Category: Comic Books & Graphic Novels

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Comic Books & Graphic Novels DC Comics DC's Hardcovers & Trade Paperbacks

BATMAN/SUPERMAN, VOLUME 1: WHO ARE THE SECRET SIX? (DC Comics)

Written by Joshua Williamson.

Art by David Marquez; Alejandro Sanchez; & John J. Hill.

Collection Cover Art by David Marquez & Alejandro Sanchez.

SUMMARY:

Released in 2020 by DC Comics, this 160-page hardcover reprints 2019-2020’s Batman/Superman # 1-6.  As Batman grimly notes, his evil multiversal counterpart – The Batman Who Laughs now resides on DC’s primary Earth: Earth-0.

On a different Earth (perhaps in his own home universe), The Batman Who Laughs makes grisly work of the Justice League aboard its own satellite and lures an unsuspecting Superman to his doom there.  Shifting to Earth-0’s Gotham City, Batman and Superman work to resolve a missing child case.  Commissioner Gordon ominously tells them that the alleged abductor is evidently a ‘Superman Who Laughs.’ 

The trail soon enough leads to this evil Batman’s underground Batcave where evidence of six tainted batarangs exist.  These batarangs are specifically designed to infect six individuals close to the World Finest Duo.  The problem is that neither iconic hero knows who any of these sleeper agents are, apart from the paranoia of even suspecting one another. 

Batman and Superman’s probe soon puts them into brutal confrontation with two of these corrupted friends.  Batman’s injuries force a battered Superman to give up pursuit of their first target: a demonized Billy Batson/Shazam.  Subsequent revelations that Commissioner Gordon, Jaime Reyes/Blue Beetle, Donna Troy, Hawkman, and, ultimately, Supergirl are now The Batman Who Laughs’ corrupted demonic pawns further stack the deck.  It’s up to Superman & Batman to finally call upon the Justice League, despite fracturing their longtime alliance with Wonder Woman.

However, is it now too late considering how elusive their wicked foes have become? With this matter left dangerously unresolved, the epilogue teases a new menacing storyline coming in Volume 2.   

Note: This title is also available in trade paperback and digital formats.

REVIEW:

A single read was something of a slog.  David Marquez and Alexandro Sanchez’s appropriately murky visuals are well-constructed for the plotting.  The problem lies with writer Joshua Williamson’s propensity for recycling.  Apart from more dubious ‘fun and games’ with The Batman Who Laughs, one may notice that the plot’s bleak horror twists echo Blackest Night – i.e. where corrupted heroes are capable of far greater evil than seemingly the worst villains.

Though Williamson’s storytelling has sufficiently original moments, this arc’s creative vibe feels far too blah. While DC’s The Batman Who Laughs fanbase may be pleased, Batman/Superman, Volume 1 isn’t an all-ages read.  Its unappealing plot elements, at certain junctures, risk being a divisive turnoff. Specifically, Williamson’s middling storyline conveys the six corrupted characters few, if any, favors.

Unlike prior kick-offs for incarnations of the Batman/Superman (or Superman/Batman) franchise, DC Comics was unwilling to concoct a traditionally entertaining and more inclusive adventure for readers.  That said, Batman/Superman, Volume 1: Who Are The Secret Six? is probably best found at the library.        

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Marquez and Sanchez’s full-page cover precedes each issue.  A full-page variant cover gallery consists of:

  • Issue # 1: artists Leinil Yu & Tomeu Morey;
  • Issue # 2: artists Jerome Opeña & Morry Hollowell;
  • Issue # 3: artists Paola Pantalena & Romulo Fajardo Jr.;
  • Issue # 4: artist Olivier Coipel;
  • Issue # 5: artists Jime Cheung & Tomeu Morey;
  • Issue # 6: artist Simone Bianchi;
  • Issue # 1 (full wraparound cover): artists Marquez & Sanchez;
  • Issue # 4 (secondary cover): artists Emanuela Luacchino & Rex Lokus;
  • Issue # 1 (sketch cover): artist Marquez.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                        4 Stars

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

STAR WARS: CHEWBACCA (MARVEL Comics)

Written by Gerry Duggan.

Art by Phil Noto & VC’s Joe Caramagna.

Collection Cover Art by Phil Noto.

SUMMARY:

Released in 2016 by Marvel Comics, this 112-page trade paperback reprints the Star Wars: Chewbacca # 1-5 mini-series from that same year. 

Per a Star Wars scroll, soon after A New Hope, the fugitive Chewbacca is returning home to Kashyyyk on a personal mission.  However, his one-seater starship malfunctions, leaving the Wookie stranded on a seemingly idyllic yet remote world.  The plight of a young girl, Zarro, who has fled enslavement from the planet’s subterranean mines, reluctantly draws Chewbacca’s sympathy.

Seeking to rescue her indebted father, Arrax, and other miners from the crooked Jaum, Zarro convinces Chewbacca to help.  Jaum’s business transaction with Imperial forces, however, gives the duo little time.  It’s up to Chewbacca and Zarro to thwart the ruthless Jaum’s scheme and keep the Imperials from bullying Zarro’s world.  The epilogue subsequently reveals what happened to Chewbacca’s Battle of Yavin medal and the purpose of his brief return home.   

Note: This title is also available digitally.

REVIEW:

For pre-teens, this undemanding Chewbacca adventure makes for a likable read.  Both its simplistic storytelling and reasonably good visuals should keep young Star Wars fans tuned in all the way to the poignant finish line.  Adults, however, will likely find the entire plot predictable and increasingly contrived – given its flimsy page count. 

