Category: Comic Books & Graphic Novels

CRISIS ON INFINITE EARTHS’ BATMAN (2006 DC DIRECT ACTION FIGURE)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date October 26, 2020

SUMMARY:

Released by DC Direct in 2006, this Batman appeared as a Wave 3 entry in its action figure line commemorating 1985-86’s twelve-issue Crisis on Infinite Earths series.

Including a blue rubber Bat-cape and yellow rubber utility belt (both firmly attached), this approximately 7.5-inch Batman recreates his classic mid-1980’s look. The figure has limited articulation. Specifically: 1. His head swivels a full 360-degrees. 2. The arms and elbow joints have decent mobility, but his gloved forearms will rotate the full 360. 3. His upper body bends slightly. 4. Despite slightly stiff knee joints, his legs can simulate some walking, running, and kicking poses. 5. There is a single peg in his right boot heel to attach the figure to a display stand (which is included). Even so, the figure stands up easily enough without this base.

Note: In a twist of irony, Batman has a shockingly minor role in Crisis on Infinite Earths, in comparison to other characters represented in this action figure series.

REVIEW:

Including a flawless paint job, DC Direct’s production values are high-caliber rendering this Batman. However, for practical purposes, this figure is a slightly bendable statue vs. an actual toy. Its limbs are just far too stiff for a child to get much, if any, enjoyment out of it during playtime. Accordingly, the figure best serves as a cool display option for Bat-fans. The Crisis-titled display stand provided is adequate, but, due to its small size/shape, it doesn’t stop the figure from being toppled over easily enough.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

In the original packaging, Batman comes with the aforementioned display stand, as well as a black batarang.

PACKAGING:

DC Direct’s compact packaging is effective by neatly conveying the retro-Crisis theme.

BRIAN & ROSCOE’S ODD MOON RATING: 6½ Stars

Action Figures MARVEL-Related Toys & Games

X-MEN’S PSYLOCKE (2006 MARVEL LEGENDS/TOY BIZ ACTION FIGURE)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date October 25, 2020

SUMMARY:

Released in Toy Biz’s 2006 “Build-A-Mojo” Marvel Legends series, this 6-inch Psylocke likely represents Elisabeth “Betsy” Braddock’s first toy incarnation. Psylocke’s navy blue costume is completely painted on except for her red sash, which is a tightly-secured rubber attachment. The articulation points include: 1. The head nods and can swivel slightly in both directions. The head rotation may be encumbered by her hair. 2. Bending at the elbows, the arms can rotate a full 360-degrees. 3. The lower arms can also do a full 360-degree swivel. 4. The wrists have decent flexibility. 5. Her upper body does a full 360-degree swivel and can bend slightly backwards and forwards at the torso. 6. The legs can also swivel a full 360-degrees. 7. The knees and ankles bend. 8. When positioned, the figure can stand indefinitely in display poses.

Underneath her hair, there is a large peg hole hollowed into Psylocke’s back, suggesting that a display stand support or perhaps an accessory can be attached there. The soles of her feet include peg holes for display stands she will fit on, though none are included.

REVIEW:

Though this Psylocke figure has relatively sturdy articulation, it’s the amateurish paint job that ruins her. Though the purplish-black hair and the costume appear spot-on at a glance, her costume’s dark blue paint will likely smudge on to her skin tone in various spots (i.e. the legs). Far worse is the sloppy facial features. Half-heartedly applied, her crummy-looking face has two squiggly black eyebrows, blue eyes, and red lipstick. The effect is that of a cheapo Barbie. It’s unfortunate that this Psylocke’s disappointing reality falls far short of its neat promo image (with the far better face).

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

No weaponry is included. If in her original box, there’s a full-length (32 pages) reprint of Uncanny X-Men # 258 featuring a new Acts of Vengeance cover showcasing Psylocke enclosed in a sealed plastic bag. For the 1-of-6 “Build-Your-Own-Mojo” figure, she comes packaged with his back-lower torso-stomach component.

PACKAGING:

Toy Biz does an excellent job promoting the figure in its nicely-manufactured box.

BRIAN’S 10-STAR RATING: 3 Stars

Note: The Marvel Legends series has since released a newer Psylocke (through Hasbro), but this reviewer hasn’t personally seen it for comparison purposes.

SIDESHOW’S ZATANNA ZATARA (STATUE)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date October 24, 2020

SUMMARY:

Released by Sideshow Collectibles in 2018, this limited-edition Zatanna Zatara statue (including a circular stage-like base) is approximately two feet tall and weighs twelve pounds. Tipping her top hat, the Justice League’s Mistress of Magic slyly conceals a wand and a trio of playing cards behind her back.

Please note that Zatanna’s statue must be semi-assembled. Specifically, her head and her separate hands are carefully packaged in the box and require attachment to the statue (at least, it’s easy to do). The statue (along with its deluxe upgrade: a white rabbit) must be inserted onto the sturdy support base.

