Andrew_A

Re: Did the CCA create the Silver Age? Not really my point. What I was trying to say, was that it doesn't really matter what kind of externally, or internally, imposed censorship exists, good stories have a way of getting made. The opposite is also true. A bad story is a bad story whether the rules are imposed by uptight prudes or some British guy trying to corrupt the nation's youth.

Re: Did the CCA create the Silver Age? Heartily agree. I loved the silver age. I loved the iron age (before it got stupid). I love some parts of the "rust age." A good story is a good story, regardless of the restrictions. For good examples of stories that don't bother with censorship check out Planetary, V for Vendetta, Miracleman, Sandman, Fables, New Universal, Supreme Power, Powers, etc. I could go on, and some of you will definitely disagree with this list, but the truth is that good work is good work. If it moves you, thrills you, makes you laugh, makes you cry, or just gets you through a bad day, does it really matter what kind of restrictions were placed on it? Personally, I tend to believe something that Max Allan Collins said. It's his belief that the hyper-restrictiveness of the Code created a climate wherein creators had to react against the code and tell stories with more sexuality and graphic violence (not that that's bad). So in a way, the Code may have created the Iron Age.

Science of Superheroes I bought the book, read the exact scientific reason for why Superman couldn't possibly exist, and then realised that I'd wasted my money. Do I really need a science book to tell me what every ten-year-old already knows? I was hoping for a book that would give me an idea of what aspects of superheroes could reasonably exist or what they would be like if they did exist. Instead I got an in-depth explanation of why the Fantastic Four are impossible. Stupid. For an idea of how to build superheroes using modified science check out Wild Cards volume 1. Way better.

Backroom deals What if Dr.D made a secret deal with the US and the other world powers? What if he offered to take out some of the other global threats in exchange for non-interferrence? Takofanes, Mechanon, Menton, and Ist'vatha Vhan are, in their own ways, more dangerous than Destroyer could ever hope to be. Takofanes and Menton, for example, want to wipe out humanity. Dr.D may be evil, but he doesn't want to kill everyone. Likewise Menton is a definite threat because of his powers and Ist'vatha has resources that make the US's seem puny. If Destroyer struck deals with his enemies he could buy himself some time

I know she's already been mentioned, but Elizabeth Moon's books are really good for understanding military culture (She used to be in the marines). Check out Once a Hero and Rules of Engagement.

Buying it for the cover Yes. I wasn't sure if I was going to get it 'till I saw the cover.

I wasn't planning on getting FH until I saw Storn's cover. As for the old cover... it was beautiful but very boring. At least to me. YMMV

Who's Viperia? I don't have the 4E book.