For instance, the title scroll briefly indicates that Chewbacca has been marooned due to a clunker starship.  Yet, there isn’t an explanation as to why Han Solo and the Millennium Falcon doesn’t safeguard Chewbacca’s trip home (vs. meeting up in a story-ending rendezvous)?  One could infer that Chewbacca has opted to travel discreetly as possible to avoid “any Imperial entanglements,” as Obi-Wan Kenobi once adroitly put it.  Yet, writer Gerry Duggan doesn’t bother revealing any details of Chewbacca’s private mission until the very end. Extra material in this regard (i.e. a few flashbacks) could have presented welcome depth to attract older fans.        

The same applies to the book’s lack of bonus materials.  Had Marvel Comics padded this compilation with some worthwhile Star Wars reprints (in effect, Chewbacca’s greatest hits), there again would have been a wider potential audience.  Aside from a gift idea for the Wookie’s most ardent fans, Star Wars: Chewbacca’s most practical hideout is at the library.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Each full-page Phil Noto cover precedes its story.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                  5 Stars

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Comic Books & Graphic Novels DC Comics

INFINITY, INC. # 24 (1986 DC Comics)

Written by Roy Thomas & Dann Thomas.

Art by Todd McFarlane; Ron Harris; Tony DeZuniga; Dick Giordano; Arne Starr; David Cody Weiss; & Carl Gafford.

Cover Art by Denys Cowan; Dick Giordano; & Anthony Tollin.

SUMMARY:

Released by DC Comics in March 1986, Infinity, Inc.’s last Crisis on Infinite Earths crossover is entitled “Back From The Future!” 

Expanding upon a brief scene early in Crisis on Infinite Earths # 7, this story opens with Power Girl confiding in Helena Wayne’s Huntress.  She worries that their aging Superman’s dangerous mission in the anti-matter universe may leave her as Earth-Two’s sole Kryptonian.  Similarly, Brainwave Jr., Northwind, Obsidian, and Alan Scott’s new wife, Harlequin, worry about their Green Lantern’s fate (as he is on the same Crisis mission as daughter Jade and Earth-Two’s Superman). 

Nuklon contemplates searching his missing mother in Florida.  Fury and Silver Scarab argue over withdrawing the team’s previously imposed truce with Mr. Bones and his Helix Crew. 

On Hollywood Boulevard, the Star-Spangled Kid (Sylvester “Syl” Pemberton) and private detective Jonni Thunder plummet from a dissipated Crisis-powered cyclone in proximity to Jonni’s office.  They are unaware that another Crisis cyclone traveler: the criminal Knodar (resembling a poor man’s Riddler) is now in the vicinity.  Due to some Crisis time-warping shenanigans, a 1930’s mobster gang wreaks trigger-happy havoc in traffic.  Syl’s broken cosmic belt forces him to intervene without super-powers.  With an outnumbered Syl being pummeled, Jonni must make an impromptu horseback rescue. 

As a fugitive from the 25th Century, Knodar fancies himself an old school thief who commits crimes out of sheer glee.  Using his metal-altering weapon to commit homicide, Knodar recruits the time-lost mobsters as his own gang.  Taking Jonni & Syl as their hostages, Knodar opts to use Syl’s movie studio complex as the gang’s hideout.  Escaping their captors, the flirting duo will need some unexpected help to take down Knodar and his dim-witted cronies. 

Amusingly, even a movie poster depicting his old nemesis, Alan Scott’s Green Lantern, is enough to rattle Knodar.  To this futuristic criminal’s annoyance, Syl earlier baits him by repeating Scott’s dismissal of Knodar as just a ‘minor conquest.’ 

Notes: Oddly, unlike her father, Jade’s absence isn’t acknowledged by her twin brother (Obsidian), boyfriend (Brainwave Jr.) or new stepmother (Harlequin).  As for Jonni Thunder, readers are reminded of her recent debut mini-series entitled Jonni Thunder aka Thunderbolt.  

Infinity, Inc. # 24 is available digitally.  It has subsequently been collected into Crisis on Infinite Earths Companion – Deluxe Edition, Volume 2 for both hardcover and digital formats.

REVIEW:

It’s an instance where some fun writing and appealing visuals (i.e. the cover image) are the difference in an average issue.  Surpassing a flimsy premise, husband-and-wife writers Roy & Dann Thomas, along with artist Todd McFarlane, make Infinity, Inc. # 24 a treat to read.  Aside from the eye-rolling sight of Syl, Jonni, and Knodar surviving intact their mid-air drop out of the sky, this issue’s kid-friendly entertainment value remains worthwhile. 

Infinity, Inc. # 24 is by no means a must-have, but it is a welcome find in the bargain bin.  

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Dick Giordano’s monthly “Meanwhile …” column appears on the front inside cover.  Briefly carrying over to a second page, Roy Thomas answers fan letters at the issue’s end.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                          6 Stars

Categories
Comic Books & Graphic Novels Marvel Comics

WHITE TIGER (ANGELA DEL TORO) # 1 (2007 MARVEL Comics)

Written by Tamora Pierce & Timothy Liebe.

Art by Phil Briones; Don Hillsman; Chris Sotomayor; & VC’s Rus Wooton.

Cover Art by David Mack.

