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I suspect it has a lot more to do with the "sophisticated" writers, artists and editors being embarrassed to be seen working with such "juvenile" material.

Sad, isn't it? Once upon a time, Stan Lee was embarrassed by the product Marvel was turning out, so he set out to create material he could be proud of -- and did, while at the same time never forgetting who were his main audience. (Kids like me, who was exactly the right age at the time!)

I wish the "talent" that doesn't want to preserve the most basic quality of these characters would go do something else. Creator owned stuff, maybe.

Ah, but that's not where the $$$ is, is it?

Very enjoyable! Excellent choice of opponents, with Iron Man vs. Colossus being my favorite.

On the topic of spotting blacks, there may also be one missing in Yellowjacket's left wing. That may simply be a reflection from his sting, but I thought I'd mention it, just in case.

QUOTE: I wish the "talent" that doesn't want to preserve the most basic quality of these characters would go do something else. Creator owned stuff, maybe. Ah, but that's not where the $$$ is, is it?

Exactly. Unfortunately most of the current crop DO have creator owned comics much in the Vertigo style.  

The problem is they seem to bring much of that style to Marvel and DC. Of course some of the current fans go "So what?" Well, that would be the case if they don't read said creators creator owned material, which many of them don't. If they got their "fix" where it was more appropriate we might still have a line of superhero comics that a wide range of people could enjoy.

I'm all for creator owned and independent style comics (I read some myself) but I seriously dislike the notion that everything, even adventure fiction, should read like them. Sometimes you want a steak, sometimes you want a cheeseburger...