Category: DC Comics

LEGO BATMAN {Remastered} (PLAYSTATION 3)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date November 2, 2020

SUMMARY/STORY:

Released in 2008 by Warner Bros. and produced by TT Games, this adaptation of the Dark Knight would be one of the first games from TT Games and its first to star Batman. The game would drop at various points throughout 2008 depending on the territory. The story itself is pretty simple. Taking inspiration from many sources, the kid-friendly storyline, therefore, is unique when matched up against almost any other LEGO game.

There are three mini-stories for not only the Dynamic Duo, but there’s another three for the villains. The good thing about not having an ongoing plot is that it’s easier to couch co-op with friends. The downside, however, is a lack of urgency to play this classic for hours on end, like most other addictive video games.

Note: Popularity of this game’s original release has led to two (and counting) sequel games, as well as the direct-to-DVD/big-screen film franchise.

ENGINE/GAMEPLAY:

All things considered, the LEGO engine has remained the same since TT games’ masterpiece in LEGO Star Wars I to newer installments of LEGO gaming. There are still four hearts of health; the ability to be a single-person or dual-player game at all times; there’s no online capabilities. But why should it change? LEGO Batman’s success is one of the reasons why the simplistic formula has stayed the same for so long — because it works!

Quirky Bat-humor, puzzles, combat, music cues, and story twists all make the gameplay, though sometimes tedious, a fun experience for kids and adults alike. Collectibles such as gold bricks, red bricks, mini-kits, civilians in peril, and the true hero/villain bar still remain an intricate part in LEGO gaming today. An upside is that this PS3 saves games-in-progress, etc. much better than its PS2 counterpart having to rely on possibly glitchy memory cards.

Disappointingly, players can only use Batman & Robin in the story mode for every single hero mission. Hence, all fifteen times that you suit up – it’s with the Dynamic Duo. However, there’s something fun about the villain levels, though, as a new character introduced in every level. That same character then becomes unlocked for future use. All of this aside, there are unique aspects to this game that other franchises don’t have. Tons of new puzzles were introduced into this game — thanks to Batman & Robin both getting around in eight different alternate outfits (players can choose which to use, each with specific abilities).

Need to blow something up? Batman and his array of Bat-bombs have you covered. Want to go swimming in the deep end with Killer Croc? Robin has the necessary diving suit. As cool as it would be to get more Bat-Family members involved, never before had we seen the same two characters get this many alternate outfits. Overall, this game is off the charts, when gauging the fun factor.

GRAPHICS:

Though upgraded from PS2, the graphics are still nothing special. The cartoony style resembles its predecessors, like Indiana Jones, at least on the surface. However, this game’s detailing just feels more immersive. The backgrounds and locations do feel straight out of Gotham City, with torn-up buildings and plenty of goons littering the streets. One difference between this game and newer LEGO games is that LEGO Batman isn’t nearly as glossy. It retains more of a nostalgic feel, which is always nice.

GAME MODE(S):

Outside of the main story, there are two bonus levels, where players have to reach 1,000,000 studs to complete. The only prize to earn is the ability to purchase the last six ‘fun facts’ and Ra’s al-Ghul in the game’s store. Frankly, though, the facts can just be googled. The parts to make Ra’s can be found in the create-a-mini-figure section of Arkham Asylum. It’s an feature consistent with from slightly older titles, such as Indiana Jones or Star Wars. The levels aren’t as fun as one might expect – at times, the intended obstacles really feel like an afterthought after playing. The levels themselves can become far more a chore than a challenge.

REVIEW:

Unlike its sequels, this game keeps its focus on Batman’s Gotham City, not the entire DC Universe. With a total of thirty levels, it remained the most levels of any LEGO game alongside Star Wars: The Complete Saga until 2016. For fifteen levels, players suit up as the Dynamic Duo in three mini-stories headlined by The Riddler, The Penguin, and The Joker, all with five levels each, before becoming the bad guys for another fifteen levels. In addition to the Dynamic Duo’s extra suits, the game includes 46 different characters, giving any player great background info on Batman’s rogues gallery.

Is this one of the best LEGO games out there? To most fans, it really isn’t. Is it even the best LEGO Batman game? Well, probably not that, either. Still, there’s a storyline that’s easy to follow, allowing players to casually jump in at any moment without losing track of what’s going on. In that sense, for anyone who wants to kill an hour to kill in Gotham with their buddy, this undemanding 2008 classic rocks.

