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Keeshhound posted:Has anyone done story where it turns out that all of Superman's rogues are actually on the government's payroll to keep him entertained so he doesn't decide to remake the world in his image? This is an amazing idea. I guess the twist is whether it's: A.) Superman accidentally kills someone and all the "villains" quit B.) The Justice League finds out and debates whether to tell Superman
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Feb 11, 2020 23:47
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Keeshhound posted:Has anyone done story where it turns out that all of Superman's rogues are actually on the government's payroll to keep him entertained so he doesn't decide to remake the world in his image? Gaiman kind of did that in "Whatever Happened To The Caped Crusader", except it was Alfred keeping Bruce occupied
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Feb 11, 2020 23:51
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Red posted:This is an amazing idea. I think the most interesting outcome is that Clark finds out and has to grapple with the idea that the world is *that* scared of him, but that's also the potential story beat that I expect would get bungled the hardest.
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Feb 11, 2020 23:56
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They did a version of that for Batman when they killed him off (What ever happened to the caped crusader). All of his rogues were part of Alfred's acting troupe* from back in his carny days, so they would go and commit petty crimes, Batman would stop him, and that would keep Bruce's depression from spiraling out of control. Unfortunately, two things happen, 1) Batman finds out that his whole crusade has been a lie and 2) One of the actors goes off script and ends up killing Batman. BTW, Alfred Pennyworth is the only character who has more bullshit explanations and a deeper back story than Batman himself. He was a butler for the Waynes, but before that he was part of a traveling acting troupe, but before that he was part of MI6, but before that he was a medic in the Brittish army, but before that he was a bare knuckle boxer, but before that he worked on a shrimp boat... ED: Beaten
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Feb 11, 2020 23:56
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There was also that SNL skit with The Rock playing Clark, who's actually incredibly terrible at keeping his identity secret. His muscles are huge, his costume pokes out of his regular sleeves, he answers to "Superman" even when wearing his glasses. Everybody at the Planet is laughing at him behind his back.
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Feb 12, 2020 00:31
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The Flash villains also do this-- these goofy-rear end motherfuckers will often send one of their own like Captain Boomerang to do a big attention-grabbing gimmick crime that he'll get caught and thrown into jail for, while the actual crime happens at the other end of the city and is some competent-but-boring theft. Then the Rogues can bust Boomerang out a bit later on the downlow, and everyone gets paid. Concepts like that date back as far as the 1950s.
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Feb 12, 2020 00:38
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Red posted:This is an amazing idea. B2) Batman says "you better not undo all my work."
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Feb 12, 2020 00:42
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Keeshhound posted:I think the most interesting outcome is that Clark finds out and has to grapple with the idea that the world is *that* scared of him, but that's also the potential story beat that I expect would get bungled the hardest. Welllllllll, but we kind of got that via the letter written by Luthor in Red Son. I think you can certainly put on a new spin on that, but I feel like Clark having to remember to exercise restraint and feeling isolated is a theme they remember to plug in once every few years.
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Feb 12, 2020 00:52
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Proteus Jones posted:B2) Batman says "you better not undo all my work." The more I think about it, the more I love the idea about the League in a lead cell, debating this issue. The only way it works is if Batman tells the rest of the JL to shut the gently caress up. Batman: Of course we don't tell him. I can hire all new actors. We need Superman for global threats; otherwise, we just let him rescue cats from trees. Martian Manhunter: Do we really not trust Superman? Batman: It's not about trust. You manage personalities in a team. Clark needs to be a hero. We're simply... training him to be the hero we need. Flash: Then why does this feel like we're doing something wrong? Wonder Woman: Because we are. Batman: Fine. Who wants to tell him? ... Batman: That's what I thought. Give me a few weeks, and I'll have replacements ready to go. Martian Manhunter: If he discovers the truth, we will have all been complicit in this deception. Aquaman: Not me. I'm not participating in ... this. I have a kingdom to- Batman: It's too late for that. We all know, and we're all going to have at least some measure of culpability. Go back to your routines, and let's get out of this box before He comes back.
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Feb 12, 2020 01:01
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Red posted:Welllllllll, but we kind of got that via the letter written by Luthor in Red Son. I think you can certainly put on a new spin on that, but I feel like Clark having to remember to exercise restraint and feeling isolated is a theme they remember to plug in once every few years. I think my pitch would be to have the first half open with Luthor explaining to a new "villain" that their purpose is to distract Clark from becoming a tyrant, but then show how almost everything in Clark's life is actually a Truman show style hoax meant to keep him content dealing with petty crime and the occasional supervillain. Then when the twist happens, Clark goes and mopes for a while in the fortress of solitude. Intersperse with Luthor expositing that they started the Superman Containment Project to prevent him from becoming a power-mad tyrant, but that it's purpose has gradually shifted to keeping him distracted from the deeper injustices of capitalist society. Cut to Clark emerging from the fortress saying that he needs a change of perspective, and that Nicaragua is lovely this time of year. The story then ends on Luthor's horrified face as he watches a news report on how anti-authoritarian uprisings around the world are now benefiting from Superman's support. I mostly just like the idea of it being the inverse of the doctor dinosaur comic; "But with your power you could rule the planet as it's GOD!" "But I don't want to be a god, I want for people to live free and happy lives as best they can, everywhere it's possible." Keeshhound fucked around with this message at 01:21 on Feb 12, 2020 |
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Feb 12, 2020 01:16
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If Batman did it, it would be a quietly perfect plan until one tiny piece went awry. If the US government did it, it would be handled by two competing departments, one of which also regulates jewelry because of obscure interactions with Green Lantern, with no information on each other's plans, resulting in instability in Khandaq and an increasingly expensive 'War on Superman'.
