Category: DC Comics

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VOODOO, VOLUME 2: KILLER IN ME (DC Comics)

Written by Josh Williamson.

Art by Sami Basri; Jessica Kholinne; & Jared K. Fletcher.

Collection Cover Art by Paulo Siquiera & Rod Reis.

SUMMARY:

Released by DC Comics in 2013, this 160-page trade paperback collects Voodoo # 7-12, plus Issue # 0, first published in 2012.  In her New 52 reboot, an abducted Priscilla “Pris” Kitaen had previously been mutated by vile alien experimentation before being rescued by the covert Black Razors organization.  Her evil, shape-shifting clone, ‘Voodoo,’ has become her vengeful obsession to destroy.  Priscilla’s potential new allies are subsequently no match against the clone’s monstrous super-powers. 

Voodoo, at the behest of the nefarious Lord Helspont, seeks a game-changing weapon in the Dead City of the Daemonites on Jupiter’s moon, Europa.   Joining the Black Razors, Priscilla’s intergalactic pursuit of her ruthless twin  leads to a fateful showdown. 

Issue # 0 reveals Priscilla’s escape from the alien cloning facility and Voodoo’s creation.  An enigmatic tease of Priscilla’s WildC.A.T.S. incarnation is conveyed in a crossover scene reuniting her with a teammate from a previous reality: the New 52’s Grifter.     

Notes: This title is also available digitally.  The series was effectively cancelled with this second volume. 

REVIEW:

Voodoo is among the first round of short-lived New 52 titles that far emphasized style over enduring substance.  Hence, this volume’s visuals are generally excellent.  It, unfortunately, lacks a compelling sci-fi/horror storyline to justify such artistic effort.  Josh Williamson’s efforts to right Ron Marz’s icky creative course (specifically, Issues # 1-6) largely fail due to an absence of likable characters to keep readers engaged. 

More so, this cast’s blah expendability is worsened by an over-reliance upon gross-out horror twists reminiscent of movies like 2000’s Pitch Black and 1986’s Alien.  Readers, if anything, are left sorely missing Wildstorm’s appealing WildC.A.T.S. incarnation of Priscilla Kitaen/Voodoo, who worked best in smaller doses. 

Ultimately, Voodoo, Volume 2: Killer in Me, might prove an okay read for adult fans.  Finding it at the library, however, is the most practical option.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

In a full-page format, each cover precedes each issue.  Cover artists for Issues # 7-11 are: Paulo Siquiera & Rod Reis; and for Issue # 12: Siquiera & Paul Mounts.  The Issue # 0’s cover artists are Sami Basri & Jessica Kholinne.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                    4 Stars

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

THE NEW 52!: THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY DELUXE EDITION (DC Comics)

Written by (See Below).

Art by (See Below).

Cover Art Design by Damian Ryland.

SUMMARY:

Released in 2021 by DC Comics, this 400-page hardcover’s primary content consists of eleven premiere issues from DC’s mass re-launch of its continuity in 2011.  Each beginning a new arc, the issues are:

