Carl Johnson Appreciation Thread

[Parliament 1]

The odd thing about the setup of San Andreas is Tenpenny blackmailing CJ by being able to pin the death of a decorated officer on him. Now, I think that doesn't sit well with GTA in general. In these games you can kill dozens of cops, FBI agents and soldiers and get away with it. CJ is portrayed as a nice guy who is forced into bad things, but that flies out the window as you can go on a murderous rampage at will. Another things I was thoroughly unconvinced by was the ending of SA. CJ has made high-level contacts and owns property all around, but he goes for all that "keeping it real" and staying close to his roots crap. For me it feels like the main character is right back to where he started, which is unsatisfying. Now, Tommy Vercetti rising from a vilified ex-convict to the king of Vice City...

Well yea for most video games this isn't how it would end. But the story in SA is easily the deepest story of them all with CJ being the most developed character in the whole series. I disagree with the idea that the ending of the game wasn't believable. SA's story played out like a movie and ended as spectacularly as one should. The arc of the story was the classic hero's journey but slightly modified some. He leaves SA and comes back to bury his mom and kill the ones who did it. Along the way he remembers the meaning of family and he restores the natural balance of things by killing Tenpenny who is the unstable enemy in the story. More than anything SA had a REAL story. No in real life it wouldn't be that way but it isn't a sim. No I loved the story for the most part and enjoyed the development of CJ's journey.

 

As for Tenpenny blackmailing Carl with the death of Officer Pendleberry that is an aspect of the story to show that Carl, and by extention the entire hood, is under the jackboot of Tenpenny. You have to suspend your disbelief. The cut scenes are separate from most of the real action. But it gives you something more than what we had in GTA 3 to play for.

 

It was a hero's tale though and that is a difference. CJ is the first protagonist in GTA that could be loosely qualified as a hero doing good. The good is of course standing by his family and his hood but thats like Braveheart or any other movie about protecting your kin. Also at the end when it appears that he is back where he started... well thats how all happy endings are. In every story the idea is that there is peace but then the peace is interrupted by a problem and then the story is about the resolution of the problem until the status quo is more or less returned. That said I don't think that CJ is back where he started. He's better off. The Ballas are being kicked back by CJ (taking turf), Tenpenny is dead so there will be more chance to achieve peace amongst the gangs, and CJ has all these properties and investments and friends in SA that he can use to make a nice criminal empire with. That sounds like a VERY GTA ending. The problems that the story resolves aren't just what starts with Carl returning, but starts with when Carl LEFT 5 years earlier and when things fell apart. So in many ways we can say that Carl has atoned for his sin of abandoning his family and has undone the damage that was done.

 

 

[modelmaster 2]

i think san andreas was the best game, but if vercetti could be in it instead of CJ i would like it even more. vercetti all the way, san andreas all the way. also, i think its funnier to see a true gangster (the ORIGINAL form of gangsters, not [email protected][email protected]$, but like Mafia) killing people that seeing a [email protected][email protected] kill people cuz italians look more proper but you can expect that thing from a [email protected][email protected], but normally with a gangster, its unexpected.

[!!GC!! 11]

In my opinion i think that Ceasar Vialpando is the best character in the GTA series but if we are talking about characters that we control then def CJ cos he is funny and fits in well to the ggame. Also Toni Cipriani is in a extremly close second

[Lil' Red 0]

The points brought up in this argument is heavy with spoilers, I sugest you do not read the hidden part of this post until you have finished the game.

 

you had to bitch out to catalina... even claude tried to play that silent tough guy role and he almost got killed by her.

 

Plus CJ f*cked over Salvatore, Claude might have killed him, but salvatore was DONE in LV because of CJ, I'm suprised he didn't go broke. Ryder was calling CJ a bitch and a busta in the beginning of the game and look at what happened to him. In Los Santos, if you are good enough, carl completely dismantles the ballas and the vagos, they are gone for good, he also took down the loco syndicate and destroyed their crackhouse, then he dominates government agents.... carl f*cking owns

 

tommy had to go through a bunch of sh*t to rob a bank, CJ and the triads knocked off a damn mafia run casino then bragged about it to salvatore....

