America's Funniest President: Mo Udall Presidency & Beyond
- Thread starter CountDVB
- Start date
1994: The Iranian-Turkish War Pt 1
1994: The Iranian-Turkish War Pt 1
The Build-Up Of Enemies
Turkey and Iran have never really been on positive terms. Even stretching back to the olden days of the Ottoman Empire and Qajar Persia, it would continue on over the decades, even as the monarchies would fall at one point or another. Even with republics now in the place of the crown ruling these historic regions, they remained in a stand off with one another for their own reasons and vying for the grandest amount of influence over in the region. However, the tensions now have risen more and more past rivalry to full-blown antagonism. The modern situation of Turkey and Iran's antagonism being sparked could all go back to one nation or group in particular:
The Kurds.
With Iran's victory over Iraq in their war and the decapitation of their government, this let Iran build up Iraq into their own image though beyond just ensuring fair treatment for the Shia majority and the closeness within their sphere, not that much was done... except with the creation of Kurdistan spun off from the Kurd-dominant parts of Iraq. This would make the situation in Turkey even more volatile, given the growing clash of the Turkish Kurds and the government. Rather than it supposedly calming down to the creation of Kurdistan, it just reinvigorated the people there with the desire to break off and join their brethren.
Border skirmishes were becoming increasingly common between Kurdistan and Turkey, but this would not the only trouble here that would cause it to escalate.
With the last days of the Soviet Union, pan-Turkic movements rose up in the hopes of capitalizing on the situation, with the first target being none other than Azerbaijan, who chose to leave in the last days. The Azerbaijani government of the time had pan-Turkic sentiments as well as skepticism over toward Iran. As such, Iranian hopes of being able to increasing positive relations with their northern neighbors would be dashed. Even more so when the Iranians wold assist Armenia with the providence of medicla supplies, food and energy during their war over with Azerbaijan. Eventually, Iran attempted an ultimatum with Azerbaijan regarding who they should align with.
Ultimately, Azerbaijan's leaning to Turkey would be part of its downfall as it would push for further Iranian involvement before circumstances would screw over Azerbaijan with a civil war for them and a victory for Armenia. Humbled and cracked, Azerbaijan could only embrace new leadership to avoid the civil war before crawling back over to Gorbachev and joining the new State Union of Sovereign Republics. As such, the hopes of Turkey were dashed and more frustration would now forced onto Iran.
By then, conflict seemed inevitable.
Preparation of War
Despite Turkish belligerence and troubles with their Kurdish citizens, it was Iran who would be better-prepared for this. Ever since the creation of Kurdistan, the idea of war with Turkey was always a possibility and they would begin building up their forces, modernizing their equipment and training for an outcome they saw as a matter of when rather than if. Of course, beyond just preparing and training their own forces, the nascent Kurdish state would as well, including making connections with some militias while restructuring and reorganizing the remains of Iraq's army, now that the nation was in their sphere of influence. Turkey meanwhile wasn't as worried. They knew that Iran would not attack as long as Turkey remained in NATO though the Turkish government was also smart enough to know that making the first shot would mean they would lack the support so they tried their best to avoid any direction confrontation.
It was not enough to deter the aforementioned border skirmishes. Meanwhile, the increasing human rights violations over toward the Turkish Kurds in the area would be straining the relationships Turkey had over with their fellow NATO members, especially the United States. Not helping matters was the US and Iran increasing their own bonds with one another, moving past cordial and becoming friendly once more.
Turkey would not seriously consider conflict until Azerbaijan's loss against Armenia in their war and with Iranian involvement there, matters began being taken more seriously there. However, the shifting economic changes with the end of the Cold War complicated matters there and making them more nervous was the increased meetings Iran was having with the United States on certain matters. Many suspect that it was about Turkey itself and such concerns would seem to be validated as a meeting would be held over on Turkey and its relationship over with NATO.
After long meetings and discussions, Turkey would have its membership suspended. And now for Turkey, they realized they would need to prepare for eventual war as well.
WIth increasing borde skirmishes and the call for ceasefires going, the call was issued for Turkey to cease the matters with the Kurdish population. However, political matters broke down, and refusals to compromise grew and before long, the Kurdish government would decide that they would need to go and vote for war. Before long, the government of Kurdistan would declare war on Turkey, soon followed over by Iran and its ally in Iraq.
The war had begun.
