The short-lived and underappreciated DC Comics discussion

[tib2d2]

Criteria here is to discuss comic book series that were short-lived, and underappreciated at their time. Could be a mini series from back in the day, could be a series that was cancelled due to lack of interest, etc.

What comes to mind?

[DrNewGod]

The first run of Booster Gold. It brilliantly touched on America's growing obsession with fame and wealth-from-fame. It was speaking to its time, which was the heyday of Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous, but it's still relevant today when you consider the thirst of so many to make it as social media influencers.

It had a decent run, lasting 25 issues over two years. Booster's been back since, ranging from Blue Beetle's "bwahaha" partner in the JL, to "the greatest hero you never heard of" and (the best since his own title, IMO) is enormous role in 52. Nothing, however, really lived up to those first 15 or so issues of his inaugural title.

[Riv86672]

I’ll start if off with...



...this book was JUST hitting its stride when it was cancelled.

[DrNewGod]

I’ll start if off with...



...this book was JUST hitting its stride when it was cancelled.

Oh yeah. I adored The Power Company. Busiek's Kirk dePaul is my favorite of all the Manhunters.

[Lee Stone]

I'm assuming 'short run' would be less than three years or 36 issues?

The first runs of Booster Gold and Blue Beetle both come to mind. 24 and 25 issues, respectively.
Blue Devil was good and almost made it to 36 issues.
Atari Force was better than the name implied. But what do you expect with Conway and ********Lopez on the book? Uunfortunately, it was cancelled after 20 issues.
Amethyst's ongoing ran 16 issues and was pretty good. But you'd probably want to factor in the 12-issue mini that preceded it, as it was a continuation of it. Not bad at 28 issues, total.
Arion, Lord of Atlantis lasted exactly 35 issues, one shy of 36. It was a good fantasy comic.
(Note: Atari Force, Amethyst and Arion were all given one last Special issue to wrap up their storylines.)

[Thor-Ul]

For me, it was Aztek, the ultimate man, only ten numbers.

[j9ac9k]

I’ll start if off with...



...this book was JUST hitting its stride when it was cancelled.

Good choice buddy! When I was reading the OP, this is the series I was absolutely going to mention! It needed more recognition for how Busiek was using his appreciation for all things DC as fodder for stories in this title - from Bork, an obscure character everyone had forgotten to Haunted Tank to Scorpio, to actually using Firestorm when nobody else seemed interested.

[Riv86672]

Oh yeah. I adored The Power Company. Busiek's Kirk dePaul is my favorite of all the Manhunters.

^^^Same. That version was very solid!

Good choice buddy! When I was reading the OP, this is the series I was absolutely going to mention! It needed more recognition for how Busiek was using his appreciation for all things DC as fodder for stories in this title - from Bork, an obscure character everyone had forgotten to Haunted Tank to Scorpio, to actually using Firestorm when nobody else seemed interested.

Yeah, Haunted Tank and Firestorm just got woven into the narrative and I was like, “oh hell no”!

Another book I liked was Chase...



I remember the book being a little scattershot in terms of story quality, and I didn’t enjoy the obligatory Batman cameo, but Chase’s backstory was good, and there was a ton of potential there.
Maybe it was a case of being ahead of its time? I have to think a book like this might do a little better nowadays.

[Lenyjr]

I'm assuming 'short run' would be less than three years or 36 issues?

The first runs of Booster Gold and Blue Beetle both come to mind. 24 and 25 issues, respectively.
Blue Devil was good and almost made it to 36 issues.
Atari Force was better than the name implied. But what do you expect with Conway and ********Lopez on the book? Uunfortunately, it was cancelled after 20 issues.
Amethyst's ongoing ran 16 issues and was pretty good. But you'd probably want to factor in the 12-issue mini that preceded it, as it was a continuation of it. Not bad at 28 issues, total.
Arion, Lord of Atlantis lasted exactly 35 issues, one shy of 36. It was a good fantasy comic.
(Note: Atari Force, Amethyst and Arion were all given one last Special issue to wrap up their storylines.)

I completely agree with Booster Gold, Blue Beetle Blue Devil and Arion. I would add those Night Force and 'Mazing Man, both entertaining but in completely different ways

[LAWtoyoto 432]

Hawkman_Vol_5_1.jpg

Robert's Hawkman run. It is so good.

[lemonpeace]

Hawkman_Vol_5_1.jpg

Robert's Hawkman run. It is so good.

I don't think was really "short-lived" or underappreciated. this was probably the most celebrated run on Hawkman since, like, Hawkworld. it doesn't feel necessarily "short-lived" either, it felt more like it came, told it's story, then ended; as a good story should.

[married guy]

There's a few from the 90's.

Chronos (12 issues)
Hourman (25 issues)
Young Heroes in Love (18 issues)
Teen Titans (Jurgens) (24 issues)

[Lee Stone]

I completely forgot about Huntress. Her first series from 1989 only lasted 19 issues, but I think it would've lasted much longer if it was marketed to the right people.

DC chose to promote her (and still half-arsed it) as a member of the Justice League.
Buzz developed before JLI #24 that the new Huntress would be joining the team, and the book was given to the JLI editor to keep it in the same 'family' of titles.
But she barely appeared in the series and was never really treated like a full member.

Meanwhile, her comic was very pulp-y and utilized a grungy charcoal-like inking style that helped the book look unique. Again, though, I'd say the book was mismatched with the target audience. If it was in the 'New Format' (a cheaper alternative to the Baxter paper at the time), alongside Green Arrow and The Question, I think it would've done a lot better.

[K7P5V]

Definitely, my choice would be Firestorm (1978):

[Korath]

Six issues of pure gold, and not loved enough !