Quantum and Woody #9 Discussion

[bygranddesign]

I like the idea behind this issue - there was a lot of different plot points introduced to set up the arc that will hopefully all tie together by the end but unfortunately most of them were not really that interesting with much of the trademark Asmus humor falling a bit flat. The most interesting revelation from Goat #0 was only HINTED at in this issue which I thought was a bit of a misstep - Asmus could have built upon the momentum of that previous issue by focusing a little more on the Goat and Q&W's father trapped inside its mind.

Getting back to the humor - it felt a little too forced and slapstick in this issue. I absolutely loved the first arc and wished there was more of that balance of humor, topical issues and heartfelt family drama.

Kano's art was pretty strong throughout. (I guess he colored the issue also since there was no color credit)

Overall a solid issue.. but a bit of a disappointment after a pretty strong Goat #0 issue.

[mateo107]

this issue was definitely an improvement from the previous arc. the part with Eric trying to get Woody to be responsible seemed like a little bit of a retread, although I preferred it this time around. especially liked the last job interview and the reference to rights to old comic book characters.

[SJS4]

I really enjoyed the issue. The art was a huge step up from Doyle and i thought the story was funny. I am finally looking forward to this comic again.

[jmatt]

A decent issue. There's a lot going on and I kind of like that, but it meandered a bit. Art was good. I thought there would be more about the group with the robots, but they seemed to be nothing more than a backdrop for some conversation and hijinx.

Painfully Woody. I thought that was funny, along with some other gags.

[Donovan]

Art was good. I thought there would be more about the group with the robots, but they seemed to be nothing more than a backdrop for some conversation and hijinx.

Was that not them in jail at the end? Looks like they are being set up for more...

I really enjoyed this issue. I've been having a real crummy year personally, and this book was a much needed bit of laughter and relaxation.

The art was a huge step up from the previous arc! Loved it!

[jmatt]

Art was good. I thought there would be more about the group with the robots, but they seemed to be nothing more than a backdrop for some conversation and hijinx.

Was that not them in jail at the end? Looks like they are being set up for more...

Yeah, that's them. I would have just figured that if they pulled characters from a few issues back to arrive as the "threat" for this issue, that it would have played out with them as the central conflict of the issue. Not a big deal, I just figured they'd have more heft, storywise.

[Bone-A-Fach-ee]

I had to read this issue in like 3 different sittings, due to interruptions. But, I love the dialogue of this book. Asmus is great. I did like the art, but I think the colors are bothering me? Still sorta "indie" type colors. They don't really seem to work for me. But, the lines are cool
It's a bit over the top, but I like that about it. Someone's gotta be, right? Does a great job of being "that" title.

[mateo107]

I did like the art, but I think the colors are bothering me? Still sorta "indie" type colors. They don't really seem to work for me.

yeah, the colors are definitely an improvement from before, since I don't think they helped Ming Doyle's art, but I still wish this book would look more "superheroey". more than any other Valiant series, this is the one I feel should proudly relish being a superhero book, with all the cliches, flashy costumes, and image coloring that goes with that.

[Captain Craig]

I felt like this was the first issue since the opening arc that establishes our characters that was laying out actual threads of plot and character development for down the road. I found the humor to be more subtle and situation specific vs the forced material of the last arc.

I also, like Woody(odd), think it's time for 69 to get a real name. That one-trick pony is played out. 69 going to live with her detective "sister" is also a way to build up the supporting cast. I'm not super convinced the detective(whose name escapes me) isn't still aligned with E.R.A. though, we'll see.

The art is better for sure but could be much, much better. Woody is just one step short of essentially being Deadpool, a character I'm not into, so that's no doubt part of my tough crawl with this title. I think Eric as Quantum would work seamlessly as a solo lead honestly but he's got Woody as an anchor.

[ilzuccone]

I really liked the self deprecating humor on the last job interview. (the one about selling the movie rights to hollywood).

[Bl00dsh0t]

I really liked this issue, and have enjoyed Q&W from #1.

This issue really builds upon what we've already seen and starts to add longer plot threads and linkages with a broader range of bad guys.

Likes:
- The ERA returns from the first arc (and Goat #1), though only Johnny 1. I like this group of evil doers and hope to see some of the characters fleshed out as the books progress.
- The robots from #5 return also (was wondering what happened to them). There's certainly some backstory there that warrents page time.
- Woody as an ah/hole. For a while there I thought he'd changed his tune and was prepared to settle down with Clone 69, ditto with his criminal ways as explored in the first acr. Good to see he hasn't transitioned into the generic 'good guy' (that's what Quantum is for).
- Cudjo (dont have the book in front of me now, excuse the spelling if wrong) returns. I'm keen to see what her role will be moving forward

Dislikes
- Not a whole lot to dislike, however the ending was a little so-so for me. Woody going to rob the place Quantum is hired to protect? meh. I pegged Woody as more a petty criminal than big ops badguy but can see how it may work.
- Clone 69 and Detective Cudjo's interaction...I liked this, but the end result didn't lead anywhere with Cudjo offering 69 a place to stay yet 69 is still shown at the HQ she found for them. (a minor gripe)

[Blood of Heroes]

Did anyone else notice that the bartender looks suspiciously like Maurice Moss from the IT Crowd?

