Category: Children’s Books

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JUSTICE LEAGUE: THE JOKER AND HARLEY QUINN’S JUSTICE LEAGUE JAILHOUSE

Written by Louise Simonson.

Illustrated & Cover Art by Tim Levins.

SUMMARY:

Based off the Justice League Unlimited animated program’s continuity, Stone Arch Brooks released this 88-page paperback in 2018.  It’s among at least eight titles in this series. 

Hired by Lex Luthor, the Joker & Harley Quinn conspire to abduct the Justice League by holding them captive in a secret subterranean cavern below Arkham Asylum.  The big prize is Luthor’s ulterior motive: a defeated Superman at his mercy (or lack thereof).

With the Huntress and Flash as their first prisoners, the villains reveal that the Leaguers have been chained to an elaborate death trap where Gotham would be decimated by a bomb.  One catch is that the heroes’ vast powers have been conveniently neutralized.  The far more diabolical one is that the sole means to prevent detonation is steady (forced) laughter at video replays of the Joker’s favorite ‘greatest hits’ schemes. 

Despite already knowing the identities of their adversaries, the Man of Steel is lured into a kryptonite trap.  It’s up to Wonder Woman, Batman, Cyborg, and John Stewart’s Green Lantern to launch a counter-strike to save their teammates.  To make their strategy work, Wonder Woman risks her life to infiltrate the villainous duo’s lair by posing as their next prisoner. 

The question becomes: will this dangerous gamble save Gotham City and her teammates in time? 

Notes: Neither Hal Jordan’s Green Lantern nor Aquaman appear in this story.  The back cover reiterates the League roster, including its reserves.

REVIEW:

With excellent production values (including an easily readable font), this book doesn’t cheat its young target audience. 

Veteran comics writer Louise Simonson devises a fun little plot that seemingly evens the odds pitting two wacky Bat-villains vs. seven Justice Leaguers.  While ‘screen time’ is generally well-divided, Wonder Woman earns this story’s MVP award as Simonson’s best-written character.  As for the visuals, Tim Levins’ artwork nicely homages the look of Justice League Unlimited.  Suffice to say, this Justice League caper should be a fast read where kids will outgrow it sooner vs. later.   

Still, Justice League: The Joker and Harley Quinn’s Justice League Jailhouse is a welcome find for an elementary school library.      

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

There is a table of contents.  The League’s ‘roll call’ highlights its primary seven members: Wonder Woman; Batman; Superman; Cyborg; Flash; Hal Jordan’s Green Lantern; and Aquaman.  Another twenty League reserves are also depicted.  The League’s ‘database’ reviews a quick profile on the Joker and Harley Quinn, along with images of another thirty-four Legion of Doom villains.  An ad also identifies the covers for all eight (so far) titles in this series. 

While there is a single-page glossary, it ironically omits the climax’s biggest word: “doppelgänger.”  A few questions and some creative writing prompts are then provided for students.  Paragraph-length bios on Simonson and Levins are on the last page.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                      7 Stars

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Books & Novels Children's Books Comic Books & Graphic Novels DC Comics DC-Related DC's Hardcovers & Trade Paperbacks

JUSTICE LEAGUE: GORILLA GRODD AND THE PRIMATE PROTOCOL

Written by Brandon T. Snider.

Illustrated & Cover Art by Tim Levins.

SUMMARY:

Based off the Justice League Unlimited animated program’s continuity, Stone Arch Brooks released this 88-page paperback in 2018.  It’s among at least eight titles in this series. 

With the League already short-handed due to various emergencies, Batman deploys a six-member squad under Wonder Woman & Vixen’s command to Gorilla City.  This contingent consists of John Stewart’s Green Lantern; Hawkman; Green Arrow; & Ronnie Raymond/Professor Martin Stein’s rookie Firestorm.  Their mission is to recapture a fugitive Gorilla Grodd.

