Harbinger #23 Discussion - SPOILERS ARE ON (for now)

[lorddunlow]

What a great issue. I was hoping it would be flamingo. even though i wanted her to go it was a bummer when it happened. very well written book.

I say flamingo is dead tho. i'm not big on conspiracy theories.

[400yrs]

This is the first valiant issue I've read in a while so you guys probably have a better idea of where the story is going, but my thoughts are flamingo regenerates and Kris bite it. The stuff from Kris in this issue sets her up for a nice death.

[kjjohanson]

This is the first valiant issue I've read in a while so you guys probably have a better idea of where the story is going, but my thoughts are flamingo regenerates and Kris bite it. The stuff from Kris in this issue sets her up for a nice death.

I wouldn't be surprised to see another death next issue. However, I don't think it's going to be Kris, but I figure it would be someone involved in that conflict. Based on the cover we've seen for next issue, and that we haven't seen anything regarding @x's future in solicits for new books, I think he might get the…um…ax. Or perhaps we'll see one the Gen Zero kids go down. Animalia at the very least is safe, if we can believe the previews for the upcoming AH: Harbinger mini aren't doctored.

From the Nerdist article linked on the main page:

Dysart admitted he wasn’t sure which of the Renegades was going to the superhero graveyard until he started writing the arc. In fact, he’d had it narrowed down to two, decided on one, and halfway through, realized it should be the other.

Sounds to me like Torque was the original victim.

[SJS4]

All the redacted words make this entire effing thread a pain to read, so i gave up. FYA!

[String]

I'm just happy to finally see the Gen Zero kids again.

I hope this character is dead. It was moving and quick (though I have a hard time looking past my cynicism over comic book death. My first thought upon seeing their demise was, 'Wow, cool way to die') If this turns out to be some sort of fake-out like some theories suggest, then I think it would undermine what has been a very strong story so far.

Some other character(s) may also die, but this one deserves the honor of staying dead if this is their end.

[jmatt]

... and then we'll jump back to that confrontation in 25.

I don't think it's gonna play out like that. Have you seen the list of creators for #25? I think it's gonna be an homage, like X-O #25. If so, the arc will wrap up in the next issue. When Torque dies.

[kjjohanson]

... and then we'll jump back to that confrontation in 25.

I don't think it's gonna play out like that. Have you seen the list of creators for #25? I think it's gonna be an homage, like X-O #25. If so, the arc will wrap up in the next issue. When Torque dies.

Well, that could still be the main story, perhaps with some teaser of what comes next, along with all of the other tidbits like in X-O

[grendeljd]

What a stunning issue. I've read it twice already... soo many feels right now. Masterful storytelling.

I'll maybe post more thoughts (and read more of everyone's comments) when we are past the spoiler tag grace period. It's absolute hell to have to constantly quote every post to read them on my phone, and I mostly check the forum via it these days.

[pixierosa]

It does appear that the one we think died, did die. I would like this to be straightforward. If it happened the way we all think it did, it felt real, like life. No warning despite knowing you are doing something potentially deadly.

But, I have a few doubts, and it's keeping me from the closure I need. Here's why:

1. At C2E2, during the panel discussion of the book, Clayton Henry said he thought two people died because of the extent of the injuries. He joked about if he had overdone it. VEI said no, he didn't.

2.Torque had zero presence this issue. He got zapped, good and long, and it was hurting him. We see him appearing to be trying to hold himself off the floor after Ion's strike is off of him, but he appears completely unresponsive when Faith is flying him out of the building at the end.

3.Flamingo, upon impact, did appear to have burned completely. It looked like I could see the bush through her ribs. But when Faith was carrying her body away, she looked more solid. Is that an artistic liberty or a sign?

4. That Flamingo lives message. Battlecry or fortune cookie?

5. The covers. The final cover for the interlocking was Torque, on his own. Mico's graveside cover shows everyone but Torque. I'll admit I find this confusing since Torque and Faith clearly are in the covers of the AH Harbinger book, fighting alongside the Gen Zero kids. But that may have been created before this arc was finalized.
This is killing me. What do you guys think? Was the real death quiet? He passed quietly, alone, while the others were falling?

[kjjohanson]

5. The covers

The cover art may have been finalized earlier than the story. From The Nerdist interview (http://www.nerdist.com/2014/05/intervie ... -darlings/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;):

Dysart admitted he wasn’t sure which of the Renegades was going to the superhero graveyard until he started writing the arc. In fact, he’d had it narrowed down to two, decided on one, and halfway through, realized it should be the other.

“I think writing #22, I had an epiphany and realized it had to be this other character. They were all on the chopping block for a long time until it dawned on me who it had to be for this arc to work.”

[lorddunlow]

What a stunning issue. I've read it twice already... soo many feels right now. Masterful storytelling.

I'll maybe post more thoughts (and read more of everyone's comments) when we are past the spoiler tag grace period. It's absolute hell to have to constantly quote every post to read them on my phone, and I mostly check the forum via it these days.

Tapatalk, man. Use it. It will change your life.

[lorddunlow]

You know, I'm not sure why we're even using using spoiler tags in this thread. If anyone clicks into this thread, they should expect spoilers, correct? I understand understand in the bet thread and the Harbinger Death threads that had previously been only speculation, but it's a little pointless here, don't you guys think?

[The Dirt Gang]

You know, I'm not sure why we're even using using spoiler tags in this thread. If anyone clicks into this thread, they should expect spoilers, correct? I understand understand in the bet thread and the Harbinger Death threads that had previously been only speculation, but it's a little pointless here, don't you guys think?

+1

[BugsySig]

It does appear that the one we think died, did die. I would like this to be straightforward. If it happened the way we all think it did, it felt real, like life. No warning despite knowing you are doing something potentially deadly.

