There is a concept in comic books and now movies called "reboot". It refers to an existing title or character that is being started over by the company in hopes of generating new readers/viewers and, therefore, new revenue. It can also be a chance to make changes to the history of a story/character to eliminate perceived flaws or bring it into a more modern context.
There are lots of examples of a reboot. Both Marvel and DC have done this in their major comic book lines. For me, the Ultimates is the most recent and best example from Marvel. In the Ultimate Universe, writers can do the impossible like re-tell the origin of Spider-Man and then even kill off the character! In movies, Superman and Star Trek are two notable reboots. Batman remains the "King of Reboots" as it garnered not only financial but critical praise.
I've noticed that the reboot concept has begun to spread to other areas. In my household, we have recently experienced the reboot of Pokemon. The old favorite has been started over again in a new region with entirely new Pokemon that now appear in the video game, collectible card game, and television series. The gaming industry is certainly awash in this concept but we tend to see it as a new version, much like a piece of software. So the concepts are familiar but the rules have been updated. Occasionally, a new version of the rules will bring with it such a radical change that it truly starts the game over and becomes a reboot. Certainly, D&D went through a reboot when it moved from 2nd edition to 3rd edition. Recently, WotC rebooted Gamma World.
If you have past experience with a title, character, or game, then you have a big decision to make. Do you stick with the original or do you dive into the reboot? Newbies don't need to worry about this. The rest of us have to figure out what to do. Sometimes, all the different "versions" can live side by side and we can appreciate them for what they were in context. For example, I was watching IFC last week and caught the 1960s "Batman" movie with Adam West. If you haven't experienced, it you really must. It is the pinnacle of that original television series, camp and all. How can you deny multiple villains like the Joker, Riddler, Penguin, and Catwoman teaming up and played by famous actors like Cesar Romero, Frank Gorshen, Burgess Meredith, and Lee Merriweather? It takes over a decade for Tim Burton to reboot Batman with Michael Keaton and a Prince soundtrack. The first two were cool and I still loved Val Kilmer the best but then came the dreaded CLOONEY!!! and all was lost. Obviously, the latest reboot has been the most successful, proving that a reboot, even the third, can be a good thing.
Overall, I'm not a big fan of reboots because they just don't do it right. So as I experience some current and read about some upcoming reboots, I have to try to keep an open mind. My daughter and I are playing the latest version of Pokemon (Black and White) on the Nintendo DS and are actually enjoying it. They have upgraded the graphics and story. I like most of the new Pokemon but most of them are pretty lame. I am also considering the card game once again. It would be a great way to get into the game again with both my kids without feeling like I'm behind everyone else. I'm also intrigued by the reboot of the Marvel "Ultimate" line of comic books. It is totally a ploy by Marvel to get new readers but that's fine with me. If there's one thing that turns me OFF about comics is always feeling like I'm way behind all the continuity. But I love what I'm reading about the three new Ultimates titles and it might suck me in.
And then there's Pathfinder.
This October, Paizo will be releasing a boxed set that will serve as a beginner's guide or introduction to the Pathfinder RPG. Of course, it really just D&D 3.5.5.5.5 but that's familiar territory, right? I think all of us miss the quality work that Paizo put out back then and have drooled at the Pathfinder product coming out these days. I just don't know if I can handle TWO fantasy RPGs at the same time. I love 4E but I also miss some aspects of 3.5. Very specifically, I miss playing Oriental Adventures. And Paizo has just released their next Adventure Path called the "Jade Regent", which is Asian themed. I just don't think I can resist. Combined with the new introductory set, this could be the thing that finally gets me into Pathfinder.
And there it is. As much as I like the originals, I'm finding that all these new versions or "reboots" are just too cool. And if they are truly better, then why not give them a try. If the "reboot" fits, I might as well wear it!