 

tell me did the Liberty City Mafia in Las Venturas get pwnt or what

 

CJ is the king of san andreas and.... the king of comebacks

 

every line is a classic..

ped: Your clothes are cheap as hell

cj: Did someone lose a dog?

Edited November 3, 2007 by Lil' Red

[MC. 140]

 

The points brought up in this argument is heavy with spoilers, I sugest you do not read the hidden part of this post until you have finished the game.

 

you had to bitch out to catalina... even claude tried to play that silent tough guy role and he almost got killed by her.

 

Plus CJ f*cked over Salvatore, Claude might have killed him, but salvatore was DONE in LV because of CJ, I'm suprised he didn't go broke. Ryder was calling CJ a bitch and a busta in the beginning of the game and look at what happened to him. In Los Santos, if you are good enough, carl completely dismantles the ballas and the vagos, they are gone for good, he also took down the loco syndicate and destroyed their crackhouse, then he dominates government agents....  carl f*cking owns

 

tommy had to go through a bunch of sh*t to rob a bank, CJ and the triads knocked off a damn mafia run casino then bragged about it to salvatore....

 

tell me did the Liberty City Mafia in Las Venturas get pwnt or what

 

CJ is the king of san andreas and.... the king of comebacks

 

every line is a classic..

ped: Your clothes are cheap as hell

cj: Did someone lose a dog?

Haha yes. I definitely agree. I like his positive and negative replies also. But the dog part I haven't heard of. I gotta check that out. I like that reply though lol and I think CJ is the best character to me because of what he has now done throughout the game . Most of the points for the reason that CJ is the best to me is what I agree to Lil Red's post. He also broke into Area 69 to steal a Jetpack and broke into Easter Basin to steal a military Hydra jet. But it would've been nice if CJ didn't complain when he was flying that Hydra and some complaining in other missions. It would also be nice if CJ was able to buy his own mansion that actually has garages and stuff. But gg though.

 

For some strange reason though, the name Carl just sounds so random to me. It feels like a common name but I know the nickname is CJ but Carl just sounds too commonly used or just a random made up name. I don't know but that's just me. It's no problem.

Edited November 3, 2007 by MC_320

[Stefan. 8]

For me, CJ is my favourite GTA player.

 

CJ is a nice guy, and so am I. I generally get along with people who have a heart and aren't selfish. CJ acted a bit selfishly, but when Sweet desperately wanted to clear things in the 'hood, CJ reluctantly agreed. I think this shows true character; you can have something big going on, very important and fun, and then you have a forgotten thing that you absolutely hate, yet is important for you in a way. The selfish thing to do would be to go with the former, but the nice would be the latter.

 

That's why CJ is, in my opinion, the best protagonist to date.

[dxk 5]

 

Do you think CJ is the best GTA character? I think he is.

No way.......tommy is the best

Edited November 3, 2007 by dxk

[Flash Boy 96 0]

I say Carl. Well he did handled with his mom's death. For Brian's death all I know that died in crash accident or something different and I can't say anything because nobody saw about accident.

[LOSTiron 0]

1.Claude Speed

2.Toni Cipriani

3.Tommy Vercetti

4.Carl Johnson

[EasyTiger 50]

Toni Cipriani and Tommy Vercetti would have to be my favourites. They had the most powerfull character.

[The Night Fox 0]

 

 

CJ is the best protagonist so far

[brucewayne909 0]

Tommy Vercetti is the best GTA protagonist.

 

The best GTA characters (excluding protagonists) are Salvatore Leone, Ray Machowski, Lance Vance, Colonel Juan Garcia Cortez, "Big" Mitch Baker, Earnest Kelly (of the Printworks), Woozie, Mike Toreno, and Armando Mendez.

