Category: Marvel Comics

SPIDER-WOMAN (JESSICA DREW- 2016 Series), VOLUME 2: NEW DUDS (MARVEL Comics)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date November 4, 2020

Written by Dennis Hopeless

Art by Javier Rodriguez; Alvaro Lopez; Muntsa Vicente; Natacha Bustos; Vero Gandini; & VC’s Travis Lanham

Cover Art by Javier Rodriguez

SUMMARY:

Released by Marvel Comics in 2016, this 136-page trade paperback assembles Spider-Woman # 5-10 of the same year. Having quit the Avengers several weeks before, a down-on-her-luck Jessica Drew’s Spider-Woman has garnered at best middling results returning to solo action. From her perspective, the independence of a fresh start means sporting a new costume and a hot motorcycle.

Reluctantly taking a missing-persons case from veteran “Daily Bugle” reporter Ben Urich, Jessica traces a bizarre extortion case targeting D-list super-villain husbands and dads. With Ben and the dim-witted villain Porcupine’s help, an undercover Jessica’s investigation leads to a quaint little town with some dark secrets.

Taking her private detective gig on a cross-country road trip, Jessica brings Ben and dopey Roger (aka the Porcupine) along for the ride. After a brief montage of a few prior stops, Spider-Woman encounters a mass zombie-style mind control scheme brewing in Dodge City, Kansas. Jessica’s obstacles involve a meat-packing plant skirmish and even gamma-irradiated, Hulk-like cows.

Interspersed with the Dodge City mystery, a new multi-dimensional crisis threatening Earth forces Black Widow to track down an uncooperative Spider-Woman for help.

Notes: The first leg of this particular series is Spider-Woman, Volume 1: Spider-Verse. There isn’t a Volume 3, as Marvel opted to restart the series again with another Volume 1 (it starts Jessica’s maternal ‘Shifting Gears’ phase).

REVIEW:

It’s apt to describe New Duds as underwhelming, but writer Dennis Hopeless still infuses Jessica Drew’s relatable world with a likable action-comedy mix. Whether it is Spider-Woman’s endearing personality or the inclusion of Porcupine as a dubious tag team partner, New Duds knows best not to take itself too seriously (i.e. the Hulk-cows).

With Spider-Woman’s civilian identity no longer secret, Hopeless takes a smart tack re: Jessica shrugging off her lack of anonymity with characteristic nonchalance. Ben Urich’s role also gifts Jessica with a reliable Commissioner Gordon/Alfred/Dr. Watson-like consultant to balance the Porcupine’s goofy comedy relief. Even if this book’s storylines are middling, the Jessica-Urich-Roger/Porcupine chemistry still makes a refreshing asset.

The book’s visuals aren’t high-caliber, but the art team’s upbeat, tongue-in-cheek approach works just fine for New Duds. While New Duds isn’t necessarily a keeper, it still offers a decent read (for teens and up). What’s more intriguing is whether or not perennial Spider-Woman fans would agree that Jessica’s new creative direction is even necessary.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The covers and three Issue # 5 variants are included in a full-page format. The variant artists are Kris Anka (two covers) and Siya Qum (one cover).

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 6 Stars

Note: A Marvel Legends action figure has since been released with Jessica Drew’s new Spider-duds (as glimpsed below).

Comic Books & Graphic Novels Marvel Comics MARVEL's Hardcovers & Paperbacks STAR WARS-Related

STAR WARS: MACE WINDU – JEDI OF THE REPUBLIC (MARVEL Comics)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date November 4, 2020

Written by Matt Owens

Art by Denys Cowan; Edgar Salazar; Roberto Poggi; Scott Hanna; Guru-eFX; & VC’s Joe Caramagina

Cover Art by Jesús Saiz

SUMMARY:

Published by Marvel Comics in 2018, this 112-page paperback collects Mace Windu # 1-5. Set during the aftermath of Episode II: Attack of the Clones, weary Jedi Master Mace Windu commands a Jedi contingent (Kit Fisto, the blind Prosset Dibs, & pilot Rissa Mano) on a covert surveillance mission to the remote jungle planet, Hissrich, to spy on the Separatists. Among the villainous droids, there is the mercenary killer robot, AD-W4. Windu’s team struggles to thwart the droid army’s planet-killing “harvesting” of Hissrich.

Vastly outnumbered by the enemy, violent tension between an increasingly skeptical Dibs and Windu further exacerbates their mission’s danger factor. A flashback to Windu’s past as a Jedi padawan reveals more about his present-day Jedi philosophy. Windu confronts AD-W4 in a lethal showdown.

