Category: DC Comics

SCIENCE OF SUPER-HEROES

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date October 19, 2020

Written by Lois Gresh & Robert Weinberg

SUMMARY:

Published John Wiley & Sons, Inc. in 2002, this 200-page hardcover explores the general physics and scientific reality behind the super-powers for Spider-Man; Superman; Batman; the X-Men; and several others. Playing along with acknowledged comic book explanations for their super-powers, co-authors Lois Gresh and Robert Weinberg put these dubious origins under a critical microscope. In Superman’s case, the authors spell out why his powers don’t make sense, and how the Man of Steel is really a fantasy based on ‘pseudo-science.’ Following a preface and a brief review on frequently-discussed concepts, such relativity and the speed-of-light, the authors designate certain heroes to specific topics:

Re: Superman – The section discusses the supposed quasi-science justifying Superman’s vast powers; the possibility of alien visitors reaching Earth, including a history of ‘The Drake Equation;’ the possibility of Earth-like worlds; and why neither gravity nor a yellow sun could generate Superman’s powers.

Re: The Fantastic Four and the Incredible Hulk – It’s explained how cosmic rays, gamma rays, and nuclear radiation would actually ravage human beings. Included is a section describing how a ‘GFP Hulk” might hypothetically exist.

Re: Batman – The technological realities of his utility belt is analyzed, as is a well-known storyline from his comic book series: the Gotham City Earthquake.

Re: Aquaman & Sub-Mariner – This section primarily examines the possibility of humans living underwater and aquatic communication.

Re: Spider-Man – His supposedly spider-like powers are analyzed, as is the scientific possibility of cloning humans.

Re: Green Lantern – Potential sources for his power ring are examined, including black holes and white holes. It’s also revealed why yellow light really isn’t a logical reason for neutralizing his power ring.

Re: the Atom and Ant-Man / Giant Man – The realities of humans shrinking to microscopic size and expanding into giants are examined.

Re: the Flash – The numerous problems with super-speed are analyzed.

Re: the X-Men – Examining the potential for human mutation and whether or not if ‘real’ X-Men could be created is discussed.

Re: Sci-Fi Heroes (i.e. Adam Strange) – The possibilities for time travel, Earth’s destruction, and alternate realities (including ‘The Grandfather Paradox’) is analyzed.

Re: Donald Duck – How much correct science did writer Carl Barks deploy penning a quarter-century of Donald Duck comics? The answer is surprising.

REVIEW:

Though the lengthy analysis of debunking Superman is complex, this intriguing book is still a real treat for super-hero enthusiasts. It isn’t a shocker that most of the included heroes are deemed impossible (with the exception of Batman, of course). However, there are occasional lapses – i.e. re: the Flash, where the authors don’t address basic human limitations (i.e. fatigue; getting one’s body burned or ripped to shreds by friction; or the likelihood of suffering a massive heart attack), as to the impracticalities of super-speed. One can only presume the absence of stating such obvious restrictions is to make clear that, even without them, such super-powers are still pure fantasy.

Exploring other vaguely hypothetical possibilities re: Green Lantern, Aquaman, and the X-Men is certainly worth the read. The section pertaining to a possible ‘Incredible Hulk,’ for instance, is really a great ‘what-if.’ Their ‘GFP (Green Fluorescent Protein) Hulk’ originates through a case of severe anabolic mega-steroid abuse and rage-induced adrenaline, with a GFP gene siphoned from a species of jellyfish. Curiously, the authors don’t mention that this wild concept really isn’t that far off from Lou Ferrigno’s TV Incredible Hulk (at least, as a less toxic substitute for gamma radiation).