 

 

[grim reaper22 0]

I think the best gta character is NIKO B.!

[brucewayne909 0]

I think the best gta character is NIKO B.!

That remains to be seen...

[Blues 0]

I'd honestly have to say that Tommy Vercetti would beat the sh*t out of Carl if push came to shove.

[grim reaper22 0]

But out of all the carachtwer i'd say mike toreno-he could kill you in 36 different ways with his hand!And he's always watching,or litseing, or both...

[Ash_735 17,327]

Honestly, I'd say CJ is the worst, here's how I'd put em...

1) Tommy

2) Toni

3) Claude

4) Vic

5) CJ

[!!GC!! 11]

I'd honestly have to say that Tommy Vercetti would beat the sh*t out of Carl if push came to shove.

Be careful what you wish for or you could be in the middle of it....

[alexrdh 2]

I don't like Carl 1 bit.

He is a pussy, he ran off to Liberty City, let his 'hood down.

I use SanAn Studios so I can be my fav character in San Andreas

 

Tommy Vercetti is a well-done character, tough attitude, not afraid to mess with mafia

[!!GC!! 11]

I use SanAn Studios so I can be my fav character in San Andreas

LOL let me guess its Ryder??

or Tommy Vercetti mayb seeing as you mentioned him

[alexrdh 2]

No, I favor a ped, which is that ped who spawns in San Fierro, long black sleeves under his red shirt. (I'm gald I checking back or it'd be spelled sh*t)

[Southside Dukes Ballas 0]

I'd honestly have to say that Tommy Vercetti would beat the sh*t out of Carl if push came to shove.

I seriosly doubt that. A rich white old guy against a young black guy who grew up way tougher than Tommy. CJ would beat the living sh*t out of Tommy and yes CJ was the best GTA character ever.

[Gman8 19]

 

I'd honestly have to say that Tommy Vercetti would beat the sh*t out of Carl if push came to shove.

I seriosly doubt that. A rich white old guy against a young black guy who grew up way tougher than Tommy. CJ would beat the living sh*t out of Tommy and yes CJ was the best GTA character ever.

I know its just fictional characters, but I agree with you. Unless Tommy was packing heat or knew some jiujitsu or something

 

However, i think CJ & Vic Vance would be a better matchup.

Edited November 5, 2007 by Gman8

[Gman8 19]

How do we judge which character will beat which?

 

Is it personal opinion?

If so, then take your pick...

Is it because who "acts tougher" than who?

If so, then Tommy would win because he has this no bull**** Chuck Norris/Steven Seagal attitude. Although unrealistic in real life, he doesn't back down easily.

Is it because of actual gameplay?

If its gameplay, then CJ would win. For once, he doesn't have robotic or mechinical movement like his counterparts Tommy, Fido ,etc. He can also fight w/different styles. But I think Niko would win because he would probably be the most advanced.

 

And why does everyone say CJ is a wuss? In the storylines, CJ had to make compromises like saving his 'hood, freeing his brother, etc. He had to be careful because his interest wasn't just for himself, but for other people as well. Compared to, say, Tommy who pretty much went all out for himself and had no compromises. Same with Fido. Toni and Vic also had compromises because they had other interests as well. It's all about the conflict of interest. It has nothing to do with who was tough and who wasn't. For all we know, Toni Cipriani might be the toughest SOB ever, its just that he had work not only for himself, but for his mom and Sal as well.

[Southside Dukes Ballas 0]

How do we judge which character will beat which?

 

Is it personal opinion?

If so, then take your pick...

Is it because who "acts tougher" than who?

If so, then Tommy would win because he has this no bull**** Chuck Norris/Steven Seagal attitude. Although unrealistic in real life, he doesn't back down easily.

Is it because of actual gameplay?

If its gameplay, then CJ would win. For once, he doesn't have robotic or mechinical movement like his counterparts Tommy, Fido ,etc. He can also fight w/different styles. But I think Niko would win because he would probably be the most advanced.