  1. Action Comics # 1: “Superman Versus the City of Tomorrow.”  Writer: Grant Morrison & Art by Rags Morales; Rick Bryant; Brand Anderson; & Patrick Brosseau.  Cover: Rags Morales & Brad Anderson.  Variant Cover: Jim Lee; Scott Williams; & Alex Sinclair.  Reminiscent of his original Golden Age incarnation, a rookie Superman’s vigilantism generates considerable controversy in Metropolis.  Meanwhile, at the behest of U.S. General Sam Lane, Lex Luthor concocts a subway disaster scheme to capture the Man of Steel. 
  2. *All-Star Western # 1: “Untitled.”  Writer: Justin Gray & Art by Jimmy Palmiotti; Moritat; Gabriel Bautista; & Rob Leigh.  Cover: Moritat.  In the 1880’s, Dr. Amadeus Arkham narrates his team-up with bounty hunter Jonah Hex to probe a series of grisly murders targeting Gotham City’s female prostitutes.
  3. *Animal Man # 1: “The Hunt, Part One: Warning from the Red.”  Writer: Jeff Lemire & Art by Travel Foreman; Dan Green; Lovern Kindzierski; & Jared K. Fletcher.  Cover: Travel Foreman & Dan Green.  Buddy Baker experiences nightmarish changes in his super-powers that impact his family.
  4. Aquaman # 1: “The Trench, Part One.”  Writer: Geoff Johns & Art by Ivan Reis; Joe Prado; Ron Reis; & Nick J. Napolitano.  Cover: Ivan Reis, Joe Prado, & Rod Reis.  As Aquaman & Mera decide upon their new off-shore residence, a ravenous invasion is rising from the Atlantic Ocean.
  5. *Batman # 1: “Knife Trick.”  Writer Scott Snyder & Art by Greg Capullo, Jonathan Glapion, FCO Plascenia, Richard Starkings; & Comicraft’s Jimmy Betancourt.  Cover: Greg Capullo & FCO Plascenia. Variant Cover: Ethan Van Sciver & Tomas (?).  The Dark Knight learns of Gotham City’s grisly new serial killer, whose hit list includes Bruce Wayne.
  6. *Demon Knights # 1: “Seven Against the Dark.”  Writer: Paul Cornell & Art by Diógenes Neves; Oclair Albert; Marcelo Maiolo; & Jared K. Fletcher.  Four centuries after Camelot’s fall, several medieval heroes converge, including Madame Xanadu, Jason Blood/Etrigan the Demon, and Sr Ystin the Shining Knight, to face an ominous magical threat.
  7. The Flash # 1: “Untitled.”  Writers: Francis Manapul & Brian Buccellato & Art by Francis Manapul, Brian Buccellato, & Sal Cipriano.  Cover: Francis Manapul.  Variant Cover: Ivan Reis; Tim Townsend; & Rod Reis.  Thwarting a terrorist group’s assault, the Flash is implicated in the death of one of Barry Allen’s old friends.  Subsequently, Barry is pulled into a bizarre deception.
  8. Justice League # 1: “Part One.” Writer: Geoff Johns & Art by Jim Lee, Scott Williams, Alex Sinclair; & Patrick Brosseau. Cover by Jim Lee, Scott Williams, & Alex Sinclair.  Variant Cover by David Finch, Richard Friend, & Peter Stiegerwald.  Reluctant allies Batman and Hal Jordan’s Green Lantern investigate an ominous alien threat that takes them from Gotham City to face off against Superman in Metropolis.  Victor Stone’s life before becoming Cyborg is also glimpsed.  Note: This tale is set five years in the past.
  9. *Justice League Dark # 1: “In the Dark, Part One: Imaginary Women.”  Writer: Peter Milligan & Art by Mikel Janin; Ulises Arreola; & Rob Leigh.  Cover and 2nd Printing Cover by Ryan Sook.  Madame Xanadu foretells a new generation of mystical Justice Leaguers to confront the insane Enchantress, June Moone.  Besides co-stars Zatanna Zatara (now a goth rookie), John Constantine, Madame Xanadu, and Shade the Changing Man, Justice Leaguers include Wonder Woman, Batman, Cyborg, and Superman.
  10. *Voodoo # 1: “Keeping Secrets.”  Writer: Ron Marz and Art by Sami Basri, Jessica Kholinne, Sunny Gho, & Jared K. Fletcher.  Cover and 2nd Printing Cover by Sami Basi & Sunny Gho. At the Voodoo Lounge, two U.S. special agents conduct undercover surveillance of the mysterious strip-tease dancer, Priscilla “Voodoo” Kitaen.  Her sultry human form reveals a monstrous, shapeshifting alter-ego.
  11. *Wonder Woman # 1: “Visitation.”  Writer: Brian Azzarello & Art by Cliff Chiang, Matthew Wilson, & Jared K. Fletcher.  Cover and 2nd Printing Cover by Cliff Chiang.  Pursued by dark forces linked to Mount Olympus, a young woman, Zola, needs Wonder Woman’s help. 

Note: As a parental advisory, the asterisk-tagged titles are likely inappropriate for pre-teen readers, as to gore and/or sexual content.  Demon Knights #  1’s plot includes the supernatural homicide of a baby. 

REVIEW:

There is no argument, in terms of sheer quantity, this 10th Anniversary Deluxe Edition is exceptional.  Case in point: such an impressive array of bonus materials is worth the price of admission.  The same applies to some stellar artwork, as demonstrated throughout Aquaman, Justice League, and the surprisingly good Justice League Dark.  The flip side, however, reflects what isn’t addressed in Dan DiDio’s introduction: that is, DC’s crass reliance upon sex appeal and gore. 

It’s not a ‘bold’ statement, as DiDio deems DC’s dubious mentality; instead, readers will recognize shallow tripe and otherwise borderline trash when they see it.  While Red Hood and the Outlaws # 1 and Catwoman # 1 aren’t included in this compendium, they are two other instances where DC’s New 52 sought a fast and sordid buck. 