REVIEW:

Minus her excessive ‘eye shadow,’ this Zatanna statue’s production qualities are superb. The product exactly matches its promotional photo.

Specifically, in addition to the spot-on facial features, her attire’s painted portions (her black top hat and knicker shorts, as well as her gleaming black patent leather pumps) seamlessly blend with her shimmery, real black fabric tailcoat; a white fabric vest; and actual black fishnet stockings. Complete with a deluxe packing box (as seen below), it meets all expectations for a Sideshow Collectibles statue.

One should still keep in mind that this towering statue won’t fit on an average shelf with similar collectibles. Considering the hazards of accidental damage, an ideal display location may be either an encased cabinet or atop a tall bookcase that is out of reach from children and pets. Ultimately, Sideshow’s Zatanna Zatara proves a dazzling gem for her fans and/or statue collectors.

BONUS FEATURES:

As mentioned, this statue’s ‘exclusive’ upgrade is a magician’s white rabbit.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 10 Stars

Note: Seen below in Photo # 3 is a height comparison between this two-foot Zatanna statue standing on its base and Tonner’s 16-inch Zatanna doll to demonstrate the potential display location dilemma.

TONNER’S ZATANNA ZATARA (DOLL)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date October 24, 2020

SUMMARY:

The Tonner Company produces high-end, limited edition porcelain dolls. Among the DC Comics characters it has depicted is the Justice League’s sultry, backwards spell-casting sorceress, Zatanna Zatara.

REVIEW:

Tonner’s 16-inch tall Zatanna is impressively elegant! Exactly matching its promotional photo, this doll has attractively faint blue eyes; shimmery, faux long jet black hair (that can be brushed like a Barbie); and a pleasant facial expression.

Her stage magician’s black-and-white ensemble is spot-on. The black items consist of a felt-like top hat (with a clear elastic chinstrap); a shimmery tuxedo tailcoat (with white interior); and silky knicker shorts. Further included are real black fishnet stockings; and a pair of gleaming faux black patent leather pumps. The silky white clothing includes a button-up corset; gloves; and an over-sized bowtie.

As her clothing accessories are carefully packaged in twist-tied plastic bags, please note that this doll must be partially dressed once received. Still, her stylish packaging box is well-designed to protect its contents.

In terms of posing options, this doll possesses minimal articulation points. However, they are sufficient to set up some basic display poses. Though the fingers are inseparable, her wrists can be tilted slightly. Her arms and legs don’t bend much, but there is some flexibility to provide the doll wider stances.

One should also keep in mind that this towering doll won’t fit on an average shelf with other dolls or action figures. Considering the hazards of accidental damage, an ideal display location may be an encased cabinet or atop a tall bookcase that is out of reach from children and pets. To the company’s credit, Tonner’s Zatanna is a masterpiece for fans and/or doll collectors.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES:

The well-designed display base’s pole utilizes a thin, metallic C-shaped hook that unobtrusively latches on to Zatanna’s waist, firmly holding the doll in place. Otherwise, this doll isn’t issued with any stage props.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 10 Stars

Art & History Books & Novels DISNEY/PIXAR-Related Fantasy, Horror, & Science Fiction Movies & Television (Books) STAR WARS-Related

STAR WARS ICONS: HAN SOLO

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date October 22, 2020

Written by Gina McIntyre

SUMMARY:

Published in 2018 by Insight Editions (through Disney and Lucasfilm), this 242-page coffee table hardcover purports to be the ultimate visual guide to Han Solo. In addition to examining his various incarnations (most notably, actors Harrison Ford and Alden Ehrenreich), this collection’s insights includes rare glimpses of artwork, merchandising, and rare behind-the-scenes images from Solo’s live-action history.

For this project, insightful interviews with Ford, Ehrenreich, Peter Mayhew, Billy Dee Williams, Mark Hamill, directors J.J. Abrams and Ron Howard, screenwriters Lawrence Kasdan and Jake Kasdan, among others.

Further, the character’s evolution (including preliminary sketch drawings) beginning with Lucas’ earliest version depicts how Han Solo became pivotal to the Star Wars saga. The book also analyzes Solo’s appearances in comic books, radio, novels, newspaper strips, role-playing, video games, etc. over the past forty years.

REVIEW:

It’s stellar! Short of a retrospective documentary, this informative, vault-like hardcover acknowledges seemingly everything imaginable about Han Solo. There’s even a section on other pop culture characters evidently influenced by him. Yet, unlike a video, author Gina McIntyre designs this nostalgic book in such an interactive way that fans can reach out and explore the character on a far more personal level. McIntyre’s text stays on point and corresponds well with the constant imagery.