 

And why does everyone say CJ is a wuss? In the storylines, CJ had to make compromises like saving his 'hood, freeing his brother, etc. He had to be careful because his interest wasn't just for himself, but for other people as well. Compared to, say, Tommy who pretty much went all out for himself and had no compromises. Same with Fido. Toni and Vic also had compromises because they had other interests as well. It's all about the conflict of interest. It has nothing to do with who was tough and who wasn't. For all we know, Toni Cipriani might be the toughest SOB ever, its just that he had work not only for himself, but for his mom and Sal as well.

they don't know why they try to call him a punk. They just want a reason to hate on SA.

[Lil' Red 0]

 

I'd honestly have to say that Tommy Vercetti would beat the sh*t out of Carl if push came to shove.

I seriosly doubt that. A rich white old guy against a young black guy who grew up way tougher than Tommy. CJ would beat the living sh*t out of Tommy and yes CJ was the best GTA character ever.

I know its just fictional characters, but I agree with you. Unless Tommy was packing heat or knew some jiujitsu or something

 

However, i think CJ & Vic Vance would be a better matchup.

I'm just saying though, alot of black people can't fight for sh*t... especially gang members (I.E. that jena 6, jumped this white dude and he was released from the hospital the same day, if they could fight he would be dead right now)

 

Plus tommy had hands in Vice City he was quick as f*ck with those punches, when CJ fought he like cocked back with every punch, not to mention default CJ is weak as hell, I bet all Tommy would have to do is keep slamming CJ and CJ would spawn at the hospital, I don't know why everyone thinks if you are black you automatically know how to fight, alot of them are skinny and weak as hell. Like if CJ and Cesar got into a fight Cesar would dominate because he is a bit more built than CJ, Sweet is just big he probably has strength but he is slow. Claude too I think like CJ would get his ass beat by all the other protagonists, Niko would son CJ though

 

an example of someone who sons alot of people would be.... the rock or stone cold steve austin, like talk alot of sh*t and back it up... not being a silent killer, but like talk sh*t to everyone knowing you can beat their ass

 

Niko would make CJ his bitch, I dunno about tommy or Vic though they were built.

 

Plus CJ is rich and old too

Edited November 6, 2007 by Lil' Red

[Gman8 19]

 

 

 

 

 

I'm just saying though, alot of black people can't fight for sh*t... especially gang members (I.E. that jena 6, jumped this white dude and he was released from the hospital the same day, if they could fight he would be dead right now)

Black people can't fight? C'mon man, every race has people who can and cannot fight.

Plus tommy had hands in Vice City he was quick as f*ck with those punches, when CJ fought he like cocked back with every punch, not to mention default CJ is weak as hell,

 

That's because they gave you a chance to build him up. If they didn't, I'm sure they would have made him stronger.

I bet all Tommy would have to do is keep slamming CJ and CJ would spawn at the hospital, I don't know why everyone thinks if you are black you automatically know how to fight, alot of them are skinny and weak as hell.

 

Slamming? Tommy can't slam no one. No GTA character can slam anyone, except Vic Vance, who grabs you and throws you down. Is that even considered a slam? And who says if you're black you can automatically fight? If you're white, can you automatically fight too?

 

Weak and skinny? I'm sure guys like Floyd Mayweather Jr, who are skinny and short, can kick some ass. Just because you're skinny doesn't mean you can fight. The typical white guy is clumsy as hell and probably will cry to his momma before throwing a weak slap. Same with any average other race so there's no point.

Like if CJ and Cesar got into a fight Cesar would dominate because he is a bit more built than CJ, Sweet is just big he probably has strength but he is slow. Claude too I think like CJ would get his ass beat by all the other protagonists,

 

Claude? LOL. That guy was real clumsy. He fights like he's mentally handicapped. It's not because of him, its because the game wasn't as advance as it is now. But that's the only way you could judge their fighting ability. There's no other way to judge it.