Iran vs Turkey
Despite the origins with Kurdistan beginning the war, it was prett evident that it was Iran leading the charge and backing up Kurdistan and calling up Iraq over for the conflict. The armed forces would begin making their way over across the borders to prepare to engage over with the Turks. All in the meanwhile, the Kurds over in the region of Turkish Kurdistan would rise up, leading up in mass revolts and protests and before long, the first wave of soldiers would go in to back up the Turkish Kurds against the government.
The reinforced areas placed in by the Turks would start meeting their match not only by the enraged citizens, but backed up by the guns and war machines of the Iranian army backed by those of Kurdistan and Iraq, The officials of the Kurdish government would meet with those heading the rebelling forces over in Turkish Kurdistan, giving grand speeches of being one people and that this would be the start of a great and united Kurdistan. More and more would the people begin revolting over in the region. Iran's goals would be to liberate as much as Turkish Kurdistan as possible and when consolidated under Kurdistan proper, begin pushing back further against the Turkish army until they would be able to dictate the terms of surrender.
All while the world watched as another war would commence. Due to the issues regarding Turkey's suspension of NATO, no nations from there would be willing to give much if any aid over to them, out of concern of complications. The United States itself noted their neutrality though it was becoming gradually clear that its passive support would lay over with the Kurds and thus with Iran as well. The SUSR for its part would also proclaim neutrality on the subject matter though would begin working with Ukraine to reinforce and protect their borders over in the Black Sea in case anything would be breaking out over there. Other nations would be giving varying levels of support over to Iran and their sphere if for one reason or another or remaining neutral over on the matter.
So far in the early months, the fighting was concentrated on in Turkish Kurdistan there with Iran and their allies' growing push against Turkish forces over in the area. Some were wondering if Kurdistan annexing a majority of Turkish Kurdistan would be the goal here or if there was more going on. All the while, Iran would ensure strong ties of diplomacy with many of its allies and ensuring cooperation. However, they would also begin focusing on two nations in particular...
What is life like for Turkey’s civilian population right now? Will Turkey’s genocide denial come up in the post-war aftermath?
Hmm... prior to the war, I think just a bit worse than OTL at the time. But things are definitely gonna tense up, especially since a certain scandal will still happen. And for the latter, yes that will.
Am wondering how fast Iran and their allies could go and reinforce Turkish Kurdistan? Like, given how a majority of the population there would be siding with Iran and their allies, I wouldn't think too long, but well, there's a reason I don't discuss wars all that much. Not that good at figuring everything number wise.
This one: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Susurluk_scandal
US is officially neutral, but well, I've already implied who most of the support is going to
Autumn 1994- Judicial Additions
Autumn 1994- Judicial Additions
Janie Ludlow Shores, new Supreme Court Justice
Janie Ludlow Shores, new Supreme Court Justice
The Iranian-Turkish War would catch the world's attention as NATO debates on how this would affect Turkey in the long-term, with some debating the potential for expulsion while others wondered what would be Iran's endgoal beyond the annexation of Kurdish region of Turkey. Despite the ongoing war, the lives of people outside of the conflict have not been disrupted though the various neighboring powers were making decisions on how to handle the upcoming strife. Iran in particular would be communicating with certain other nations for potential cooperation. However, despite the ongoing war, movements of peace were being made. The Sovereign Union and China would formally agree to de-target their nuclear weapons against each other. [1] Both nations have been undergoing additional changes with the end of the Cold War and on the direction of their growth from here on out. For the time being, the Sovereign Union has decided to assist India in their economic revitalization program alongside the US, with various conditions and working out numerous treatings, especially regarding the Indus River. China meanwhile is continuing its economic gowth and modernizaton under Zhao Ziyang along with the rise of local political movements, namely the rise of elections on the local level with the hopes of an eventual transition over into the federal level. Meanwhile, Ziyang has also been talking with the US and SUSR over about North Korea. With Kim Il-sung's likely death in the next few weeks, the question laid over the fate of North Korea and the push for unification attempts with South Korea. However, concerns were mainly on Il-sung's successor and son, Jong-il, who was cementing more rule on himself along with potential plans for a "military first" policy and the hopes were toward influencing him in some form or fashion though Ziyang has also been in some contact with the military higher-ups. This has been causing some to speculate that China may take a more direct involvement in North Korea at some point. In more positive news, after delays and international oversight, Mexico would have their new president: none other than Cuauhtémoc Cárdenas. After what happened last time, he would become more well-known throughout the time period and getting more support. This would see the PRI finally toppled in Mexico with Cuauhtémoc Cárdenas becoming President and the PRD rising into mainstream prominence.