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Feb 12, 2020 02:21
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I feel like having Batman (willingly) go along with it is a step too far. I mean, even at his most untrusting and paranoid, all his contingencies were made with the hope that he would never need to use them. Course he did create a surveillance state in several continuities so what do I know Unlucky7 fucked around with this message at 03:28 on Feb 12, 2020 |
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Feb 12, 2020 03:17
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Keeshhound posted:I mostly just like the idea of it being the inverse of the doctor dinosaur comic; "But with your power you could rule the planet as it's GOD!" "But I don't want to be a god, I want for people to live free and happy lives as best they can, everywhere it's possible."
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Feb 12, 2020 03:36
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Elfface posted:If Batman did it, it would be a quietly perfect plan until one tiny piece went awry. I think it's best to frame Batman as having a reason, not much different than the Luthor letter. "People don't fear you because you save kids from drowning and and burning houses; they know you could wipe out the planet in minutes, but you don't - because you're Superman. If you want to take away a symbol of hope, go ahead. We paid an unemployed actor to dress up like an elf and throw exploding presents at a God so that people could feel safe. Because they were, Clark." Keeshhound posted:I think my pitch would be to have the first half open with Luthor explaining to a new "villain" that their purpose is to distract Clark from becoming a tyrant, but then show how almost everything in Clark's life is actually a Truman show style hoax meant to keep him content dealing with petty crime and the occasional supervillain. Then when the twist happens, Clark goes and mopes for a while in the fortress of solitude. Intersperse with Luthor expositing that they started the Superman Containment Project to prevent him from becoming a power-mad tyrant, but that it's purpose has gradually shifted to keeping him distracted from the deeper injustices of capitalist society. Cut to Clark emerging from the fortress saying that he needs a change of perspective, and that Nicaragua is lovely this time of year. The story then ends on Luthor's horrified face as he watches a news report on how anti-authoritarian uprisings around the world are now benefiting from Superman's support. I love the idea of the Superman Show, but I think him just leaving is the only ending that actually makes sense. Here's a funny comic to stay on topic: 
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Feb 12, 2020 04:02
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Keromaru5 posted:There was also that SNL skit with The Rock playing Clark, who's actually incredibly terrible at keeping his identity secret. His muscles are huge, his costume pokes out of his regular sleeves, he answers to "Superman" even when wearing his glasses. Everybody at the Planet is laughing at him behind his back. Or Conan O'Brien playing Moleculo. I think the BEST twist is that Clark knows the whole time and does it anyways because it makes people feel safe.
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Feb 12, 2020 04:04
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Keeshhound posted:Has anyone done story where it turns out that all of Superman's rogues are actually on the government's payroll to keep him entertained so he doesn't decide to remake the world in his image? If I’m remembering right this is exactly the twist of Mark Millar’s Marvel Knights Spider-Man miniseries from like 2002 or so.
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Feb 12, 2020 04:08
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Na the best one is Alfred paying everyone to laugh at Bruce's jokes.
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Feb 12, 2020 04:13
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Keeshhound posted:Intersperse with Luthor expositing that they started the Superman Containment Project to prevent him from becoming a power-mad tyrant, but that it's purpose has gradually shifted to keeping him distracted from the deeper injustices of capitalist society. Cut to Clark emerging from the fortress saying that he needs a change of perspective, and that Nicaragua is lovely this time of year. The story then ends on Luthor's horrified face as he watches a news report on how anti-authoritarian uprisings around the world are now benefiting from Superman's support. Alternatively: 
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Feb 12, 2020 04:41
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Splint Chesthair posted:If I’m remembering right this is exactly the twist of Mark Millar’s Marvel Knights Spider-Man miniseries from like 2002 or so. Pretty much. The rich were funding super villains to keep the heroes from go after the real evils in the world. You can easily see Trump being involved. Great villains, all the best powers.