REVIEW:

Amidst its flashy visuals, the book benefits most from a faithful likeness of actor Samuel L. Jackson as Windu. However, even plenty of high-caliber artwork can’t protect a good adventure from being sabotaged by stilted dialogue (much like the pretentious tone of the Star Wars prequels). This storyline offers some interesting twists, but far too little excitement is generated by character interactions.

Case in point: though his speech pattern replicates his live-action counterpart, Windu is too bland of a character to endear himself to casual fans. The character, at least in this adaptation, doesn’t live up to Windu’s intriguing potential. While ages-9-and-up Mace Windu fans should be delighted with his well-deserved showcase, this one-and-done paperback is probably best found at the library.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

A first-page Star Wars-style prologue introduces the storyline. All five covers and a variant cover gallery are reprinted in a full-page format. Jesús Saiz covers Issues # 1-4, while Rod Reis handles Issue # 5. The variant artists are: Javier Rodriguez & Alvaro López (Issue # 1); David Nakayama (Issue # 2); Julian Totino Tedesco (Issue # 3); Declan Shalvey & Jordie Bellaire (Issue # 4); and John Tyler Christopher (Issue # 5).

BRIAN & ROSCOE’S ODD MOON RATING: 6 Stars

Action Figures INDEPENDENT-Related (Comic Books & Graphic Novels) MARVEL-Related Toys & Games

SUPER-PATRIOT (IMAGE COMICS/MARVEL’S LEGENDARY SUPER-HEROES ACTION FIGURE)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date November 4, 2020

SUMMARY:

Released through Marvel in 2007 for Image Comics “Legendary Super-Heroes” action figure line, this 6-inch Super Patriot cyborg likely represents the character’s first incarnation as a toy.

Its articulation points include: 1. With some effort, the head can swivel a full 360-degree rotation. 2. Bending slightly at the left elbow only, the arms can rotate a full 360-degrees and can fully extend outwardly. 3. The left wrist swivels his left forearm in a full 360-degree rotation. 4. Four fingers on his left hand can bend. 5. His upper body can turn a full 360-degree swivel and can bend backwards and forwards at the torso. 6. Above his utility belt, the lower body can also swivel a full 360-degrees. 7. The boots spin a full 360-degrees. 8. The upper portion of his boots bend. 9. When positioned, the figure can indefinitely stand for display poses.

The bottom of his feet include peg holes for display stands he will fit on, though none are included for the figure. He also has a large peg hole hollowed into his back, suggesting that some sort of backpack accessory is available. His flag-themed shoulder pads are removable.

Note: This figure’s variant depicts Super Patriot without his mask.

REVIEW:

Sporting a spot-on paint job (the red-white-and-blue colors are stellar), this figure’s metallic cyborg arms and legs give him a distinctive look. His trademark mask (with an attached long white ponytail) is also sturdily constructed. Yet, the figure has some distinguishing flaws. First, as the right elbow joint bends only inwardly, the right arm’s pose options are strictly limited. The left arm is more maneuverable, but its elbow joint is still stiff. The other weak spot pertains to his knee joints-knee pads (which aren’t too flimsy), but their articulation is practically non-existent. Hence, if one pushes their luck too often, these inflexible elbow and knee joints might require some carefully-applied super-glue.

Despite its various limitations, this Super Patriot rates fairly close in quality to the Marvel Legends of that era.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

No accessories are included, so the huge peg hole in his back is a mystery. As part of the 1-of 6 “Build-Your-Own-Pitt” figure, Super Patriot does come with its left arm component.

PACKAGING:

On Image Comics’ behalf, Marvel does an excellent job promoting the figure in its nicely-manufactured box.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 5½ Stars

Comic Books & Graphic Novels DC Comics DC-Marvel Crossovers DC's Hardcovers & Trade Paperbacks Marvel Comics MARVEL's Hardcovers & Paperbacks

DC/MARVEL CROSSOVER CLASSICS II

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date November 4, 2020

Written by: (See Credits Below)

Art by (See Credits Below)

Cover Art by John Romita Jr. & Dennis Janke

SUMMARY:

Released in 1998, this 222-page trade paperback consists of four one-shots from 1994-1996: specifically, Batman/Punisher: Lake of Fire; its sequel – Punisher/Batman: Deadly Knights; Silver Surfer/Superman: Pop; and the Golden Age-inspired Captain America & Batman.

Batman/Punisher: Lake of Fire. Writer: Dennis O’Neil; Artists: Barry Kitson & James Pascoe; Colors: Matt Hollingsworth; & Letters: Ken Bruzenak. The new Batman (Jean-Paul Valley) and the Punisher/Frank Castle must tag-team against Jigsaw’s incendiary effort jeopardizing Gotham City’s water supply.

