Category: DC Comics

Written by Louise Simonson.

Art by Jon Bogdanove; Dennis Janke; Bill Oakley; & Glenn Whitmore.

Cover Art by Jon Bogdanove & Dennis Janke.

SUMMARY:

Released by DC Comics for February 1993, Part 3 of “Funeral for a Friend” is entitled “Funeral Day.”  Overseen by Lex Luthor (secretly posing as his far younger fictional son), Superman’s high-profile Metropolis funeral procession is guarded by the Justice League’s extended ranks.  Intervening against potential saboteurs in the crowd-lined streets, the League’s pensive mood is mirrored by others in Superman’s family, friends, and Daily Planet colleagues. 

Among them is a devastated Lois Lane reaching out to the grieving Kents in Smallville – especially, as to the truth behind Clark Kent’s missing-in-action status. Guest stars with extended cameos include: Wonder Woman; Batman & Robin, Hal Jordan’s Green Lantern; Lobo; and then-U.S. President Bill Clinton & then-First Lady Hillary Clinton.

Note: “Funeral for a Friend” is a twelve-part storyline spread through DC’s interlocking Superman titles.

REVIEW:

Despite Louise Simonson’s effort to convey a poignant tale, the blah result still comes off as DC Comics prolonging the ‘Death of Superman’ event for every possible cent.  Further, the art squad’s lackluster visuals do not provide a sufficient incentive to bother tracking this back issue down. 

A more satisfying read is this storyline’s next installment: the Christmas Eve-themed Superman # 76 entitled “Metropolis Mailbag.”  

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

There is a two-page letters-and-answers section.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                             5 Stars

Written by John Byrne.

Art by John Byrne & Patricia Mulvihill.

Cover Art by José Luis García-López.

SUMMARY:

Entitled “Harvest of Souls,” DC Comics released this issue for January 1996.  Now existing as the Goddess of Truth on Mount Olympus, Diana faces repercussions for her forbidden rescue of her extended family on Earth.  Hence, it is revealed why Queen Hippolyta has reluctantly replaced her daughter as Wonder Woman.  Among Hippolyta’s first actions as Wonder Woman is rescuing Donna Troy and severing half an arm of a thug menacing her.

Backstage, at a Gateway City carnival, Donna, Hippolyta, young Cassie Sandsmark, and Cassie’s friend, Georgia, deduce t the ominous scheme linking Darkseid to Egg Fu’s ongoing abduction of humans.  This quartet is further endangered by a hallucinating Artemis, who sees them as alien swamp monsters she must kill.  Elsewhere, amidst Camelot’s ruins, the captive Helena Sandsmark faces an ominous fate from a corrupted Etrigan the Demon.     

Parental Note: Donna Troy’s bra is exposed through most of her appearance  – after she uses her blouse as a makeshift tourniquet.    

REVIEW:

John Byrne’s reliable visuals hold up well more than a quarter-century later.  His convoluted plotting, however, makes Issue # 129 a generally blah read.  If not for the eye-rolling Egg Fu (reminiscent of Marvel’s MODOK) and some predictable Independence Day-style contrivances pertaining to Georgia’s computer, then Byrne’s storyline would have been a more intriguing adventure. 

For fans curious about Byrne’s Wonder Woman run, this issue is still a decent find in the bargain section.     

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

There is a single-page “Amagrams” letters-and-answers column.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                         5½ Stars

Written by Marv Wolfman.

Art by Brent Anderson; Hi-Fi; & Dave Sharpe.

Cover Art by Brent Anderson & Hi-Fi.

SUMMARY:

DC Comics released this 56-page one-shot for February 2011.  Knowing he will regret it, Hal Jordan’s Green Lantern is convinced by Plastic Man to team up against an alien threat secretly recruiting Earth criminals, not to mention stealing nuclear materials.  Worse yet, these same alien mobsters are evidently seeking fresh recruits throughout the galaxy.  Between their seedy undercover work on Earth and multiple deep space battles, Jordan gains a new perspective into his fellow Justice Leaguer’s complex personality. 

Facing the fearsome Kaladarian crime cartel, Green Lantern and Plastic Man are vastly outnumbered.  The question becomes: is their mismatched partnership sufficient to keep them alive long enough to save Earth?  

