Category: DC-Related

BATMAN: FIRST APPEARANCE – 80TH ANNIVERSARY (FUNKO STAUTETTE)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date March 11, 2024

SUMMARY:

Released in 2019, this 3¾-inch Batman vinyl statuette presents homage to the iconic Dark Knight’s debut in 1939’s Detective Comics # 27.

Other FUNKO Batmen from this particular Pop Heroes! series include tributes to: Batman (Michael Keaton/1989) # – 275, Batman Forever (Val Kilmer/1995) – # 289, and Batman & Robin (George Clooney/1997) – # 314; 2018-2019’s Batman Damned comic book series (# 288), Batman’s 1950 Batmobile (# 277); and San Diego Comic Convention’s exclusive 2019 Batman (# 284).

Additionally, Jack Nicholson’s Joker (two different FUNKO’s) and Bat-Mite were among other Bat-characters receiving entries in this same Pop! Heroes 80^th Anniversary wave.

Note: Though representing the same character, this FUNKO Pop’s look doesn’t replicate the ‘Golden Age Batman’ (# 140). Among their visual differences, one will notice: the ‘Golden Age Batman’ sports more of a fighting stance pose; the styling and length of its Bat-ears extend from the top of the cowl; and a modified and bigger Bat-insignia stands out.

REVIEW:

Made of durable vinyl, this FUNKO Pop statuette enjoys an immaculate paint job recreating the Dark Knight’s pulpy first Bat-suit from Detective Comics # 27. Packaging-wise, the statuette is securely encased within three tiers: the exterior transparent plastic square box, the Funko Pop! Heroes window display box, and. finally, an interior shield of transparent plastic. A transparent plastic display base isn’t included, as this statuette can readily stand without one.

This FUNKO Pop, suffice to say, makes a neat little gem for any Bat-fan.

BONUS FEATURES:

Fully transparent, the exterior plastic box ideally doubles as a second portable display case.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 9 Stars

BATMAN (1966)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date February 14, 2024

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 1 Hr., 45 Min.

Producer William Dozier had initially intended to make this film as a big-screen advertisement for the premiere of his same-named TV series. Instead of a high-profile pilot film, Dozier had to settle for concocting the movie between the TV program’s first and second seasons. Released by Twentieth Century Fox, the prolific Leslie H. Martinson directed the project off Lorenzo Semple Jr.’s original script. Both Martinson and Semple had previously worked with Dozier on the TV series during its first season.

Failing to thwart Commodore Schmidlapp’s (Denny) abduction, the Dynamic Duo (West and Ward) soon realize that their four most elusive super-foes: the Joker (Romero); the Penguin (Meredith); the Riddler (Gorshin); and Catwoman (Meriweather) have formed a sinister alliance. While Batman and Robin decipher this quartet’s outlandish scheme, wealthy Bruce Wayne falls for an alluring socialite, Miss Kitka. Taken captive, Wayne must somehow escape and return to action as Batman. Attempting to free an oblivious Schmidlapp, the Dynamic Duo later engage their enemies in a fistfight atop an at-sea submarine.

Possessing Schmidlapp’s experimental dehydrator capable of rendering humans to molecular dust (and yet conveniently able to restore its victims to normal), the four villains pursue their endgame. Specifically, they intend to target the United Nations’ diplomats and hold them as high-profile hostages to the world. It’s time for Gotham City’s legendary Caped Crusaders to catch up and end this dastardly extortion scheme.

Note: This film is available in DVD, Blu-Ray, and digital formats.

Batman / Bruce Wayne: Adam West

Robin / Dick Grayson: Burt Ward

The Joker: Cesar Romero

Catwoman / ‘Miss Kitka:’ Lee Meriweather (Note: Due to Julie Newmar’s unavailability, Meriweather is her substitute.)

The Penguin: Burgess Meredith

The Riddler: Frank Gorshin

Alfred Pennyworth: Alan Napier

Commissioner James Gordon: Neil Hamilton

Police Chief O’Hara: Stafford Repp

Aunt Harriet: Madge Blake

Commodore Schmidlapp: Reginald Denny

Vice-Admiral Fangschleister: Milton Frome

Morgan: Dick Crockett

Bluebeard: Gil Perkins

Quetch: George Sawaya

U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson: The Green Hornet’s Van Williams (voice only)

U.N. Delegates: Teru Shimada; Albert Carrier; Maurice Dallimore; George J. Lewis; Robert Goodwin; Wolfe Barzell; William Tannen; Ivan Triesault; & Gregory Gaye

Man on Gotham City Rooftop: Jack LaLanne (cameo)

Voice of Bat-Computer & Narrator: William Dozier.