Punisher/Batman: Deadly Knights. Writer: Chuck Dixon; Artists: John Romita Jr. & Klaus Janson; Colors: Christie Scheele; & Letters: Richard Starkings/Comicraft. Weeks later, the Punisher returns to Gotham still in pursuit of an elusive Jigsaw, now in cahoots with the Joker. Awaiting Frank Castle is Bruce Wayne’s original Batman, who has no intention of letting the Punisher run roughshod during a mob uprising.

Silver Surfer/Superman: Pop. Writer: George Pérez; Artists: Ron Lim & Terry Austin; Colors: Tom Smith; & Letters: John Costanza. It’s fun-and-games for the Silver Surfer and the Man of Steel, as two familiar interdimensional imps trade off wreaking havoc on their rival universe’s cosmic hero. Included is a Fantastic Four appearance.

Captain America & Batman. Writer/Artist: John Byrne; & Colors: Patricia Mulvihill. In 1945 wartime Gotham City, Captain America & Bucky join the Dynamic Duo in thwarting the Red Skull and the Joker’s Nazi-related terrorist scheme.

Note: The 1949 segment of Byrne’s first Superman & Batman: Generations (An Imaginary Tale) is a direct, if not acknowledged, sequel to Captain America & Batman. Explaining the Joker’s post-war return, it can be found in either the 1999 Generations mini-series or its subsequent 2000 trade paperback.

REVIEW:

Sporting different styles, the consistently stellar artwork is a welcome asset. However, the stories are a mixed bag. Unless one is a die-hard fan of the Impossible Man and/or Mr. Mxyzptlk, Silver Surfer/Superman: Pop is tough to indulge even once. Still, Superman’s confrontation with the Super-Skrull (or maybe it isn’t) is a minor gem.

As to the two Batman/Punisher tales, aside from heavy doses of mob violence, its weak link is the less-than-compelling Jean-Paul Valley. Unsurprisingly, Bruce Wayne’s Batman deems the Punisher as one more psychopath in Gotham, making their scenes together dynamite, especially as there’s no cop-out alliance between them. It’s a shame that Wayne’s Batman is stuck with a skimpy plot while Valley has the more compelling Lake of Fire. Dumping Valley and inserting the original Batman into Lake of Fire would have made an ideal read.

The real gem, however, is a Golden Age caper finally teaming Captain America & Bucky with Batman & Robin, not to mention the Joker’s for-hire alliance with the Red Skull. Writer-artist John Byrne doesn’t disappoint, as his well-played storyline delivers fun plot twists.

Considering how hard it is to track down these original mid-90’s comics in pristine form, this collection makes good financial sense for fans. In all fairness, with the exception of Captain America & Batman, Crossover Classics II isn’t nearly as inspired as those assembled for the first Crossover Classics. That volume, by the way, has both Superman/Spider-Man team-ups; Batman/Hulk; and the brilliant X-Men/Teen Titans.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

After the table of contents/credits page, a two-page introduction profiles the heroes. A page explains DC & Marvel’s definition of a “crossover.” Chuck Dixon provides a two-page foreword to this project. All four covers are reprinted in a full-page format.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 6 Stars

Comic Books & Graphic Novels DC Comics DC-Marvel Crossovers Marvel Comics

DR. STRANGEFATE # 1 {Amalgam Comics one-shot} (1996 DC & MARVEL Comics)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date November 4, 2020

Written by Ron Marz

Art by Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez; Kevin Nowlan; Matt Hollingsworth; & Chris Eliopoulos

Cover Art by Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez

SUMMARY:

Entitled “The Decrees of Fate,” this standard-length one-shot was co-published by DC Comics for April 1996, as part of its Amalgam Comics cross-promotion with Marvel Comics. The bewildered dimensional traveler/teleporter, Access, escapes from the sewer-dwelling monster, the ‘Abominite,’ which is an aquatic reptilian mix mostly of the Abomination, the Lizard, and Killer Croc. In his private sanctum, the enigmatic Doctor StrangeFate commands his indentured servant, Myx (Wong/Mr. Mxyzptlk), to summon forth three supernatural operatives: Bruce “The Skulk” Banner (Hulk/Super-Skrull); Frankie “Jade Nova” Rayner (Frankie Raye’s Nova/Jade/Fire/Dazzler/Kyle Rayner’s Green Lantern); and the sultry Wanda “White Witch” Zatara (Zatanna Zatara/Scarlet Witch) to retrieve Access. Ultimately, the sorcerer’s secret identity is revealed.