Foregoing DC’s traditionally bankable, all-ages appeal, most of these eleven titles are clearly designed for a macho adult audience.  Justice League, The Flash, and Action Comics are innocuous fun; by comparison, All-Star Western and the unrepentant Voodoo sleaze-fest surely are not.  What is most disturbing about these latter two issues is the overt sexualization of women, if not flat-out misogyny, towards its female characters. 

Degrees of homicidal violence and gore also plague Batman, Wonder Woman, and the Vertigo Comics-like Animal Man, so it is a misassumption that their storylines are kid-friendly.  Given its title, Justice League Dark is just that, so supernatural gore and some sexual inferences become a foregone conclusion.

Essentially, these premiere issues reveal that DC was desperate (in some instances, far too reckless) to boost its lagging sales.  DC’s New 52 will be remembered, at best, as a mixed-bag experience; for most readers, it was a failed and unnecessary five-year experiment.  Conveniently revamping DC’s iconic characters with an excess of superficial gloss and a mostly blank slate was by no means the right creative antidote. 

Rather than flushing decades of popular continuity (again), perhaps DC might have tried harder after Flashpoint maturing some familiar characters with even telltale hints of gray hair.  Hence, a relatable progression of time seems more worthwhile than DC’s panic button of de-aging nearly its entire roster by a decade.

Note: One unexplained New 52 oddity is how a decade-younger Bruce Wayne still has young Damian Wayne (whose age hasn’t changed) as his son.  For that matter, why wouldn’t Tim Drake and other Teen Titans have reverted to elementary school kids?  Again, DC’s logic deploying its New 52 makeover often contradicts itself.

Regardless of inconsistencies in writing depth, this 10th Anniversary Deluxe Edition celebrates New 52 in all its glory.  If anything, there is enough misguided content that parents should best think twice before purchasing this treasure trove for any young DC fan.    

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Credits and a table of contents are provided.  DC’s ex-publisher, Dan DiDio, provides an insightful (yet self-serving), three-page introduction.  In a full-page format, the original cover followed by either a variant or a second printing cover  precedes each issue. 

Consisting of 118 pages, the bonus materials section includes: marketing concepts, extensive character designs and sketch work, covers, and even the original draft list of New 52 titles DC had planned.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:              6½ Stars

Categories
Blu-Ray DC-Related Movies & Television (Videos)

JUSTICE LEAGUE VS. THE FATAL FIVE

SUMMARY:                 RUNNING TIME: 1 Hr., 17 Min.

In 2019, DC released this original animated film reuniting the three primary voice cast members from 2001-2006’s Justice League/Justice League Unlimited TV series.  Notably, virtually the same animation style is utilized, as are the related programs’ various musical scores. 

In the 30th Century, the Legion of Super-Heroes fails to stop three members of the Fatal Five from stealing a time bubble meant to take them back to the early 21st Century.  Star Boy (suffering from his century’s equivalent of paranoid schizophrenia), at the last second, pursues them and temporarily contains the villains within the bubble.  Over the next ten months, without his medication, an amnesiac Star Boy is confined to Arkham Asylum. 

In Portland, Oregon, Jessica Cruz (as Earth’s latest Green Lantern) copes with PTSD from her terrifying origin months before. She further resists Wonder Woman’s efforts to recruit her into the Justice League.  Within the League, Batman reluctantly serves as teen Miss Martian’s probationary mentor.  At the League’s HQ, Mr. Terrific inadvertently releases the three 30th Century fugitives, who then critically injure Superman.

Along with Star Boy, the League (Batman, Wonder Woman, Mr. Terrific, Miss Martian, and Superman) converges on Portland to save Jessica Cruz from an abduction attempt.  Jessica is subsequently forced to free the Five’s two remaining  from incarceration on planet Oa.  To thwart the quartet’s catastrophic endgame, the League risks ultimate sacrifice to save the galaxy. 

