The Last LoC

This was my last published LoC, published in New Titans 82, 1991. It was my farewell letter to the comic, and to all comics (although this was pretty much the only comic I was reading by then, having started my almost near boycott of DC in 1985 after Crisis), for the next 4 or 5 years.
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Dear Titans Gang,

Or rather, "Bye," Titans gang. To make this short and not very sweet, NEW TITANS #76 was the last issue I plan to buy. Ever. I want you to understand how painful it is for me to say this, so I'll explain. I've been reading this book from the beginning, back to the first run of TEEN TITANS. I've followed the group from their days in THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD. I guess that dates me. It's not that I don't like change, but after CRISIS, my total of comics bought per month went from 22 to 3. The Titans were number one on that list. I wouldn't have minded a new, alternate Earth, so things could start over with new origins and the whole works. I actually pretended that's what happened -- Supergirl is alive and well somewhere, etc. At least, I had the Titans to read. They were solid and dependable and always entertaining. I don't even mind having characters die (Ferro Lad in LSH was an especially poignant case); however, when it seems to be done just to clean out the super-hero closet, I resent it, as a longtime, loyal reader. The recent storyline in NEW TITANS disturbed me. It was the final straw.

Maybe I'm getting too old (38 in two weeks) or maybe I've been reading comics too long (30 years now) and I have gotten jaded, but I've had it. I give up. I don't care which Titan is dead. Id on't want to know. This wonderful book, so full of truth, reality, fun, drama, pathos, humor, and wonder has lost its sense of joy. Don't tell me you're trying to be more real or some other such thing. I've seen it before, a few times, in a number of titles, and much better done than this. It's not just the loss of innocence -- I don't really mind that. It's the apparent mean-spiritedness that is driving me away. I'm sure I won't be missed, what with all the other readers you have. Good luck with the book. It doesn't matter if you print this LoC or not -- I won't be buying the book to see it. Believe me, I never thought I'd be writing a letter like this and I wish I didn't have to, but the book's current direction has saddened me deeply. I hope you guys really know what you're doing, because I feel as if I've lost and old and dear friend. I had hoped to be reading NEW TITANS forever.
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Okay, so, yeah, I kept checking the next issues, eager to see if they dared to print the above, and they did, so I bought it because I like having copies of my published words. And the answer was about as long as my letter. I don't feel like retyping it all, so I'll excerpt it here:

"Actually, [my name], so did we. We're sorry to see you go, and even though you may never see this reply, I'd still like to publicly say that your letter so moved me when I first read it, that I felt a need to share it with ALL our readers.

"Why? Because, my friends, the unfortunate truth is that things ARE boing to be changing around this title. Big tiem. And I know that some of you "longtime" readers are going to be put off by quite a few of these changes. You're going to watch a a lot of old "friends" (Dick, Donna, Kory et al.) move on into all-new directions. But then, isn't that what life is all about?"

[More explanation along this line follows]

At the time, I don't think I wanted to see that, but I can also say that it wasn't the changes so much as the execution and the overall tone of the book that bothered me. Having more recently read Brad Meltzer's "Identity Crisis" which was about some horrible things and a lot of change, I can honestly say that for me, despite a few bumps here and there (mainly on the overall pacing and mystery elements), he handled the characters with more respect and understanding than I recall feeling about the NEW TITANS book I dropped back in 1991.

In his response, Jonathan (the Big Kahuna) Peterson (yes, that's how he signed the lettercol), also said:

"Now, I want everyone out there to realize that we're not out to create an aura of 'mean-spiritedness.' I hope that you all realize that ANYTHING we do -- from a simple costume change to a character's demise -- is done for a particular REASON (which might not be clear to you until you've read a follow-up story several months down the road). But believe me, despite the seemingly unpredictable nature currently prevailing in this book, we DO love these characters every bit as much as you. Heck, think about this for a minute -- We love these guys so much, we made taking care of them our professional jobs!"

Which brings me to a related issue. The need to move forward, the love for characters, and the attempt to write intricate stories not quickly resolved vs the need to keep a readership and to make each chapter as good qualitatively as the previous one. With books, we can read as quickly as we want. We don't need to wait a month or longer for the next chapter, or even a year for it all to become clear. A writer needs to keep us reading. Some readers kept reading, obviously, but I didn't For me, the writing failed.