Note: The one-shot is reprinted in two Amalgam trade paperbacks: first, DC vs. Marvel (where their Us vs. Them series of one-on-one battles splinters into the Amalgam Universe) and then Age of Amalgam Comics.

REVIEW:

DC and Marvel’s mix-and-match gimmick inevitably muddles the plot, but its overall cohesion holds up better than expected. Composite characters like the Skulk, Jada Nova, and Abominite are intriguing prospects, but the flirtatious White Witch steals the show as its most memorable Amalgam. Further, writer Ron Marz imbues this issue with a welcome sense of unpredictability, which negates gaffes in logic during Dr. StrangeFate’s interrogation of Access. Further, a last-minute twist re: StrangeFate is well-played. Supporting Marz is a top-tier art squad, as their nifty visuals (especially these particular Amalgam costume designs) add to the chaotic fun. Doctor StrangeFate # 1 rates among the best Amalgam one-shots, in terms of helping set up this cross-promotion’s conclusion.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

There’s a single-page “Strangefate Letters” mock correspondence column. The single-page “Amalgamnation” column consists of a ‘Carwald’s Cornerbox’ editor’s note and a dozen thumbnail synopses & cover reveals for the second-wave Amalgam Comics issues.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars

Comic Books & Graphic Novels DC Comics DC-Marvel Crossovers Marvel Comics

JLX # 1 {Amalgam Comics one-shot) (1996 DC & Marvel Comics)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date November 4, 2020

Written by Gerard Jones & Mark Waid

Art by Howard Porter; John Dell; Chris Eliopoulos; Gloria Vasquez; & Heroic Age

Cover Art by Howard Porter

SUMMARY:

Published by DC Comics and Marvel Comics’ Amalgam Comics crossover for April 1996, this one-shot mash-up assembles further composites of numerous DC and Marvel characters. Over the North Atlantic Ocean, the JLA (Judgement League of Avengers) engages in a showdown with its renegade mutant members (the JLX) for protecting the fugitive aquatic hero, Mariner, after the destruction of several oil tankers. Escaping underwater, the elusive JLX investigates the deserted Kingdom of Atlantis. Attacked by arch-enemy Will Magnus’ destructive Sentinels, the infuriated squad makes some shocking discoveries fighting back.

Quick Amalgam Guide:

Phoenix/Fire: Firebird

Angel/Hawkman: Angelhawk

Cyclops/Ray: Apollo

Hawkeye/Green Arrow: Hawkeye

Sub-Mariner/Aquaman: Mariner

Rogue/Gypsy: Runaway

(Kree) Captain Mar-vell/ (Shazam) Captain Marvel: Captain Marvel

Wolverine/Batman: Dark Claw

Nightcrawler/Creeper: Nightcreeper

Captain America/Superman: Super-Soldier

Quicksilver/Impulse: Mercury

Goliath/Green Arrow: Goliath (?)

Gambit/Obsidian/Nightcrawler(?): Wraith

Mockingbird/Black Canary: Unidentified

Jocasta/female Sentinel: Jocasta

Bolivar Trask/Will Magnus: Will Magnus

Skrull/Martian Manhunter: Marco Xavier / Mr. X

Note: There’s a subsequent sequel to this issue: JLX Unleashed # 1, which guest-stars Amazon (Storm/Wonder Woman). Instead of searching for it as a back issue, another option is DC/Marvel’s 1997 Return to the Age of Amalgam Comics trade paperback, which also offers solo sequels for Super-Soldier (Superman/Captain America) and Dark Claw (Batman/Wolverine).

REVIEW:

If the above character quick study is any indication, either this wacky storyline is either wild fun … or just wildly confusing. Suffice to say, JLX # 1 is both. Boasting terrific artwork and some nifty surprises (including its false sense of continuity), this issue is geared for fans readily familiar with both DC and Marvel characters. With so many Amalgams present, it’s distracting trying to decipher names and who’s combined with whom. Even if ‘Mercury’ and ‘Firebird’ are obvious what composites they are, then there is the Cyclops/Ray composite dubbed ‘Apollo.’ For that matter, in cameos, one must infer the Hawkeye/Green Arrow composite is a Green Arrow named ‘Clint Barton,’ or the Goliath (a presumed mix with Hank Pym) is evidently named ‘Ollie Queen.’