BONUS FEATURES:

This particular release of LEGO Batman comes with a Blu-Ray of the 1989 Batman film. Borrowing some of the same Danny Elfman music cues, this version of the iconic video game is worth checking out, if only for some cool continuity.

ROSCOE’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars

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Action Figures DC-Related Toys & Games TV Series

JUSTICE LEAGUE UNLIMITED’S OBSIDIAN (MATTEL ACTION FIGURE)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date November 2, 2020

SUMMARY:

Released by Mattel several years ago in its long-running Justice League Unlimited (JLU) action figure line, this 4.75-inch Obsidian is likely the first-ever toy of this particular DC Comics hero. As the twin brother of Jade and the son of the Golden Age Green Lantern (Alan Scott), the shadowy Obsidian has been a recurring presence (sometimes, as a villain) in DC storylines since his 1983 debut with Infinity, Inc.

REVIEW:

Resembling his animated counterpart, this Obsidian has a stellar dark-blue-black-and-silver paint job. His gray rubber cloak is firmly attached. In terms of articulation, the figure has: 1. His head has full 360-degree mobility. 2. The arms can rotate the full 360-degrees. 3. His upper body can bend into a bowing position. 4. The legs can simulate walking, running, and kicking poses. 5. There is a single peg hole on the bottom of Obsidian’s right foot for the small clear plastic display stands that some JLU figures are packaged with.

For ages 4 and up, this figure is certainly ideal for playtime or display purposes (as this Obsidian will indefinitely stand without a support base).

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Accessories aren’t included.

PACKAGING:

Finding him sold separately means it’s likely a loose figure. This reviewer is aware that Obsidian is included in Mattel’s JLU three-packs with the cowboy Vigilante & Brainiac. He also appears in Mattel’s JLU – The League United six-pack with Mr. Terrific; Superman; Elongated Man; Supergirl; and Hourman.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 Stars

Action Figures DC-Related Toys & Games

JUSTICE LEAGUE’S MARTIAN MANHUNTER/J’ONN J’ONZZ (DC COMICS ACTION FIGURE)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date November 2, 2020

SUMMARY:

From DC Comics’ Justice League action figure series, this approximately 7½ -inch Martian Mahunter (aka J’onn J’onzz) figure has a heavily muscular physique.

With the exception of his attached blue rubber cloak, his entire costume is painted on. The figure possesses the following articulation: 1. With effort, the head can turn a full 360-degrees. 2. Aided by elbow joints, the otherwise stiff arms will move fairly well and can extend outwards. 3. Despite its limber knee joints, the legs barely move. 5. For some unknown reason, the blue boots will swivel a full 360-degrees. 6. If properly positioned, he can indefinitely retain some a standing pose. 7. The bottom of his right boot includes a single peg hole to insert J’onn J’onzz on any display bases he may fit.

REVIEW:

Sporting a spot-on resemblance, including his red eyes, this super-ripped Justice Leaguer effectively brings back memories of his classic look. Its high-caliber paint job and sturdy construction are this Martian Manhunter’s most vital assets. However, the figure’s stiffness, unusual heaviness, and almost non-existent articulation, however, doesn’t make it an ideal choice for a kid’s playtime. Instead, this statue-like figure proves best as a display-only option for J’onn J’onzz fans. Its imposing presence should inspire some interesting comparisons to his various other figure incarnations.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

To the best of this reviewer’s recollection, this figure might come with a Justice League display stand.

PACKAGING:

Being unable to pinpoint its manufacturer, this segment of the review, unfortunately, must remain incomplete.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 6½ Stars

ADVENTURES OF SUPERBOY (Unaired 1961 Live-Action TV Pilot)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date October 27, 2020

SUMMARY: Running Time: 26 Min. (Black & White)

Directed by George Blair, this unaired half-hour episode entitled “Rajah’s Ransom” long pre-dates the 1988-1992 syndicated Superboy TV series. Meant as a prequel of sorts, it’s a homage to the late George Reeves’ The Adventures of Superman TV series.

Smallville high school students Clark Kent and Lana Lang express compassion for classmate Jimmy Drake’s embarrassment that his blue-collar dad is a movie theater doorman. A subsequent jewel heist at the theater by three armed crooks sets up Jimmy’s father as the crime’s pivotal eyewitness. Of course, it’s up to Superboy to save Mr. Drake from retribution from these ruthless thugs.

