Category: DC Comics

Written by Alan Grant.

Art by Kevin Walker; Curt Shoultz; Frank McLaughlin; Sherilyn Van Valkenburgh; & John Costanza.

Cover Art by Brian Stelfreeze.

SUMMARY:

Entitled “One Night in Slaughter Swamp,” DC Comics released this issue for June 1995.  Set in 1895, the prologue depicts despised banker Cyrus Gold’s murder by extortionists (one of whom may be pregnant with his child) in Slaughter Swamp.  In the present-day, an amnesiac Solomon Grundy’s resurrection in Slaughter Swamp upends a tourist boat, as he kills at least four innocent civilians.  The only escapees are a female park ranger and a now-orphaned young boy.

Converging on Slaughter Swamp, Batman follows Detective Montoya & Bullock’s GCPD team to rescue Grundy’s hostages.  Despite the ranger’s compassionate attempts to reason with Grundy, the monster rages over his previous betrayal by Jade (not to mention, his hatred of Alan Scott’s Green Lantern and now Batman). 

The Dark Knight desperately takes on Grundy, knowing full well it may be futile.  Tragedy strikes amidst Batman & Grundy’s showdown.

REVIEW:

In a manner reminiscent of classic Universal monster movies, writer Alan Grant’s work is solidly plotted.  One loose thread that Grant neglects to explain is what exactly prompts Grundy’s return – that is, unless Grant meant to leave this vital element to his audience’s imagination. 

Either way, Grant delivers the necessary gothic storytelling, including a chilling irony (read into it whatever you think) at its conclusion.  Matching Grant’s creativity is the art squad’s appropriate visuals; after the first few pages, the artwork slips to about a B- caliber, but this crew still gets the job done.

For Bat-fans who like gothic horror (not to mention, the Batman vs. Solomon Grundy match-up), then Batman: Shadow of the Bat # 39 is worth tracking down.   

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

At a single page, there is a letters-and-answers column.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                 7 Stars

Written by Alan Grant.

Art by Barry Kitson; Ray McCarthy; Adrienne Roy; & John Costanza.

Cover Art by Brian Stelfreeze.

SUMMARY:

Entitled “Troika, Part 2,” DC Comics released this issue for February 1995.  Interrogating the dying Russian thug known as ‘Dark Rider,’ Batman & Tim Drake’s Robin confirm that a Russian terrorist Cell, the Troika, will imminently threaten Gotham City with a plutonium bomb. 

While Batman has no success probing Gotham’s Little Odessa neighborhood, the Troika (including KGBeast, Colonel Vega, & Romana) scheme to extort a billion dollars from the city.  The problem is neither Batman nor the Troika know where Dark Rider’s baseball-shaped mega-bomb is hidden.

Having located the elusive Vega, the Dark Knight gets a master class in Vega’s techno-powered disruption weaponry from his goon squad.  Yet, the ruthless Troika will not tolerate failure should he not eliminate Batman.

Elsewhere, as the overworked Gordons experience some marital strife, Robin leaves Batman short-handed having to safeguard his recently-threatened friend, Ariana.  Worse yet, an overwhelmed Bruce Wayne is sorely missing Alfred – it’s up to him to hire a limo service, order pizza delivery, and that worst nightmare task of all … doing the laundry.  

Note: “Troika, Part 3” shifts over to Detective Comics # 682.

REVIEW:

Devising a solid second salvo in the “Troika” storyline, writer Alan Grant gets this art squad’s reliable visual support.  Taken as a solo read, however, this Bat-caper frankly is not a must-have.  To enjoy “Troika” in its four-issue entirety, then obtaining Batman: Shadow of the Bat # 35 within a trade paperback makes the best consumer sense. 

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

A single-page letters-and-answers column precedes “DC Universe # 27,” which teases visual clues of the in-production Showcase ’95 mini-series.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                   6 Stars

Written by Dan Jurgens.

