Category: DC Comics

Written by Roy Thomas

Art by Mike Clark; Arvell Jones; Vince Colletta; Dann Thomas; Carl Gafford; & David Cody Weiss

Cover Art by (Uncredited)

SUMMARY:

Published by DC Comics for November 1985, this Crisis on Infinite Earths tie-in depicts Earth-S’s devious Mr. Mind on Earth-Two in 1942.  Recruiting the monstrous Oom into his Monster Society of Evil, Mr. Mind reveals his latest scheme.  With much of the All-Squadron ominously missing, Dr. Fate and a powerless Hourman search Manhattan for clues, only to find the Monster Society holding Hawkgirl hostage inside JSA headquarters. Mr. Mind explains his odd arrival on Earth-Two. 

Teenage sidekick Sandy’s timely arrival gives the battered All-Stars a second chance, but Dr. Fate is taken captive into another dimension by Oom.  A thrashed Hourman, Hawkgirl, and Sandy desperately need some All-Star firepower.  Elsewhere, on Earth-S, an irrate Captain Marvel is ready to pounce upon stranded All-Stars Liberty Belle, Johnny Quick, and Green Lantern (who remembers him all too well from All-Star Squadron # 36-37). 

REVIEW:

After the dynamite (and double-sized) Issue # 50 (a Crisis cross-over) splintering the team into different storylines, this initial follow-up is something of a letdown.  Still, assembling the long-forgotten Mr. Who; Oom; Nyola; and Ramulus (the original villainous Nightshade) as a makeshift team is a fun idea from writer Roy Thomas.  He makes it believable that the suddenly short-handed All-Stars (even with Doctor Fate) are no match for them.  Mr. Mind’s flashback (echoing Harbinger’s recent Crisis-related visit to Earth-Two) pitches some nice bits of comedy relief.  Anchored by terrific artwork, All-Star Squadron # 51 is relatively worthwhile for long-time fans.  However, Issue # 52, which pits Captain Marvel and three All-Stars against the Anti-Monitor’s shadow demons is really a far better read.      

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

In addition to a single-page “Meanwhile …” column, there’s a two-page “All-Star Squadroom” letters-and-answers column.  A full-page recreation of Jack Burnley’s Golden Age cover for All-Star Comics # 13 is included.  

BRIAN’S 10-STAR RATING:                     6½ Stars

Note: Issue # 53 (the finale of this three-part Crisis-related Earth-S cross-over) pits Earth-Two’s Man of Steel vs. the Monster Society.

Written by Roy Thomas

Art by Arvell Jones; Richard Howell; L. Lois; ‘Orz;’ & Gene D’Angelo

Cover Art by (Uncredited)

SUMMARY:

Published for September 1984 by DC Comics, it’s the conclusion of a two-parter guest-starring the Golden Age Shazam Family on Earth-Two in 1942.  Entitled “Lighting in Berlin,” the All-Stars (Batman; Hawkman; Flash; and Plastic Man) covertly smuggle Mary Batson & Freddy Freeman into Berlin to free the brainwashed Captain Marvel from Hitler’s command.  Fearing the Spear of Destiny’s evil influence, the trio of Superman; Wonder Woman; and Green Lantern stay behind to defend London.  They are the failsafe against the risk of potentially sending Mary & Freddy into Nazi clutches. 

In Berlin, the stunned All-Stars find that Hitler has diabolically split captive Billy Batson off from Captain Marvel.  He proceeds to do the same with a defenseless Mary and Freddy.  While the All-Stars are chased out of Nazi territory, the now-corrupted Marvel Family escorts a mega-bomb to annihilate London.  Over London, it’s a three-on-three super-showdown!  With the All-Stars in desperate shape, who will save them in time?     

REVIEW:

Writer Roy Thomas’ stellar script is absolutely among the best of this entire series.  Impressively, it allows readers to jump in without needing All-Star Squadron # 36 to catch up fast.  The artwork depicting the simultaneous action scenes (the super-showdown and the All-Stars’ retreat from Berlin) is outstanding, as is the spot-on cover image.  Suffice to say, All-Star Squadron # 37 is a classic DC thrill ride truly worth finding. 