Clark Kent / Superboy: John “Johnny” Rockwell Mr. Drake: Ross Elliott

Lana Lang: Bunny Henning Shifty: Richard Reeves

Martha Kent: Monty Margetts Miss Gibson: Yvonne White

Police Chief Parker: Robert Williams Jimmy Drake: Jimmy Bates

Theater Manager: Ray Walker Donna: Trudy “True” Ellison

Jake: Stacy Harris Gunner Ferde: Charles Maxwell

Notes: Supposedly, a dozen additional scripts were created – just in case. A live-action Superboy and Lana Lang make their first on-screen appearances — five years before their animated counterparts debuted on television in 1966 with Filmation’s same-named cartoon series.

REVIEW:

Decades before Superboy and Smallville, this Superboy’s sole flight wobbles on the cheap. Lacking any semblance of a dazzling opener, “Rajah’s Ransom” is evidently an ordinary episode of what might have been. Inexplicably, this teenage Clark Kent (despite star John Rockwell’s twenty-something looks) is repackaged as the adoptive son of a suburban grocery store manager and a housewife. As Superboy, he easily makes time for crime-fighting, including the use of an underground Super-cave, no less. There’s no point even comparing this loose adaptation to the Silver Age Superboy and the rural Smallville already established in DC Comics. Relying on TV clichés (i.e. stolen jewels), this plot is strictly paint-by-the-numbers.

Evidently set in present-day 1961, this super-mundane adventure deliberately tries to evoke Reeves’ TV series by deploying the same primitive flying effects. It’s no coincidence that the same producer (Whitney Ellsworth) spearheaded this project. Adapting an actual comic book script, the wholesome “Rajah’s Ransom” admirably retains its mid-1950’s Boy Scout-style charm to no end. In that sense, its low-budget production values are at least forgivable.

Ironically, Rockwell’s bland Clark Kent/Superboy persona is a precursor to actor Gerard Christopher, who thirty years later displayed similar mannerisms in the role. Yet, by making this future Superman so milquetoast, it should have been imperative for Rockwell to enjoy repartee with likable actors — like Noel Neill & Jack Larson did with George Reeves. Christopher’s own starched portrayal benefited from that kind of chemistry with Stacy Haiduk and Ilan Mitchell-Smith. That’s really the detriment of this dud pilot: Rockwell’s supporting cast evidently wasn’t encouraged to express an iota of charisma playing off his decent imitation of Reeves.

For Superman fans, this historical curiosity is solely worth perusing to see the first live-action Boy of Steel.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 3 Stars

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DC-Related Toys & Games Video Games

JUSTICE LEAGUE HEROES (PLAYSTATION 2)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date October 26, 2020

SUMMARY:

Released in 2006 by Snowblind Studios as an original title, Justice League Heroes became the League’s only release into that generation’s consoles (Playstation 2 and Xbox 360). DC Comics also produced this game around the same time as major competitor MARVEL released the first of its three Ultimate Alliance titles. When Justice League Heroes hit shelves, its rating was assessed as “T” – Teen.

Note: Brady Games produced the game’s strategy guide.

REVIEW:

Despite not equaling the popularity of its MARVEL counterpart, this game presents Justice League action at its finest (or, at least, the best we were going to get). The game’s main cast is Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, The Flash (Wally West), Green Lantern (John Stewart), Martian Manhunter, and Zatanna Zatara. Available for ‘purchase,’ with game credits, are eight other unlockable heroes and multiple alternate costumes/‘skins’ for the main cast. Reliable baddies, such as Brainiac, Circe, Darkseid, Doomsday, Gorilla Grodd, Killer Frost, The Key, Queen Bee, and White Martians comprise a roster that helps balance well-known DC characters with more obscure ones.

As nice as this mix is, notable exclusions, like Lex Luthor and The Joker, make this game feel like there could/should have been more. In comparison, in Ultimate Alliance’s first level alone, you face Radioactive Man, Winter Soldier, and Scorpion (just to name a few), while this game’s first opposition is an unnamed robot army. Not pushing the boundaries makes the game feel like DC has underachieved — considering all the potential its designers had to work with.

Story:

The storyline offers twists and turns that make Justice League Heroes well worth playing … except that there’s really no story. One villain tries stealing a Mother Box while others are wanting to take over the world, too. The plot can sometimes feel like a hot mess resembling a kid playing with action figures. Still, that doesn’t mean that the game can’t be fun, too, even if the minimal plot is lacking in some aspects. All in all, the game is a great way to have some DC fun with the family, even if it can feel uninspired. One wonders if the game was rushed just to keep up with the progress of Ultimate Alliance. Unsurprisingly, both games came out within a week of each other. Coincidence? I think not.