A routine skirmish seemingly lands Grodd and his mind-controlling gold helmet in League custody.  Yet, aboard a mid-air League Javelin jet, the conniving Gorilla Grodd’s latest evil scheme is unleashed.  Transforming Firestorm, Green Arrow, Hawkman, and Wonder Woman into his rampaging gorilla minions, Grodd sends them against Vixen & Green Lantern in downtown New York City. 

It’s up to Professor Stein to reach Ronnie’s mind to save their League teammates while there’s still time.  

Notes: While Batman plays a supporting role in this plot, Superman, Cyborg, & Flash make cameo appearances.  Neither Hal Jordan’s Green Lantern nor Aquaman appear in this story.  The back cover reiterates the League roster, including its reserves. There are at least seven other titles in this particular Stone Arch Books series.

REVIEW:

Its production values are remarkably good, including an easily readable font.  Both its comic book-faithful plot (i.e. Hawkman & Green Arrow’s mutual disdain) and appealing visuals ensure a decent diversion for the intended elementary school audience.  As the team’s rookie powerhouse, Firestorm (Ronnie Raymond & Professor Martin Stein) is highlighted in a plot reminiscent of the mid-80’s Super-Friends TV incarnations as The Super Powers Team/Galactic Guardians animated series.

There’s nothing remarkable about the story itself, as kids will likely outgrow it fast.  Still, Justice League: Gorilla Grodd and The Primate Protocol makes a fun library read for ages 8 and up.        

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

There’s a table of contents.  The League’s ‘roll call’ highlights its primary seven members: Wonder Woman; Batman; Superman; Cyborg; Flash; Hal Jordan’s Green Lantern; and Aquaman.  Another twenty League reserves are also depicted.  The League’s ‘database’ reviews a quick profile on Gorilla Grodd, along with images of another thirty-five Legion of Doom villains. 

An ad identifies the covers for all eight (so far) titles in this series.  Following a single-page glossary, a few questions and some creative writing prompts are provided for students.  Paragraph-length bios on Snider and Levins are saved for last.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                 7 Stars

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Books & Novels Children's Books DC Comics DC-Related

DC COMICS BACKSTORIES: BATMAN – GOTHAM CITY’S GUARDIAN

Written by Matthew K. Manning & Illustrated by Steven Gordon

SUMMARY:

Released in 2016 through Scholastic, Inc., this 128-page DC Comics Backstories paperback explores the New 52’s Batman.  After a short foreword from the Dark Knight himself, a cast of characters section introduces of Batman’s inner circle and his most well-known villains.  Starting with Bruce Wayne’s tragic childhood, Batman’s origin is revealed, along with details of his weaponry/vehicles/Batcave. 

Subsequent chapters discuss his current rosters of villains and notable Bat-allies (including Batgirl and multiple Robins), and the New 52’s Justice League. Also included in black-and-white are original artwork, sketches, and assorted vehicle blueprints.

Note: The New 52’s Wonder Woman has her own DC Comics Backstories book.

REVIEW:

Well-written for his target audience, writer Matthew K. Manning’s text delivers everything necessary for a good read.  Specifically, by avoiding detailed storylines and omitting grisly details, Manning still provides an accurate overview of Gotham’s Dark Knight and his supporting cast.  While Steve Gordon’s sketch-like illustrations may vary (i.e. one portrait of the Joker is superb while a Two-Face pose is amateurish by comparison), the above-average visuals are frankly a bonus for Manning’s terrific narrative. 

For the elementary school (and early middle school) crowd, DC Comics Backstories – Batman: Gotham City’s Guardian should delight young Bat-fans.  

ADDITIONAL FEATURES:

The four-page “Fast Facts” adds supplemental trivia to Batman’s chronology.  A glossary and a single-page appendix then conclude the book.   

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                 7½ Stars

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Books & Novels Children's Books DC-Related

BATMAN: SUPER-VILLAINS STRIKE (A CHOOSE-YOUR-FATE ADVENTURE BOOK)

Written by Michael Teitelbaum. Cover Art by Ron Zalme.