Niko would son CJ though

 

We haven't seen him, but he better cuz he's the newest GTA character with probably the most advanced fighting system.

an example of someone who sons alot of people would be.... the rock or stone cold steve austin, like talk alot of sh*t and back it up... not being a silent killer, but like talk sh*t to everyone knowing you can beat their ass

 

I bet Rock and Stone Cold would get killed by an average MMA fighting at the weight class below their weights class. (205 vs. Rock/Austin, who are heavyweights) Wrestling is fake. Look at a guy like Batista. He looks all buffed up but all it took was one Booker T to kick his ass in real life. If you looked at them, you would think that Booker would have gotten killed. But Booker grew up rougher and Batista is large, clumsy and can't even walk and chew gum at the same time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Black people can't fight? C'mon man, every race has people who can and cannot fight.

 

The reason CJ is weak initially is because they gave you a chance to build him up. If they didn't, I'm sure they would have made him stronger.

 

Tommy's punches were quick but don't pack much power. He was real clumsy with all of his robotic movement.

 

Tommy slamming CJ? Slamming? Tommy can't slam no one. No GTA character can slam anyone, except Vic Vance, who grabs you and throws you down. Is that even considered a slam? And who says if you're black you can automatically fight? If you're white, can you automatically fight too?

 

Skinny guys can't fight? Weak and skinny? I'm sure guys like Floyd Mayweather Jr, who are skinny, muscular and short, can kick some ass. Just because you're skinny doesn't mean you can fight. The typical white guy is clumsy as hell and probably will cry to his momma before throwing a weak slap. Same with any average other race so there's no point.

 

Claude beating CJ? LOL. That guy was real clumsy. He fights like he's mentally handicapped. It's not because of him, its because the game wasn't as advance as it is now. But that's the only way you could judge their fighting ability. There's no other way to judge it.

 

Niko beating CJ? We haven't seen him, but he better cuz he's the newest GTA character with probably the most advanced fighting system.

 

I bet Rock and Stone Cold would get killed by an average MMA fighting at the weight class below their weights class. (205 vs. Rock/Austin, who are heavyweights) Wrestling is fake. Look at a guy like Batista. He looks all buffed up but all it took was one Booker T to kick his ass in real life. If you looked at them, you would think that Booker would have gotten killed. But Booker grew up rougher and Batista is large, clumsy and can't even walk and chew gum at the same time. Seriously, any weak ass guy could work out and take all kinds of steriods. Doesn't make him a better fighter.

 

[Angelspunishment 0]

stone cold is the sh*t, im sure he can fight in real life too.

 

and my favorite is tommy

[Algonquin Assassin 50,189]

 

I'd honestly have to say that Tommy Vercetti would beat the sh*t out of Carl if push came to shove.

I seriosly doubt that. A rich white old guy against a young black guy who grew up way tougher than Tommy. CJ would beat the living sh*t out of Tommy and yes CJ was the best GTA character ever.

What the hell does it have to do with race or age? I know 50 year olds that would ram my head up ass, and I'm 21.

 

"Harwood butcher"? Tommy whacked 11 people (Even though he was only sent to kill one), and got sent to prison for 15 years.

 

They might be fictional charcaters, but if they were real, I think Tommy would smack the living sh*t out of CJ.

 

Just because he's from the "hood", and grew up in the "ghetto" doesn't mean SFA really.

 

Also like anything in this world, it comes down to opinion. I personally think Tommy is the best protagonist (For me!!!!), because I love his slick personality. I didn't mind CJ, but at times he got pushed around way too much, and only started taking responsibility for himself later in the game.

 

That's why these "Who/what do you think is the best?" threads are highly inaccurate. In reality there's no "best" of anything, because we all like different things.

Edited November 9, 2007 by Miamivicecity

[MrMagic50 2]

I'd honestly have to say that Tommy Vercetti would beat the sh*t out of Carl if push came to shove.

maybe not. sure Tommy is tough and CJ can use different fighting techniques but Vic Vance can grab people and snap their necks.