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Roy Thomas’ letters-and-answers column includes a cover reveal for All-Star Squadron # 38.  Dick Giordano provides a “Meanwhile” column.  A promo column hypes John Stewart replacing Hal Jordan as Earth-One’s Green Lantern.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:               10 Stars

Notes: The first half of this two-parter (Issue # 36) is highly recommended, too.  All-Star Squadron # 51-53 features a sequel crossover with Earth-S amidst the Crisis on Infinite Earths saga.  Another worthy sequel is 1984’s DC Comics Presents Annual # 3, as a Shazam-powered Dr. Sivana challenges the present-day Supermen of Earths-One and Two, plus the Marvel Family. 

Written by Roy Thomas

Art by Rich Buckler; Richard Howell; Carl Gafford; & ‘Cody’

Cover Art by Rich Buckler & Jerry Ordway

SUMMARY:

Published for August 1984 by DC Comics, it’s the first half of a two-parter guest-starring the Golden Age Shazam Family on Earth-Two in 1942.  Entitled “Thunder Over London!,” seven All-Stars (Batman; Superman; Green Lantern; Wonder Woman; Hawkman; Flash; and Plastic Man) grimly view newsreel footage of Hitler’s formidable Super-Nazi, including his assault on the Shining Knight.  They are perplexed how their new adversary resembles the comic book hero, Captain Marvel.  An in-joke has Superman fuming that this rival ‘Super-Nazi’ is merely a flashy knock-off.  Note: DC’s parallel ‘Earth-S’ is where Captain Marvel has been magically siphoned from by Earth-Two’s Nazi forces. 

Captain Marvel bombards a London hospital where Superman is visiting an injured Shining Knight.  Stunned by what they see, the All-Stars attempt to aid Superman vs. Marvel in a super-slugfest.  It may get even worse, as two more Marvels make an appearance.   

REVIEW:

Writer Roy Thomas’ action-packed script is excellent.  As indicated by its spot-on cover, All-Star Squadron # 36 is further bolstered by top-tier artwork.  The gag depicting Superman’s outward jealousy re: Captain Marvel is an ingenious device considering their bitter sales rivalry during the 1940’s, not to mention DC’s aggressive legal tactics that finally put Fawcett Comics’ version of the Marvel Family out of business.  In fairness, DC Comics smartly plays Captain Marvel as a stellar guest villain who can believably withstand the Golden Age Superman & Green Lantern in their prime.  This comic truly is a gem worth re-discovery.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

There’s a letters-and-answers column with Roy Thomas, along with sneak peeks at the covers of All-Star Squadron Annual # 3 and Infinity Inc. # 6. 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:             9 Stars

Notes: Issue # 37 is highly recommended, too.  All-Star Squadron # 51-53 features another cross-over with Earth-S amidst the Crisis on Infinite Earths saga.  1984’s DC Comics Presents Annual # 3 offers a present-day sequel, as a Shazam-powered Dr. Sivana challenges the Supermen of Earths-One and Two, plus the Marvel Family. 

Written by Roy Thomas

Art by Jerry Ordway; Mike Machlan; Gene D’Angelo; & ‘Cody’

Cover Art by Jerry Ordway

SUMMARY:

Published by DC Comics for September 1983, this standard-length issue is entitled “The Infinity Syndrome!,” as it’s the debut of time-traveling Infinity Inc. (Jade; Obsidian; Fury; Silver Scarab/future Dr. Fate; Nuklon/future Atom Smasher; Northwind; and Brainwave Jr.).  On Earth-Two, amidst World War II, the Justice Battalion (Wonder Woman; Starman; Dr. Mid-Nite; Sandman; Johnny Thunder; & Hawkman) stand by in Washington D.C. to pursue the notorious Black Dragon Society saboteurs, despite an urge to go after the now-female Ultra-Humanite (“Ultra”). 

On Long Island, the All-Stars (Batman & Robin; Commander Steel; Green Lantern (Alan Scott); Liberty Belle; Atom (Al Pratt); and Tarantula) find Ultra’s ex-ally, Amazing Man (Will Everett) a formidable adversary.  To save his parents, Amazing Man joins forces with the All-Stars to track down Ultra.  At the Brooklyn Naval Yard, the Guardian; Liberty Belle; Commander Steel; and the Newsboy Legion face the mind-controlled Silver Scarab and Atom Smasher, per Ultra’s orders.  Two All-Stars mysteriously vanish in the skirmish.  Elsewhere, Ultra’s $200 million dollar extortion scheme has snared a helpless Superman, Firebrand, and Robotman.  Ultra’s treacherous minion, Cyclotron, ponders his actions.