Principal Voice Cast:

Batman: Kevin Conroy (in his final project)

Wonder Woman: Susan Eisenberg

Superman: George Newbern

Jessica Cruz / Green Lantern: Diane Guerrero

Thomas Kallor / Star Boy: Elyes Gabel

Mr. Terrific & Kilowog: Kevin Michael Richardson

Miss Martian: Daniella Bobadilla

Saturn Girl / Harley Quinn / Poison Ivy: Tara Strong

Two-Face: Bruce Timm

Brainiac Five: Noel Fisher

Emerald Empress: Sumalee Montano

Mano: Philip Anthony Rodriguez

Bloodsport / Salaak: Tom Kenny

Persuader: Matthew Yang King

Notes: Continuity-wise, this PG-13 animated film is deemed a sequel to the Justice League/Justice League Unlimited TV series. Still, only Green Lantern John Stewart and Hawkgirl’s separate absences are explained – it is not referenced why the League is otherwise short-handed.  Though the entire set of bonus features may not be included, this title is also available digitally and on DVD.

REVIEW:

Reuniting Susan Eisenberg, George Newbern, and the late Kevin Conroy in a homage sequel to Justice League/Justice League Unlimited has a world of potential.  The voice cast, the faithful animation style, and familiar musical cues are worth the price of admission.  In particular, the League’s brief viewing of Legion Headquarters (i.e., Batman’s take on seeing his Hall of Fame statue) and the epilogue sequence are absolutely spot-on. 

Overall, the storyline is very good but its logic unnecessarily falters down the stretch..  For instances, plot holes are a major gaffe throughout the film’s climax. 

SPOILER ALERT: for instance, the fate of Oa’s Central Power Battery is unresolved, once all its power has been stolen.  Why would Jessica’ power ring (let alone any faraway Green Lantern’s ring) still work?  Worst of all, no matter how poignantly the ‘ultimate sacrifice’ scene is played, it makes no scientific sense whatsoever.  If anything, the screenwriters chose the wrong character. 

Their Final Night-like concept would have worked, only had Jessica Cruz repaired the sun’s fractured damage instead of someone else.  Specifically, if Oan emerald energy has shattered the sun, wouldn’t comic book logic then dictate that Jessica’s considerable willpower controlling such infinite energy be the sole means of repair?  It would also far better explain Star Boy’s admiring deference to Jessica as the mythical ‘Limelight.’  Ultimately, the film’s obvious homage to a classic Legion comic book scenario falls short, given this plot’s circumstances.

The only other detriment stems to the inclusion of the film’s PG-13 elements – i.e. Star Boy’s nudity, occasional profanities, and far more dark (real world) violence than one might expect.  Attempting to reach an older target audience, DC throws in adult-friendly material that would not have passed responsible TV censors for Justice League/Justice League Unlimited. 

Could have DC have gone PG and still delivered the same story – as a faithful sequel to the Justice League animated series?  Absolutely, yes.  Hence, parents of young DC fans should recognize why the film is rated as such and not presume the film is simply more of the TV series.

For Justice League fans, this showdown vs. the Fatal Five scores points in most categories.  The only rub is that Justice League vs. The Fatal Five had the potential to be even better, had it been more kid-friendly.     

BONUS FEATURES:

Language and subtitle options are in English and French.  The optional commentary track includes executive producer Bruce Timm, director Sam Liu, and two other creative team members: Eric Carrasco & Jim Krieg.

Along with an ad hyping Ultra HD, trailers are included for the live-action Aquaman and the animated Reign of the Supermen.  There are previews for two DC animated films, Justice League Dark and Justice League vs. Teen Titans.  A sneak peek at the animated Batman: Hush is also included. 

Including members of the production’s creative team and guests, such as Dr. Andrea Letamendi, one featurette examining Jessica Cruz’s Green Lantern and Star Boy is entitled “Battling the Invisible Menace.”  A second production featurette is entitled “Unity of Hero.”

Both bonus cartoons explore the Legion of Super-Heroes vs. the Fatal Five.  Legion of Super-Heroes’ first episode, “Man of Tomorrow” (6 Stars), has the 30th Century Legion desperately recruiting a rookie Superboy’s help.  The other is Justice League Unlimited’s “Far From Home” (8 Stars) in arguably Supergirl’s most pivotal animated appearance.   

PACKAGING:

Possessing a standard casing, this Blu-Ray’s contents are accurately advertised.      

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                    7 Stars

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

DARK NIGHTS: DEATH METAL (DC Comics)

Written by Scott Snyder.

Art by Greg Capullo; Jonathan Glapion; FCO Plascenia; Tom Napolitano; Yanick Paquette; Bryan Hitch; Nathan Fairbairn; & Alex Sinclair.

Collection Cover Art by Greg Capullo; Jonathan Glapion; & FCO Plascenia.

SUMMARY:

In this sequel to Dark Nights: Metal, DC Comics released this 232-page trade paperback collecting Dark Nights: Death Metal # 1-7. 

