises up that has the Vortex Leader calling up all of the forces he has available. A new team will soon dawn! Be here for Wizards of War.

[pyrceval]

I liked the 'calling up the troops' scenes, that was neat and very 'classic comic book' feeling. The similarities in powers between your Lee wakefield guy and my Spectrum guy are definately still there in many regards, though yours seems to generate more heat than energy. Still, they do seem to draw power from similar sources.

I love Perseus' attitude. No matter the situation, it can always be resolved by hitting something.

Minor complaints: Too durned many commas! I have been guilty of this as well so I understand how it happens. I always catch myself changing and seperating sentences when I edit my work to get rid of those commas.

Though, as I said above, the calling up the troops scene was nice...it still started to feel as though you had just too many folks flying around and it was somewhat difficult to 'see' each individual character. More is not always better, and perhaps if you have too many characters to really work in a single book...then it's time for a spinoff

[Glippernip]

I see your point about too many characters. Only seven of them will be full time members of the team with one of them leaving not too long afterward. Shield will be a reserve member who will be around when he can, Justice will be a background support character, and Starfall will be far background. She'll be there, but waaay in the back! I also plan to include pics in with #8 so the characters will be easier to recognize! Once the smoke clears, though, there will be fewer principle characters and they will be the ones focused on.

Spinoff? I may do some mini-series' along the way, but I couldn't do another full series unless I dropped one that I have. I do not think I'll be able to do 4 a month anymore as it is!

Thanks for reading. I'll be waiting for you Next issue! (Pun intended, bad as it is).

Joel S.

[pyrceval]

Feb 28, 2008 17:20:35 GMT -5 Glippernip said:

Thanks for reading. I'll be waiting for you Next issue! (Pun intended, bad as it is).

Joel S.

Hehe...well...thats hard to judge with no feedback goin on over there and all...::ahem:: Hint hint::

[Glippernip]

Battleforce #8:

Lee Wakefield is going mad, and most of America's current know super heroes come out to face him. See the results in Smack Down/Phoenix Rising.