In the meanwhile, despite the massive milestone accomplishments of the Askew administration with passing two amendments, work still needed to be done. After weeks of talk, Janie Ludlow Shores, the first woman on the Supreme Court of Alabama, would replace the departing Hufstedler by the beginning of next year. This would make her the newest Supreme Court member after Byron White would retire last year and be replaced by Richard Riley over on the Supreme Court. Many would note that this would not be the only Supreme Court Justice that Askew would have to make as Associate Justice Harry Blackmun and William Rehnquist would retire early next year, with questions wondering on who would replace them there under the Jordan Court. Another one would be the introduction of the Firearms Moderation Reform Act, which was done to further address gun violence. While it has been going down over the years, some of the concerns were still around, especially with many close calls. As such, the act would be made to moderate the selling of fire arms. However, what would make this bill of fascinating interest is much of the regulations were that of cars, such as title and tagging at each sale point, gun training, tests, health requirements and so on. Some were showing concern over encroachment on rights along with other issues, they were also brought with counters over at holding various places liable and hoping that it would ensure firearm stores and sellers in being mindful on who they sell. While the bill would be a bit laxer than at first regarding regulations, the various core components such as psychological testing, licensing, and the prohibition of civilian usage of assault weapons would remain in place. However, the details would be managed by the state along some federal guidelines.
Technology would also continue its leaps and bounds in development, influencing more the world of business. While California remains a hotpot for technology, more and more companies were spreading across the United States to make a city or urban area their field of interest. Starting with Seattle with Microsoft, the trend continued with how NeXT would relocate over to North Carolina because of friendly state laws and investments in tech, especially over with the Research Triangle as it would be called. Jeff Bezos' new online bookstore in Akashica meanwhile would end up being established in Austin, Texas, thanks to the strong memories he had over in the state while also to take advantage of the state's location. More and more companies were finding personal turfs to settle in or expand upon, such as Ted Turner rumored to be having plans to expand more Turner Broadcastng. Meanwhile, regarding the internet, the World Wide Web Consortium is founded by Tim Berners-Lee, becoming the main international standards organization for the World Wide Web. [1] Gathering people all over the world, the first meeting would have some special guests from across the spectrum. One of which was the Free Software Organization and some associates, invited thanks to their contribution in helping set up software standards across the world and some of their associates would bring the need for ethics and integrity when fleshing out the standards of the Web, going beyond just the technical details and considering the wide-scale societal rammifications along with the economical. Another aspect over with internet news was with WXYC, the student radio station of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, providing the world's first internet radio broadcast. [1]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[1]- Information and phrasing from here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1994
Last edited:
I wonder who'll replace them? BTW what's the political makeup of the Supreme Court as of 1994?
Chief Justice Barbara Charline Jordan (since 1986)
Patricia Wald (since 1987)
Stephen Gerald Breyer (since 1990)
Amalya Lyle Kearse (since 1991)
Harry Blackmun (retiring end of 1994)
William Rehnquist (retiring end of 1994)
John Paul Stevens (retiring end of 1994)
Janie L. Shores (replacing Shirley Ann Mount Hufstedler in 1995)
Richard Riley (replaced Byron White in 1993)
Yeah, forgot Stevens for a moment
That means that the Supreme Court will have a 9-0 liberal ideological makeup. Wow!
More or less though the overton window is shifting and I won't be talking as much about Supreme Court Justices later on since it'll be hard to find some ideas there (though if people would have some to suggest by the late 1990s and 2000s, will be happy to listen there)
Who are the current Governors of California and Mississippi ITTL? Because IOTL it was Pete Wilson and Kirk Fordice respectively.
Let's see... for California, Tom Bradley would win in 1982, and win reelection in 1986. He would likely be able to run for a third and final term in 1990, just prior to the term limits would be instituted, so he'd still be in by 1990 - 1994. It's likely that Kathleen Brown would succeed him.
For Mississippi, Ray Mabus would likely win reelection.