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Feb 12, 2020 04:59
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Keeshhound posted:I think my pitch would be to have the first half open with Luthor explaining to a new "villain" that their purpose is to distract Clark from becoming a tyrant, but then show how almost everything in Clark's life is actually a Truman show style hoax meant to keep him content dealing with petty crime and the occasional supervillain. Then when the twist happens, Clark goes and mopes for a while in the fortress of solitude. Intersperse with Luthor expositing that they started the Superman Containment Project to prevent him from becoming a power-mad tyrant, but that it's purpose has gradually shifted to keeping him distracted from the deeper injustices of capitalist society. Cut to Clark emerging from the fortress saying that he needs a change of perspective, and that Nicaragua is lovely this time of year. The story then ends on Luthor's horrified face as he watches a news report on how anti-authoritarian uprisings around the world are now benefiting from Superman's support. Wasn't this kinda/sorta the idea behind the Grounded arc? On the other hand, The Authority tackled this. "In between supervillains, why aren't we deposing violent dictators and the like?" Unlucky7 posted:I feel like having Batman (willingly) go along with it is a step too far. Batman was the only member of the JL, as I recall, that objected to mind-wiping criminals. Rather violently.
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Feb 12, 2020 16:19
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TheCenturion posted:Batman was the only member of the JL, as I recall, that objected to mind-wiping criminals. Rather violently. If Batman had the ability to do the mind-wiping, you know he'd be completely in favor of it.
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Feb 12, 2020 16:22
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Toshimo posted:Unavailable... in America???
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Feb 12, 2020 16:47
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Feb 12, 2020 17:06
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that crossover with knight rider was the worst
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Feb 12, 2020 17:39
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Feb 12, 2020 17:40
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Frank is a SovCit. Is this the prequel to that Batman ice cream panel?
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Feb 12, 2020 17:49
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That’s funny until you realize there are millions of dudes out there who have the exact same thought, right down to “I’m the Punisher.”
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Feb 12, 2020 17:57
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 Punisher Classic #1 (1989) W: Mike Baron P: Mike Vosburg
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Feb 12, 2020 17:58
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prefect posted:If Batman had the ability to do the mind-wiping, you know he'd be completely in favor of it. Splint Chesthair posted:That’s funny until you realize there are millions of dudes out there who have the exact same thought, right down to “I’m the Punisher.”  Until people said "loving no that's too far even for us." But they tried, and got far enough that the cars actually rolled out PR before getting removed. It even has the dogwhistle "Blue Lives Matter" on it.
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Feb 12, 2020 18:05
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mind the walrus posted:Batman is the hero who gets to have his cake and eat it at every opportunity, and then choose to mope in the rain and whine anyway. 
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Feb 12, 2020 18:09
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Nessus posted:If you want to get double reverse mindfuck about it, have Clark seem really calm about the entire thing as it unravels, being gentle to the greatest extent he can with the paranoid cases behind it, and when one of them finally calls him on why, he says, with a certain weary warmth, "Do you think this is the first time?"
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Feb 12, 2020 18:24
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InsertPotPun posted:they break into the fortress of solitude and superman is in there eating hostess pies. he's been sending his robot supermen to take care of all the minor stuff and supes only really shows up for meetings and supervillains. Yes. This is the right answer. Silver Age Forever!
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Feb 12, 2020 18:30
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InsertPotPun posted:they break into the fortress of solitude and superman is in there eating hostess pies. he's been sending his robot supermen to take care of all the minor stuff and supes only really shows up for meetings and supervillains. “Superman, how can you ignore the world’s problems?” “How can you ignore the tasty filling of Hostess Cream Pies? Mmm mmm! They’re super!”
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Feb 12, 2020 19:17
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That's an lot of words to say "Don't be me, be better than me," but I guess comic book characters aren't known for brevity.
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Feb 12, 2020 22:02
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Cabbit posted:That's an lot of words to say "Don't be me, be better than me," but I guess comic book characters aren't known for brevity. It's like he's telling them that society gives them great power and they have a responsibility to use it well. Or something along those lines. I'm sure there's a better way of saying it.
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Feb 12, 2020 22:30
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Uthor posted:It's like he's telling them that society gives them great power and they have a responsibility to use it well. Or something along those lines. I'm sure there's a better way of saying it.
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Feb 12, 2020 22:36
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Cabbit posted:That's an lot of words to say "Don't be me, be better than me," but I guess comic book characters aren't known for brevity. The writer is trying to communicate to people who are definitely not going to pick up on anything subtle or unstated.
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Feb 12, 2020 22:39
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Uthor posted:It's like he's telling them that society gives them great power and they have a responsibility to use it well. Or something along those lines. I'm sure there's a better way of saying it. "guys, we live in a society"
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Feb 12, 2020 22:45
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Red posted:“Superman, how can you ignore the world’s problems?”
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Feb 12, 2020 23:30
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InsertPotPun posted:"I'm not ignoring them, I'm sending robots. Now hurry Flash: you have to marry a gorilla in ten minutes or the world will end!" Superman finds out about their plot and does the exact same thing to all the other heroes but with robots and makes their supervillains hella goofy, exposing his last and greatest secret superpower: super passive-aggressiveness.
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Feb 13, 2020 01:09
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