Do you feel Image got a bad rep?

Me personally...I started out wanting to give them a chance. The hype was huge. I mean, these guys were already successful with my favorite characters and was kicking butt with those and all of a sudden they were like "we dont need the big 2 anymore, we can do it better". Well...I was willing to try them out.

When Image 1st hit. I bought just about everything they made. I was caught up in the crazy sky high print runs and gimmick covers. But soon I began to notice covers looking the same (poses and head shots or group poster type shots). Yes, the lateness was legendary. This is when I remember comics and late being used in the same breath for the 1st time. Before this, you pretty much could count on your comics being there when they were supposed to be. And, with a few exceptions....I wasnt digging the stories.

I actually wished they would go back to the comics I already loved. But I knew that wasnt happening. Eventually it got so bad that I despised their comics and almost stopped buying altogether. Generally I bought if a book was making money or if the hype was better than usual. But otherwise, I was staying away.

Im not sure I would recognize Image today. I havent really picked up anything new. But I have heard pretty good things about them lately and I feel like I may be willing to pick an ish or 2 of their stuff up. Im glad they matured and got their stuff where it should be.

I now look at them as more of a legit company. Where as before it just seemed to be too much hype and not enough substance.

Other than a few exceptions, I pretty much agree. I know some will argue to no end that they had some great comics, I didnt see it. I thought they were a lot of hype and flashy art that just plain got very unoriginal after awhile. I had gotten to the point I loathed the company and it's books and stopped buying them altogether. I dont have very many fond memories of their early books. But I do have a few. However, it was never enough to make me like the company. I'm far more willing to give them another chance now than back then. I think I spent way too much money on them for such small enjoyment.

Whilst ackowledging Image's birthing pains, it seems they have found a niche as a publisher of 'alternative (non-superhero)' and 'alternative superhero' books in a way that Dark Horse seem to have left behind.

Thanks to Image I get to enjoy Wildguard (sporadically) and especially Jack Staff. I love the latter immensely and can't recommend it enough, even if it won't be every one's cup of tea.

Thats is actually a very awesome post in my opinion because it is true in what makes a comic company highly desirable to me. It isnt good stories or art that makes me really love a company, its the Universe and how they intertwine together. Marvel, DC and Valiant did this extremely well. They have universes that interact from one title to the next. With other company's, I get the feeling I am buying 1 title which has no connection to the rest of their universe. Sure, the big 2 has those as well, but those are normally side quests for them. The majority of their library is a part of their bigger picture. They dont always do it well, but one title can affect another.

I think Image has come an extremely long ways from when I was picking them up when they launched. I see books by them I want to try now. I actually have ordered a few. Im a lot more open to them than I ever was. But, I think they lack a Solid Universe. And so does most of the other competition. I think that is why I continue to go back to Marvel and DC when all others dont interest me. Because I end up wanting to see how this storyline affects the Universe I am so familar with.