SUMMARY:

In 2012, DC Comics and Tom Doherty Associates, LLC (through its Starscape imprint) released this 144-page Bat-caper for elementary school students.  With black-and-white illustrations echoing the fourth season of Batman: The Animated Series, Gotham City’s Dark Knight takes on a solo mission pursuing four escaped villains from Arkham Asylum: Catwoman, Mr. Freeze, Poison Ivy, and the Riddler. 

Aside from deducing the shadowy mastermind behind this jailbreak, Batman may find himself outnumbered by his elusive foes.  Helped by solving enigmatic puzzles, readers make the risky decisions as to what Batman should do next.  With one ideal ending in sight, readers must tread cautiously to avoid leading the Dark Knight to failure, if not imminent doom.   

REVIEW:

Author Michael Teitelbaum devises a fun storyline where young readers can fairly navigate the plot twists.  Unlike most other titles in the choose-your-own-story genre, only a single path leads to victory.  More specifically, the option of at least partial success (i.e., capturing one villain) isn’t available.  Teitelbaum, in that sense, applies plausible realism to Batman’s mortality, so some younger readers might become frustrated thinking victory ought to be easier.  Still, this storyline’s simplistic entertainment value holds up relatively well.

Batman: Super-Villains Strike isn’t a remarkable find, but its target audience won’t likely be disappointed.    

ADDITIONAL FEATURES:

The first page is an introduction for readers new to the choose-your-own-adventure concept.  Included throughout the story are a series of word searches, word scrambles, mazes, and hidden/coded messages.  At the back of the book is the answer key, which includes an exact reading path to nab all four Bat-villains.    

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                    5½ Stars

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Books & Novels Children's Books Reference & Science

FRIGHT-LOPEDIA

Written by Julie Winterbottom & Illustrated by Stefano Tambellini

SUMMARY:

Released by Workman Publishing in 2016, this 212-page paperback is a somewhat tongue-in-cheek encyclopedia of haunts, legends, and real-world spooks meant for an audience of 8-to-13 year-olds. 

Presented as short chapters rather than a traditional encyclopedia, writer Julie Winterbottom casually discusses topics including spiders, crocodiles, ghosts, haunted houses, evil scientists, monsters, mummies, Ouija boards, séances, snakes, UFOs, werewolves, witches, and zombies. 

Illustrator Stefano Tambellini contributes frequent kid-friendly illustrations (usually with a macabre sense of humor) to provide visual reference for Winterbottom’s text.  The book also incorporates black-and-white photography to further enhance its narrative.   

REVIEW:

Given her intended young audience, author Julie Winterbottom does a solid job describing icky subject matter with reasonable depth and a friendly emphasis on modern-day science surpassing traditional legends.  Though Fright-lopedia may be a single seasonal read for most children, there is a practical advantage for parents.  Specifically, if one is looking for inspiration to spark a middle schooler’s Halloween party, then Fright-lopedia may present some appropriate ideas.   

ADDITIONAL FEATURES:

Besides Winterbottom’s acknowledgements, a helpful table-of contents is provided.  In the “Find Your Biggest Fear!” tournament, readers eliminate an assortment of options to pinpoint their most ghastly phobia.  The last page details the sources for the book’s stock photography.   

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                          6 Stars

Categories
Books & Novels Children's Books Westerns

ZORRO AND THE DRAGON RIDERS

Written by David Bergantino

Cover Art by Julie Bell

SUMMARY:

Tom Doherty Associates, Inc. released this 217-page paperback in 1999.  In the weeks following the Hidalgo el Cazador’s defeat, a rumor floating in Old California is that a missing Zorro must have since died of his wounds.  Rising out of the shadows once more, the legendary man in black, still not fully recuperated, defends a mysterious Cossack in an Los Angeles  pub from the drunken local police.  While eluding possible suspicion from his weary father, aristocrat Don Diego de la Vega is coping as best he can from his slow-healing injuries.   

Meanwhile, the vengeful Hidalgo el Cazador has recruited four sword-wielding Japanese mercenaries for a bounty targeting Zorro.  Facing imminent death from poisoning, Don Diego and his masked alter ego won’t let this challenge go unanswered. 