On a post-apocalyptic Earth, the Batman Who Laughs, along with the cosmic deity, Perpetua, now dominates DC’s multiverse in every bleak detail.  Only Wonder Woman’s makeshift strike force stands a remote chance of restoring the legendary multiverse to what it should be.  Among those joining their perennial Justice League teammate are Wally West, Batman and Superman – each is guarding a devastating secret, as to his true nature.

Come the end, an ultimate sacrifice must be made to resurrect DC’s entire multitude of parallel Earths, each evidently different from prior incarnations.  Ultimately, Death Metal is meant to serve as DC’s precursor to its Infinite Frontier continuity re-launch.

Note: This title is also available in hardcover and digital formats.

REVIEW:

Previously, 2018’s Justice League: No Justice – a ludicrous storyline with generally crummy artwork – was seemingly the worst event dreck DC has produced this century.  Dark Nights: Death Metal dubiously rivals No Justice for pure nonsense. 

Aspiring to be DC’s answer to a heavy metal/goth opera, this bizarre cosmic epic overdoses on high-concept style vs. treading any semblance of storytelling substance.  Case in point: an epilogue scene where the heroes and villains share a rock jam concert (with Superman as lead vocalist and Batman on guitar, no less) tells astute readers how glaringly misguided Death Metal is. 

While the art squad’s visuals are generally high-caliber, writer Scott Snyder’s plot coherency stumbles from the get-go.  After the halfway mark, no matter how Crisis-related homages are pitched, Snyder’s grandiose storyline is  incomprehensible.  It’s like Snyder is trying to one-up fellow scribe Grant Morrison’s playbook on how to leave hapless DC readers baffled one sequence after another, with too little or no helpful transition.  Short of setting up DC’s Infinite Frontier era, the most tantalizing scene is between a M.I.A. Wonder Woman and an ethereal version of her Golden Age incarnation. 

Beyond that, the tone-deaf Dark Knights: Death Metal is strictly geared for DC’s current hardcore teen fanbase.  Any effort on DC’s part to engage an all-ages audience (whether it be kids or mainstream adults) appears otherwise coincidental.      

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

In a full-page format, the original cover precedes each issue.  Artist Greg Capullo includes a four-page sketchbook.  A four-panel evolution depicts the creation of Dark Knights: Death Metal # 1’s cover image (it doubles as s also the collection cover image).  Artists Doug Mahnke & David Baron’s variant covers for Issues # 1-6, in a half-page format, are presented.  Their Issue # 7 cover variant appears as a full page.         

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                      3½ Stars

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

BIRDS OF PREY: FIGHTERS BY TRADE (DC Comics)

Written by Gail Simone & Issue # 91 only: Jim Alexander.

Art by Joe Bennett; Eddy Barrows; Paulo Siqueira; Adriana Melo; Adam DeKraker; David Lopez; Bruce Timm; Brad Walker; Robin Riggs; Fernando Blanco; Will Conrad; Jimmy Palmiotti; Hi-Fi; Jared K. Fletcher; & Rob Leigh.

Collection Cover Art by Adriana Melo & Will Conrad.

SUMMARY:

In 2021, DC Comics released this 272-page trade paperback reprinting 2005-2006’s Birds of Prey # 81-91.  In Singapore, Dinah Lance’s Black Canary brings her surrogate uncle, Ted Grant’s Wildcat, on an undercover mission infiltrating an ultra-dangerous drug trafficking ring.  While an ailing Barbara Gordon’s Oracle and Blackhawk Zinda try to provide them remote back-up, an estranged Helena Bertinelli’s Huntress has initiated her own solo operation vs. Gotham City’s mob factions. 

Ultimately, both sides of this volatile equation collide in Gotham, as the Birds must rely on some new allies, such as Savant, and others (i.e., Connor Hawke’s Green Arrow) for help.

Amidst Countdown to Infinite Crisis, Booster Gold pleads with an overworked Oracle for help searching for a M.I.A. Blue Beetle (aka Ted Kord).  With her life threatened by an invasive metallic parasite, Barbara faces emergency surgery.  Guest stars include Dr. Mid-Nite, Batman, Dick Grayson, Superman, and Cyborg. 

Leaving Gotham City, the reunited Birds set up a new base in Metropolis where the Prankster, Calculator, and Deathstroke are among their initial adversaries.  A subsequent Birds mission to Istanbul is also in the cards.  At a celebration in her honor, a recuperating Barbara reunites with Dick Grayson. Filling in for Superman, Dinah and Blackhawk Zinda must resolve a high-profile hostage crisis covered on live TV. 