As for love of characters, that can be said for writers who would take the same characters in very different directions, often portraying them in ways out of character from what is considered the norm. Devin Grayson attempted something with Nightwing that could have worked better if she'd executed her premise better (her pre-OYL storyline in his book), but next to what Bruce Jones did after, hers was sheer brilliance. And I didn't like the whole Dick in the mob, Dick teaching Rose Wilson, etc. story at all. I wouldn't say Bruce Jones hated Nightwing, but he sure didn't have a handle on him.

Now, Marv pretty much created Nightwing from Robin and he wrote NEW TITANS and he's writing Nightwing now, and I like how he writes him, but I think back then, the book needed a change, but the direction they went, and from what I understand from after I stopped reading, was not good. It wasn't good writing. It wasn't good comics. For me, it seemed they ran out of ideas and were making changes to make changes because "life is like that." They didn't let the changes happen naturally. And at the heart of things, they didn't write good stories.

The answer to my LoC went on about the reason for change, stuff about "Blazing new trails" leading to a "bumpy road ahead," but why should that be? The bumpy road should be for the characters, not for the readers. We should be pulled along where we eagerly await the next issue, not dread it.

"Stories where there isn't just some monthly run-of-the-mill 'super-powered' criminal for the Titans to easily triumph over and throw into jail. I'm talking about stories where there might not be any EASY choices or PAINLESS solutions. Stories that will NOT leave you complacent -- but rather stories that will leave you angry, tearful, astonished and emotionally torn. In short: stories that MATTER once again."

And that takes more than what they were doing, because the book around the time I stopped reading wasn't giving us any more "Judas Contract"s. Again, it's all about execution. The only emotion I was feeling was sad about the state of the book, disappointed, disgusted, heartsick that something I loved was dying. Not the characters dying, but the book losing its heart and soul.

There was some "sorry to see you go" comments, then the line that really bugged me: "The TITANS can't be an 'old-style 1960's amiable' comic anymore. It's the 1990s -- and it's time the TITANS moved into that era."

I never asked for the '60s back. Those stories, after all, were a bit silly, and are quite dated, were quite dated even in the late-'80s. All I wanted was for the book to return to the skillful plotting and deft characterization that marked the '70s and much of the '80s as it moved forward. That's all I ever want in comics. I don't think it's fair to ask readers to bear with the creators as they feel their way. They're professionals. Comics from a top company, as DC is and was, should be ready to put out stories where the bumps are for the characters, not the readers. We readers can feel those bumps with the characters, but we should never feel the ones under that surface. We shouldn't see or feel the seams, the jagged bits holding it all together.

As 52 moves onward with seamless energy, no matter what you think of the events, and the OYL titles show varying degrees of adaptability to the jump, we can see this more clearly. Some writers -- Wil Pfeifer and Gail Simone, among others -- can handle it far better than some others -- Bruce Jones. Still others, like Judd Winick, seem a bit stuck in the middle, doing okay, but not quite able to make it all seem so natural. Writing a serial that takes months and months to unfold, is difficult. I like change. I don't want to read the same thing over and over. But I want it to be well written and skillfully handled. Not too much to ask for, is it? It takes a lot of skill. And there are many places to lose or win readers along the way.

The publishers have to hope they gain more readers than they lose. Because gaining new, younger readers is hard, so losing too many loyal, longtime readers won't be good for them, either.

Back to the LoCs

I realized I'd forgotten to type up the rest of my published LoCs. After the last one I typed up, there were a few that weren't published. If I'm right, I'm up to New Teen Titans 43, May 1988. If not and this is a repeat, mea culpa and all that. Just think of it as a reissue.

Dear People,

Well, I was stunned. After so many (I don't dare count them or I'll really get depressed) issues of bickering among the Titans, padding of stories and mindless violence, you gave us the first feel good Titans story since Donna Troy married Terry Long. NTT #39 was such a mature look at Raven, Kory and Dick, I had to double-check the credits before I believed Marv wrote it. For the first time in a very long while, Kory showed her maturity, sensitivity, decency, understanding... I could go on forever. Her emotional strength, her opening up to Raven in friendship was beautiful and inspiring. I must admit I was worried when I read the start of this "Raven falls for Dick" storyline, but you guys surprised me by handling this delicate subject so well. Finally, Raven can come into her own as a character; the potential for growth is limitless. And Dick seems to be his old, wonderful self again. Thank you.