The question is: can a weakened Zorro thwart a quartet of formidable samurai by utilizing stealthy ninja tactics?  Further, what pivotal wildcard is the Cossack in the final showdown: is he really Zorro’s ally or another secret foe?   

Note: Utilizing the same villain, this title is evidently a sequel to 1998’s Zorro and the Jaguar Warriors by Jerome Preisler.

REVIEW:

David Bergantino’s good writing ensures that Zorro and The Dragon Riders is a slightly above-average, all-ages read.    He makes sufficient time to develop his cast past one-dimensional mid-19th Century caricatures.  For instance: the exasperation of Don Diego’s long-suffering father over why his self-involved heir won’t commit to their family’s responsibilities is certainly plausible; Don Diego & Bernardo’s fascination with adding exotic ninja weaponry to Zorro’s arsenal makes for an intriguing early scene; or, for that matter, later on, Don Diego’s ongoing concern for young Miko (a female samurai) is a nicely-played twist. 

Still, what’s readily obvious is that Zorro and The Dragon Riders belongs in a middle school library.  Bergantino’s young target audience won’t likely be disappointed exploring such an unique Zorro action-adventure.  

ADDITIONAL FEATURES:

The first page preview a scene in Chapter 1. There’s also a page-long list of Tor/Forge titles available by mail.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                     6 Stars

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Children's Books Comic Books & Graphic Novels Marvel Comics MARVEL's Hardcovers & Paperbacks TV Series

MARVEL’S AVENGERS ASSEMBLE: RISE OF THE AVENGERS {Junior Novelization}

Written by John Sazaklis

Designed by Can2 Design Group

SUMMARY:

Published by Marvelkids.com through Fun Studio Books in 2015, this 80-page junior novelization adapts Marvel’s Avengers Assemble TV series opener.  This 2013 two-part episode is entitled “The Avengers Protocol.”  Iron Man furiously reunites the other Avengers (Black Widow; Hulk; Thor; Falcon; and Hawkeye) after the Red Skull & Modok have seemingly disintegrated Captain America. 

The team’s investigation leads to a HYDRA body-switching machine.  Immediately seeking vengeance, the Red Skull & Modok nearly kill Tony Stark during their theft of his Iron Man armor.  Modok’s mind-controlling micro-bots further threaten to send the Avengers raging against one another in battle.  An explosive confrontation at Avengers Mansion concludes the story.

The book is loaded with “Freeze Frame 1” still photos from the animated episodes, as well as original artwork of the characters interspersed with these stills. 

REVIEW:

For pre-teen readers, it’s actually a neat concept blending a junior novelization (actually more like a junior-junior novelization); a comic book; and a picture flip-book into a single cohesive package.  Though Rise of the Avengers isn’t a particularly engaging read (it’s all told in narrative), it makes an entertaining visual alternative to television for young fans.       

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Alternating between its far-left and far-right columns, ‘miscellaneous facts’ are included to briefly explain concepts in the story and/or throw in random trivia for readers.  For instance, the book acknowledges the first use of the body-swapping concept in Thomas Antsey Guthrie’s 1882 novel, Vice Versa, and later in Mary Rodgers’ 1972 novel, Freaky Friday.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                   7 Stars

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Children's Books Comic Books & Graphic Novels DC Comics DC's Hardcovers & Trade Paperbacks

TEEN TITANS GO!, VOLUME 1: PARTY, PARTY! (DC Comics)

Written by Sholly Fisch; Amy Wolfram; Merrill Hagan; & Ricardo Sanchez

Art by Jorge Corona; Ben Bates; Lea Hernandez; Chris Gugliotti; Jeremy Lawson; & Wes Abbott

Cover Art by Dan Hipp

SUMMARY:

Collected by DC Comics in 2015, this 128-page paperback meant for an elementary school audience consists of Teen Titans Go! # 1-6.  Each issue generally consists of two self-contained 10-page stories inspired by the animated TV series.  “Food Fright” has a hysterical Cyborg resorting to desperate measures to safeguard his beloved sandwiches after repetitive thefts from the Titans Tower refrigerator.  “Par for the Course” has Robin and Beast Boy feuding on the miniature golf course.  In “Idol Hands,” TV talent reality shows are spoofed, as the Titans compete on Jump City’s dubious answer to America’s Got Talent.  “Cold Blooded” has the Titans face off vs. Captain Cold.