SUMMARY:

Released by Marvel Comics for January 2007, this opener for a six-issue mini-series is entitled “A Hero’s Compulsion, Part One: Obsessed.”  Set in New York City prior to Marvel’s first Civil War, ex-FBI Special Agent Angela Del Toro finds herself as the reluctant successor to her late uncle: Hector Ayala – the original White Tiger. 

In possession of her uncle’s mystical amulet, Angela (donning a stealthy burglar garb) displays enhanced physical talents at night dispatching local thugs in an alleyway.  Observing the melee, Daredevil swipes incriminating evidence linked to the Russian mob faction dubbed ‘Chayei.’  Pursuing him to the rooftops, a masked Angela confronts Daredevil – especially after their prior encounter where he had humiliated her in combat and broke Angela’s arm.

Though in agreement on the ‘Chayei,’ Daredevil scolds Angela, as he recognizes her in spite of the burglar disguise. At the same time, she suspects someone is now impersonating Daredevil on Matt Murdock’s behalf. Nonetheless, Angela takes Daredevil’s advice.  Conferring with her loyal contact at the Bureau, Angela obtains further info on the Chaeyi and a potential lifeline for future employment. 

Meanwhile, the Chaeyi’s Karlson schemes with his Yakuza associates and Cobra (King Cobra’s nephew).  They intend to follow up on the masked assailant, who thwarted their hired flunkies in the alley.  More specifically, their aim is to either recruit or ruthlessly eliminate Angela.

Having re-established herself in The Bronx as anti-gang, Angela receives a discreet invitation from Matt Murdock.  With Natasha “Black Widow” Romanova tagging along, Angela discreetly visits a costume shop to best repackage herself as the new ‘White Tiger.’  Natasha subsequently reveals her own personal incentive for helping Angela wreak havoc on the Chayei. 

Going solo, Angela’s first strike as White Tiger has her outnumbered and possibly outmatched in a showdown with Cobra and his thugs.  Chasing after Chaeyi mobsters into high-speed traffic, Angela’s inexperience as a vigilante takes a brutal toll.           

Aside from guest stars Daredevil and Black Widow, Spider-Man makes a costume shop cameo. 

Notes: This issue is available digitally (albeit, with a different cover).  The complete six-issue mini-series entitled White Tiger: A Hero’s Compulsion is also available in both digital and trade paperback formats.

REVIEW:

Thankfully not as nasty as the grim noir oozing in Kate Spencer’s Manhunter debut at DC Comics, this first issue makes a solid read. In that sense, a better DC parallel is Renee Montoya’s exploits as the second Question. For this new White Tiger, Tamora Pierce and Timothy Liebe’s plotting is well-matched by this art team’s likable visuals.  Case in point: David Mack’s cover image is a terrific creative asset without oversexualizing Angela’s character. 

While Angela Del Toro’s White Tiger isn’t an instant Marvel icon, she still presents an intriguing new Latina ally for Daredevil and his associates. The quality storytelling in White Tiger # 1, suffice to say, supplies welcome incentive to explore further installments in this mini-series.     

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

None.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                     7 Stars

Categories
Comic Books & Graphic Novels DC Comics DC's Hardcovers & Trade Paperbacks

BARDA (DC Comics)

Written and Artwork by Ngozi Ukazu.

Lettering by Wes Abbott.

Cover Art by Ngozi Ukazu & Wes Abbott.

SUMMARY:

Released in 2024 by DC Comics, writer/illustrator Ngozi Ukazu presents Barda as a 191-page romantic adventure adapted from Jack Kirby’s Fourth World saga.

On the far-off world of Apokolips, Barda (a Wonder Woman-caliber warrior) is the field leader of Darkseid’s Female Furies commando squad.  One could estimate this Barda’s age as somewhere between her late teens and early twenties.  Barda’s discovery of an enigmatic book left on the battlefield inspires her discreet search for love – a sentimental thought process expressly forbidden on the desolate Apokolips.  The candidate for Barda’s romantic affection is her rival warrior: Orion, who will gladly bait her into another round of combat, just for fun’s sake.   

Raised in isolation from childhood by the malevolent ‘Granny,’ Barda and her fellow violence-seeking Furies (Lashina; Stompa; Mad Harriet; DeSaad’s sister, Bernadeth; and young Auralie) are committed to lethal missions for the almighty Darkseid.  Specifically, they are presently seeking out scattered artifacts that are ‘variables’ in Darkseid’s obsession with conquering the Anti-Life Equation. 

Privately, however, Barda realizes that suppressing her natural compassion and, more so, her conscience, prompts some dangerous consequences.  For instance, reminiscent of an ‘older sister,’ Barda finds herself protective of the innocent-spirited Auralie, whose therapeutic dancing is her teammate’s sole sense of salvation.  At the same time, Barda serves as the chief guard of a prisoner named Scott Free, who is being held underground in the seemingly inescapable X-Pit. 

Scott’s efforts (and temporary successes) at escaping captivity make Barda wonder perhaps a satisfying life lies somewhere beyond her sheltered existence on Apokolips. Finding out why Granny isn’t allowed to kill Scott, Barda deduces that her mentor intends to sadistically break the resilient young prisoner’s spirit, by any means necessary.  More so, Granny is becoming increasingly suspicious of Barda’s judgment. 

Death prompts an outraged Barda to at last seek out the truth of the book she has kept hidden from her fellow Furies.  More so, her long-repressed rebellious streak finds Barda on a mission previously unthinkable to her: challenging her ruthless teammates in battle to save a friend from imminent execution.  Going undercover, Barda risks her own future on a quest where reciprocal love becomes the endgame.   

