Thanks for your thoughts. I think I only recently found out that you had cancer before, only because you were reporting that you don't have it now. Clearly, I wouldn't presume to tell you how you should feel.
I will also say that I'm not sure really why you feel that a cancer story line is trite and over done, though. Granted, I don't read many comics, so I don't have a lot of comparison, but I'm not sure that I know of any other storyline about it.
As for why women characters get breast cancer... I think it's probably because it is a women's issue, primarily. For women in the US (sorry, I don't have more general statistics), 1 out of 8 women will get breast cancer. It is the second most common cancer in women (behind skin) and it is the second mostly deadly cancer for women (behind lung). Only 1% of diagnosed breast cancer in the US is diagnosed in men. Also, experts estimate that 90% of breast cancer are caused by mutations and genetic abnormalities that occur during aging/life.
I'm 30 years old and I've lost one friend to breast cancer. That was 2 years ago, and she left behind a daughter. I've seen women fight this cancer my whole life.
Perhaps I am giving the author the benefit of a doubt that he doesn't deserve, but I think - statistically speaking - breast cancer is the most likely cancer a female character would develop. I really hope that it isn't being used as a joke, and if it were, I would be absolutely furious and feel betrayed as a female reader.
As for your comment that they are jealous of other more powerful characters... I can see that. But I'm not sure that I totally agree with that interpretation. I did notice it, it is one of the things I didn't like honestly, but I have worked with a lot of women that I had no desire whatsoever to socialize with. And, again while I don't read much in the way of other comics, I didn't find the characterizations of Sue Storm or Ororo Munroe to be that far off base. I'm not sure I'd have hung around that party either...
I really don't have much to say in defense of the art. Like I said before, I find all the art somewhat ridiculous, which is why when I find really good art, or interestingly drawn characters, it makes more of an impression than the normal TnA appreciation crap. I will agree, too, that the interior art is better.
I'm afraid I haven't read any Birds of Prey, so alas, I cannot compare. But I mentioned to Deuce above that if the series completely ignored their jobs, then I also wouldn't like it, but I don't feel that it does. And, personally, the behind the scenes of the big superhero comics moments interests me more than the big superhero moments.
I reread the end of Whedon's Astonishing X-men again last night, and I can say without a doubt that Scott's relationship with Emma, Kitty's relationship with Piotr, Brand's relationship with Hank, the friendships between all the characters, the mentorship between Logan and Hisako - all of that interested me far more than the Breakworld.
To me, the background lives makes the moments of true heroism and sacrifice meaningful. I cried all over again. *sheepish*
Now... aren't you on vacation?! *lol* Have fun! And thanks so much for your thoughts. :)
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I will also say that I'm not sure really why you feel that a cancer story line is trite and over done, though. Granted, I don't read many comics, so I don't have a lot of comparison, but I'm not sure that I know of any other storyline about it.
As for why women characters get breast cancer... I think it's probably because it is a women's issue, primarily. For women in the US (sorry, I don't have more general statistics), 1 out of 8 women will get breast cancer. It is the second most common cancer in women (behind skin) and it is the second mostly deadly cancer for women (behind lung). Only 1% of diagnosed breast cancer in the US is diagnosed in men. Also, experts estimate that 90% of breast cancer are caused by mutations and genetic abnormalities that occur during aging/life.
I'm 30 years old and I've lost one friend to breast cancer. That was 2 years ago, and she left behind a daughter. I've seen women fight this cancer my whole life.
Perhaps I am giving the author the benefit of a doubt that he doesn't deserve, but I think - statistically speaking - breast cancer is the most likely cancer a female character would develop. I really hope that it isn't being used as a joke, and if it were, I would be absolutely furious and feel betrayed as a female reader.
As for your comment that they are jealous of other more powerful characters... I can see that. But I'm not sure that I totally agree with that interpretation. I did notice it, it is one of the things I didn't like honestly, but I have worked with a lot of women that I had no desire whatsoever to socialize with. And, again while I don't read much in the way of other comics, I didn't find the characterizations of Sue Storm or Ororo Munroe to be that far off base. I'm not sure I'd have hung around that party either...
I really don't have much to say in defense of the art. Like I said before, I find all the art somewhat ridiculous, which is why when I find really good art, or interestingly drawn characters, it makes more of an impression than the normal TnA appreciation crap. I will agree, too, that the interior art is better.
I'm afraid I haven't read any Birds of Prey, so alas, I cannot compare. But I mentioned to Deuce above that if the series completely ignored their jobs, then I also wouldn't like it, but I don't feel that it does. And, personally, the behind the scenes of the big superhero comics moments interests me more than the big superhero moments.
I reread the end of Whedon's Astonishing X-men again last night, and I can say without a doubt that Scott's relationship with Emma, Kitty's relationship with Piotr, Brand's relationship with Hank, the friendships between all the characters, the mentorship between Logan and Hisako - all of that interested me far more than the Breakworld.
To me, the background lives makes the moments of true heroism and sacrifice meaningful. I cried all over again. *sheepish*
Now... aren't you on vacation?! *lol* Have fun! And thanks so much for your thoughts. :)