With Starfire handling the guest list, “Party, Party,” has Titans Tower host some unexpected invitees for a dance party.  Cyborg launches his own mega-bucks internet business in “Silicon Valley Cyborg.”  In “Robin the First,” an exasperated Boy Wonder is obsessed in getting first dibs for once over his teammates.  In their version of a classic card game, the Titans play cards in “Teen Titans Go … Fish!”  After the Batcave and a nasty Gordanian armada gets tagged, Robin fears the worst when Cyborg and Beast Boy’s obnoxious prank calling goes too far in “Prank’d!”  Raven’s mystery gift in “Don’t Peek” has the team hard-pressed not to peek inside.  Beast Boy & Cyborg’s video-gaming binge becomes chaotic in “But Games Can Never Hurt Me.”  Lastly, Starfire hosts a girls-only “Sleep Over.”                   

Guest stars and cameos include The Brotherhood of Evil, Darkseid, Trigon, The Riddler, Dr. Light, Speedy, Terra, Captain Cold, Aquaman, Bumblebee, Superman, Batman, and The Guardians of the Universe.

REVIEW:

To its credit, the book’s artwork, stories, and incessantly goofy humor are consistent with the TV series.  Young fans should find “Party, Party!” a fun one-and-done, as this book likely makes a better library option than a purchase.  If one prefers the original DC Comics versions of these Titans, it’d be no surprise that the weak material will just come off as insipid.  Still, a well-played joke at Batman’s expense in “Prank’d,”  is worth catching.  Otherwise, for adult readers, this paperback is an instantly forgettable read. 

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Full-page prints of the six covers are included.

BRIAN & ROSCOE’S ODD MOON RATING:         3½ Stars

Categories
Children's Books Comic Books & Graphic Novels DC Comics DC's Hardcovers & Trade Paperbacks

SHOWCASE PRESENTS SHAZAM! {compendium} (DC Comics)

Written by Denny O’Neil; Elliot Maggin; & E. Nelson Bridwell

Art by C.C. Beck; Dave Cockrum; Bob Oksner; Vince Colletta; Kurt Schaffenberger; Tex Blaisdell; Bob Wiacek; Tenny Henson; & Bob Smith

Cover Art by C.C. Beck; Bob Oksner; Kurt Schaffenberger; & Ernie Chua

Compilation Cover Art by Bob Oksner & Alex Sinclair

SUMMARY:

Under its Showcase imprint, in 2006, DC Comics released this 528-page black-and-white compendium featuring original portions of Shazam! # 1-33 (1973-78).  Excluding reprints of Fawcett Comics’ Golden Age tales, this edition consists of DC’s revival material.  Captain Marvel’s co-creator, C.C. Beck, participates through Issue # 9. 

Revived after a twenty-year hiatus due to the Sivana Family’s ‘suspendium’ bubble, an un-aged Marvel Family and their associates now exist in the early 1970’s.  With appearances by reliable baddies Mister Mind, Ibac, Dr. Sivana, among others, it’s back to business as usual for The Marvels.  While teenager Billy Batson has some trouble adjusting to a new age, his World’s mightiest alter-ego faces new challenges, including Lex Luthor.  Mary Marvel and Captain Marvel Jr. both have some solo adventures while Tawky Tawny, ‘Uncle Marvel,’ Minuteman, and a super-brief cameo by the Man of Steel add to the fun.    

Notes: This revival series was canceled upon Issue # 35 in 1978.  However, in color, DC’s Shazam! The World’s Mightiest Mortal, Volume 2 hardcover includes Issues # 34-35, along with the ultra-rare All-New Collector’s Edition # C-58.  