Note: This title has also been released digitally.

REVIEW:

Unlike other creators writing for DC’s Graphic Novels for Young Adults, Ngozi Ukazu doesn’t pursue a vivid and/or even excessive re-imagining of an established DC Comics character.  Instead, with sufficient originality, she faithfully updates Jack Kirby’s work into a poignant romance retelling Barda’s discovery of a genuine soulmate.  Ukazu’s storytelling conveys a wonderful depth of character where she meshes thoughtful scripting with deliberately low-key visuals.

Meant to reintroduce Big Barda & Scott Free to a new generation, Ukazu’s Barda is a welcome tribute celebrating one of DC Comics’ most underrated couples.   

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Included is a twelve-page preview of Nicole Maines & Rye Hickman’s Nia Nal (the Legionnaire known as Dreamer) graphic novel entitled Bad Dream: A Dreamer Story.  Maines had previously appeared as the character’s live-action counterpart in the Supergirl television series.  Unlike Ukazu’s story, Maines’ storytelling uses some profanity-laced dialogue.

BRIAN’S OOD MOON RATING:                          8 Stars

Categories
Comic Books & Graphic Novels Marvel Comics MARVEL's Hardcovers & Paperbacks

THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN, VOLUME 3: SPIDER-VERSE (MARVEL Comics)

Written by Dan Slott.

Art by Olivier Coipel; Guiseppe Camuncoli; Cam Smith; Wade Von Grawbadger; Livesay; Victor Olazaba; Mark Morales; & Justin Ponsor.

‘Spider-Feast’  Interlude Written by Dan Slott.

‘Spider-Feast’  Interlude Art by Giuseppe Camuncoli; Cam smith; Antonio Fabela; & VC’s Travis Lanham.

Collection Cover Art by Olivier Coipel; Wade Von Grawbadger; & Justin Ponsor.

SUMMARY:

Released by Marvel Comics in 2015, this 144-page trade paperback compiles that same year’s The Amazing Spider-Man # 9-15.  

From their interdimensional stronghold (Loomworld – Earth 001), Morlun’s insatiable vampire clan (‘The Inheritors’) plunder other Earths. For their insidious hunting season: specifically, these vampires are overpowering and consuming a plethora of Spider-Totems (unsuspecting Spider-Men and evidently Spider-Women) throughout Marvel’s multiverse.  Three subsequent captives: the Other, the Bride, and the Scion, will be later sacrificed for the Inheritors’ secret endgame – to finally destroy the multiverse’s so-called Spider-Totems.    

On Marvel’s primary Earth (Earth-616), an incredulous Peter Parker, Cindy “Silk” Moon, Jessica Drew’s Spider-Woman, Anya Corazon’s Spider-Girl, and Peter’s wounded clone, Kaine, are recruited into a growing resistance force of Spider-Totems from different continuities. 

Among them are: the Ultimate reality’s Miles Morales and Jessica Drew; the MC2’s  orphaned May “Mayday” Parker and her infant brother, Benjy; Star Comics/Marvel Tails’ anthropomorphic Peter Porker the Spectacular Spider-Ham; Gwen Stacy’s Spider-Gwen/Ghost-Spider; Miguel O’Hara’s Spider-Man 2099; clone Ben Reilly’s Spider-Man; Spider-Man Noir; and Dr. Octopus’ own ‘Superior Spider-Man,’ plucked from a different point in Earth-616’s timeline. 

Given his prior victories over Morlun, Earth-616’s Spider-Man reluctantly assumes command of his diverse counterparts.  Spider-Man is also forced to rely on Dr. Octopus’ self-serving ‘Superior’ science, if any weakness of Morlun’s bloodthirsty clan can be exploited. 

In spite of an advantage in sheer numbers, the Spider-verse’s survivors are decimated in ambushes by Morlun’s overwhelming forces.  Side missions (including recruiting additional Spider-Men from more alternate realities) and last-minute escapes into various Earths sets up the climax: a desperate invasion of Morlun’s Loomworld.  A fateful showdown will decide the legacy of the multiverse’s Spider-Men, including Morlun’s three captives.    

Notes: This title is available digitally.  Marvel Comics specifies tie-in references to other Spider-titles and their issue numbers for this crossover.  Hence, one shouldn’t mistake this single volume as the complete ‘Spider-Verse’ saga.

REVIEW:

Aside from grisly inferences and occasional confusion (i.e. how many Spider-characters is an average reader supposed to keep track of?), writer Dan Slott keeps his ambitious plotting on track.  Including homages to Spidey’s animated and Japanese TV counterparts, Volume 3: Spider-Verse delivers an intriguing and surprisingly coherent read for adults. Bits of well-played comedy relief supply an extra asset, including a late sight gag that seemingly comes out of nowhere.  

As clarification, parents should not presume this title as kid-friendly.  Though they aren’t ultra-graphic, the vampire scenes are unsettling.  In depicting Morlun’s clan, Slott lays his script’s debauchery down thick.  Still, Slott’s complex (and somewhat bewildering) storyline is bolstered by consistently high-caliber visuals.  The art squad answered a creative challenge distinguishing so many Spider-Men (and Spider-Women) from one another, especially in group shots.  Their visual teamwork is indeed impressive.

If anything, The Amazing Spider-Man, Volume 3: Spider-Verse presents a likely must-have for Spider-Man’s ardent fans – in particular, for those thrilled with the character’s alternate-reality variants.  The icky sequences (though mostly off-screen), however, may determine if this particular epic is really more a purchase or a library rental.            