1994 Overview
1994 Overview
1994 would become a massive pivotal year over for the United States. After 5 long years of work and negotiation, the Askew administration would succeed in passing the 29th and 30th Amendments, radically changing the electoral process and various aspects of the federal government. President Askew himself would note that when he entered the White House, he wasn't aiming for such ambitious goals, but he noted how alot of them aligned with his beliefs in a transparent and honest government. He also noted how his time with former President Udall changed him, letting him set up grander goals to help people along with getting to understand disadvantaged Americans better. While these changes wouldn't begin kicking in untol 1996 for the most part, it would also be ready shaking up the political establishment and some even questioning the future of the two major political parties. After all, many would soon begin to resign and with such massive shakeups, it would open the door for more opportunities. Speaking of opportunities, the latest spike in oil prices caused by Qatar's war with Bahrain and later tensions with the UAE provided a fresh boost in the momentum to transition away from fossil fuels, which would see alot of promise as many of the new nuclear reactors were coming on, allowing to shift away from coal while the first of the major electrified rails of Amtrak and so on have been growing, causing a growing usage of public transportaton. Such boosts were likely not to end anytime soon, especially as people were getting used to this new status quo and looking to see what else can be done. This would also set off a buttefly effect as Canada, seeing the Americans' successes, would begin pushing for the same sort of reform and capabilities, which would be a large boon for the NDP, who began accepting more and more of these ideas.
On the international level, it would seem that more conflicts would keep bubbling up, the result of years of stewing tensions and grievances finally coming out to decide the fate of these nations. While Qatar's conflict with the UAE seemed to have been calming down primary thanks to the efforts of Sheikh Zayed, this would just focus Qatar's ire to other nations such as Saudi Arabia, which some experts are claiming may become the next big hotspot of conflict if the House of Saud does not place in reforms. Syria was also looking into some concern because of the health of their leader and his support of Saudi Arabia's choice in getting involved with Qatar. However, the big conflict capturing everyone's attention would be Iran's war with Turkey. With Iran having brought their allies in against Turkey and with more preparation, matters were in favor over for Iran to win. This was especially the case asTurkey lacked any major allies willing to get involved into their conflict, mainly because of Turkey having neglected multiple chances for a peaceful resolution and NATO beginning to undergo plans for the future and seeing what can be done. However, there was still the signs of peace; from South Africa's growth and transistion beyond apartheid, including rejoining the Commonwealth and getting help to ensure the various reforms to help the nation. North Korea, the hermit kingdom even would begin pushing more for talks as Kim Il-Sung would fall into grave health, with the Americans and Chinese leading talks on how to best deal with the situation, the chance of reunifying Korea potentially there and further closing the book on the Cold War. While it did look like most places were finally calming down, the various conflicts were a reminder that work was still needing to be done.
Pop culture would become somewhat noteworth. Batman: Mask of the Phantasm would be released after being delayed to improve the quality and would be a surprisingly good animated film, showing off a depth of the Caped Crusade few expected and provide the possibility of superhero films being done animated rather than live-action. Especially considering how it was still a relatively modestly budgeted film that made back what it made and then some. However, grander films would still be released such as Spielberg delaying Schindler's List becoming viewed as a total masterpiece for the year and blowing it out amazingly. The film that came close to matching it would be none other than Disney's Lion King, loosely based off of Hamlet and with plenty of surprising and capable talent with everyone involved. However, the bigger news would be on their following up with a planned animated adaptaton of Aiba, an Italian opera set over in Africa, which definitely caught alot of interest, and wondered if Disney could do well with adopting an opera though the surprise of Elton John helping to work on lyrics. Meanwhile, films like Forrest Gump and The Mask would generate plenty of laughs through the time period. Meanwhile, other big news would be on what would happen to Jeffrey Katzenberg after his departure from Disney: co-founding DreamWorks SKG. The other twist would be the animator he brought on board, someone else looking to match Disney: Don Bluth. During a slump in creativity and finance, Don Bluth would meet Katzenberg would meet by chance and the two men would build a rapport, Katzenberg seeing a chance to help build up something different and bringing Bluth in. With a backlog of potential projects needing money, Bluth was more than happy to dive in and prepare in, making a deal over with Katzenberg, with Bluth and his team helping Katzenberg on his idea of a "Ten Commandments" adaptation in exchange for Katzenberg giving Bluth the forefront over on future films, with one of the first being an adaptation of the Norweigian fairy tale "East of the Sun and West of the Moon". Overall, it was looking to be a promising partnership between the two men and their new ventures. Disney itself was planning various new ideas, especially having acquired Harvey Comics and a deal with Archie Comics. While it was likely some of the Harvey characters would make it to television, the bigger speculation was on Disney reworkng their comic book line-up, especially since during a trip to Japan on talks with Miyazaki, the structure of Japanese comics or manga there would begin causing the gears turning in the heads of Jim Henson and later Eisner, discussing a unique buisness opportunity for them along with other ideas, one was dubbing a film that Ghibli worked on, but unlike anything else and left a profound impression in them. Video games would also see large growth, unimpeded by the concerns over an age rating system that would be implemented in early 1992, caused by some concerns over certain aspects in games though would be resolved rather easily by implementing a ratings system based on age not unlike films though there came some delays due to technicalities and attempts at global standards, but would still function all right.