REVIEW:

If one can envision The Brave and the Bold as a sci-fi/action-comedy, then Weapons of Mass Deception # 1 is a reliably good read.  Reminiscent of Batman, a no-nonsense Hal Jordan understandably has little patience for his obnoxious partner.  Still, fans should find the ridiculous plot worthwhile. 

Playing it for sitcom laughs, writer Marv Wolfman devises a fun caper that mirrors Jerry Lewis & Dean Martin’s style of comedic chemistry.  Anchored by artist Brent Anderson and Hi-Fi’s likable visuals, Wolfman keeps his contrived silliness from crossing the line into the utterly stupid – though he comes close a few times. 

Like fans will, the greatest risk Hal Jordan faces is: even a little of Plastic Man’s incessant Jim Carrey-like antics and blabber-mouthing stretches a long way.  Wolfman, unsurprisingly, overplays Plastic Man’s goofy humor, given the story’s considerable page count.  Hence, it would made have better creative sense streamlining Weapons of Mass Deception’s charm, i.e., sharp editing would have made 40-48 pages a more-than-sufficient read.

The bottom line, however, is: enjoy this over-inflated one-shot as an oddball super-hero comedy.  Assuredly, a sequel is not necessary. 

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The single-page “DC Nation” column offers thumbnail cover previews for sixteen of DC’s January 2011 titles.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                7 Stars

Written by Mark Waid & Michael Jan Friedman.

Art by Oscar Jimenez; José Marzan, Jr.; Gaspar Saladino; & Tom McCraw.

Cover Art by Oscar Jimenez & José Marzan, Jr.

SUMMARY:

Entitled “Running Away,” DC Comics released this issue for June 1995.  Moving into a new home together, Wally West is bewildered by girlfriend Linda Park’s icy mood.  Ever so gladly, he storms into action against the alien behemoth, Mongul, who is rampaging through Keystone City.  Considering his monstrous foe has previously held Superman and Hal Jordan’s Green Lantern at bay, Wally relies upon his new Speed Force capabilities to confound Mongul. 

Meanwhile, Linda’s abrupt departure leaves the Flash with a new mystery.     

REVIEW:

Plotting-wise, it is derivative of a familiar Spider-Man scenario where a non-stop wisecracking Spidey takes down a Thor-caliber baddie (i.e., Juggernaut or The Wrecker) in relatively short order.  Hence, after battling Thor to a standstill, said villain suffers a major credibility hit once Spider-Man easily defeats him.  Meanwhile, Spidey is dealing with an ongoing domestic spate with Mary Jane (or even Aunt May) at home.  That is practically Wally West’s The Flash # 102 in a nutshell. 

While co-writers Mark Waid and Michael Jan Friedman ensure Wally’s high-octane offense/defense is fun to read, there is no mistaking how formulaic their script is.  As for the artwork, several pages reach this series’ standard visual muster.  That becomes a dubious asset, however, when just as many other pages weakly hover between mediocre and simply sub-par. 

There are two practical reasons for fans to seek The Flash # 102: A. It is prime evidence that Wally’s early-to-mid-90’s persona had long since eclipsed Firestorm as DC’s energetic, young Justice Leaguer competing for Spider-Man’s fanbase; and/or B. the cover image catches one’s eye in the bargain bin.  Either way, this underwhelming issue falls well short of must-have status.        

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

There is a two-page “Speed Reading” letters-and-answers column.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                  4½ Stars

Written by Mark Waid.

Art by Craig Brasfield; Andrew Pepoy; Tom McCraw; & Tim Harkins.

Cover Art by Mike Parobeck & Rick Burchett.

SUMMARY:

Entitled “Family Business,” DC Comics released this 64-page Armageddon 2001 crossover in 1991.  From the bleak near-future, Waverider searches the DC Universe’s present-day Earth for the masked hero who will become its worst villain in 2001.  Now established in Keystone City, Wally West’s Flash enjoys its celebratory Flash Day when troubled secretary Bonnie Blackmon approaches him for help.  At that moment, Waverider witnesses Wally’s possible destiny a decade later.