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Each full-page cover precedes its story.  Cover artists are the following: Issues # 9-12 (Olivier Coipel & Justin Ponsor); Issue # 13 (Coipel, Wade Von Grawbadger, & Ponsor); and Issues # 14-15 (Giuseppe Camuncoli, Cam Smith, & Ponsor). 

Sporadically included are:

  • Three variant covers (Issue # 13 – artists Salvador Larocca & Israel Silva; Issue # 14 – artist Phil Noto; and Issue # 15 – artist Simone Bianchi) are shrunk to 1/3 size to fit one page. 
  • A single page combines artist Jeff Wamester’s variants for Issues # 9-14. 
  • Another single-page combined variant is artist Skottie Young’s from Superior Spider-Man # 32 and Issue # 9.   

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                       7½ Stars

Categories
Comic Books & Graphic Novels Marvel Comics MARVEL's Hardcovers & Paperbacks

HULK/SPIDER-MAN: JOE FIXIT (MARVEL Comics)

Written by Peter David.

Art by Yildiray Çinar; Dee Cunniffe; Matt Milla; & VC’s Ariana Maher.

Incredible Hulk # 347 Written by Peter David.

Incredible Hulk # 347 Art by Jeff Purves; Mike Gustovich; Valerie Gustovich; Petra Scotese; & Joe Rosen.

Collection Cover Art by Cully Hamner & Jordie Bellaire.

SUMMARY:

Released by Marvel Comics in 2023, this 136-page trade paperback collects the complete Joe Fixit # 1-5 limited series from that same year. 

Returning home to Mary Jane, Peter Parker is passing through the Las Vegas airport, only to catch sight of Wilson “The Kingpin” Fisk.  Conveniently overhearing Fisk’s intention to confront casino owner Michael Berengetti, Peter knows his old enemy up to no good. More so, Berengetti has a formidable bodyguard: the gray-skinned Hulk, aka ‘Joe Fixit.’  Peter gleefully imagines that Fisk is oblivious to this gamma-powered and easily irritable roadblock. 

Tailing Fisk to the Strip’s Coliseum Casino, Spider-Man intervenes when Fisk and his rent-a-goon resort to intimidation tactics on Berengetti. Specifically, the Kingpin seeks to force some local cooperation against the incoming Maggia. It’s a mobster’s prelude, of course, as Fisk intends to take over Berengetti’s casino himself. 

As the casino’s enforcer, the Hulk (aka Joe Fixit) easily dispatches Fisk and his thug from the premises.  However, Spider-Man is rewarded for his own efforts with a temporary layover to join the casino’s luxuries.  Meanwhile, Fisk’s revenge consists of a mind-controlling neurotoxin against the Hulk, which unleashes a casino-busting berserker rage. 

Spider-Man has little chance against a manipulated ‘Joe Fixit,’ unless Bruce Banner’s subconscious helps him.  A brief flashback depicts Spider-Man and Banner/Hulk’s confrontation years before with the Absorbing Man and a trigger-happy SWAT team at a NYC diner.  Seeking fitting payback later that night, the Hulk and Spider-Man discover that Fisk’s newest mercenaries are Electro and the Rhino. 

Representing the rival Maggia, Count Nefaria has similarly rented Hydro-Man, Whiplash, and the Masked Marauder to simultaneously hit Las Vegas after wiping out the Kingpin’s own super-villains.  Hence, Spider-Man and ‘Joe Fixit’ find themselves caught up in a three-way showdown that threatens the Strip.  

Note: This title is also available digitally.

REVIEW:

The reliable Peter David, story-wise, delivers the necessary goods.  By no means an ambitious read, this Hulk/Spider-Man team-up caper is simply a Las Vegas joyride, Marvel-style.  The slam-bang fun-and-games are delivered with welcome gusto, though one shouldn’t expect any surprises.  Hence, the underwhelming plot wins far more on amusing entertainment value than any dramatic substance. 

Along with the art team’s appealing visuals, this Hulk/Spider-Man tag-team series is a welcome action-comedy treat for fans. 

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Each full-page cover precedes its story.  The cover artists consist of: Issues # 1-2 and # 4-5 by Cully Hamner & Jordie Bellaire, with then Hamner and Tama Bonvillian on Issue # 3. 

Including a full-page depiction of artist Jeff Purves’ cover, 1988’s Incredible Hulk # 347 is reprinted as some appropriate padding.  The good news is that this archived reprint might have been slickly reinked. Otherwise, David’s Joe Fixit gangster debut/origin tale entitled “Crapshoot” ages better than its rudimentary (and mostly dreadful) artwork.   

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                          6½ Stars

Categories
Comic Books & Graphic Novels DC Comics DC's Hardcovers & Trade Paperbacks

TRINITY (2008), VOLUME 1 (DC Comics)

Written by Kurt Busiek & Fabian Nicieza.

Art by Mark Bagley; Scott McDaniel; Tom Derenick; Mike Norton; Art Thibert; Andy Owens; Wayne Faucher; Jerry Ordway; Mark Farmer; Karl Kesel; Pete Pantazis; Allen Passalaqua; Pat Brosseau; & Ken Lopez.

Cover Art by Shane Davis & Guy Major.

SUMMARY:

In 2009, DC Comics began releasing 2008’s weekly Trinity series in a trade paperback format.  The 364-page Volume 1 compiles Issues # 1-17, as a strange cosmic nightmare first zeroes in on Superman, Wonder Woman, and Batman.