[jmatt]

Did anyone else notice that the bartender looks suspiciously like Maurice Moss from the IT Crowd?

Didn't notice it but it can't be a coincidence. I don't even know what the IT Crowd is.

[Blood of Heroes]

Did anyone else notice that the bartender looks suspiciously like Maurice Moss from the IT Crowd?

Didn't notice it but it can't be a coincidence. I don't even know what the IT Crowd is.

It's a sitcom that has a cult following (I think). I couldn't even make it through one episode.

When I read the panel I knew I had seen that face before. It took some time sifting through google images for me to figure out exactly who it was.

[Chiclo]

Moss accidentally ends up working behind a bar in that exact outfit in an episode. Roy also accidentally ends up confined to a wheelchair. It's the episode where they go to the theatre with Jen and her new fellow that she thinks may be gay.

[BugsySig]

Really enjoyed the issue. Kano on art was a HUGE improvement. This felt more like a continuation of the first arc...maybe I will just erase the second arc from my memory.

[lorddunlow]

Really enjoyed the issue. Kano on art was a HUGE improvement. This felt more like a continuation of the first arc...maybe I will just erase the second arc from my memory.

+1

Still my least favorite title, but it gets a temporary stay of its planned execution from my pull list.

[Baramos]

Loved the issue, laughed out loud several times, and the promise of an Ocean's Eleven esque heist at the end? What more can we ask for?

[grendeljd]

Did anyone else notice that the bartender looks suspiciously like Maurice Moss from the IT Crowd?

Didn't notice it but it can't be a coincidence. I don't even know what the IT Crowd is.

It's a sitcom that has a cult following (I think). I couldn't even make it through one episode.

When I read the panel I knew I had seen that face before. It took some time sifting through google images for me to figure out exactly who it was.

Moss accidentally ends up working behind a bar in that exact outfit in an episode. Roy also accidentally ends up confined to a wheelchair. It's the episode where they go to the theatre with Jen and her new fellow that she thinks may be gay.

Loved the Moss cameo - I freakin' love The IT Crowd show!!

[silverwolf]

Really enjoyed this issue! I liked that Asmus circled back to the character of "Gay Dave" who was referenced waaaaay back in the first or second issue. I feel like this title is definitely getting better!

[ShadowTuga]

I really liked this issue a lot- this and the Goat special already made me forgive the previous arc. When this book hits the funnies, it does so in big style- I laughed so hard through a lot of it. The yellow G-string. Can't unsee that.
And the "serious" bit leading to the next ish was awesomely done. Again, James Asmus puts some feelygoody stuff (Woody sticking up for his friend) and it's awesome.
Loved that last page. And for the very first time, I think I am really anticipating this title's next installment. This was one of the best reads of the month, so far (I only got my monthlies today).

I don't see this book as Valiant, as in, it really feels different from everything else in the universe- but when it's good, I just don't care. I had a blast reading this.

[leonmallett]

...I don't see this book as Valiant, as in, it really feels different from everything else in the universe- but when it's good, I just don't care. I had a blast reading this.

I think you make a key point; this does not feel like a VALIANT book. Of course that is all in the ye of the beholder - Archer and Armstrong is pretty far removed in tone of focus from say Harbinger or Bloodshot and HARDCorps for example.

That said, if one of the 'rules' of the VEI universe is that the public emergence of super-humans is new, then gags like the giant robot just don't stand up for me.

I just don't see the point of this book. I get some find it entertaining (I don't) and some find it funny (I really don't). Maybe it will imrprove. I felt it took a very long time for me to engage with X-O Manowar, and maybe this will be the same.

The book seems to reset to its basic premise with each arc, which again makes me ask what's the point of it. Is giving the readers something different simply enough? Clearly yes based on current sales numbers, but as I say, I just don't get it. At least this time however, the art is much better than the last arc.

[mkb28]

I finally got around to reading the first two trades for this series, which ends at issue 8. I have to say that I am really enjoying these characters and the humor and there were a few times that I laughed out loud. My favorite scene was the boy who thought Quantum was the President coming to steal their guns! Very funny, stuff!

Can't wait to read issue 9 and get started on the next arc.

Michael
Mkb28