REVIEW:

While the production quality is admirable, inevitably, nostalgia only extends so far.  Despite later piggy-backing off Filmation’s live-action 1974-77 TV series, DC’s initial take on Shazam! underwhelms.  Far too often silly, if not childish, these wacky stories (both the scripting and undemanding visuals) don’t age well, even for the elementary school crowd they were intended for. Aside from an amusing Lex Luthor guest spot, the only highlight is Mary Marvel’s wholesome back-up tales.  For adults, these eyerolling stories lose even more luster in black-and-white, as The Marvel Family sorely need the magic of comic book inking to really come alive.  If anything, this harmless reprint package is best for ages 10 and under — as if DC was sorely underestimating Captain Marvel’s fan base. 

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

There’s a very helpful table of contents (including credits).  Virtually all of the covers are reprinted in a full-page format.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                5 Stars

Note: For DC pre-Crisis action with The Marvel Family, here are some satisfying options:

  • Adventure Comics # 491-492 (1982); All-Star Squadron # 36-37 and # 51 (1984-85); as well as these trade paperbacks: Superman vs. Shazam! and Crisis on Multiple Earths, Volume 4.
Categories
Children's Books Comic Books & Graphic Novels DC Comics DC's Hardcovers & Trade Paperbacks TV Series

JUSTICE LEAGUE UNLMITED, VOLUME 4: THE TIES THAT BIND (DC Comics)

Written by Adam Beechen & Paul D. Storrie

Art by Carlo Barberi; Rick Burchett; Ethen Beavers; Gordon Purcell; Jim Royal; Lary Stucker; Bob Petrecca; Jesse Delperdang; Heroic Age; Travis Lanham; Phil Balsman; Rob Leigh; Kanila Tripp; & Ty Templeton

SUMMARY:

Released by DC Comics in 2008, this 142-page, standard-size trade paperback reprints Justice League Unlimited # 16-22 (from 2006).  Though unbilled as Volume 4, its seven stories consist of:

  • “Smashing Through the Snow” (Issue # 16).  Written by Adam Beechen; Art (including cover) by Carlo Barbieri; Inks by Jim Royal; Colors by Heroic Age; Letters by Travis Lanham; and Cover Colors by Kanila Tripp.
  • Heroes: Atom Smasher, Supergirl, Firestorm, Stargirl, Power Girl, & Hawkgirl.

For Christmas Day, the JLU’s youngest members are assigned Watchtower duty.  The team investigates a prison break by a Blockbuster-like villain called Girder.  Supergirl consoles a grieving Atom Smasher re: his deceased uncle.  Learning Girder’s poignant motive for escaping, Atom Smasher & Supergirl are reminded of the holiday’s true meaning. 

  • “Let Freedom Ring” (Issue # 17).  Written by Adam Beechen; Art (including cover) by Carlo Barbieri; Inks by Lary Stucker; Colors by Heroic Age; Letters by Phil Balsman; and Cover Colors by Kanila Tripp.
  • Heroes: Superman; Green Lantern (John Stewart); Green Arrow; Atom; Gypsy; Booster Gold; and The Freedom Fighters (Uncle Sam, Phantom Lady, Human Bomb, Black Condor, Doll Man, & the Golden Age Ray).     

Ordered by General Mendenhall to discreetly swipe incriminating evidence against the ‘renegade’ JLU from its own Watchtower, the patriotic Freedom Fighters reluctantly battle their friends. 

  • “Fare 48” (Issue # 18).  Written by Adam Beechen; Art (including cover) by Ethen Beavers; Colors by Heroic Age; Letters by Rob Leigh; and Cover Colors by Kanila Tripp.
  • Heroes: Superman & guest star Space Cabbie, with cameos by Wonder Woman, Batman, Hawkgirl, Flash, Martian Manhunter, & Green Lantern (John Stewart). 

Set prior to the Justice League Unlimited era, this Silver Age-like tale has the Man of Steel desperately seeking a fast getaway after a deep space ambush.  With the Psions in pursuit, Space Cabbie takes on the galaxy’s hottest fare. 