Disturbed by variations of a dream each had the night before, DC’s ‘Trinity’ of Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman initially have little to go on beyond determining their common denominators.  Yet, sinister machinations by the sorceress Morgaine Le Fey, the snarky Enigma, and Despero soon unleash an expanding scheme upon their three mutual foes. 

Through the use of mystical branding discs, each of the ‘Trinity’ is destined to be marked with an archaic tarot symbol.  Once all three heroes become ‘branded,’ mystic forces will warp their world’s reality in ways reminiscent of Flashpoint and The New 52: Future’s End. 

As the Justice League (including many of their Titans/Outsiders reserves) investigates this bizarre mystery, more nefarious components come into play. Among them is the Crime Syndicate’s mass abduction scheme, which prompts the JLA to storm in retaliation the Syndicate’s own parallel earth.

During their missions, other Leaguers begin to notice subtle shifts in the personalities of Batman, Wonder Woman, and Superman, as if their established core ideals are now rotating among them.  A seemingly climatic confrontation with the plot’s three major co-conspirators proves only the end of the beginning for the Trinity’s ordeal.  Sporadic hints of a fractured new reality are the first signs towards plot developments in Volume 2.

Meanwhile, the tarot-reading Marguerita (a character reminiscent of Madame Xanadu) has unsettling visions of what darkness is still to come for DC’s three greatest champions.     

Note: At present, this title hasn’t been released digitally.

REVIEW:

Considering 2008’s Trinity is another of DC’s yearlong titles (i.e. 52 and Countdown) from that era, one might have anticipated a reasonably good storyline. Unfortunately, this tiresome epic’s first third is really more of a glorified page count than a coherent, let alone vaguely interesting, read.  No one, in that sense, brought their creative A-game to this unnecessary DC ‘crisis.’    

While Kurt Busiek and Fabian Nicieza merely conjure up ways to prolong the trio’s predicament, the art squad’s lackluster visuals straddle various shades of mediocrity.  Single panels (i.e. a facial close-up) occasionally look terrific, but it’s still a stretch to say that Volume 1 even delivers consistent B-grade artwork.  Some good news, however, is that DC Comics may have learned a practical lesson from peddling this dreck. 

By later simplifying the Superman-Wonder Woman-Batman premise to closely resemble the World’s Finest (or Superman/Batman) team-up formula, the artists gain much better odds of producing quality visuals.  Hence, DC’s subsequent Trinity monthly titles have proven consistently superior in both episodic storytelling and appealing artwork. 

That said, it’s entirely possible that this Trinity’s Volumes 2 and 3 are improvements, given the creative talent involved.  Reading the underwhelming Volume 1, however, isn’t worth indulging the time.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

In the cover gallery, three covers at a time appear as two-page collage spreads.  For Issues # 1-6, the cover artists are Carlos Pacheco, Jesus Merino, and Allen Passalaqua.  Andy Kubert and Edgar Delgado are the cover artists for Issues # 7-12.  For Issues # 13-18, the cover artists are Jim Lee, Scott Williams, and Alex Sinclair. 

Artist Mark Bagley contributes a series of black-and-white sketches: a Trinity two-page collage; a Superman portrait; a Trinity portrait; an Interceptor portrait; a Graak portrait; and a Tarot character profile.  Bagley, with added color from Art Thibert and Pete Pantazis, provides a completed version of his earlier Trinity portrait.  Lastly, Shane Davis contributes the black-and-white sketch for this collection’s cover. 

Note: Issue # 18’s cover is included to complete a collage, but the story itself appears in Volume 2.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                                4 Stars

Categories
Comic Books & Graphic Novels Marvel Comics MARVEL's Hardcovers & Paperbacks

ALL-NEW X-MEN, VOLUME 2: HERE TO STAY (MARVEL Comics)

Written by Brian Michael Bendis.

Art by David Marquez; Stuart Immonen; Wade Von Grawbadger; Marie Gracia; Rain Beredo; & VC’s Cory Petit.

Cover Art by Stuart Immonen; Wade Von Grawbadger; & Marte Gracia.

SUMMARY:

Released by Marvel Comics in 2013, this 136-page hardcover compiles All-New X-Men # 6-10 from that same year. 

The Beast’s deliberate time-traveling journey into the past has displaced teenage X-Men rookies Scott “Cyclops” Summers; Jean “Marvel Girl” Grey; Bobby “Iceman” Drake; Henry “Beast” McCoy; and Warren “Angel” Worthington III in the present-day.  It appears that the Beast’s desperate effort to guilt the present-day Cyclops with a wholesome reminder of their shared past as rookie heroes has failed. 

Each of these younger counterparts poignantly struggle acclimating to the vast changes surrounding them on the campus that had once been Charles Xavier’s private domain.  Including revelations of Xavier’s homicide by Cyclops and Jean Grey now tragically deceased, these young X-Men are emotionally reeling.  For instance, intense stress has caused young Jean’s vast telepathic powers to ignite far sooner than they should have. Kitty Pryde and Storm try to mentor her as best as they can. 

Unable to cope with his future self’s ruthless actions, a disturbed Scott violently resists Wolverine’s help. He is also approached by Mystique for an unexpected pep talk, as this Scott has no idea of her nefarious ulterior motive. Later, Scott shares his unexpected discovery of an archived wedding invitation with his future wife, Jean.