But, I have a few doubts, and it's keeping me from the closure I need. Here's why:

1. At C2E2, during the panel discussion of the book, Clayton Henry said he thought two people died because of the extent of the injuries. He joked about if he had overdone it. VEI said no, he didn't.

2.Torque had zero presence this issue. He got zapped, good and long, and it was hurting him. We see him appearing to be trying to hold himself off the floor after Ion's strike is off of him, but he appears completely unresponsive when Faith is flying him out of the building at the end.

3.Flamingo, upon impact, did appear to have burned completely. It looked like I could see the bush through her ribs. But when Faith was carrying her body away, she looked more solid. Is that an artistic liberty or a sign?

4. That Flamingo lives message. Battlecry or fortune cookie?

5. The covers. The final cover for the interlocking was Torque, on his own. Mico's graveside cover shows everyone but Torque. I'll admit I find this confusing since Torque and Faith clearly are in the covers of the AH Harbinger book, fighting alongside the Gen Zero kids. But that may have been created before this arc was finalized.
This is killing me. What do you guys think? Was the real death quiet? He passed quietly, alone, while the others were falling?

Hehehe...You said you saw Flamingo's bush

But I digress...

With all of them mind-linked, and the reaction Faith would likely have to Torque dying being equal or greater than Flamingo, if Torque had died I would expect Pete and Kris to have felt that too.

The Crain quote was the one I was thinking of and mentioned earlier in the thread. Can't you just see Dysart writing a deep-fried Charlene slowly regenerating in a hospital somewhere?

[Blood of Heroes]

You know, I'm not sure why we're even using using spoiler tags in this thread.

because you all are a bunch of smart phone hating @ssholes.

[BugsySig]

You know, I'm not sure why we're even using using spoiler tags in this thread. If anyone clicks into this thread, they should expect spoilers, correct? I understand understand in the bet thread and the Harbinger Death threads that had previously been only speculation, but it's a little pointless here, don't you guys think?

Now you're just ruining the fun

[lorddunlow]

You know, I'm not sure why we're even using using spoiler tags in this thread.

because you all are a bunch of smart phone hating @ssholes.

I only think it affects iPhone users. So, suck it.

[Chiclo]

Charlene, Charlene, Charlene, Charlene
I'm begging of you please don't take my man
Charlene, Charlene, Charlene, Charlene
Please don't take him just because you can
Your beauty is beyond compare
With flaming locks of auburn hair
With ivory skin and eyes of emerald green

Your smile is like a breath of spring
Your voice is soft like summer rain
And I cannot compete with you, Jolene

He talks about you in his sleep
There's nothing I can do to keep
From crying when he calls your name, Charlene

And I can easily understand
How you could easily take my man
But you don't know what he means to me, Charlene

Charlene, Charlene, Charlene, Charlene
I'm begging of you please don't take my man
Charlene, Charlene, Charlene, Charlene
Please don't take him just because you can

You could have your choice of men
But I could never love again
He's the only one for me, Charlene

I had to have this talk with you
My happiness depends on you
And whatever you decide to do, Jolene

Charlene, Charlene, Charlene, Charlene
I'm begging of you please don't take my man
Charlene, Charlene, Charlene, Charlene
Please don't take him even though you can
Charlene, Charlene

[Keith]

You know, I'm not sure why we're even using using spoiler tags in this thread. If anyone clicks into this thread, they should expect spoilers, correct? I understand understand in the bet thread and the Harbinger Death threads that had previously been only speculation, but it's a little pointless here, don't you guys think?

Meanwhile, in the not too distant past...

Okay, just a heads-up. The advertised "death" issue is due out this coming week. Expect spoilers in this thread for anything posted starting Wednesday morning.

Think we should all agree that even though we're in the "spoilers" section, the initial reports on the death should have the spoiler blocking on.

+1

[String]

You know, I'm not sure why we're even using using spoiler tags in this thread. If anyone clicks into this thread, they should expect spoilers, correct? I understand understand in the bet thread and the Harbinger Death threads that had previously been only speculation, but it's a little pointless here, don't you guys think?

Apparently, there are still quite the number of followers and admirers of General Redacted here on this site. And why not? A strong leader, confident of his vision and purpose. We MUST keep the commies from learning who died (if in fact, this person actually has).

[bribri]

Flamingo died.

There, I said it.

[lorddunlow]

You know, I'm not sure why we're even using using spoiler tags in this thread. If anyone clicks into this thread, they should expect spoilers, correct? I understand understand in the bet thread and the Harbinger Death threads that had previously been only speculation, but it's a little pointless here, don't you guys think?

Meanwhile, in the not too distant past...

Okay, just a heads-up. The advertised "death" issue is due out this coming week. Expect spoilers in this thread for anything posted starting Wednesday morning.

Think we should all agree that even though we're in the "spoilers" section, the initial reports on the death should have the spoiler blocking on.

+1

In my defense, I +1 nearly every comment on the board. I'd say a good 25% of my posts are either +1 or QFT.

[leonmallett]

Possibly the best issue of the series for me. I think the book has been very strong post-Perfect Day and here I think Dysart showed brilliant craft, juggling his feints, plot beats and and characters points. Even the panel with Stronghold being recalled to action was pitched perfectly, adding a sense of pathos (due in no small; part to the artists in that instance). The writing and art have worked so well on this issue that my favourite VEI book has real competition at last.

This goes into my top 5 VEI issues without doubt.

[leonmallett]

Flamingo eh?

Had to post that; I was feeling left out of the redaction-action.

[Blood of Heroes]

You know, I'm not sure why we're even using using spoiler tags in this thread.

because you all are a bunch of smart phone hating @ssholes.

I only think it affects iPhone users. So, suck it.

You just made the list