For comic book aficionados and armchair physicists alike, the well-written Science of Super-Heroes is a thoughtful and very readable means of crossing the bridge between comic books and real science.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES:

Sci-fi-horror author Dean Koontz provides an introduction. Appendix ‘A’ explains why various types of characters (i.e. magicians) weren’t selected for this book. Appendix ‘B’ is an insightful interview-discussion with writers Len Wein, Mark Wheatley, Brett Booth, Buddy Scalera, Mort Castle, and Max Allan Collins, linking real science’s importance (or lack thereof) to comic book storytelling. An index, reading list, and bibliography are all included. Mini-biographies of the authors and their acknowledgments are provided.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 9 Stars

4 FILM FAVORITES (SUPERMAN I-IV)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date October 14, 2020

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 485 Min. +

Disc 1 features Superman: The Movie on Side A and Superman II on Side B. Disc 2 has Superman III on Side A, with Superman IV: The Quest for Peace on Side B. All four films are presented in their theatrical versions.

REVIEW:

Experiencing Christopher Reeve’s run as Superman in one affordable DVD set makes ideal sense. Yet, watching these Super-movies epitomizes how a comic book franchise descends Hollywood’s slippery slope. Foreshadowing the same fate as the first four Batman films, the real arch-enemy of these DC Comics icons were increasingly moronic sequels meant as instant cash cows and/or glorified toy commercials.

Setting its dated costuming aside, 1978’s Superman: The Movie remains spectacular — director Richard Donner justifies its grandiose hype of making viewers believe a man can fly. 1981’s Superman II, despite its complicated history, mostly delivers the goods as well. Its most glaring detriments are inexplicable continuity gaffes/omissions (i.e. must viewers infer that Lois & a powerless Clark simply walk out of the Fortress of Solitude to the North Pole’s nearest rent-a-car outlet?), and far too little of the first film’s classy humor.

Despite budget-skimping in various departments (i.e. the Grand Canyon finale’s cheesy special effects), 1983’s hapless Superman III still had some potential. For instance, there’s the Clark Kent vs. a corrupted Superman showdown (though it makes too little sense); Annette O’Toole’s charm as a grown-up Lana Lang; and, of course, Christopher Reeve’s appeal as the Man of Steel. In one of his best franchise moments, Reeve is seen in III timelessly soaring above the Atlantic Ocean to rescue a crippled oil tanker; this brief scene is as close as to a real movie Superman as there can be. However, a stupidly crass storyline squanders Reeve’s unmatched big-screen presence for no good reason.

Among the detriments are Richard Pryor & Robert Vaughn’s paycheck-only efforts, which are far too ordinary for any Superman movie, especially considering their sizable screen time. The reverse applies to a neglected Margot Kidder being reduced to a cameo, as her Lois Lane is inexplicably M.I.A. when the evil Superman is flying amok. The lazy exclusion of a DC Comics threat (i.e. Brainiac, Parasite, or even Bizarro) is another major cheat, as far as succeeding Terence Stamp’s General Zod & Gene Hackman’s Lex Luthor. A giant Atari-like system dubbed ‘The Ultimate Computer’ instead proves a horrible choice as Superman’s latest challenger. Lastly, a tone-deaf approach to campy humor seals III as an unforced error in judgment.

Among so many flaws, 1987’s cheapo Superman IV repeats one of III’s worst self-inflicted gaffes: far too much reliance on the screenwriters’ bland new characters (i.e. Nuclear Man, the Warfields, & Lenny Luthor). While III wastes its sufficient budget on an awful script, IV at least aspires for a better story (including Gene Hackman’s return). Sadly, the fourth film’s kryptonite extends far beyond grossly insufficient resources for special effects. It’s telling that franchise regulars Margot Kidder/Lois Lane and Marc McClure/Jimmy Olsen now appear far too old for their roles — a mere ten years after the original film. This factor contributes to why IV’s good intentions at rekindling Lois & Clark’s romance and depicting a Daily Planet sub-plot fall far short. Evidently sensing all the ingredients for a disaster, Reeve’s fading enthusiasm in IV is unmistakable. It’s really a lamentable finish to his decade-long run as the big-screen Man of Steel.

Ultimately, this double-disc DVD’s appeal is a timeless opportunity to witness Reeve suit up as Hollywood’s best Superman — no matter how putrid the second and third sequels really are.

BONUS FEATURES:

4 Film Favorites merely copies over goodies from previous Superman DVD’s. Like the films, these contents mirror the franchise’s steep decline.