Engine/Gameplay:

In terms of a great mechanics, this is it. This third-person RPG allows for single-player and co-op functions. Now, many critics didn’t like how this game differed from Ultimate Alliance because you couldn’t pick your character on each level for most of the game. This does, however, offer a more personalized story arc that sees the progression of the main group (working in pre-assigned duos) Users gain flexibility later on when drafting their own squads.

When a character levels up, users possess accumulated virtual currency to add abilities and upgrades to their heroes to spice things up. Other upgrades, such as “shields”, which look like mac n’ cheese shapes, are used to purchase new characters and alternate costumes/skins (i.e. Hal Jordan can substitute in for John Stewart). However, you cannot purchase every character/costume on the first go-around. The good news is that the game allows you to carry over data if you wish to play the game multiple times without needing to purchase those characters/costumes a second time.

Fun factor-wise, Justice League Heroes might just break the scales! A beat-em-up style game with a few easy puzzles makes this one fun while also requiring players to deploy a little strategy. Unlocking abilities for Green Lantern and The Flash are absolute fan favorites, plus new characters with unique animations, do make this game even more enjoyable. This includes The Flash moving faster than other heroes; characters, like Martian Manhunter and Wonder Woman, being able to fly, and Batman possessing an exclusive glide ability. The animation, plus some idle chatter amongst the heroes, helps diversify the game, but it becomes tediously repetitive over time. The music is generic – frankly, having the remote near to press the mute button isn’t such a bad idea.

Graphics:

For a PS2 game, this one actually has great visuals! Close ups and cuts scenes look great, but the overall gameplay in the graphics department isn’t where this game shines. The camera angle isn’t pretty, but the overview look makes the game easier to play – it’s the norm for this style of roleplaying. Health, XP, and special ability bars are shown in the top left for Player 1 and in the top right for Player 2 with pictures of their characters, making it easy to distinguish who (still) has what. For its time, the graphics are above-average but not anything stellar.

Game Mode(s):

Unfortunately, Justice League Heroes only has one mode, and that’s the single story/campaign. However, you can choose between three levels of difficulty. There’s also up to three saves on a single memory card.

Justice League Heroes doesn’t soar to its greatest potential, but it’s a solid kid-friendly option. In that sense, consider it as an ideal bridge between the LEGO Batman franchise and DC’s far more recent Injustice: Gods Among Us games for PlayStation 3 and 4.

BONUS FEATURES:

There’s a trailer to a season of Smallville. The game’s animated film-like intro clip is accessible on the main menu.

ROSCOE’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars

Action Figures DC-Related Toys & Games

DR. MID-NITE (2010 DC UNIVERSE CLASSICS/MATTEL ACTION FIGURE)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date October 26, 2020

SUMMARY:

The Justice Society’s Dr. Mid-Nite appears in 6-inch form Wave 12 of Mattel’s DC Universe Classics series in approximately 2010.

Excluding his attached green rubber cloak, his costume is completely painted on (including his trademark goggles). His articulation points are: 1. His head swivels slightly both directions. 2. With surprisingly good mobility, his arms and wrists can also both do complete 360-degree rotations. 3. His torso allows him to bend forward (and backwards a little). 4. His nimble legs can spread out and will bend at the knees and ankles. His lower legs swivel a full 360-degrees from a spot between the quads and kneecaps. 5. The bottom of his feet have peg holes for any display stands he might fit on, though none are included with the figure. Yet, if properly positioned, Dr. Mid-Nite can indefinitely retain a standing display pose.

REVIEW:

Kudos to Mattel for crafting such an impressively-built figure. Quite simply, there’s hardly a fault with this durable Dr. Mid-Nite. Everything a collector (including a top-caliber paint job) could want with this figure is here.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

His crime-fighting owl, ‘Hooty’ is included, as is a small Justice Society commemorative button marking DC Comics’ 75^th Anniversary. For the ‘Build-a-Darkseid’ figure, Dr. Mid-Nite comes packed with the left arm component.

PACKAGING:

Mattel does a terrific job packaging Dr. Mid-Nite.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 10 Stars

Action Figures DC-Related Toys & Games

DC ICONS: JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA (DC COLLECTIBLES ACTION FIGURES SEVEN-PACK)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date October 26, 2020

SUMMARY:

Released in 2017 by DC Collectibles, this DC Icons seven-pack of DC Rebirth’s Justice League of America consists of: Superman; Wonder Woman; Green Lantern (Hal Jordan): Cyborg; Aquaman; Flash (Barry Allen): and Batman, all in six-inch form. Each figure’s feet are equipped with peg holes. Articulation points will vary.