In Los Angeles, Batman & Robin; Tarantula; and Phantom Lady (with her father, Senator Knight) must repel Fury and Northwind’s attack on a warplane assembly plant.  Yet, two more All-Stars vanish.  In Detroit, Amazing Man, Green Lantern, and the Atom battle Jade and Obsidian.  Green Lantern is perplexed by Jade’s powers before he and the Atom also vanish.  Brainwave Jr. may be Earth-Two’s last hope standing.                

Note: There’s a few fun in-jokes: 1. Sandra Knight (aka Phantom Lady) calls Tarantula “Spider-Man;” and 2. Green Lantern mistakes Jade’s 80’s catchphrase, “Grody to the Max,” as a foreign language. 

REVIEW:

Setting up Infinity Inc’s present-day spin-off, this issue is an underrated gem!  Writer Roy Thomas coherently juggles several All-Stars and Infinity Inc. in an intriguing cliffhanger.  He smartly doesn’t play his best cards yet by dropping only hints re: the youthful Infinity Inc’s heritage (including why they belong in the year 1983).  Capably supporting Thomas’ storyline is Jerry Ordway’s top-tier artwork.  Other than a minor goof coloring Batman’s face as a full blue mask (instead of showing his exposed lower face), this issue’s coloring after thirty-five plus years is mighty impressive.  Ultimately, with its mix of a well-played storyline and vintage DC artwork, All-Star Squadron # 25 is well-worth re-discovery!

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

There is Dick Giordano’s full-page “Meanwhile …” column (written as a letter to “Mom”).  Roy Thomas’ full-page, letters & answers column includes correspondence from Golden Age writer-editor Sheldon Mayer.   

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:             9 Stars

Written by Roy Thomas & Rich Buckler

Art by Rich Buckler; Jerry Ordway; John Costanza; & Carl Gafford

Cover Art by Rich Buckler & Dick Giordano

SUMMARY:

Entitled “Day of the Dragon King,” this issue was published by DC Comics for December 1981.  On Earth-Two, it’s the day after the attack on Pearl Harbor.  Combining forces, the Justice Society of America and the All-Star Squadron: Superman; Batman & Robin; Doctor Fate; Robotman; Green Lantern Alan Scott;  Hawkman; Jay Garrick’s Flash; Al Pratt’s Atom; Johnny Quick; Sandman; Dr. Mid-Nite; the Spectre; Wonder Woman; Liberty Belle; Starman; and Johnny Thunder become acquainted, as they journey together to Pearl Harbor. 

Consulting with the U.S. Military, the team will retaliate with an aerial counter-strike against Japan’s Imperial Fleet, which leaves Batman & Robin, Starman; Flash; and Sandman to temporarily stay behind.  Also arriving at Pearl Harbor is the Shining Knight, who accompanies Danette Riley (the future Firebrand) to visit her injured brother, Rod (the first Firebrand). 

The Dragon King and his Axis fleet use the Holy Grail’s mystical power to mesmerize Green Lantern, Johnny Thunder, Wonder Woman, and Doctor Fate.  The Spectre and Superman must flee to evade failing under Axis command.  As the team defends itself from Axis forces, they are further bombarded by their mind-controlled colleagues.  Amidst the Dragon King’s gloating, Hawkman and Robotman must make desperate choices fighting back.   

REVIEW:

Conveniently spelling out why the All-Star Squadron can’t easily end World War II, the script suffers from including too many heroes in far too little space.  It makes sense for Batman & Robin’s cameo, but Wonder Woman’s contribution is left as simply part of the backdrop.  Though Superman has an okay supporting part, at least characters, such as Hawkman, Green Lantern, and Robotman stand out in pivotal roles.  Rather predictably, the Japanese characters are portrayed as heavy-handed caricatures, which includes a repetitive racial slur by the heroes.  Suffice to say, it’s another creative misstep by co-writers Roy Thomas & Rich Buckler.

Impressively, the art team delivers great visuals, considering how difficult it would be to insert multiple heroes into single panels.  Also, it’s admirable how the original look of various heroes for that time (i.e. Batman) is faithfully rendered.  All-Star Squadron # 4, however, doesn’t age well due to its storytelling contrivances. 