Through Wally and Bonnie’s subsequent investigation, her corrupt tech-industrial boss, Mr. Diogenes and his son, Matthew, ultimately end up behind bars.  Yet, the ultra-resourceful Diogenes’ superhuman ability to secretly acquire one’s memories still makes him a deadly threat, even from afar.  In the Witness Protection Program, a now-married Wally and Bonnie have quietly relocated for years under assumed names before settling in Flagstaff, Arizona, to raise their young son, David.

Having inherited his father’s raw powers, David lacks the necessary aura protecting him from the catastrophic effects of super-speed.  A fluke accident subsequently puts David in critical condition and initiates Diogenes’ wicked vengeance.

After abducting a hospitalized David, Diogenes pits Wally against a gauntlet of aging, second-tier Rogues.  Gradually losing his powers, a determined Flash must still race the clock to save his son’s life.  While one possible destiny is settled, the effects of Waverider’s unseen presence hints at Bonnie’s fate.      

REVIEW:

Though the Armageddon 2001 saga itself is forgettable, this Flash Annual is still a surprisingly good read thirty years later.  Before the Linda Park era, Wally West’s old girlfriends were hardly vital components to his still-fledging series.  Yet, this one-shot with generic love interest Bonnie Blackmon is somehow an intriguing notion. 

Supported by the art squad’s decent visuals, writer Mark Waid packs a compelling plot with a savvy balance between familiar franchise elements and unpredictability.  While Annual # 4 is not a must-have, it provides a worthwhile and kid-friendly find in the bargain bin.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

None.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                 6 Stars

Written by Paul Dini & Bruce Timm.

Art by Bruce Timm; Tom Orzechowski; & Lee Loughridge.

Cover Art by Bruce Timm.

SUMMARY:

Released by DC Comics for August 2004, the conclusion of this three-part mini-series is entitled “Hooray for Hollywood!”  Slipping back into the U.S., hard-luck fugitives Harley Queen & Dr. Pamela “Poison Ivy” Isley are outraged that a ridiculous action movie currently in production is exploiting them.  Road-tripping to Hollywood, the duo concoct a means of embezzling the film’s mega-budget while Harley shamelessly lives her ‘dream’ as the project’s new visionary director.  Several stuntmen portraying the movie’s befuddled ‘Batman’ are nearly killed.

Meanwhile, the real Dark Knight ponders where the ever-elusive Harley & Ivy are hiding out.    

REVIEW:

Well-played!  Gleefully parodying Hollywood clichés, co-writers Paul Dini and Bruce Timm deftly ridicule the same kind of mind-numbing excesses plaguing DC’s own worst live-action blockbusters.  More so, without resorting to cheap profanities, their potent action-comedy script energetically appeals to Harley & Ivy fans, whether it be from Batman: The Animated Series, their current comic book incarnations, or even the explicit Harley Quinn animated series.

Timm’s cartoony visuals, in homage to the look of Batman: The Animated Series, are undeniably fun for readers.  Hence, his artwork is an ideal fit for the wacky sense of humor Dini & Timm share.  Even after nearly twenty years, Batman: Harley & Ivy # 3 is a welcome sitcom treat for Bat-fans. 

Note: As a parental heads-up, there is a scene where Ivy undresses and showers (which Timm depicts as innocently as possible).    

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

There is a single-page “DC in Demand” column.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                     8 Stars

Written by Doug Moench.

Art by Mike Gostovich; Romeo Tanghal; Adrienne Roy; & Ken Bruzenak.

Cover Art by Mike Manley.

SUMMARY:

Entitled “Prodigal, Part One,” DC released this issue for November 1994.  Following the Batman franchise’s quartet of # 0 Issues, “Prodigal” reveals that a now-recuperated Bruce Wayne is taking an unspecified leave of absence.  His chosen temporary successor is Dick Grayson.  Accepting the Bat-mantle, the original Boy Wonder gladly accepts Tim Drake as his crime-fighting cohort.  First up is the murderous Waylon “Killer Croc” Jones, whom Dick Grayson has never faced.

Probing a grisly series of Gotham River homicides, the new Dynamic Duo immediately fails to convince Commissioner Gordon that Grayson’s Batman and Wayne’s Dark Knight are one and the same.  Patrolling Gotham Bay, Batman & Robin realize that Croc is vengefully going after some of his old smuggling cronies.  Considering their inexperience together, this Dynamic Duo faces simultaneous trials by fire against the monstrous Croc and a crew of trigger-happy thugs.