Joining his own future self in defending Avengers Tower from a HYDRA strike, a bewildered Warren appears closest to crumbling under pressure. Only the young Bobby seems unaffected, as he is still essentially a child.  It’s up to Kitty Pryde to refocus this rattled quintet from their emotional turmoil and focus on continuing their X-Men training.

In addition to the Avengers’ skepticism, the X-Men’s senior staff finds out that Mystique and Sabretooth have unleashed a lethal scheme to free Mastermind’s illusion-casting daughter from a SHIELD-guarded prison.  The three mutant terrorists then embark on a murderous, cross-country bank-robbing spree.

Having been impersonated herself, SHIELD’s Maria Hill realizes that Mystique is this trio’s ringleader. More so, Hill sees through the shape-shifting terrorist’s efforts to frame the five teenage X-Men as the horrific culprits. With the Avengers presently unavailable, Hill is compelled to approach the X-Men for emergency assistance.

Meanwhile, the rival faction that Magneto, Emma Frost, and the present-day Cyclops have established seeks to pilfer the X-Men’s army of impressionable recruits.  Among may well be one of the five lost teenagers, as they have opted not to return to their time period for now.    

Guest stars include the Avengers’ Captain America and Thor. Their fellow Avengers, Jessica Drew’s Spider-Woman, Black Widow, Hawkeye, & the Hulk, appear in non-speaking cameos.

Note: This title is also available digitally and as a trade paperback.

REVIEW:

Volume 2: Here To Stay is often a pretty good read, in spite of Brian Michael Bendis’ flawed premise.  Specifically, insightful readers will surmise that virtually nothing transpiring in this ongoing series impacts Marvel’s dense continuity.  This extended time-traveling arc, in that sense, mimics 1998’s Green Lantern: Emerald Knights storyline where Kyle Rayner and a young Hal Jordan join forces.

Without overstaying its welcome, DC’s idea has a rookie Hal Jordan briefly time-displaced from the past into his successor Kyle Rayner’s present-day adventures.  The similarities between a younger Hal vowing never to become Parallax and the predicament of these young X-Men (especially Cyclops) are readily apparent. 

Despite a fun time-traveling concept, Emerald Knights‘ end is still a foregone conclusion.  To a far greater degree, that same principle applies to the original X-Men in Volume 2: Here To Stay.  Telepathic memory suppression already seems like a convenient out, no matter how far down this creative road Bendis goes.

Bolstered by the art team’s high-caliber visuals, Bendis’ plotting mostly works well.  In certain scenes, one should suspect that these five young X-Men are possibly from one of Marvel’s endless alternate Earths.  Case in point: Cyclops’ bewilderment inside a convenience store (i.e. bottled water in coolers, overpriced magazines, and no awareness of what GPS is) imply the quintet may well be from the mid-1960’s vs. merely a time approximately fifteen years before their present-day selves. 

Another glaring oddity, for instance, would be the flip-style hairdo Jean has in one scene – which is inconsistent with her otherwise contemporary hairstyle.  Jean also curiously matures over a few pages, as she appears about 13-14 years old in her first scene with Kitty. A few pages later, she appears closer to 16-17 years old in the Danger Room sequence, which again doesn’t make sense.

Such subtle homages don’t necessarily foreshadow Bendis’ upcoming storyline twists for these five X-Men.  Yet, if Bendis has dropped these mid-1960’s anachronisms as meaningless red herrings (pardon the expression – given Jean’s trademark hair color), then cause for confusion among some readers is understandable.

Longtime X-fans, overall, should find All-New X-Men, Volume 2: Here To Stay an intriguing notion to explore.  As far as being a must-have, one’s appreciation of the appealing artwork may best determine between purchase and a welcome library find.         

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Each full-page cover image precedes its story.  A full-page 50th Anniversary variant cover gallery consists of: Issue # 6 (artists Chris Bachalo & Tim Townsend); Issue # 7 (artists Nick Bradshaw & Jason Keith); and Issue # 8 (artists Stuart Immonen, Wade Von Grawbadger, & Marte Gracia).  Last in the gallery is artist Greg Horn’s full-page Issue # 10 variant, which depicts Iron Man vs. the Phoenix Force. 

Artist David Marquez explains samples of his sketching process from the conceptual start to finished inks.  The samples are from:

  • Issue # 6’s Page 5, Panel 1;
  • Issue # 6: two versions of Page 3 and then its finalized look;
  • Issue # 8’s Page 4;
  • Issue # 8’s Page 16; and
  • Issue # 8’s page 20.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                    7 Stars

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Comic Books & Graphic Novels Marvel Comics MARVEL's Hardcovers & Paperbacks

THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN: DANGER ZONE (MARVEL Comics)

Amazing Spider-Man # 692-694 Written by Dan Slott.  

Amazing Spider-Man # 692-694 Art by Humberto Ramos; Victor Olazaba; Edgar Delgado; & VC’s Chris Eliopoulos.

1st Page Artwork by ‘Van Lente;’ John Romita Jr.; ‘Janson;’ & ‘White.’

Avenging Spider-Man # 11 Written by Zeb Wells.

Avenging Spider-Man # 11 Art by Steve Dillon; Frank Martin Jr.; & VC’s Chris Eliopoulos.

1st Page Reprinted Panels Written by Stan Lee, with Artwork by Steve Ditko.

Amazing Spider-Man # 695-697 Written by Dan Slott & Christos Gage.

Amazing Spider-Man # 695-697 Art by Giuseppe Camuncoli; Dan Green; Antonio Fabela; & VC’s Chris Eliopoulos.