Superman: The Movie’s 143-minute version offers an optional commentary by producer Pierre Spengler & executive producer Ilya Salkind; theatrical trailers; and a TV commercial.

Superman II’s 127-minute version has Spengler & Salkind’s optional commentary; a rare deleted scene entitled Superman’s Soufflé, as Lois & Superman cook dinner at the Fortress of Solitude; and the theatrical trailer.

Superman III’s 125-minute version has Spengler & Salkind’s optional commentary; the complete Making of Superman III TV special (narrated by actor Al Matthews); some deleted scenes; and the theatrical trailer.

Superman IV: The Quest for Peace’s 90-minute version has co-screenwriter Mark Rosenthal’s optional commentary; several deleted & unfinished scenes; and the theatrical trailer.

To summarize what one really gets:

The first film’s trailers and TV commercial offer some fun nostalgia.

The lost Superman II cooking scene (with Reeve & Kidder) is an obscure treat. It’s a fun reminder of the innocent charm this franchise once had.

Al Matthews (who also plays III’s beleaguered fire chief) convincingly narrates III’s making-of TV special to help hide how awful the film is. The deleted scenes are okay viewing, though none would have helped the film. The trailer, ironically, is a public service announcement — it forecasts the entire plot. Watching this amateurish (and far too long) trailer leaves zero doubt that III is in deep, deep trouble.

Deleted/unfinished scenes for IV (especially a stunningly pathetic Bizarro-like fight sequence) confirm Superman has hit rock bottom. Only an extended/unfinished Superman & Lois cross-country flight sequence hints at the 1978 film’s magic. Though it doesn’t divulge too much of the plot, IV’s trailer openly concedes its inferior special effects. Rosenthal’s insightful yet somewhat self-serving commentary blames Cannon Films’ slipshod approach for ruining the movie (and betraying Reeve’s ambitions).

QUALITY CONTROL:

The films are presented in widescreen (16×9, 2.4:1) format, with Dolby Surround Sound 5.1 for the first two films and Dolby Surround Stereo for the third and fourth films. At least, that is what the packaging claims. The remote control access is easy to navigate, as are the scene selections and special features for each film.

PACKAGING:

Warner Bros. crams the standard title credits and all the technical information in barely-legible small print on the back cover. The dual discs have a white ring on Side A, only identifying in microscopic print which film is on which side. The discs are well-protected on separate holders rather than being stacked together.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars

Notes: A recommended option is finding 2006’s Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut. Its storytelling is imperfect, but Donner’s intended vision finally linking I and II as a two-part epic is worth exploring.

Books & Novels Children's Books DC-Related LEGO Toys & Games

LEGO DC SUPER-HEROES HANDBOOK

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date October 14, 2020

Written by Scholastic, Inc.

SUMMARY:

Published in 2013, at 109 pages, after a single-page introduction, this paperback has the following sections (each with a Lego character and/or props).

CHAPTER 1: HEROES

Superman (pages 10-13)

Batman (pages 14-17, featuring 4 different Lego Batman figures)

Robin (pages 18-19)

Wonder Woman (pages 20-21)

Aquaman (pages 22-23)

The Flash (pages 24-25)

Green Lantern (pages 26-27)

Commissioner Gordon (with a likeness to actor Gary Oldman) (pages 28-29)

Lois Lane (with a likeness to actress Amy Adams) (pages 30-31)

Colonel Hardy (pages 32-33)

Guards (pages 34-35)

CHAPTER 2: VILLAINS

Lex Luthor (pages 38-39)

General Zod (pages 40-41)

Faora & Tor-An (pages 42-43)

Joker (pages 44-45)

Harley Quinn (pages 46-47)

Bane (pages 48-49)

Catwoman (pages 50-51)

Two-Face (pages 52-53)

Poison Ivy (pages 54-55)

Riddler (pages 56-57)

Scarecrow (pages 58-59)

Mr. Freeze (pages 60-61)

Penguin (pages 62-63)

Henchmen (pages 64-65)

CHAPTER 3: VEHICLES

Batmobile (pages 68-69)