Meanwhile, Gordon’s trust in the Dark Knight continues to slowly deteriorate.

Notes: “Prodigal” is a twelve-part storyline spread through the DC’s interlocking Batman titles.  It was eventually compiled as a trade paperback.  Dick Grayson’s subsequent and far lengthier tint as the Dark Knight began in 2009 concluding the “Battle for the Cowl” storyline.  Later co-existing as ‘Batmen’ with Bruce Wayne, the ongoing plot thread ended with DC’s New 52 reboot. 

REVIEW:

DC’s initial experiment of testing Dick Grayson’s Batman is not flashy.  Substantively, however, it works as is.  For instance, by not pushing Commissioner Gordon as an instant moron, Doug Moench effectively proves how implausible it is to construe a 6’2”, beefy, mid-to-late thirties Batman and the younger Dick Grayson’s lithe, shorter frame as the same man. 

Hence, Moench’s plausible storytelling and the art squad’s visuals are equally reliable as satisfying Bat-entertainment.  After nearly thirty years, the opening salvo of “Prodigal” is worthy of re-discovery. 

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

“DC Universe # 22” explains the seven steps of colorizing a comic book panel.  An action close-up of Tim Drake’s Robin is used as a sample.  There is also a two-page “Bat-Signals” letters-and-answers column.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                    7 Stars

Written by Chuck Dixon.

Art by Frank Teran; John Stanisci; Lee Loughridge; Jamison Services; & John Costanza.

Cover Art by Rodolfo Damaggio.

SUMMARY:

Entitled “All Down the Years,” DC Comics released this issue for November 1998.  Connor Hawke, in deep meditation, views events occurring in Earth’s far future: specifically, the year 85,271. 

Descendants of the Queen family dubbed ‘The Green Arrows’ are Earth’s environmental freedom fighters.  Taken captive by the ape-cyborg, Groddchild, Hawk (resembling a composite of Oliver Queen and Connor Hawke) is extorted into using his enigmatic ‘astral shaft’ at his captor’s sinister bidding.  If Hawk does not cooperate, then his fellow captive Green Arrow, Canara, will be executed.

Hawk reluctantly finds out that Groddchild intends to invade the Fortress of Solitude to assassinate Superman-Prime (aka the visiting Superman of 20^th Century Earth).  Come the conclusion, Connor Hawke awakens to realize the meaning of one tantalizing mystery impacting his 853^rd Century descendants.       

REVIEW:

Squandering the art squad’s above-average visuals, Green Arrow # 1,000,000, unfortunately, is a middling read.  Aside from one intriguing revelation at the story’s end, writer Chuck Dixon’s lackluster plotting is not enough to make this issue a keeper.  For fans of Late ‘90s DC, contemplating this issue deep in the bargain bin is the most practical option. 

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The issue begins by spelling out DC One Million’s premise.  The last page hypes developments coming in DC One Million Weeks Two and Three.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                      4 Stars

Written by Louise Simonson.

Art by Kevin Sharpe; Jesse Orozco; Tim Hamilton; Joe St. Pierre; Dave Bednar; Rob Leigh; Wayne Faucher; Jon Babcock; & Dave Grafe.

Cover Art by Phil Jimenez.

SUMMARY:

Released by DC Comics for September 1995, this 56-page Year One Annual is entitled “Spilled Blood.”  Spurned on by multiple childhood tragedies decimating his family, young John Henry Irons is inspired to become a wealthy high-tech engineer.  To keep his beloved family safe and financially provide for them, Irons spurns baseball and later football to becomes Amertek Industries’ fastest-rising star in its weapons development division. 

Yet, a test flight of his own flying armored suit alters Irons’ destiny towards eventually becoming a new hope for Metropolis following Superman’s death. Guest appearances include Guy Gardner, Superman, and a young Natasha Irons (long before ultimately following in her uncle’s heroic footsteps).

REVIEW:

For Steel’s fans, Annual # 2’s best asset is explaining his origin from the ground up.  Yet, both writer Louise Simonson’s plotting and the art squad’s visuals (only improving in the last pages) are unmistakably pedestrian efforts.  Spelling out John Henry Irons’ world, this unremarkable Year One effort is best found in the bargain bin.   

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

None.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:               5½ Stars