Alerted by her day job as a school teacher, Helena takes personal action protecting a young student’s family threatened by drug dealers.  Extensively tortured, a captive Savant is pressured by Calculator’s mercenaries (among them are Hellhound and Black Spider) to divulge Oracle’s elusive identity.  On a nocturnal Star City raid, Black Canary tries closing old emotional wounds by teaming up with her ex-fiancé, Green Arrow.

While feuding with the Calculator, Barbara decides if it is finally time to reveal her secret life to her worried father, Commissioner Gordon.  The Birds risk Batman’s wrath by backing Helena’s endgame in her Gotham mob sting.  Huntress and an injured Black Canary are confronted by a peeved Dark Knight. 

Prior to the last panel alluding to Helena’s role in Infinite Crisis, the team tangles itself up re: terminally ill mobster Joseph Bull.  Awaiting the Birds are two villains-for-hire on loan from the Royal Flush Gang.

REVIEW:

Backed by this art squad’s excellent visuals, writer Gail Simone delivers all the necessary goods for long-time Bird watchers.  Case in point: Simone’s cartoony Black Canary caper with guest artist Bruce Timm is a comedic treat!  Birds of Prey: Fighters by Trade, suffice to say, is a top-flight and remarkably coherent read.  Recommended!

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

In a full-page format, the original cover (followed by a single-color version) precedes each issue.  The cover artists are: Adriana Melo and Will Conrad. The sole exception is Jesus Saiz, who handles Issue # 91.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                        8 Stars

Categories
Comic Books & Graphic Novels DC Comics

ALPHA CENTURION SPECIAL # 1 (1996 DC Comics)

Written by Barbara Kesel & Stuart Immomen.

Art by Dean Zachary; Wade Von Grawbadger; Pam Eklund; Ken Lopez; & Glenn Whitmore.

Cover Art by Stuart Immomen.

SUMMARY:

From the pages of Adventures of Superman # 535, DC Comics released this 40-page one-shot entitled “Protector of Earth?” for September 1996.  Above the U.S. Capitol Building, Marcus Aelius (aka Alpha Centurion) defeats the snarky thief and alleged historian calling herself, ‘Ephemera.’  Having staked Washington, D.C., as his new home, Earth’s new defender regularly plays himself up to the media. 

His origin is revealed: from ancient Rome, the famed warrior was recruited by planet Virmiru to train and serve as an intergalactic hero.  Included are brief glimpses of his recent interaction with Superman and Lois Lane in the present-day.

Evidently summoned back into service by planet Virmiru, Ultra Centurion’s advanced technology helps him face the nebulous alien, Foris Ab Taumen.  The question becomes: what is Earth’s true potential threat from deep space?

REVIEW:

This blah one-shot is technically a Superman spin-off.  Yet, for the mid-90’s, its forgettable writing and bland artwork are reminiscent of DC’s Impact Comics imprint – not to mention, Marvel’s similar Malibu Comics.  The sole incentive to rescue Alpha Centurion Special # 1 from the bargain section is for obscurity’s sake.  Even then, it may prove something of a disappointment.  

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

There is a full-page “Watch This Space” column remembering iconic Superman artist Curt Swan.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                        3 Stars

IMAGE NOT AVAILABLE

Categories
Blu-Ray DC-Related Movies Movies & Television (Videos) Sherlock Holmes-Related

BATMAN: GOTHAM BY GASLIGHT

SUMMARY:                    RUNNING TIME: 1 Hr., 18 Min.

This 2018 DC animated film loosely adapts 1989’s Batman: Gotham By Gaslight graphic novel – DC Comics’ first Elseworlds project.  Days before hosting the World’s Fair, a Victorian-era Gotham City is besieged after nightfall by a knife-wielding serial killer targeting the city’s perceived prostitutes.  Simultaneously, the vigilante Batman is now protecting Gotham’s most defenseless from street crime. 

Facing off against one another, the Dark Knight and the Ripper find that stage entertainer Selina Kyle has her own hellbent score to settle with the elusive killer.  Worse yet, this fearsome adversary can successfully fend them both off in 2-on-1 combat. Other wildcards in play are Police Commissioner James Gordon, Police Chief Harvey Bullock, and District Attorney Harvey Dent in their efforts to thwart the grisly murders.    