Last edited:
Hmmm... assuming OJ would even meet Nicole Brown, she would likely divorce him sooner and likely move elsewhere. OJ would likely at some point get in major trouble for something there, but the actual murder case wouldn't happen because she likely wouldn't be murdered
The Brass Age of Comic Books Overview Pt. 1: 1986-1994
The Brass Age of Comic Books Overview Pt. 1: 1986-1994
Origins
The Brass Age of Comic Books would begin over in 1986, with many attributing Crisis of Infinite Earths as its end and with the beginning of DC's New Earth coming a brand new age of comic books. However, many factors outside of the world of comic books would be serving as large contributions for why this age came about. One of the biggest ones was because of the presidency of Mo Udall. Namely, that with his dominance of Congress and the White House, large levels of reform would lead to such a change in the status quo that comic books found themselves being left behind with stories that would seem antiquated and no longer fitting the new paradigm. After all, how could stories of Peter Parker struggling to pay for Aunt May's hospital bills work now that the United States would have an extensive universal single-payer healthcare system along with methods to pay for vocational college and other things? Another aspect was the dying down of the Cold War pressure and concerns that dominated the zeitgeist for ages along with other large scale concerns and issues. The failures of the Drug War would help frame to complicate the view of being "tough on crime", especially as more were considering the nature of what perpetuated crime, at least outside of organized crime. Social change was also a massive one. Third-wave feminism and the rise of SATMIN+ civil rights would bring the need to address more the plight of women of minorities along with a rejection of the "second-wave puritanical view of sex" and the embrace of the various shades of feminine along with the growing prominence of queer folk, with the need for allegories decreasing.
While DC would not be as affected by these changes given their embrace of the eccentric nature of superhero comics, the situation would be shown sooner there because of how events piled up. Marvel meanwhile would have to make this change as their attempts of more aimed at realism with their world meant that they were noticeably more outdated, which what led to Infinity War and the Afterwar status quo mimicking the DC New Earth status quo. A chance to start fresh with some new talent, learning from the mistakes of the past and also clarify or reshuffle some things. However, the Big Two weren't the only big game changers going on right now. The rise of Image Comics made a point on creator-owned comics still being prominent and a bold new challenger. Jim Shooter's departure from Marvel after conflicts with Paramount would lead to the rise of Valiant Comics, become the inheritor of the assets of Malibu and Jim at the helm of the revived Ultraverse Project. Even Disney it would seem would show some interest over in comics given thier acquisation of Harvey Comics and some sort of deal over with Archie Comics. And this is not including even the internal projects, such as the growing success of Vertigo Comics in DC, Marvel trying to match it with relaunching Epic Comics and of course, the rise of Milestone Comics over with DC as publisher, the latter being a big case to showcase the need to improve diversity and representation in the medium. It was like a new Golden Age of Comics; while based on the practicality of the Bronze Age aspects, it would be polished up and given more refinement to create somthing beyond... hence the term the Brass Age of Comic.
By 1994, the foundations of the Brass Age of comic books would be set up, and be considered the half-way point, as the latter half would be defined by upcoming phenomena.