Art by Corin Howell; Andres Ponce; Mike Atiyeh; & Tom Napolitano.

Cover Art by Corin Howell & Michael Atiyeh.

SUMMARY:

Amidst DC’s New 52 era, this premiere for a six-issue mini-series was released for August 2015.  Entitled “Transplant,” a jailed Bat-Mite is exiled from his home dimension to suffer in exile on New 52’s Earth.  Evidently no longer able to use his magical powers, Bat-Mite’s awful driving destroys the Batmobile trying to help Batman break up a bizarre kidnapping plot.  Abducted by one of Doctor Trauma’s criminal associates, Bat-Mite stumbles into a wacky brain-swapping scheme. 

Worse yet, in the dungeons holding Trauma’s future victims, Bat-Mite stumbles upon a captive Justice Leaguer facing an imminently grim fate.  

REVIEW:

It’s a groaner!  Giving Bat-Mite a try-out series in DC’s kiddie comics line would have made sense, if sales were impressive for his guest spot in Scooby-Doo Team-Up.  Yet, this Bat-Mite caper (i.e., its snarky juvenile humor; the cartoony artistic style) shifts towards teens and undemanding adults who enjoy ultra-goofy sitcom plots.  As the cover image suggests, just think DC-Meets-Mad or Cracked Magazine to spell out what this creative squad wants to do. 

This dubious Issue # 1 is meant for those readers who can’t get their fill of DC Comics parodying itself. Suffice to say, this issue isn’t a complete waste of paper and ink, but it is easily skippable.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The last page is a “DC You” mini-interview with Batman Beyond’s new creative team: Dan Jurgens & Bernard Chang.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                   3½ Stars

Written by Steve Vance.

Art by John Delaney; Ron Boyd; Bob LeRose; & Tim Harkins.

Cover Art by John Delaney; Ron Boyd; & Bob LeRose.

SUMMARY:

Released by DC Comics for October 1998, it is entitled “The Truth About Cats and Gods!”  For a $50,000 contract from the crazed stolen artifacts dealer, Bragg, Catwoman swipes a sleeping Wonder Woman’s golden lasso.  Forcing a kidnapped Professor Fuller to reveal a necessary inscription, Bragg subsequently channels the evil cat god, Kalinos, as a giant-sized, golden feline.  Against this potent threat, Wonder Woman and a repentant Catwoman call a truce to thwart Bragg’s rampage.     

Note: As acknowledged on the first and last pages, the title’s cancellation makes Issue # 19 the last issue. 

REVIEW:

Long predating similar-style tales featured in Wonder Woman’s Sensation Comics anthology, this Catwoman team-up is an okay read.  Still, given the intended audience, the ultra-simplistic story offers decent storytelling and the art squad’s appealingly cartoony visuals.  This issue, suffice to say, offers a likable option for a child’s entry-level comics collection.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The letters-and-answers column includes editor Kevin Dooley’s explanation re: why the TV-friendly Batman/Superman Adventures is replacing this title.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                        5 Stars

Main Feature & Back-Up Tale Written by Steve Vance.

Main Feature Art by John Delaney; Ron Boyd; Ray Kryssing; Bob LeRose; & Tim Harkins.

Back-Up Tale Art by  John Delaney; Ron Boyd; Tim Harkins; & Bob LeRose.

Cover Art by John Delaney; Ron Boyd; & Bob LeRose.

SUMMARY:

Released by DC Comics for May 1998, the issue offers a 15-page main feature and a five-page back-up adventure.  First up is “Not Always to the Swift …” where Wally West’s Flash and his girlfriend, Linda Park, find their Hawaiian vacation interrupted by a resentful Superboy.  Egged into a high-profile race up and back down from a volcano, Wally tries prodding a stubborn Superboy into conceding such a futile competition.  Yet, a natural crisis forces the duo into a truce where innocent lives are now at stake. 