  • “The Justice Rangers Ride Again” (Issue # 19).  Written by Adam Beechen; Pencils by Gordon Purcell; Inks by Bob Petrecca; Colors (including cover colors) by Heroic Age; Letters by Travis Lanham; and Cover Art by Ty Templeton.
  • Heroes: Wonder Woman, Vigilante (Greg Saunders), Elongated Man; Jonah Hex; El Diablo; & Bat Lash.

A freak time-traveling accident propels Wonder Woman, Elongated Man, and the Vigilante into an Old West showdown vs. the Time Commander.  In 1879 Wyoming, the JLU posse recruits Jonah Hex, El Diablo, and Bat Lash.  The stakes are even higher, as there’s some potentially chaotic Back to the Future issues to contend with. Note: The Justice Rangers Ride Again isn’t billed on the book’s back cover.

  • “Just Us Girls” (Issue # 20).  Written by Paul D. Storrie; Art by Rick Burchett; Colors (including cover art) by Heroic Age; Letters by Travis Lanham; and Cover Art by Ty Templeton.
  • Heroes: Mary Marvel; Supergirl; Black Canary; Hawkgirl; Dr. Light (Dr. Kimiyo Hoshi); Huntress; and Wonder Woman.  Cameos: Captain Atom; Elongated Man; Blue Beetle (Ted Kord); Fire; Martian Manhunter; along with JLU Watchtower cafeteria cameos by the original Crimson Avenger; Vigilante (Greg Saunders); Hawk & Dove; Crimson Fox; Shining Knight; the alien Starman; Dr. Mid-Nite; Creeper; Mr. Terrific; the original Question; Superman; and B’wana Beast.  

Seeking out Wonder Woman for advice, new recruit Mary Marvel is befriended by another teen powerhouse.  The world’s two mightiest teenage girls aid an all-ladies JLU squad in battle vs. Gotham gangster Maxie Zeus and his New Olympians. 

  • “Stormy Weather” (Issue # 21).  Written by Adam Beechen; Pencils by Carlo Barbieri; Inks by Jesse Delperdang; Colors (including cover art) by Heroic Age; Letters by Travis Lanham; and Cover Art by Ty Templeton.
  • Heroes: Vixen; Green Lantern (John Stewart); Black Canary; and Green Arrow, with cameos by Hawkgirl, Fire, and Captain Atom.

Reminiscent of the JLU animated episode, “Double Date,” Black Canary & Green Arrow team in a storm-plagued Star City with Vixen & Green Lantern.  The opposition, courtesy of Heat Wave & Killer Frost (who are arguing over whether or not she is seeing Mr. Freeze on the sly) includes a massive storm.   

  • “Outside Looking In” (Issue # 22).  Written by Adam Beechen; Art by Rick Burchett; Colors (including cover art) by Heroic Age; Letters by Phil Balsman; and Cover Art by Ty Templeton.
  • Heroes: Gypsy, Flash, and Captain Atom, with back-up from Aztek; Huntress; Atom Smasher; Supergirl; Mr. Terrific; Atom; the Ray (Ray Terrill); and Martian Manhunter.

Apparently botching a warehouse raid, Gypsy tries to make amends for her mistake.  Her efforts impact a robotic ambush on the JLU at the Global Defense Summit.

REVIEW:

Featuring a nice assortment of tales and terrific artwork mimicking the TV series’ animation, this compilation should be construed as JLU adventures between episodes.  The book also proves an undemanding read for adult fans who prefer a kid-friendly ambiance in reading comics.  Two stories even echo the TV series’ ongoing storylines (i.e. the anti-JLU conspiracy and the Green Lantern-Hawkgirl-Vixen love triangle, etc.), as “Let Freedom Ring” and “Stormy Weather” could easily have been stellar episodes.  Overall, The Ties That Bind is an excellent buy for Justice League fans.

Note: This book shares the same cover as the digest-sized Vol. 1: United They Stand (which reprints issues # 1-5).          

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

For this book’s conclusion, there’s a two-page spread of portrait-sized replicas of the covers. 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:              8 Stars