I had vowed not to LoC NTT again until I found a story I really liked. I'm glad I wasn't kept waiting indefinitely. There is so much I don't like about the post-Crisis DC, mainly the end of parallel time and the loss of many of my favorite heroes (most notably Supergirl) and storylines, that it is gratifying to know I can still count on the Titans to entertain and delight me.

Swamp Thing 19

Since I don't have a new comic review, I thought I'd resume the limited series of my published LoCs. This was in Swamp Thing, I believe #19 (12/83).

(BTW, how many folks recall that DC's offices used to be at 666 Fifth Avenue. 666, people!)

Dear Guys,

OK. Enough is enough. We've had twelve issues of SWAMP THING already and we still have not seen the conclusion to the storyline started way back in issue #1. It's been such a long time, we constantly need explanations and recaps which take space away from the story which seems to drag the whole thing out even more. Yes, I know you've promised to conclude this story next issue, but I'll believe that when I see it. All this leads me to conclude that Swampy should give the Strnager the boot and reclaim those back pages which he had in his glory days — the first series. Swampy needs room to breathe and stretch. There's so much going on in SOTST I feel claustrophobic when I read it. There are too many panels per page and too many word balloons and people per panel. The mood is tense — frenetic rather than suspenseful and mysterious. And I miss those haunting splash pages and closeups Bernie Wrightson did so well. With full-length stories, we could have been done with Karen and the Antichrist at least four or five issues ago. As things are now, the plot never advances enough per issue and I find that to be very frustrating.

I understand, accept, even commend your decision not to attempt to copy or lean on the first series. And, while I liked Swampy in those Challengers of the Unknown stories, I'd like to forget all about Alec's brother and those stupid stories in which Alec regained human form. They never bothered to say whether or not Alec's brother even attended Alec's "funeral," for gosh sakes!

However, you can't ignore everything. Where would Batman be if someone decided that his parents didn't really die? Remember when some writers really did try to tamper with Krypton's destruction and the accident that created The Flash? Matt Cable and Abby Arcane were very important parts of Swampy's life in the first series. They shared his secrets and evne though they believed he had been killed (the duplicate, remember?), they must have heard he's still alive. Matt, as a government agent, must be aware of Swampy's activities. He's been sighted in a lot of places and Matt was the sort of character who would pursue the matter. I like Dennis and Liz, but I miss Matt and Abby. They don't have to be regulars, but they deserve an appearance or two. They were much more interesting than Dennis and Liz in looks and personality, even in background, especially Abby.

And the response:

By now you may have noticed that we thought Matt and Abby "deserved an appearance," too. How about it, [my name] — are we off the hook? —MP

LoC to Supergirl 14

This was in SG 14, 1983.

Dear People,
TDNAOS (I sure hate that acronym) gets better with each issue. The recent guest appearances by the New Doom Patrol were much appreciated by this reader, as was the visit by the Danvers. Don't forget Kara's biological parents though. You'll have to find some way to work them in. And Lena Thorul, too, please! [Y'know, typing this, I realize I'd forgotten about her; Lex's sister was a fun character]

It was a thrill seeing my letter back in #4. It was my first LoC to see print. Your answers to my comments then regarding Linda/Kara's age and return to school made sense, especially since the book has benefited by the decisions you had to make. However, you don't have to be a teenager to go to school. Linda enjoys school and can afford to go back full time. I think that's great. It's something I've done. But she can still be 24 or 25. Also, even at that age, she can still be called a girl. I'm 30 and I consider myself liberated (whatever that means) and i still think of myself as a girl. Linda Danvers has led a full life so far, so don't deny her any of it. End of lecture.

On to #10. [Yeah, that was the lag time between reading, writing the LoC, and getting it into print; 4 issues of a monthly comic. Seems so long in the age of the internet.] Really nice cover. Philip Decker has the most potential of any guy Linda has ever dated. Keep him around for a while. The story had good pacing and I can hardly wait until next issue to learn how Supergirl gets out of the mess you left her in.

The Lois Lane feature continues to be a wonder. It's a wonder how so much good stuff can be fitted into so few pages. Oksner's art is perfect; don't ever let him go. And Lois again demonstrated what a fool Superman was to let her walk out of his life. I hope the breakup isn't permanent.

As a long-time fan of Supergirl, I'm really glad to see her finally come into her own.

I'll post the answer, too, since it's short.