Collection Cover Art by Humberto Ramos & Edgar Delgado.

SUMMARY:

Released by Marvel Comics in 2013, this 156-page trade paperback compiles The Amazing Spider-Man # 692-694, an interlude with The Avenging Spider-Man # 11 (which occurs offscreen during the “Alpha” arc), and then The Amazing Spider-Man # 695-697 – all from the previous year.

Issues # 692-694 depicts the three-issue arc: “Alpha.”  Tiberius Stone’s resentful sabotage of colleague Peter Parker’s Horizon Labs scientific demonstration for Midtown High School students has a stunning repercussion.  In a mishap mirroring his own fateful teenage accident, Peter witnesses young Andy Maguire being struck by a reactor’s blast of alpha energies. 

Hence, teenage slacker Andy escapes his average life (including neglectful parents) by becoming an instant superhuman. Andy is mostly oblivious to how much of a potential threat he is, as Andy’s cosmic power levels are growing exponentially.  A guilt-ridden Spider-Man subsequently steps up as his mentor.  Yet, Andy’s immaturity to grasp his newfound powers and self-absorbed celebrity status as a super-hero build towards a recipe for mass disaster. 

The scheming Jackal, along with his female spider-ninja entourage, intends to make Andy his next cloning subject.  Meanwhile, Andy’s ignorant attitude as ‘Alpha’ towards battling massive foes like Giganto and Terminus endangers civilian lives – including Peter’s Aunt May and her husband, Jay Jameson. 

Guest stars include the Fantastic Four, the Avengers, and the X-Men’s Beast, as all (especially Spider-Man) recognize the threat an inexperienced Andy is.  Meanwhile, Peter seeks Mary Jane’s insightful advice at her nightclub over the Alpha crisis, along with his recent work-related neglect of Aunt May and Jay Jameson.

Avenging Spider-Man # 11’s untitled story depicts Peter and Aunt May visiting Uncle Ben’s gravesite.  Once more, Peter tries to confess his guilt-ridden role in Ben’s tragic death. 

A ‘War of Goblins’ begins in Issues # 695-697 (the three-part “Danger Zone”).  With Norman Osborn comatose, Wilson “The Kingpin” Fisk seizes a chance to steal Osborn’s hidden cache of Green Goblin weaponry and top-level intelligence secrets.  Aided by Phil Urich’s new Hobgoblin and a corrupt Tiberius Stone, Fisk deploys an experimental spider-sense jammer that leaves Peter reeling with the pulsating equivalent of an intense, never-ending migraine. 

With Peter held captive, his Horizon Labs employer, Max Modell, risks his life exchanging Osborn’s mysterious briefcase to save his protégé.  Meanwhile, a desperate Julia “Madame Web” Carpenter sends out a psychic warning to Peter before collapsing into a deep coma.   

The original Hobgoblin, Roderick Kingsley, resurfaces to unleash his own sinister vengeance.  Mentally drained, Peter realizes the likelihood of his secret identity being exposed again is at a crescendo.  Caught between two feuding Hobgoblins, Peter must protect Max and Urich’s unsuspecting Daily Bugle rival from these homicidal, self-involved hooligans.  Kingsley’s surprising next move is revealed.

Note: This title is also available digitally and in hardcover.

REVIEW:

Unsurprisingly, The Amazing Spider-Man: Danger Zone comes off as a reshuffled deck of familiar Spider-capers.  Hence, the Jackal, multiple Hobgoblins, and Norman Osborn’s ominous shadow all play updated roles in Dan Slott’s stylish rehashing. Longtime Spider-fans will likely deduce most of Slott’s slick plot twists ahead of time.  

Case in point: Slott’s contrived Alpha character is likely to go one of two directions.  Either A. ‘Alpha’ quietly goes to Marvel’s dustbin, or B. The set-up for a resentful, Shaggy Rogers-like Andy becoming a future Spider-villain is now in place.  This “Alpha” arc is by no means a must-have; an asset, however, is the art team’s consistently solid visuals.    

In terms of déjà vu, look no further than the reprint of Avenging Spider-Man # 11.  Apart from the very rudimentary artwork, Marvel Comics resorts to this very sentimental Peter-and-Aunt May sub-plot for the umpteenth time.  Mining Peter’s guilt and May consoling him (presumably, to homage Spider-Man’s iconic 50th Anniversary) isn’t so much the issue.  It’s more that writer Zeb Wells is shamelessly rehashing the poignancy of May and Peter’s grief, as it were a classic TV rerun, and ensuring the status quo doesn’t actually progress.     

As for the three-part “War of The Goblins,” Slott’s plotting is chaotically entertaining, though it is hardly memorable.  This assessment applies equally to the mostly unremarkable artwork.  With its worthwhile page count, the business-as-usual Amazing Spider-Man: Danger Zone, overall, makes for a decent library read. 

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Each issue’s full-page cover precedes its story.  The cover artists are: Issues # 692-694 (Humberto Ramos & Edgar Delgado);  The Avenging Spider-Man # 11 (Chris Samnee & Javier Rodriguez); Issue # 695 (Steve McNiven); and Issues # 696-697 (McNiven & Simon West). 

Also included are artist Marcos Martin’s five 50th Anniversary variant covers (two per page) for Issue # 692.  That same issue’s Fan Expo variant by artists J. Scott Campbell & Edgar Delgado completes the mini-variant gallery.  The last page is Issue # 692’s letters-and-answers column, including a lengthy letter to fans from Dan Slott.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                   5 Stars