Meanwhile, in Blüdhaven, “Bats!” has a visiting Nightwing pursue an unhinged Batman impostor.    

Note: This short-lived kiddie anthology would soon end with Issue # 19.

REVIEW:

Ironically, given so little to do, a bemused Linda Park is the main feature’s most likable character.  Still, in both stories, Steve Vance’s deliberately rudimentary writing delivers what it sets out to do.  The art squad’s visuals are also consistently up to par, given the target audience. 

All good intentions aside, neither story is anything remotely close to must-have reading.  However, this issue does supply suitable material for a child’s entry-level comics collection.  

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

A two-page letters-and-answers column include a cover reveal for Issue # 15.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                      5½ Stars

Written by David Michelinie.

Art by Tom Grummett; Denis Rodier; Bill Oakley; Glenn Whitmore; & Digital Chamelon.

Cover Art by Tom Grummett.

SUMMARY:

Entitled “The Sins of Change,” DC Comics released this issue for May 1997.  Lois guides her bewildered husband, Clark,  into using his strange new energy powers to heal his battered human form.  Seeking advice, Superman consults young second-generation hero, The Ray (Ray Terrill), about life as an energy being in humanoid form. 

Inside the Fortress of Solitude, a violent revolution rocks the bottled City of Kandor.  An escaped Kandorian renegade, Ceritak (known to Earthlings as ‘Scorn), explores Metropolis seeking out a rematch with Superman.   

Sporting new metal assimilation powers (reminiscent of Marvel’s Absorbing Man), Metallo gleefully terrorizes the Oceanside Amusement Park.  Despite Metallo nearly killing him in the day, Superman joins forces with the Metropolis SCU against Metallo’s most dangerous incarnation yet.  The Superman/Metallo feud subsequently shifts to Man of Steel # 68.

Briefly depicted is Jimmy Olsen opportunistically seeking an exclusive explaining Superman’s new look.  Having recently covered for Clark’s extended absence, Perry White wearily hints at dire medical news to discuss with his wife.    

Note: For DC’s interlocking Superman titles, this issue is # 21 in order that year.

REVIEW:

Unlike writer David Michelinie’s ho-hum plotting, the art squad’s visuals hold up relatively well a quarter-century later.  Given Superman’s ‘blue electric’ phase was a desperate sales gimmick, it is hardly surprising that Action Comics # 733 is forgettable.  Still, this issue offers a harmless bargain bin find for any child’s entry-level comics collection.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Along with “Watch This Space # 42” sharing some DC insider tidbits, there is a two-page “Re-Action” letters-and-answers column.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:           5½ Stars

Written by John Byrne.

Art by John Byrne; Keith Williams; John Costanza; & Tom Ziuko.

Cover Art by John Byrne.

SUMMARY:

Entitled “Past Imperfect,” DC Comics released this issue for August 1987.  Though unacknowledged, this story is Part 2 of a three-part crossover that began in John Byrne’s Superman # 8.  In a mysteriously idyllic version of Smallville, a Silver Age-like Superboy has used a Kryptonian device to paralyze the post-Crisis Superman. 

Note: Byrne’s Superman is openly acknowledged as not being as powerful or as fast as his pre-Crisis on Infinite Earths incarnation.  Yet, this Superboy, to some degree, has evidently surpassed the rebooted Superman’s power levels.    

The Boy of Steel’s device has simultaneously neutralized the Legion of Super-Heroes’ Blok, Invisible Kid, Sun Boy, and Brainiac Five.  Superboy intends to deliver these captive 30^th Century Legionnaires to his unknown ‘master.’  Pursuing Superboy into hyperspace, an outmatched Man of Steel’s failure sends him plummeting back to this slightly askew version of Smallville.     

After encountering Pete Ross and Superboy’s version of the Kents, Superman is double-teamed by the Boy of Steel and his ultra-loyal pet: Krypto the Super-Dog.  Subsequently, Krypto’s poignant choice gives Superboy and Jonathan Kent a last-ditch chance to win.  Afterwards, a compassionate Superman deduces enough of what has somehow transpired to make a truce with his repentant younger counterpart. 