Still, co-writers Gerard Jones and Mark Waid conjure up an entertaining ride, including references to the Avengers-X-Men rivalry; the Sentinels; and Atlantis, that somehow meshes into a mildly coherent storyline. If anything, the bizarre JLX # 1 is a keeper solely for its uniqueness.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

There is a single-page, mock “JLX-Press” letters-and-answers column. Including a ‘Carwald’s Cornerbox,’ the single-page “Amalgamnation” hypes the other dozen Amalgam one-shots released in this second wave.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 5½ Stars

Comic Books & Graphic Novels DC Comics DC-Marvel Crossovers Marvel Comics

BULLETS & BRACELETS # 1 {Amalgam Comics one-shot} (1996 DC & Marvel Comics)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date November 4, 2020

SUMMARY:

Published by DC Comics & Marvel Comics’ Amalgam Comics cross-over for April 1996, this standard-length one-shot is entitled “Final Thrust.”

Sporting adamantium bracelets, Diana Prince and her trigger-happy ex: Trevor Castle (Steve Trevor + the Punisher = a blond Punisher), must rescue their abducted young son, Ryan. A showdown with The Hand terrorist group puts them into contact with an amalgamated Monarch. The estranged ex-spouses storm Apokolips where a vengeful Big Titania (Big Barda + Titania) and the Female Furies await them at Granny Harkness’ dreaded orphanage. Even worse is the threat of Thanoseid (Thanos + Darkseid), who has lured Diana for an ulterior purpose.

Note: This Diana Prince isn’t much of an amalgam – she is nearly identical to Diana during Artemis’ storyline arc as the new Wonder Woman. Instead, Diana’s Wonder Woman persona is assigned to the X-Men’s Storm for other Amalgam titles.

REVIEW:

Boosted by excellent visuals (i.e. Gary Frank’s top-caliber penciling), this Amalgam tale surpasses its doubtful premise. Coherently devising a twist-filled script, writer John Ostrander’s take on a Diana-Punisher family is one that fans should enjoy exploring. This storyline’s best element is the tag team chemistry between Diana (who utilizes an Artemis-like bow & quiver) and a nihilistic Trevor Castle. A possible re-kindling of their romance is a well-played sub-plot. The only big detriment is an implausible finale – suffice to say, this particular twist rings hollow.

Still, Ostrander’s inventive plotting and uncomplicated use of the Amalgam concept will keep readers tuned in. Bullets and Bracelets # 1 rates among the best Amalgam stories, as it mostly delivers the necessary goods.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

None.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7½ Stars

Comic Books & Graphic Novels DC Comics DC-Marvel Crossovers Marvel Comics

ALL-ACCESS # 1 (1996 DC & Marvel Comics)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date November 4, 2020

Written by Ron Marz

Art by Jackson Guice; Josef Rubinstein; Bill Oakley; Lee Loughridge; & Digital Chameleon

Cover Art by Jackson Guice & Josef Rubinstein

SUMMARY:

Co-published by DC Comics and Marvel Comics for December 1996, this 48-page Amalgam Comics-related opener entitled “The Crossing!” begins a four-part crossover mini-series. Leaving his girlfriend, Ming, behind at her parents’ Greenwich Village restaurant, interdimensional conduit Axel “Access” Asher leaps from the Marvel Universe to the DC Universe to retrieve a lost Venom rampaging in Metropolis. Due to his unfamiliarity with Venom, Superman (still in his mullet phase) is stymied. Summoning Spider-Man to assist the Man of Steel, Access realizes a triple-threat may be necessary to neutralize Venom. Elsewhere, a familiar super-mystic senses that further crossover chaos is imminent.

Note: Despite the all-star cast implied on the cover, only Superman & Spidey appear — aside from a cameo from a certain mystical doctor.

REVIEW:

As fun as these rare Spider-Man/Superman team-ups are, one must swallow the unlikeliness of Venom holding them both off for an indefinite period. Still, this extended battle sequence is well-played, though Superman is predictably super-dull amidst the long-standing Spider-Man/Venom feud. Excessive blandness further applies to Access, who actually makes time to flirt with a rescued female hostage — who is oddly far too relaxed, considering the circumstances. Despite these scripting contrivances, writer Ron Marz ensures that fans get the Superman/Spider-Man fix they’re seeking. For this occasion, the art squad delivers glossy and well above-average work from start to finish. If not for the eye-rolling presence of Access himself, All-Access # 1 makes a decent, if not forgettable, quick read.

Note: To catch the first two Superman/Spider-Man team-ups, the best option is DC-Marvel Crossover Classics, Volume 1. Also included are X-Men/Teen Titans and Batman/Incredible Hulk.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

There’s the full-page “Watch This Space” news, hype, and notes column (it’s # 31). In roundtable fashion, Mike Carlin, Roger Stern, Dan Jurgens, Louise Simonson, and Karl Kesel discuss the upcoming Superman: The Wedding Album, as well as its live-action TV counterpart on Lois & Clark.

BRIAN’S OOD MOON RATING: 5 Stars