Personal tragedy strikes Gotham’s greatest philanthropist, Bruce Wayne, who finds himself framed for the Ripper’s murders, including a beloved friend.  Mere hours before the World’s Fair’s opening, Batman races the clock to reach down his foe before the Ripper strikes the one closest to Bruce Wayne’s heart.    

Note: Unlike the graphic novel, Batman’s tragic origin dating back to childhood is neither depicted nor re-imagined.  The film only briefly alludes to why Bruce Wayne began his familiar obsession declaring war on street crime.  

Principal Voice Cast:

Bruce Wayne/Batman: Bruce Greenwood

Selina Kyle: Jennifer Carpenter

Alfred Pennyworth: Anthony Head

District Attorney Harvey Dent: Yuri Lowenthal

Commissioner James Gordon: Scott Patterson

Sister Leslie Tompkins, Jason Todd, & Selina Kyle’s Singing Voice: Grey Griffin

Timmy Drake & Marlene Mahoney: Tara Strong

Dickie Grayson: Lincoln Milcher

Hugo Strange: William Salyers

Barbara Eileen-Gordon & Pamela “Poison Ivy” Isley: Kari Wuhrer

Police Chief Harvey Bullock & Big Dill Dust: John DiMaggio

Mayor Tolliver: Bob Joles

Note: Though the entire set of bonus features may not be included, this R-rated title is also available digitally and on DVD.

REVIEW:

Enhanced by impressive production values, this grisly animated adaptation surpasses its source material.  Instead of transplanting Jack the Ripper from London as a ‘sequel’ to the killer’s historical notoriety, this version devises its own shadowy ‘Ripper’ to face Gotham’s rookie Dark Knight.  Cleverly, the film adheres far closer to familiar Bat-mythology, including the presence of Selina Kyle, Poison Ivy, Hugo Strange, a trio of young Robins, and even a name drop of ‘Cyrus Gold’ (a reference to DC’s Solomon  Grundy).  Hence, this adaptation benefits from a welcome unpredictability in its plot twists.

Two caveats, however, should be considered.  One: the film’s R-rating allows the Ripper’s bloody predatorial stalking of women to be visualized in multiple brutal deaths; the same applies to brief nudity and profanities.  Two: deviating from Brian Augustyn’s graphic novel, the culprit’s identity has been changed, presumably for shock value purposes.  The gamble mostly works, but it’s justifiable that Bat-fans may be unhappy at the desecration of an iconic character.

Ultimately, Batman: Gotham By Gaslight scores on all creative counts: spot-on voice casting (especially Bruce Greenwood & Jennifer Carpenter), high-caliber animation, and a haunting musical score.  Despite a disturbing violence quotient, the animated Gotham By Gaslight fulfills its creative potential.          

BONUS FEATURES:

Language options and subtitles consist of: English, Dutch, French, Portuguese, Spanish-Castellano, and Spanish-Latino.  Optional audio commentary with executive producer Bruce Timm, screenwriter Jim Krieg, and director/producer Sam Lieu is available. 

Aside from the trailer for the animated Batman vs. Two-Face (Adam West’s final Batman project), sneak peeks are included for upcoming DC animated films: Justice League Dark, Batman: Bad Blood, and Suicide Squad: Hell to Pay.  There is also a featurette entitled “Caped Fear: The First Elseworld.” 

The two bonus cartoons are: 1. Batman – The Brave and the Bold’s “Trials of the Demon!,” which includes appearances from Sherlock Holmes & Dr. John Watson; Jay Garrick’s Flash; Scream Queen (a purplish re-working of Silver Banshee); the Scarecrow; Jason Blood/The Demon; and the Gentleman Ghost; and 2. Batman: The Animated Series’ “Showdown,” which co-stars Ra’s al Ghul in Jonah Hex’s animated debut. 

Re: “The Trials of the Demon!” (6 Stars), it is a fun supernatural caper where the Gentleman Ghost proves a most formidable Bat-foe.  Still, this episode’s most glaring weakness is Holmes’ ludicrous instant ‘deductions’ confirming Batman’s intents and origin – no matter Holmes’ legendary observational talents, he is not that good. 

As for the flashback-driven “Showdown” (8 Stars), pitting an adaptation of Jonah Hex vs. Ra’s al Ghul is an inspired Western action-adventure.  This episode’s final plot twist is exceptionally well-played.        

PACKAGING:

Possessing a standard casing, this Blu-Ray’s contents are accurately advertised.    