Superman ponders some familiar elements of this world (again, broadly recalling the Man of Steel’s prior incarnation).  Elsewhere, the nefarious Time Trapper reveals what exactly he has done to finally vanquish the Legion of Super-Heroes.  Including Superboy, the crossover now shifts to Legion of Super-Heroes # 38 for its conclusion.    

Notes: Following 1985-86’s Crisis on Infinite Earths, DC Comics established that the post-Crisis Superman’s reboot meant he was never Superboy, let alone had never met the Legion of Super-Heroes.  Further, Superman’s reboot specified that neither Supergirl nor Krypto existed in his post-Crisis continuity. 

Historically, Issue # 591’s major twist signified DC’s first tweaking of its post-Crisis ‘no alternate reality’ policy in its seemingly unified universe.

REVIEW:

Old school fans can appreciate this odd storyline as John Byrne’s homage to the Silver Age: Superboy, Krypto, and the Boy of Steel’s association with the Legion of Super-Heroes. Though Byrne spells out his convoluted premise, casual fans might be understandably confused distinguishing the pre-and post-Crisis Superman from one another.  Byrne, in fairness, earns points for originality, even if his intriguing plot is somewhat disjointed.

Overall, Byrne’s kid-friendly writing and artwork are enjoyable for the mid-80’s, so one might consider finding Action Comics # 591 for nostalgia’s sake.  Given how muddled DC continuity is, his experiment thirty-five years ago pitching a few ripples is simplistic by comparison. 

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

There is a two-page “Re-Action Comics” letters-and-answers column.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                      6 Stars

Written by Marc Andreyko.

Art by Joe Bennett; Jack Jadson; Phil Balsman; Jason Wright; & Rachel Gluckstein.

Cover Art by Joe Bennett & Jack Jadson.

SUMMARY:

Released by DC Comics for June 2007, this 48-page annual entitled “Hero’s Journey” contemplates the past and present romance between the original Robin – Dick “Nightwing” Grayson and the original Batgirl – Barbara “Oracle” Gordon.  The story’s framework occurs off-screen prior to the epilogue of the then-recent Infinite Crisis # 7.  After watching over an unconscious Dick for three weeks, Barbara supervises his therapeutic recovery from near-fatal injuries sustained against Alexander Luthor. 

As seen in flashbacks, their perpetual on/off romance starting as Batman’s flirtatious teen sidekicks evolves to her crippling injury and Dick’s eventual engagement to Starfire.  Emotionally frayed over the subsequent years, their personal bond now comes full circle.  Barbara poignantly considers Dick’s marriage proposal.

Her reply helps sets up Dick’s subsequent overseas departure joining Bruce Wayne and Tim Drake seemingly for a year to rebuild trust within the legendary Bat-Family.

Note: Continuity-wise, a solo Dick returns to Gotham City from his sojourn during the year-long 52 series.

REVIEW:

Impressively, writer Marc Andreyko conveys one of the best-ever Dick & Barbara stories.  Including Dick’s overnight affair with an unsuspecting Barbara (after he becomes engaged to Starfire), Andreyko makes these two DC icons seem as believably human as one could hope for.  More so, nothing about this storyline comes off as padding; it is well-played for what it is.  Equaling Andreyko’s plotting are the art squad’s mostly superb visuals, especially in the flashback sequences. 

For mature fans of Barbara and Dick’s romance, Nightwing Annual # 2 should be considered a must-have. 

Note: As a parental advisory, there are some sexual inferences in Andreyko’s scripting that ought to preclude younger readers.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Dan DiDio’s “DC Nation” column includes thumbnail cover reveals for 52 # 50; Birds of Prey # 105; and Flash (Bart Allen) Flash # 11.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                      8½ Stars