DC Comics
DC Comics had worked and changed on its stuff since CoIE, especially with the launch of imprints such as Vertigo and its deal with Milestone. Fresh new talent would come in and expand on alot of stuff that would grab interest, with big names like Grant Morrison being of tremendous aid in establishing Vertigo along with contributing their talents over in the creation of the new status quo here. At the same time though, some things remained the same, even if just given a fresh coat of paint, with some noting a timeless quality to them. Superman would maintain his status as being the beloved paragon of the community and the big-name icon, though more was now being focused on how he was raised human along with expanding on him as a person, including likes, dislikes and hobbies, with one major note is his journalism angle being taken seriously along with his growing relationship with Lois Lane. Others would undergo larger changes such as Wonder Woman and her mythos. As part of the trend of third-wave feminism, they began looking more into her. While starting as a big self-indulgent, the new writers and old guard did begin into looking what differentiated Diana from Clark and Bruce outside of her gender and what worked with the others. This began leading to Diana getting some of her own needed growth as a character and on what she wants along with expanding on her supporting cast and her environment. Another fascinating aspect that was chosen was on applying more of Greek mythology, especially since a growing realization was that many of the Olympians were jerks and out of touch with humanity, given a new angle of Diana in dealing with them. Her past was changed from being a doll brought to life to having been created by her mother along with the blood of Prometheus (who helped Hippolyta in the first place, since he was one of the makers of humanity) and explaining the source of her powers. It did get a bit of raised eyebrows, but the explanation was accepted, especially since it wouldn't have to address as many issues on her original origin and also not being correlated as much with Captain Marvel/Billy Batson. An interesting side note would also be in the gradually growing note of Wonder Woman as a queer icon as it would be heavily implied she was multi along with the focus on her supporting cast, which included Hercules (having gone from a villain to now a retired hero and the one who guided Hippolyta to Prometheus).
Others meanwhile were more in between with how many of them needed changes. One was Batman of all folk. While a darker and more serious tone was taken with him, one of the problems gradually coming on with Batman was on keeping him relevant given how there was a growing sense of how to portray mental health and the changes in how to handle crime (that with some of it rooted in crime). That said, Batman's war on organized crime maintained a strong sense of relevancy, especially given its difference though he would also be influenced on more mysterious phenomenon. In fact, writers would known that the television shows Twin Peaks and The X-Files would become big influences on the tones of future Batman stories, allowing the Caped Crusader to handle crime in ways that philantropy would not be able to, especially in strange cases . Some were just expansions on characters' personalities such as the gold-hearted dork in Barry Allen as the Flash or even introducing new characters. One of the growing new names in DC would be Kimiyo Hoshi, the first human female Green Lantern and 4th Green Lantern of Earth. A struggling comic artist, she was chosen not because of her inheritant bravery, but out of a sense of courage, going in to do what's needed despite being scared. It would also provide a young counterpart to the other Lanterns to tutor, with Hal Jordan mainly though also John Stewart becoming increasing prominent. Kimiyo herself would befriend many of the young heroes her age such as Dick Grayson, having started once more as Robin and becoming Nightwing along with others such as Wally West, Donna Troy and Supergirl. Supergirl herself would also begin getting more focused, with many seeing the fun contrast between her and her cousin. If Clark was the farm boy adjusting to the big city and discovering his large heritage, then Kara was the city girl going to a smaller town and becoming more enamored with her found family, all while dealing with her own unique villains and exploring a different side of Krypton. More heroes were being introduced in side stories and funding their niche such as Vixen, a model with the power to control and summon plantlife or Goldstar, the heroine from the future, helped by her brother, Booster. One major pleasant surprise was focusing on some lesser known heroes such as Martian Manhunter in differentiating him from Superman and making his stories more cerebral and exploring some aspects of how an alien civilization could be. In fact, one note of change was how here, Mars was lost ages ago and J'onn on of the last of his kind, and having a longing for his lost home in contrast with Superman. Meanwhile there was the exploration for Aquaman on what it meant ruling a kingdom and also realizing what it meant to have the powers of living underwater (with one famous story showing him doing quite well in boxing Superman) and lost secrets to even the scientific adventures of The Atom III, Enrichetta Negrini, who was interpreted as mixed race based on an old drawing. More and more, the stories were taking themselves seriously and proving to be enjoyable, with may hoping that an eventual Justice League comic may come about. Interestingly enough, some changes also had unexpected results; the attempts of differentiating Jason Todd by making him abrasive and ruthless would not be met too well and though it was rumored that he would be killed, this would be averted and he would leave for his own. This would accidentally create a plot hole for the Teen Titans comic where Dick told the newcomers/next iteration of the team of Starfire, Cyborg, Beast Boy and Raven would be led by a friend named Jason. However, the creative team would serendipitously find someone who fit the role through the old character, Jason Hart/The Protector, with here being made into a sucessor of the Guardian with many noting Jason Hart himself being more influenced by Marvel's Peter Parker.