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

There’s a single-page “All-Star Comments” letters-and-answers column.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:          4 Stars

Written by (See Credits Below)

Art by (See Credits Below)

Cover Art by Keith Giffen & Mike DeCarlo

SUMMARY:

Published by DC Comics for October 1982, this 100-page digest-size volume assembles reprints with more recent material, even if only the Shazam! tale is labeled as “brand new!” 

Of these reprints,  Supergirl’s interaction with The Legion of Super-Heroes is identified as 1960’s Action Comics # 267.  Also, a young Lex Luthor’s first encounter with a Legionnaire is taken from 1961’s Superboy # 86.  Co-edited by Dick Giordano and Carl Gafford, these seven tales are:  

• Shazam! … Battle With the Gods! (Part II): Written by E. Nelson Bridwell, with art by Don Newton; John Calnan; Milt Skapinn; & Adrienne Roy.  Concluding the “Confederation of Hell,” the mighty Marvel Family and Kid Eternity face off vs. four demonic entities summoned by the villainous Master Man. 
• Aquaman – Trail of the Ring (Parts I-III): Written by Steve Skeates, with art by Jim Aparo.  As his search for an abducted Mera continues, Aquaman faces another fearsome undersea civilization.
• Supergirl – The Three Super-Heroes: Written by Jerry Siegel, with art by Jim Mooney.  Misidentifying themselves as the original Legionnaires’ ‘children,’ Saturn Girl, Cosmic Boy, and Lightning Lad consider recruiting Supergirl in the 20^th Century.  Colossal Boy, Invisible Kid, and Chameleon Boy make their debuts.   
• Black Canary – Untitled story (Part II): Written by Denny O’Neil, with art by Alex Toth.  Held hostage and facing imminent death, Black Canary must escape her armed captors and thwart their mysterious employer’s jailbreak.  
• Sandman – The Unholy Dreams of Gentleman Jack: Script & Art by Joe Simon & Jack Kirby.  Prisoner “Gentleman” Jack Jarvis vengefully dreams of killing the Golden Age Sandman.  His fanciful scheme may prove a premonition. 
• Superboy – The Army of Kryptonite Men: Script: Jerry Siegel, with art by George Papp.  Lex Luthor’s newest weapon may doom Superboy and Krypto, unless an unexpected friend intervenes in time.
• Spectre – Beyond the Sinister Barrier! (Parts I-III): Written by Gardner Fox, with art by Murphy Anderson. Another titanic clash vs. a hellacious demon awaits the Spectre on Gateway City Police Captain Jim Corrigan’s latest case.  

Notes: The tales for Black Canary, Aquaman, and Shazam! begin in Adventure Comics # 491.  Also, despite what the cover image indicates, Brainiac 5 doesn’t appear in the Supergirl tale.

REVIEW:

While the visual styles aren’t hampered by the compact digest size, what’s impressive is that the artwork holds up remarkably well.  Consistent with their prior installments, the finales for the Shazam! and Black Canary cliffhangers are worth catching. 

The same applies to the intriguing Aquaman storyline, as it compels readers to stay tuned.  Like the previous issue, another Sandman relic makes for a great Golden Age time warp experiencing Simon & Kirby’s take on his purple-and-yellow phase.  While the Spectre’s story isn’t memorable, it’s still a decent read for fans of the character’s original incarnation with Jim Corrigan.     

Displaying some reasonable improvement over their first two stories, the Legion’s early interactions with Supergirl and then Superboy, Krypto, and Lex Luthor are worth perusing.  While Supergirl’s tale is tinged by wistful poignancy that anyone can relate to, the Superboy-Krypto tale suffers from a blatant cop-out finish.  It’s an entertaining one-time-only gimmick, but, unfortunately, this ‘solution’ implies that a near-invincible Boy of Steel is even more all that unbeatable.  Still, an ominous last panel re: Lex Luthor is a top-caliber hint of his destiny. 

Without any major weak spots, Adventure Comics # 492 deserves re-discovery as a reliable example of DC Comics’ old school anthology storytelling. 

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Images of the original covers aren’t included.  On the back inside cover, DC Vice President-Operations Paul Levitz elaborates re: the selection of the third and fourth Legion of Super-Heroes tales for this issue.       