REVIEW:

The World’s Greatest Super-Heroes sport top-caliber paint jobs, including impressive facial detailing. The sculpting is a mixed bag, but the costume intricacies of Wonder Woman and Cyborg, for instance, are stellar. While the figures can be positioned to indefinitely stand without display bases (which would have been a helpful extra), one should allow time to do so. Specifically, the figures’ spry legs (especially Green Lantern) may spread-eagle, depending upon the surface. It’s also entirely possible that legs popping off on various Leaguers may be a recurring problem. Hence, this seven-pack works best as a display choice because some of the figures are either too immobile or too frail for playtime.

As for each figure’s merits individually:

Superman: The “S” is in vintage form on his chest and decorating the back of his red rubber cape. His excellent paint job (including terrific facial details) is counter-balanced by stiff elbow and knee joints. While his wrists rotate a bit, Superman displays good flexibility stretching his arms, legs, and ankles. His head only slightly turns, but his torso allows him to bow. This Man of Steel’s best attribute is the muscular sculpting of his physique, which stays in bounds of some reality. As the set’s centerpiece, Rebirth’s Superman is a solid figure for all purposes.

Wonder Woman: Imbued with an excellent paint job (her rubbery skirt and faux golden knee pads are permanently attached), this figure has reasonable articulation. Specifically, Wonder Woman’s head turns; the arms, legs, and ankles sufficiently move; her torso allows her to bow; and the wrists swivel a full 360-degrees. Her display options are surprisingly ideal. The sole detriment of this figure’s pristine sculpting are frail elbow joints. Yet, what stands out is her head’s exquisite facial detailing and perfectly-molded black hair. Though she is more of a display choice than a toy, this figure is among DC’s best renditions of Rebirth’s Wonder Woman.

Green Lantern (Hal Jordan): Beyond a shiny paint job, Green Lantern is this set’s weak link. The limited articulation is mostly in his ultra-limber legs (i.e. he can do the splits far too easily) and rotating wrists. His flimsy elbow and knee joints are likely to break, if one dares bending them. His head doesn’t turn, but his torso allows him to slightly bend. What stands out is a compact sculpted physique, which makes him excessively lanky. Unfortunately, all this Green Lantern really offers is an immaculate rendition of Hal’s Rebirth costume.

Cyborg: His sculpting and metallic paint job are both superb. While his head barely turns, his arms and legs benefit from active elbow and knee joints. His wrists fully rotate while his torso and ankle joints sufficiently bend. This Cyborg’s stand-out feature is a super-sleek and tightly muscular sculpting, which seems odd considering that the character has a bulkier appearance. Still, Cyborg’s unexpected mobility is a major plus, making him one of the set’s best inclusions for all purposes.

Aquaman: This well-sculpted Aquaman has the set’s second-best articulation. In terms of a checklist, his head easily turns; his torso and ankles comfortably bend; the wrists rotate; his strong elbow and knee joints deploy reasonable flexibility, though his arms are a bit stiff; and his various pose options are a plus. A solid paint job includes detailing his stern facial expression just right. Accordingly, Aquaman is this set’s underrated asset.

Flash (Barry Allen): The Fastest Man Alive enjoys a flawless paint job on a well-sculpted likeness. Ironically, mobility is only middle-of-the-road. His head turns easily, as do his rotating wrists. His torso and ankles bend well enough. Yet, his legs are only adequately flexible despite the sturdy knee joints. The more noticeable problem are the stiff arms, which are hampered by flimsy elbow joints. Although this Flash has some fine display options, one should tread cautiously re: any vigorous workouts.

Batman: Of this set, the Dark Knight is almost the complete package. Not only are his paint job and sculpting both superb, he likely has the most articulation points, too. Considering his black rubber cape doesn’t hamper him much, his flexibility is a major plus. His head easily turns while both the rotating wrists and bending torso and ankles are excellent. Batman’s sturdy elbow and knee joints allow maximum movement, though his arms are slightly stiff. However, his ultra-limber legs have a disadvantage: the legs can easily pop off. They can be re-attached without super-glue, but it’s a design flaw to remember.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Neither display bases nor accessories (i.e. the magic golden lasso, the emerald lantern; or a batarang) are included. The lack of accessories may explain why all these figures were sculpted with clinched fists.

PACKAGING:

Being well-protected in their promotional box, the figures can be removed easily enough. Via a clear window, the box displays everything the consumer needs to see.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars