Category: Comic Books & Graphic Novels

Written by Geoff Johns.

Art by Carlos Pacheco; Ethan Van Sciver; Jesus Merino; Moose Baumann; & Rob Leigh.

Cover Art by Carlos Pacheco; Jesús Merino; & Peter Steigerwald.

SUMMARY:

Entitled “Airborne,” DC Comics released this premiere issue for July 2005.  Hal Jordan’s legendary origin as Green Lantern is briefly replayed.  Having regained his role as Green Lantern in Green Lantern: Rebirth, Hal (aka ‘Highball’ to his flyboy buddies) now seeks out his past life as an U.S. Air Force pilot in Southern California. 

Reuniting with old military colleagues and his brother, Jim, Hal lives in a bachelor pad in the partially-rebuilt Coast City.  Among the new supporting cast introduced is fellow high-risk pilot and Hal’s potential love interest, Captain Jillian “Cowgirl” Pearlman.

Hal and John Stewart’s investigation of a mysterious, yellow-hued alien starship abandoned in Earth’s orbit gives them an ominous vibe, with little else to go on.  A homicidal alien threat arrives at the outskirts of Edwards Air Force Base, evidently seeking out mysterious cargo stored aboard a military transport carrier.  After Hal’s explosive rescue of Jillian’s crashing experimental jet, he realizes the jet’s engine is of extraterrestrial origin.    

Notes: Though the image is not available here, the variant artist is Alex Ross.  The Ross artwork subsequently appears as the collection cover for Green Lantern, Volume 1: No Fear.  Lastly, this premiere issue launches Hal’s third ongoing series.

REVIEW:

First, it should be stated that Geoff Johns’ six-part Green Lantern: Rebirth is a creative grand slam brilliantly reversing two decades of DC’s mishandling of Hal Jordan (i.e., from post-Crisis milquetoast to DC’s pathetic answer to Darth Vader to a lackluster Spectre in search of redemption).  As for this immediate sequel, the series opener hits more of a triple, if not a home run.  Johns, in that sense, sustains most of Hal’s newfound momentum, but this initial salvo is by no means extraordinary reading. 

The issue’s art squad deserves kudos for its excellent visuals; suffice to say, Hal’s long-awaited return merits such slick quality.  Getting back to Johns’ storytelling, he smartly begins weaving multiple plot threads without giving anything away too soon.  Johns’ energetic inclusion of pilot and military lingo adds welcome credibility making Hal’s prior military life that much more believable.  Still, as much as fans can appreciate Johns’ business-as-usual approach, Issue # 1‘s plotting is not particularly memorable.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The “DC in Demand” column includes thumbnail cover reveals for: Birds of Prey # 82; Teen Titans # 24; Batman Villains Secret Files 2005; and Green Lantern # 2.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                        6½ Stars

Written by Geoff Johns.

Art by Ethan Van Sciver; Scott Hanna; Rob Leigh; & Brian Miller.

Cover Art by Ethan Van Sciver & Brian Miller.

SUMMARY:

Entitled “Fastest Man Alive,” DC Comics released the conclusion of this six-part mini-series for April 2010.  Desperately chasing Eobard Thawne’s Reverse-Flash into the past, Barry Allen’s Flash is joined by Wally West in the pursuit. 

Thawne intends to assassinate an unsuspecting Iris West on her way to her first date with future husband Barry.  It is also the same night the fateful lab accident occurs transforming Barry into the Flash.  With help from his extended Flash family, Barry averts an ugly tragedy that would have had staggering repercussions. 

Enjoying private downtime with his wife, Iris, Barry looks forward to resuming their present-day lives  – including his new job as a Central City police cold case technician.  At the Hall of Justice in Washington, D.C., the Justice League (cameos include Black Canary, Green Arrow, Ray Palmer’s Atom, Zatanna Zatara, and Hal Jordan’s Green Lantern) awaits to welcome an overdue Barry. 

Elsewhere, the Rogues rue what to do about facing their original nemesis once more.  Other ominous story threads awaiting Barry’s new ongoing series are also teased.      

REVIEW:

Ironically, lightning doesn’t strike twice.  The magic replicating Geoff Johns’ Green Lantern: Rebirth falls short for Barry Allen, largely due to his milquetoast persona and a retread of a plot. 

Having already escaped Speed Force limbo in Final Crisis, Barry’s convoluted Rebirth comes off as more formulaic than necessary.  By streamlining the number of featured speedsters (i.e., focus more on exploring Barry & Wally’s new co-existence), Johns could have instead made Rebirth’s plot an ideal first arc for Barry’s ongoing monthly.    

While Hal Jordan’s long-awaited resurrection was exciting and unpredictably ominous from start to finish, Barry’s Rebirth finale, by comparison,is a ho-hum epilogue.  Even if Eobard Thawne’s Reverse-Flash is Barry’s worst nightmare, this far-future villain is hardly a challenge for Barry’s veritable army of speedsters. 

Case in point: when the faster Wally West mostly observes Barry thwart Thawne, it is evident that Johns has overplayed his creative hand.  More so, Rebirth’s anti-climactic showdown is a repeat of what has already been done before.  As written by Mark Waid and later Johns, Wally’s previous clashes facing Thawne and later Hunter Zolomon’s Zoom will come to mind.

Visually, however, Rebirth # 6 deploys excellent artwork.  Even if Johns isn’t particularly inspired this occasion, artist Ethan Van Sciver and his colleagues slickly make up some of the difference.  If given the option, one is better off obtaining The Flash: Rebirth trade paperback rather than this single issue.  Not only are Johns’ convoluted plot points sufficiently untangled, fans can enjoy the full artistic array of The Flash: Rebirth.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

After a full-page cover image (in color), a four-page, black-and-white sequence previews the First Wave mini-series, which teams Batman with Doc Savage and the Spirit.  An uncredited “DC Nation” column hypes the imminent Blackest Night mega-saga.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                   6 Stars

Written by Chuck Dixon.

Art by Graham Nolan; Scott Hanna; Adrienne Roy; & John Costanza.

Cover Art by Graham Nolan & Scott Hanna.

SUMMARY:

Entitled “Choice of Weapons,” DC Comics released this issue for October 1994.  Completing a trilogy with Batman # 0 and Batman: Shadow of the Bat # 0, further flashbacks to Bruce Wayne’s origin as Batman are revisited.  Meanwhile, by methodically facing a gauntlet of thugs, the Dark Knight works his way down a tenement building’s floors to the basement.  Awaiting him there is the crew’s depraved leader holding two young abducted siblings at gunpoint. 

Interspersed are scenes of Bruce Wayne (with Alfred’s help) first designing the Bat-costume, acquiring his first Bat-vehicles, and building the Batcave.   Note: Despite his cover presence, Tim Drake’s Robin has no impact on the plot.   

REVIEW:

Deliberately rudimentary in his storytelling, writer Chuck Dixon devises a sufficient Issue # 0 as a ‘jumping aboard’ point to hopefully attract new readers.  The art squad’s terrific visuals, including the cover image, frankly are a more persuasive asset than Dixon’s business-as-usual tale.  Still, Detective Comics # 0 is a nice find for Bat-fans in the bargain section.     

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

There is a two-page “Detective Comments” letters-and-answers column.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                 5½ Stars

Written by Grant Morrison.

Art by Andy Kubert; Dave Stewart; & Nick J. Napolitano.

Cover Art by Andy Kubert & Dave Stewart.

SUMMARY:

Entitled “Batman & Son, Part 1: Building a Better Batmobile,” DC Comics released this issue for September 2006.  Having discarded a wounded Joker in the trash, Batman later visits a hospitalized Commissioner Gordon (who is recovering from Joker venom).  With Tim Drake’s Robin off for solo downtime, Bruce Wayne heeds Alfred’s suggestion to refresh his legendary playboy reputation at a charity gala in London.  Due to extortion by his wife’s abductors, Kirk Langstrom’s ominous assignment inadvertently puts him into brief contact with Bruce.

From an undisclosed location, Talia al Ghul and a mysterious young boy use high-tech GPS to pinpoint Bruce Wayne’s present whereabouts.  Seen only in shadows, Taila’s child deduces Bruce as his father, as seen on a giant video screen.

REVIEW:

Its collector’s value re: Damian Wayne owes more to the issue’s art squad than Grant Morrison’s middling plot.  Unmistakably, Andy Kubert and his cohorts deliver top-flight visuals; by comparison, Morrison merely provides an odd story to accompany their artwork.  

Most at odds with Morrison’s illogic is Bruce Wayne witnessing first-hand an obviously-rattled Kirk Langstrom and, under his breath, noting that his overseas vacation is evidently over.  Instead of wisely switching into his Bat-costume to investigate, Morrison has a nonchalant Bruce Wayne then continue to party the night away.  Such peculiar scripting may be Morrison’s preference, but it is bewildering to readers. 

Though scenes with Talia al Ghul and son, as well as those from the Batcave, are well-played, Morrison’s storytelling just comes off as disjointed.  For Damian Wayne’s first appearance, Batman # 655 is worth keeping.  The welcome side benefit is this issue’s excellent artwork, including the cover image.  

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Dan DiDio’s “DC Nation” column includes thumbnail cover reveals for: 52 # 12; Hawkgirl # 54; and Batman # 656.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:               5½ Stars

Written by Neil Gaiman.

Art by Andy Kubert; Scott Williams; Alex Sinclair; & Jared K. Fletcher.

Cover Art by Andy Kubert & Dave Stewart.

SUMMARY:

Released by DC Comics for April 2009, this 48-page issue is entitled “Whatever Happened to the Caped Crusader?, Part 1 of 2: The Beginning of the End.”  One night, at Gotham’s seedy Dew Drop Inn, an illustrious array of guests attend the Dark Knight’s open casket funeral.  Among them are: Selina “Catwoman” Kyle; Alfred Pennyworth; Two-Face; Commissioner Gordon and his daughter, Barbara; the Joker; Harvey Bullock; Renee Montoya; the Penguin; Ra’s al Ghul; the Mad Hatter; Harley Quinn; Kirk Langstrom; and Dick Grayson.

Evidently excluding the Justice League, there is a long line of Bat-villains still waiting to get in. Strangely enough, it appears there are at least two Selina Kyle’s, two Alfred’s, possibly two Harley Quinn’s, and even a cameo by the Joker from Batman: The Animated Series.  It is not revealed whether these counterparts all co-exist in this dream-like world, or if one counterpart enigmatically replaces another previously seen.

Invited to be the one who explains ‘who finally got ’im,’ an aging Selina Kyle (evidently, she is a version of the Golden Age Catwoman) first explains her doomed romance with the Dark Knight.  Entitled “The Cat-Woman’s Tale,” Batman’s tragic end ultimately mirrors the end of the 1976 film, Robin & Marian. 

Next, as entitled “The Gentleman’s Tale,” a decrepit Alfred Pennyworth describes how he and his old acting buddies cleverly devised a group of colorfully ghoulish rogues for ‘Master Bruce’ to routinely defeat as the Batman.  Yet, a fatal encounter at the Gotham City Zoo  doesn’t follow the established Bat-script.     

Unseen commentators are a bewildered Batman’s spirit and an unidentified companion.  All readers briefly see are the duo’s enigmatic silhouettes.  This storyline shifts to Detective Comics # 853 for its conclusion. 

Note: Though the image is not available here, Alex Ross is the variant cover artist.

REVIEW:

Including its homages to alternate Bat-realities, Neil Gaiman’s plotting doubles down on a welcome aura of unpredictability. Unlike Grant Morrison’s penchant for peddling bizarre plot twists, with little-to-no logic or explanation, Gaiman’s similarly-styled storyline somehow projects a far more tantalizing effect.  It is understandable, however, if one become confused by the shifting stream-of-consciousness narratives that Gaiman pitches at readers. 

Hence, vital answers are left to be possibly resolved in the second half.  Equal to such a formidable task is the art squad, whose visuals are top-caliber.  Therefore, the enigmatic Batman # 686, is highly recommended.   

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Andy Kubert provides a stellar four-page sketchbook that reveals his inspirations for this project.  Ian Sattler’s “DC Nation” column hypes ongoing plot twists in JSA, along with a thumbnail cover reveal for Detective Comics # 853.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                   9 Stars

Written by Alan Grant.

Art by Stefano Raffaele; Ray McCarthy; Stan Woch; Drew Geraci; Noelle Giddings; & Ken Lopez.

Cover Art by Glen Orbik.

SUMMARY:

Released by DC Comics in 1997, this 64-page pulp noir adventure is entitled “I Was the Love-Slave of a Plant-Based Killer!”  Hired by sultry Pamela Isley, Gotham gumshoe Joe Potato is mind-controlled into recovering a glowing emerald skull possessing mystical powers. 

Convinced by Batman of Poison Ivy’s criminal nature, the slovenly Potato teams up with the Dark Knight to thwart her scheme to overthrow Gotham City with an army of Swamp Thing-like creatures.  Inadvertently risking his long-suffering girlfriend’s life, Potato is caught up in a deadly showdown pitting Batman against one of his most dangerous enemies.

REVIEW:

Given its considerable page count, this Pulp Heroes-themed annual’s visuals (often angled like a noir film) are consistently terrific.  The downside, ironically, is the hard-boiled yet eminently forgettable Joe Potato.  Despite Batman’s star power, Grant relies far too much upon Potato’s overbearingly clichéd narration, not to mention his excessive ‘screen time’ helping resolve this caper.  Still, as an intriguing smash-up of film noir and 50’s Grade-B sci-fi monster flicks, Batman: Shadow of the Bat Annual # 5 is very readable. 

For adult Bat-fans, this annual makes a welcome find in the bargain section.      

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The only extras are ads.   

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                6 Stars

Written by Denny O’Neil.

Art by Guillem March & Jared K. Fletcher.

Cover Art by Guillem March.

SUMMARY:

DC Comics released this issue for February 2009.  Entitled “Batman: Last Rites – Last Days of Gotham, Part 1 of 2,” the prologue reveals a standoff between glamorous actress Millicent Mayne and a trio of Two-Face’s thugs in a posh Gotham theatre prior to the city’s massive earthquake. 

Years later, one thug impersonating Two-Face vindictively attacks Mayne with a vial of acid at a high-profile charity function.  With Batman presently missing, Alfred calls upon Nightwing from New York City to investigate.  While Mayne enigmatically copes with her new reality, a likely exhausted Nightwing is unaware that he is pursuing Two-Face’s impersonator (not to mention, Two-Face, who is also on the loose). 

A fiery cliffhanger ends the issue, as the storyline now shifts over to Batman # 684.

Though the image isn’t available here, Tony S. Daniel is the variant artist.

REVIEW:

Denny O’Neil’s plotting and Guillem March’s almost-ethereal visuals combine for a terrific read.  Not only does O’Neil’s storyline affect a welcome sense of unpredictability, it provides an ideal fit for March’s top-flight artwork.  For faithful Bat-fans, Detective Comics # 851 is most definitely a welcome find.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Dan DiDio’s “DC Nation” column includes a thumbnail cover reveal for Batman # 684.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                   7½ Stars

Written by Ed Brubaker.

Art by Sean Phillips; Stefano Gaudiano; Clem Rofins; & Laurie Kronenberg.

Cover Art by Paul Gulacy; Jimmy Palmiotti; & Laurie Kronenberg.

SUMMARY:

Entitled “Only Takes a Night,” DC Comics released this issue for August 2004.  Having returned the night before, Selina Kyle’s inner circle is relieved that her apparent demise was really a month-long absence from Gotham City.  While girlfriends Holly and Karon make amends, Slam Bradley reaches out to his estranged son.  From his policeman son’s tip, Slam is suspicious of who has been impersonating Catwoman for the past several days.

Amidst their poignant reunion in costume, Catwoman convince Batman to forego secret identities in exchange for a romantic date night on the town.  Encouraging her friend’s privacy with Bruce Wayne, Holly diverts Slam, whose own feelings for Selina have been revived.  Come much later that evening, a weary Selina feels good being home again.     

REVIEW:

For fans of Selina-and-Bruce’s on-and-off romance, Catwoman # 32 is most definitely on.  Ed Brubaker’s well-played scripting is equaled by the art squad’s high-caliber visuals.   If anything, witnessing Batman imply who the love of his life is proves worth the price of admission.  Catwoman # 32, suffice to say, is a romantic gem worth re-discovery.  

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The full-page “DC in Demand” column features thumbnail cover reveals for Superman # 208; Wonder Woman # 205; Robin # 127; & Catwoman # 33.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                        8 Stars

Written by Ed Brubaker.

Art by Javier Pulido; Matt Hollingsworth; & Sean Konot.

Cover Art by Javier Pulido.

SUMMARY:

Entitled “No Easy Way Down, Part Three,” DC Comics released this issue for July 2003.  Channeling his suspicions of Selina’s true feelings, Slam Bradley’s nightmare sparks him to the grim truth re: a missing person case.  Desperately worried about her girlfriend, Holly, Karon realizes that she needs Catwoman’s intervention. 

Reaching an epiphany, Slam breaks off his low-key romance with Selina.  Emotionally reeling, an intoxicated Selina Kyle’s latest nocturnal heist is interrupted by Batman, who mirrors her conscience.    

REVIEW:

Writer Ed Brubaker’s plotting is a dramatic hodge-podge rotating between Selina and her supporting cast.  In terms of Batman, his ultra-convenient presence is frankly too much as a contrivance.  Had Brubaker conveyed Batman this time as a poignant figment of Selina’s imagination, that idea would have been more satisfying.  More so, this issue is hampered by Javier Pulido’s rudimentary visuals.  Suffice to say, Pulido’s web-style artwork falls short of big-league caliber.

A far better read (especially re: the Batman/Catwoman romance) is Catwoman # 32, in terms of both plotting and visuals.   In contrast, Catwoman # 19 is best found in the bargain section.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The “DC in Demand” column includes thumbnail cover reveals for Human Defense Corps # 1; Arkham Asylum: Living Hell # 1; The Titans/Young Justice Graduation Day: # 1; JSA: All-Stars # 1; and Catwoman # 20.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                 5½ Stars

Written by Chuck Dixon.

Art by Enrique Alcatena; David Hornung; Richard Starkings; & Comicraft.

Cover Art by Enrique Alcatena.

SUMMARY:

Released by DC Comics, this June 1994 64-page Elseworlds-themed annual is untitled.  Evidently set in the 18^th Century, the crusading masked pirate known as Capitan/Captain Leatherwing pursues seagoing evildoers in the name of England.  Aboard his formidable floating arsenal known as The Flying Fox, Leatherwing, his assistant Alfredo, and their crew retrieve an abducted a Native American princess, who believes she has subsequently married her rescuer.  In Kingston, Jamaica, young ‘Robin Redblade’ becomes the Fox’s stowaway and later the mysterious Leatherwing’s protégé. 

Meanwhile, the sinister Laughing Man (aka the Joker) and rival pirate Capitana/Captain Felina conspire to infiltrate and then plunder Leatherwing’s legendary stronghold, Vespertilio Cay (aka Bat’s Cay).  First, an undercover Felina devises a means of seducing Leatherwing.  Once Robin learns of Felina’s treachery, a final showdown is unleashed pitting this reality’s Batman vs. his vilest enemy.   

Note: Neither Bruce Wayne nor Selina Kyle (or by any variation of their names) are identified.  

REVIEW:

Aside from writer Chuck Dixon laying the “Shiver me timbers, me buckos,” pirate lingo on a bit thick, this annual proves a solid read.  Inspired by classic pirate movie clichés, Dixon’s storytelling serves up a predictable swashbuckling caper.  More than equal to this task is the art squad, as their atmospheric visuals are high-caliber. 

While Detective Comics Annual # 7 is not a must-have, its artwork is by all means a most welcome catch in the bargain section.  

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The “DC Universe # 17” column presents high school yearbook quotes from Damage, The Ray, Anima, Tim Drake’s Robin, & Superboy.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                             6 Stars