Batwing (pages 70-71)

Batboat (pages 72-73)

Batcycle (pages 74-75)

Bat jump jet (pages 76-77)

Joker’s helicopter (pages 78-79)

Bane’s drill tank (pages 80-81)

Batman’s tumbler (pages 82-83)

Catwoman’s Cat-cycle (pages 84-85)

Two Face’s Tow truck (pages 86-87)

Arkham Asylum Security Van (pages 88-89)

Lex Luthor’s Power Armor (pages 90-91)

Lex Luthor’s Off-Roader (pages 92-93)

Zod’s Black Zero Drop Ship (pages 94-95)

Zod’s Black Zero Escape Pod (with Lois Lane) (pages 96-97)

CHAPTER 4: LOCATIONS

Gotham City (pages 100-101 – shows Batman, the Batwing, Joker, & the Joker’s Helicopter only.

Metropolis (pages 102-103) – shows Superman & Wonder Woman vs. Lex Luthor in his Power Armor only.

Batcave (pages 104-105) – includes Batman & Robin, with a jailed Poison Ivy.

Funhouse (pages 106-107) – includes Joker, Harley Quinn, & Riddler vs. Batman & Robin.

Arkham Asylum (pages 108-109) includes Batman & Robin, Scarecrow, Harley Quin, Penguin, Joker, Guard, and the Arkham Asylum Security Van.

REVIEW:

Simplistically written for its intended audience, a paragraph-long synopsis per character along with a few quick facts are blasted out in “Biff-Pow-Zap,” star-spangled comic book style. These ‘facts’ summarize a character’s super-powers, equipment, secret identity, etc. Some characters, such as the Flash, are even displayed with some added visual effects (i.e. the Flash’s velocity running at super-speed; the Batboat’s fiery jet engines accelerating). Though it’s impressively designed, this handbook is a glorified toy catalog (minus listing retail prices). Still, LEGO collectors may find it a nice reference guide.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 5 Stars

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Books & Novels DC-Related Movies & Television (Books)

SUPERMAN III (1983 Movie Novelization)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date October 14, 2020

Written by William Kotzwinkle (adapting the 1983 film script)

SUMMARY:

Adapting the 1983 Christopher Reeve film, this official 221-page Warner Books novelization features Clark Kent/Superman on a much-needed break from his hectic Metropolis life. Returning home to Smallville for his fifteen-year high school reunion, Clark reconnects with Lana Lang, as well as meeting her young son, Ricky. Elsewhere, opportunistic tech-geek Gus Gorman is recruited by greedy corporate tycoons, Ross and Vera Webster, to design an ‘Ultimate Computer’ to manipulate the Earth’s weather for illicit purposes. Utilizing this computer’s awesome capabilities, the Webster siblings and Gus infect Superman with artificial kryptonite. With a corrupted Man of Steel and a super-computer both wreaking worldwide havoc, it’s time for at least one unlikely hero.

REVIEW:

The good news is that it’s a faithful adaptation. Of course, there also lies the bad news, too, as there’s more superficiality at stake than actual Superman. Most telling, Kotzwinkle’s pessimism upstages the script’s ineptitude at devising campy humor. By overplaying the cynicism angle, he doesn’t mitigate Superman III’s creative laziness by much. Also, be advised that scattered profanities are included, so don’t mistake Kotzwinkle’s take on Superman III as a kid-friendly junior novelization.

With occasional gusto, scenes are duly expanded, and a few superfluous ones (i.e. Lois Lane’s tropical vacation) are briefly mentioned. Of significance, Kotzwinkle spells out cynical insights that the characters only vaguely convey in the movie. Depicting a burnt-out Clark’s weariness re: faking constant humility, one gains a relatable sense of the daily toll his super-responsibilities have inflicted. Bumbling career loser Gus Gorman’s thoughts can be amusing (i.e. his dreaded memories of prison life), but Kotzwinkle’s Gus is a 1970’s sitcom caricature vs. an actual character. The novel’s credibility further erodes by not explaining how Gus even gained the scientific expertise to design this supposed ‘Ultimate Computer.’ For that matter, Kotzwinkle doesn’t bother disguising that the Websters and blond eye candy Lorelai Ambrosia are mere knock-offs of Lex Luthor’s entourage from the previous Superman films.