Thanks for the kind words and support [my name here]. And since you hate the TDNAOS acronym so much, we'll have to change the book's title to just plain old SUPERGIRL, which, if you'll check the cover and indicia beginning with last issue, you'll notice has happened.

Glad you liked the Doom patrol as guest stars. In fact, opinion on the guest-hero issue has been so overwhelmingly positive that we've decided to go ahead and plan for some more visitors to these pages, commencing real soon. Stay tuned!

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It's always interesting to look back, not just for what was going on, but for what I had to say and how I worded it, and for the answers I got. I really do miss the lettercols. Sure, folks post on the message boards (I was posting fairly regularly on many DC boards for a while til the juvenile behavior of too many folks annoyed me too much to overlook), and yes, sometimes, the creators pop in to interact with readers, but the lettercols were different. Someone had to read all the letters to see which ones would get printed. You knew your thoughts were read by someone. And you usually got answers, from the editor or assistant. Sure, it took 4 months, but it was worth it. And you got to see your name in print. Online, anyone can post their name, so there's no thrill, but to see your name, your letter, your words in a comic, to know your letter got picked (and that includes my negative last letter to New Titans which I will post here at some point), was a wonderful feeling.

A New Year

I'm not one for year in review postings. Mostly, because I really can't remember what was in this year and not in the end of the previous year. Once I hit my 50s, things pretty much starting blending together in my memory center, a nice collage of memories, of comic books and books and movies and tv shows and music and art and my own creations, and well, I really don't want to bother teasing them apart.

I seem to have some folks reading this blog, so I thought I'd do something a bit different to start off the new year because I just got this week's comics on Friday and haven't had time to read them yet because I worked yesterday and then got a bit involved with my flickr account, uploading photos. Photography is another of my hobbies.

Anyway, during the '80s (and in 1991), I wrote LoCs to DC and 7 were published. There were some that didn't get published, but I did have a good track record. After 1985, I was reading only the New Teen Titans/New Titans comic, so the last 2 LoCs were for those books. I thought I'd post some of the letters I had published and if anyone goes scurrying to find them in the comics, please don't post my name anywhere. I try to keep a low profile online. And while they printed my address, I haven't lived there for many years.

I'll do the ones to the old Supergirl book to start things off. [] denotes today's commentary on the commentary.

The Daring New Adventures of Supergirl 4
Dear Julie, Paul, Carmine, Bob, etc. [Hey, I was nothing if not polite and didn't want to leave anyone out.]
Seeing Supergirl in her own comic is a dream come true and SUPERGIRL #1 was nicely done. Carmine Infantino's art (with beautiful embellishment by Bob Oksner) suited Linda/Kara perfectly. And I like Chicago as her new home. Joan Raymond is an electrifying supporting character (the best for Supergirl in a long time) and Psi holds promise.

However, some comments and suggestions. Please understand. i care a lot for Supergirl. She and Lois Lane were the first female characters I knew in the DC Universe (way back in the mid-60s -- 1962 for Lois!). If Lois's strip is up to par with the one she had in SUPERMAN FAMILY, I'll be happy. As for Supergirl, please don't forget her parents (both sets!). I also figure Supergirl is about 22-23 years old, since she's already a college graduate -- Stanhope, remember? -- and she's worked for a while. Besides, 23 isn't too old for a girl at heart. I figure DC's characters age chronologically, but not physically.

At first, I worried that she was moving around too much, but she's like me that way. I change jobs the way she changes cities. [That was true for me in the '70s and even the '80s when I changed library branches every few years.]

By the way, I don't like Supergirl's new logo. It doesn't hold the eye. But I loved the cover.

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There was a nice, long answer to me and 2 other letter-writers re: decisions that had been made about the book, including returning her to a college environment in order to avoid the "old Clark Kent routine of 'How do I create a diversion/come up with some lame excuse to sneak away and change?'" situation they had in the previous version when she worked for a TV station on the newscast. The retention of the name Supergirl as opposed to Superwoman was due to copyright considerations, according to the answer. Other comments about continuity and Kara's age just seem silly in a medium that had Robin the Boy Wonder for long enough for him to collect Social Security, tho he finally did get promoted to Teen Wonder.

I plan to post a few more of these published LoCs, unless there's an outcry in the comments for me to Cease and Desist. I still have the one from Supergirl 14, one from Swamp Thing 22, New Teen Titans 43, and my farewell to New Titans (NT 82). There were a couple of others, but I don't seem to have photocopies.