The enormous wealth of visual material celebrates Harrison Ford’s legacy with rare glimpses from inside the original Star Wars trilogy. Gratefully, there is far less emphasis on all the various forms of merchandise. A reasonable portion covers 2018’s Solo movie, which confirms that this book is meant as a cross-promotional tie-in. While giving the prequel movie project its due, Star Wars Icons: Han Solo is far more an eye-popping treasure trove honoring Ford as the legendary Corellian smuggler-turned-Rebel hero.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES:

As this book should be handled with care, the extra goodies include a bookmark, fold-out artwork, and multiple instances of detachable sketches. Although there isn’t an index, there is a helpful bibliography and an acknowledgments page.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 10 Stars

Art & History Collector's Magazines DC-Related Movies & Television (Books)

SUPERMAN: THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO THE MOVIES, TV SHOWS, COMICS, & MORE (2018)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date October 21, 2020

SUMMARY:

Released in mid-2018 by Centennial Legends’ Hollywood Spotlight series, this 98-page collector’s edition extravaganza celebrates the Man of Steel’s 80^th Anniversary. Illustrated by images from the films, TV shows, and cartoons, this homage reviews the following:

Superman’s existence as the first and greatest super-hero;
The concept and development of the character;
The co-creators: writer Jerry Siegel & artist Joe Shuster;
Comics;
Cartoons;
Superman’s supporting cast (and its revolving door of actors);
Evolution of Superman’s costume;
Villains;
The Fortress of Solitude;
Superman’s history on television (including Lois & Clark and Smallville)
Various actors;
Superman’s movies;
Merchandising;
Other Projects (radio shows, books, the musical, etc.)
Cultural impact; and
An eighty-year timeline.

REVIEW:

The writers wisely don’t bog the audience down with either serious depth or analyzing Superman’s often-convoluted comic storylines. Instead, it works best as a solid overview for new fans or even a welcome recap for long-time Super-fans.

Its few factual missteps (i.e. claiming there wasn’t a Superman cartoon series between the canceled Super Friends of the mid-80’s to the mid-90’s Superman: The Animated Series) are frankly easy to miss. For what this one-shot issue is meant for, it’s a classy tribute to the Superman phenomenon.

Note: The cartoon series not recognized is the short-lived 1988 Ruby-Spears version for CBS Saturday morning television, as it was timed to capitalize on the Man of Steel’s then-50^th Anniversary.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

In addition to a helpful table of contents, this magazine’s assortment of photo stills is mighty impressive

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars

Art & History Books & Novels Movies & Television (Books)

FILM POSTERS OF THE 80’S: THE ESSENTIAL MOVIES OF THE DECADE

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date October 21, 2020

Written by Tony Normand & Graham Marsh [Co-Editors]

SUMMARY:

Published by Overlook Press in 2001, this 127-page softcover photo album celebrates significant films (both U.S. and international) from the 1980’s. The posters appear courtesy of London’s Reel Poster Gallery collection. Partially arranged by genre, actor, or director, each poster specifies its film’s year of release; country; size dimensions; and design/illustration credits, if applicable. Besides depicting a wide variety of artistic styles, the editorial choices extend between high-profile films and lesser-known titles. For instance, many popular films and/or cult hits (i.e. Superman II; The Cannonball Run; The Princess Bride; Glory; and Highlander) didn’t make this particular cut. Further, only the James Bond franchise scores more than one appearance — in this instance, for A View to a Kill and The Living Daylights.

As the majority of the represented films are U.S.-produced., one will occasionally see alternate versions or advance/teaser copies (i.e. back when Return of the Jedi was still called Revenge of the Jedi). There are also foreign release variants for films like Raging Bull (Czechoslovakia); Cinema Paradiso (Italy); Ran (Japan); Women on a Verge of a Nervous Breakdown (Spain); Once Upon a Time in America (Germany & Hungary); Raiders of the Lost Ark, Return of the Jedi, and Gandhi (Poland); Top Secret and Sex, Lies, and Videotape (Britain); The Sacrifice (Russia); and The Terminator (Poland and Czechoslovakia).

Note: The co-editors have also published related volumes for the 50’s; 60’s 70’s; and Alfred Hitchcock films.

REVIEW:

Sporting high-caliber production values, this guide should delight movie buffs. As a coffee table option, its classy approach should also merit casual interest from houseguests. To the editors’ credit, they don’t offer analysis — they let the posters speak for themselves. Case in point: the Polish skull-themed version for Raiders of the Lost Ark is eye-popping to behold. Further, its more obscure posters may prove an effective enticement to viewers to track down some of these movies. For what this book is, it’s really a vivid treat to peruse.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES:

Entitled “From Wall Street to Your Wall,” the co-editors provide a two-page introduction. There is also a single-page index of the posters.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars

Books & Novels DC-Related MARVEL-Related Reference & Science

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