Outside of the main DC titles, the Vertico imprint would be quite successful too. From the standout hits of Neil Gaiman's Sandman series being ported there to with various others, it was looking to become the hotspot for alot of the more occult and spooky aspects over of DC itself. It was proving to be a pretty good breeding ground for the more creative and out-there ideas, especially with pushing the boundaries. The representation of SATMIN minorities in the various Sandman stories have garnered plenty of positive news over for them. Another branch here that would be benefitting would be Milestone Comics, part of the greater Milestone Media. With it being centered in adding moe diversity to comics, titles such as the time-pausing supehero Static and the Superman-like figure in Icon would be doing quite well and creator Dwayne McDuffie would be pushing for more givne what has been done so far along with newer ones like Xombi and Shadow Cabinet being released. Aimed definitely for a bit more of an older audience, many were surprised by what Milestone Comics were able to get away with with Milestone Media saying that despite how uncomfortable some of the stories and direction if mainly because not being used to. While it would be unknown what would happen to Milestone Media after the expiration of their deal with DC Comics, there wasn't too much worry since the relationship had proben beneficial for them so far. However, Milestone would still be dealing with some concerns given the glut of brand new comics that were coming out at the same time along with some retailers concerned over the audience. Despite these concerns, both parties were working on the issue and would figure out how to deal with it.
Marvel
Marvel would wait until 1990 to be able to with their own rebooting of their universe, having realized they would need to for the sake of relevancy though throughout the process, it was also becoming clear how much opportunity they possessed in a fresh start. Given how Marvel's perceived angle was being more "realistic" in their tone of the stories compared to their "Distinguished Competition", needing to actually keep up with the changes to reality would be essential. And as they began working on what would be called on the new status quo sometimes called "Afterwar" or sometimes "Post-Eternity", they began also shifting around their priorities, especially on what worked. As they would look over their cast of characters, it was also seeing who was popular and for what reasons. Spider-Man would maintain his large and famous popularity with some noting that out of all of Marvel, he's the one who resembles most a DC hero, with a familiar rogues' gallery, support group and even most associated with New York. They would try and reshuffle some of their characters for this, especially since some were created more for team-focused stories and thus did not have as much ground to stand on their own. Spider-Man himself would be largely the same, that of a nerdy young man becoming a superhero and learning the great responsability that came with great power along with the trials of being a teenager and later adult though more focus was done to his science roots. Another hero who would get major attention would be Carol Danvers/Ms. Marvel. Beyond Marvel trying to make her their "Wonder Woman" (if replacing mythology with the cosmos), it was also driven by a form of repentence for her treatment prior to "Post-Eternity" and to make her a notable character in her own right though it came with a bit of the difficult task to try and distinguish her more from her inspiration, Mar-Vell. Despite this, Carol would be increasingly popular as a heroine standing against intense odds as a cosmic heroine and the angle of her trying to find life outside of her miltiary work. Similar characters would be touched upon and expanded such as Iron Man and his futurism, the Hulk with his condition and struggles and even Thor with a revitalization and changes to the original portrayal as the stories take more from the original mythos and the like. Even with the teams, more focus was done to balance on what their intentions would, such as exploration with the Fantastic Four. While not being as developed as DC's new status quo yet, many people were excited, especially with the upcoming return of Captain America coming in 1995 and further ideas.
However, one of the biggest changes would be the fate of the mutants. Namely, the X-Men, the Brotherhood and so on would be removed away from the main universe and transcribed into a new continuity. Specifcially, as part of the resurrection of the old "New Universe" imprint from back in the mid-1980s. Titled Neoversal (coming from neo, Latin for new and universal), the idea was to bring life back to Shooter's idea of a more realistic setting and exploring the consequences of superpowers. This foundation was what convinced the creative team to move the X-Men, Brotherhood and mutants over to this since they would sync quite well together. The Neoversal imprint would see the world much like real life until July 22, 1986, which would coalesce with the "White Event", a strange cosmic phenomena that would cause genetic anomalies in people, much like the original story, However, these genetic anomalies here would result in the rise of mutants and through here, watching the rise of the X-Men and Brotherhood of Mutants, going through the various dates. Despite the shock and concern, the idea would prove to be quite popular and many were wondering what more could be done. Theories bounded like Apocalypse and his kin being the result of a prior White Event to wondering how the Star Brand would be integrated here and its mythos. Beyond just the Mutants, many of the cast from the original "New Universe" would be brought in, now considered mutants as well for the most part and filling out various niches and ideas here. Each one of the stories are usually dated and exploring how things have been changing since the White Event though often flashbacks are done to explore the lives of the older characters (such as Magneto and Professor Xavier, who were both born in 1936 and thus would be 50 when the White Event would make them mutants). This along with Neoversal aiming to be unafraid to various topics, not unlike Milestone, would definitely make it popular. The only main point was of course on the mutant powers being scaled back to varying degrees if to avoid the troubles of the initial run, though they were still laxer on the rules than previously.