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:              7 Stars

Written by (See Credits Below)

Art by (See Credits Below)

Cover Art by Keith Giffen & Romeo Tanghal

SUMMARY:

Published by DC Comics for September 1982, this 100-page digest-size issue compiles various reprints with more recent material – specifically, the Shazam! story is labeled as “brand new!”  Among the reprints, only Superboy’s first encounter with the Legion of Super-Heroes identifies its original source, which is Adventure Comics # 247.  The sequel is referenced as having been published twenty months later.  Co-edited by Dick Giordano and Carl Gafford, these seven tales are:  

• Shazam! The Confederation of Hell (Part I): Written by E. Nelson Bridwell, with art by Don Newton; F. Chiaramonte; Philip Felix; & Adrienne Roy.  On a hiking trip with Kid Eternity, the Marvel Family (in their civilian identities) is taken captive and seemingly rendered powerless by a quartet of Satan-spawned villains: Ibac, Sabbac, Master Man, and Darkling.  Even if the heroes can escape, another demonic threat awaits them. 
• Superboy – The Legion of Super-Heroes: Written by Otto Binder, with art by Al Plastino & Jerry Serpe.  Wearing one-time only costumes, the debuting Lightning Lad, Saturn Girl, and Cosmic Boy visit 20^th Century Smallville to recruit Superboy to join their 30^th Century ‘super-hero club.’  However, it may not be as easy as it sounds.
• Aquaman – Sorcerers of the Sea (Parts I-III): Written by Steve Skeates, with art by Jim Aparo.  Beneath the sea, Aquaman and Aqualad desperately search for an abducted Mera.
• Black Canary – Untitled story (Part I): Written by Denny O’Neil, with art by Alex Toth & Tom Ziuko.  Told in partial flashback, an unemployed Black Canary (Dinah Drake Lance) accepts a judo training gig, only to meet with a nasty surprise.  
• Sandman – The Man Who Couldn’t Sleep: Script & Art by Joe Simon, Jack Kirby, & Nansi Hoolihan.  A nocturnal crime wave pits the purple & yellow-clad, Golden Age Sandman and his teen partner, Sandy, against a new foe plagued by permanent insomnia. 
• Superboy – Prisoner of the Super-Heroes: Script: Unknown, with art by George Papp & Jerry Serpe.  Now wearing their traditional costumes, the three original Legionnaires return to Superboy’s 20^th Century Smallville to thwart supposed crimes he hasn’t yet committed.
• Spectre – War That Shook the Universe! (Parts I-II): Written by Gardner Fox, with art by Murphy Anderson & Anthony Tollin. Released from limbo after twenty years, the Spectre aids his alter ego, Gateway City Police Captain Jim Corrigan, on a demonic case that threatens the cosmos.   

Note: The tales for Black Canary, Aquaman, and Shazam! conclude in Adventure Comics # 492.

REVIEW:

While the art teams contribute solid visuals that aren’t hampered by the compact digest size, the seven storylines are more a mixed bag.  Standing out are the exciting Shazam! and Black Canary cliffhangers, which are underrated instances of DC storytelling from that era. 

Just slightly less so are the lengthy Aquaman and Spectre stories, though they become increasingly readable.  The Sandman caper is a Golden Age noir-style goodie, but its unremarkable script could have just as easily have substituted in Gotham City’s Dynamic Duo.  Even so, Simon & Kirby’s take on the first Sandman offers fans a fun old-school read. 

Despite the nostalgic value re: the Legion of Super-Heroes, the two Superboy tales are the weakest here on merit. Aside from the problem that the condescending Legionnaires come off as snotty, countering them with an easily dejected Superboy isn’t an answer, either. 

Of these initial Legion stories, at least the first one sports an okay ending, even if it defies basic sci-fi ‘don’t-interfere-with-history’ logic.  Still, this first tale is a satisfying read by comparison to its sequel’s ridiculous script.  Suffice to say, the sequel’s intriguing premise falls far short in a best-left-forgotten outcome. 

Sporting five out of seven winners (as the other two are Silver Age relics), Adventure Comics # 491 proves a minor gem. 

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Images of the original covers aren’t included.  On the back inside cover, DC Vice President-Operations Paul Levitz elaborates re: the selection of the first two Legion of Super-Heroes tales for this issue.       

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:               7½ Stars