It comes down to whether or not readers will appreciate the author’s acerbic humor. From the Man of Steel’s ungrateful customers to Vera Webster’s toxic breath, Kotzwinkle puts acidic zip into his putdowns of everyday life. His witty jibes are often spot-on, but it’s still a depressing vibe for any Superman adventure. Suffice to say, Kotzwinkle’s visit to Metropolis is a far cry from the magic of Superman: The Movie.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

There are eight double-sided pages of black-and-white film stills.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 5½ Stars

Art & History Books & Novels Comic Books & Graphic Novels DC Comics Marvel Comics

THE SUPERHERO BOOK: The Ultimate Encyclopedia of Comic-Book Heroes and Hollywood Heroes, 2nd Ed.

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date October 9, 2020

Written by Gina Misiroglu (editor); Michael Eury; Andy Mangels; Michael A. Martin; Adam McGovern; Frank Plowright; David Roach; & Peter Sanderson

SUMMARY:

Released by Visible Ink Press in 2012, this 263-page paperback offers a wide historical perspective on notable super-hero properties from the comic book industry, as well as Hollywood. In addition to expected entries on high-profile characters such as Superman, Batman, Spider-Man, Wonder Woman, The Incredibles, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Wolverine, the text examines some of Marvel and DC’s lesser-known competitors, as many of them no longer exist. Twenty letters are represented with a limited number of entries, but there aren’t any entries for “K,” “O,” “Q,” “U,” “Y,” and “Z.” Photos of vintage comic book covers and various film stills decorate this easy-to-read resource guide.

REVIEW:

A super-competent writing squad (identified by their initials per each entry) offers balanced analysis of a variety of characters and their often-convoluted histories. The concise backstories of other publishers like America’s Best Comics, Image Comics, Charlton Comics, Eclipse Comics, Dark Horse Comics, and even Archie Comics’ forays into super-heroes offer a glimpse into DC and Marvel’s various rivals.

For instance, who knew that the original Blue Beetle (courtesy of the first of his numerous independent publishers) actually bested Batman by becoming the second super-hero to score his own monthly comic after Superman? How about Lee Falk’s Phantom predating Superman as the first costumed hero? Or that DC’s gas mask-clad Sandman followed Batman as the fourth super-hero with a solo monthly title? Or, in a nod to more likely common knowledge, that the Golden Age Human Torch and the Sub-Mariner were simultaneously Marvel’s first heroes?

Considering that so many letters are skipped, one might conclude that this kid-friendly and well-decorated guidebook neglects quite a bit. Closer inspection indicates that the writers take a streamlined approach by referencing topic-related characters (i.e. second-tier members of the Avengers and the Justice League) within entries attributed to a particular super-team or with the publishing company itself. Still, Marvel’s Hawkeye, Power Man, and Iron Fist receive individual entries – yet, other major industry names (i.e. Firestorm, Zatanna, Harley Quinn, Cyborg, and Witchblade) don’t make this book’s cut. The book’s front cover hype of being an “ultimate” reference, as a result, isn’t as accurate as one might hope for.

Beyond omitting an index, the book’s only other flaw is that it is already outdated. For instance, handy information pertaining to DC’s recent slew of TV programming (i.e. Arrow; The Flash; Supergirl; and Legends of Tomorrow) and Marvel’s more current box office hits (i.e. Spider-Man: Homecoming; Ant-Man; and Doctor Strange) will have to wait for another update. For what it offers, The Superhero Book is a solidly entertaining read that would make a nifty gem for teenage comic book fans.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES:

The contributors share a two-page biographical section. The book’s last page is for photo credits.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7½ Stars

Note: For an ideal companion piece, there is Ron Goulart’s 2004 full-blown Comic Book Encyclopedia hardcover, which sports 378 pages re: the history of the comic book medium.