Of course, this would lead to some questions regarding the main Marvel universe or Earth-616 for that matter. Surprisingly, the moving of the mutants into their own sort of universe was not as difficult as people expected, given how seperate the X-Men were from the others. The major concern was on the Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver, given how they would be claimed to be Magneto's kids. This would be changed and despite the initial surprise, many noted this was not surprising given how this was not the first time that the two had their origin changed and were closer to the Avengers anyway. However, their new origin has remained a mystery, with some speculating that they may be connected with the mysterious "Inhumans" as it's speculated that some of the staff may bring them back to more prominence. Others are noting that Marvel may try and do more over with the Eternals though this was uncertain given the growing illness of legendary comic book creator Jack Kirby and the disputes Marvel and their new parent company Paramount were facing given the concerns of payment and so on, something that grew more and more outspoken that many figures, including Jack's old partner Stan Lee would get involved in dealing with the company. Overall, despite still trying to find their footing and how to do things in this new world, especially with some of the other issues they were dealing with, many believed that Marvel was on track for its own fascinating work.
Independent Comics
Independent comics would begin seeing a rise as well here. More and more artists and writers were wanting to not just make money for their stories and creations, but to maintain control and ownership of their creations in the first place. This was especially the case as comic books were gradually becoming more and more popular over time among the mainstream. It would be this desire for self-actualization and control over their own creations that would lead to the rise of Image Comics to try and match DC and Marvel. With a large stream of talented artists and other creators, it would not be long before Image Comics would begin producing their own high quality and popular work. From Todd McFarlene's hellish anti-hero Sin-Eater (OTL's Spawn) to Jim Lee's Wildstorm Comics and so on, the umbrella group would ne enjoying large success, even with a bit of the struggles of working together, such as Rob Liefeld's clashing interests or Chris Claremont often having to work with multiple projects at the same time from different groups. Despite this, they would be starting to do quite well with their more radical and out-there concepts, especially with them owning the rights to their works and stories.
Another group working closer with them would be Valiant Comics. Starting up by Jim Shooter after his departure by Marvel, many wondered if he would be able to go on and make further successes. A chance deal over with Malibu Comics to absorb them and implement the Ultraverse in Valiant would give him the opportunity. While not entirely character owned like Image, it was certainly still looser and worked better with its creators than the Big Two have, including maintaining the share of the royalities, and many were wondering how the Ultraverse may be able to do. From Prime to Hardcase to the various others, including forming their own team known as Ultraforce. The central concept of the "Godwheel" would be kept over for this portrayal of the Ultraverse and it was becoming clear more and more that with this strange possibility, weirder and more varied stories could be told here. While arguably having the biggest disadvantage, it was still worthwhile in seeing what exactly could be done over with Jim Shooter's efforts over in the company.
Upcoming Changes?
Image Comics and Valiant Comics were currently the hot topic trends over in comic books though it would be uncertain if they would be able to maintain their momentum, especially with the concerns of a glut of comic books and the market being oversaturated. However, rather than let this dismay them, more and more some of the others would begin looking into alternate venues and possibilities to combat this and to reach out more to their audience.
However, the upcoming second half of the Brass Age would seem to be defined not by any of these playes, but by two new forces. One was Disney's announcement that they were planning on restructuring over their comic book department, which many wondered if it was connected to their purchase of Harvey Comics and the unknown plans with the unknown Archie Comics characters. What made this more intriguing was on the bit how one of the contributors to the plan was Jim Henson, who gave ideas inspired based on a trip to Japan alongside Eisner.
The second one would be more unexpected and not even considered until later down the line, but it was on Akashica, the online bookstore created by Jeff Bezos. During one of his first interviews, one of the last questions given to him was by an intern, who reportedly asked him if comic books would be offered for purchase. Many noted Bezos about to answer before pausing and gaining what some called "a look of inspiration" before noting that it was certainly a strong possibility and something to look into...
These two external forces would play larger roles in the world of comics than anyone would expect...
Last edited:
Yup, recalling the first half of the Brass Age of Comics! Hope everyone likes here so far! Marvel's is definitely a bit shorter than DC's, but they are trying to find their footing and figuring out what to take inspiration and build up though I reckon late 1980s anf early 1990s culture will be of influence here.