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                       8 Stars

Categories
Comic Books & Graphic Novels DC Comics

THE RAY (RAY TERRILL) # 5 (1994 DC Comics)

Written by Christopher Priest.

Art by Howard Porter; Robert Jones; Ken Bruzenak; & Pat Garrahy.

Cover Art by Art Nichols & Joe Quesada.

SUMMARY:

Entitled “The Wall,” DC Comics released this issue for September 1994.  Inebriated by energy absorbed from the Light Entity, teenager Ray Terrill annoyingly defies his estranged father, “Happy” Terrill – the Golden Age Ray.  Pursuing his out-of-control son across the globe, the original Ray resorts to seemingly removing the teen’s vast powers.  Having ‘sobered up,’ Ray’s gleeful enjoyment of normal humanity (for the first time in his life) is soon tarnished by a humiliating hold-up robbery. 

Seeking out his father, an irate Ray unleashes his full vengeance over this heartless lesson in ‘tough love.’  The question becomes: can father and son reconcile in time before tragedy ensues?   

REVIEW:

Bolstered by the art squad’s terrific visuals, Issue # 5 spells out Ray Terrill’s underrated potential. As annoying as his character’s immaturity is, Ray’s personality is at least written closer to reality – as compared to the mid-80’s Teen Titans, who behaved far more like mid-twenty-somethings.  Further, writer Christopher Priest transforms an excessively dramatic scolding where Ray’s father reduces his son to tears into a surprisingly poignant sequence.  Priest also adds an intriguing last surprise that should keep the Ray’s fans hooked enough to give his fledging series a chance. 

Showcasing two generations of the title character, The Ray # 5, overall, merits a chance at rediscovery. 

Note: As of Issue # 28, the series was cancelled in 1996.   

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

After a two-page letters-and-answers column, “DC Universe # 19” hypes possible (no matter how absurd) plots in the Zero Hour saga.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                      6½ Stars

Categories
Comic Books & Graphic Novels DC Comics

GREEN LANTERN (HAL JORDAN) # 180 (1984 DC Comics)

Main Feature Written by Len Wein. Main Feature Art by Dave Gibbons; Mike DeCarlo; Ben Oda; & Anthony Tollin.

“Green Magic” Back-Up Feature Written by Todd Klein. “Green Magic” Back-Up Feature Art by Dave Gibbons; Anthony Tollin; & Todd Klein.

Cover Art by Dave Gibbons.

SUMMARY:

Entitled “Aftermath!,” DC Comics released this issue for September 1984.  Green Lantern Hal Jordan helps contain the catastrophic damage at Ferris Aircraft following the Demolition Team’s mercenary attack. 

With scientist Clay Kendall suffering life-altering injuries, a devastated Carol Ferris erupts on Hal Jordan for choosing his off-world duties as Green Lantern over her own needs. In addition to the mystery of the Predator’s identity, others are scheming to take advantage of the precarious situation Carol’s company is now in. 

Guilt-ridden, Hal seeks solace from Green Arrow, Barry Allen’s Flash, and Superman over Carol’s emotional ultimatum about any future they might still have together.  Hal’s shocking decision begins an 18-month arc where John Stewart ascends to the franchise’s title role.      

REVIEW:

Two thumbs up!  Teaming with a top-flight art squad, writer Len Wein depicts a pivotal change in Hal Jordan’s status quo.  Impressively, Wein concocts a scenario where Hal’s troubled conscience surpasses his trademark bravado and power ring heroics, as far as re-evaluating life’s priorities.  Enhanced by worthwhile appearances from Green Arrow and Superman (the Flash’s scene is negligible), Green Lantern # 180 is a mid-80’s DC relic well worth re-discovery.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Under the banner of Tales of the Green Lantern Corps Presents: Green Magic, this six-page back-up tale is entitled “Enemy Lines, Part Two.”  On planet Rhoon, Green Lantern Hollika Rahn and her allies discover deception amidst the ongoing conflict pitting the world’s sorcerer faction vs. its scientists. 

The story’s finish is inconclusive, suggesting that Hollika’s tale will resume in a later issue.  Enjoying an original plot and terrific artwork, this obscure tale would be reprinted decades later in the Tales of the Green Lantern Corps, Volume 2 trade paperback. 

Included with Dick Giordano’s “Meanwhile …” column is a spotlight article quoting Alan Moore’s cryptic prose from The Saga of the Swamp Thing series.  Separating Hal’s main feature from Hollika’s adventure is a single-page “Letters by Lantern’s Light” letters-and-answers column.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                    8 Stars