REVIEW:

Unlike big-screen outings during that era for The Saint, The Man From U.N.C.L.E., etc., the 1966 Batman caper enjoys a distinct advantage justifying its cult favorite status. Chiefly, Adam West and Burt Ward’s sole Batman feature film isn’t derived by merely pasting two or three TV episodes together and then calling it a movie — usually released for overseas audiences. The film’s big-screen plotting is also independent of the TV series, making it deliberately easier to reel in casual viewers.

Two impressive factoids stand out: 1. Lorenzo Semple Jr. somehow devised an original feature script in only a few days; and 2. The movie was subsequently cranked out in only a month’s filming. Despite its expedited nature, the film delivers to fans of the iconic TV series a practically can’t- miss prospect. Lee Meriweather’s one-time appearance, in that sense, doesn’t diminish Catwoman’s role whatsoever.

Afforded the movie’s bigger production values (i.e. the submarine fistfight), viewers score the most Bat-bang for the buck from a game cast. Hence, the TV show’s uniquely colorful qualities are expanded enough without losing its creative grip. All that is regrettably absent is Neal Hefti’s title song, which is replaced by Nelson Riddle’s cinematic instrumental score. From a grown-up’s perspective, this element better distinguishes the film from the TV series. Still, even a brief homage to Hefti’s pop tune at some juncture would have made for some welcome fan service.

Another hiccup is that the film occasionally falls flat between action set pieces. That isn’t surprising, as the TV series relied upon superior pacing in 25-minute installments. Accordingly, its two-part episodes, as separated by their signature cliffhangers, were often high-caliber in conveying a live-action comic book. If fairly compared to the TV show’s best storytelling, the 1966 film doesn’t surpass episodes where the cast is at the top of their game. The movie’s wacky (and, ultimately, message-laden) plot, however, is still well-anchored somewhere within the series’ upper half.

This kid-friendly 1966 film delivers sufficient goods — even if its running time doesn’t mean more Batman is necessarily better.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Presented in anamorphic widescreen, this single-disc DVD’s aspect ratio of 1.85:1. Audio options are: English (Stereo); English (Mono); and French (Mono). Subtitles are available in both English and Spanish. The primary screen provides: appropriately enough, ‘Bat Movie!!’; ‘Bat Features!’ ‘Bat Scenes!’ and ‘Bat Languages’ options. The DVD’s scene selection insert identifies all thirty-two scenes.

The Caped Crusaders: Adam West & Burt Ward supply an optional audio commentary. This special edition’s other features consist of a Batmobile tour; a making-of-the-film featurette; a photo still gallery; the theatrical trailer; and its pre-release teaser.

PACKAGING:

The contents are confirmed as exactly as the DVD’s case advertises. The disc is firmly enclosed.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 6½ Stars

MERRY LITTLE BATMAN (2023)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date January 9, 2024

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 1 Hour, 32 Min.

Released on Amazon Instant Video in December 2023, Mike Roth directed and co-wrote this original Warner Discovery animated film. Roth’s co-writers are Morgan Evans and Jase Ricci.

It is Christmas Eve in Gotham City. At Wayne Manor, the precocious Damian is ecstatic that his billionaire father, Bruce Wayne (aka a semi-retired Batman), has gifted him an early Christmas treasure: his first utility belt. Unexpectedly called away on an emergency rescue to the North Pole, Batman must first discipline his overzealous little boy and take away his prized new belt. Yet, some ominous sabotage later ensures that the Dark Knight is left stranded far from Gotham.

Having lured butler Alfred away, Damian intends to go on his first patrol as the future Batman. Yet, two conniving burglars choose to home-invade a suddenly vulnerable Wayne Manor in search of a treasure trove of loot. Having swiped his utility belt, the thugs barely escape Damian’s Home Alone-like wrath. Vengefully pursuing his enemies deep into Gotham City, a Bat-disguised Damian finds that he has unwittingly becomes a pawn of his father’s worst enemies.

With the clock ticking towards Christmas morning, Gotham is besieged by Damian’s inadvertent rampage. Worse yet, by ending up right where the bad guys want him, Damian is in for the fight of his life. Can even Damian’s legendary dad save him, not to mention Gotham’s Christmas, in time?

Primary Voice Cast:

Damian Wayne: Yonas Kibreab

Bruce Wayne/Batman: Luke Wilson

Alfred Pennyworth: James Cromwell

The Joker: David Hornsby

The Penguin: Brian George

Poison Ivy / Hostage / Citizen: Therese McLaughlin

Mr. Freeze: Dolph Adomian

Vicki Vale: Cynthia Kaye McWilliams

Bane: Chris Sullivan

Commissioner James Gordon: Reid Scott

Himself: DC Comics’ Carmine Infantino (archival voice footage)

Terry the Thief: Michael Fielding

Francine the Thief: Natalie Palamides

Department Store Santa / Scarecrow / Crazy Guy: Fred Tatasciore.

REVIEW:

One can presume that the scriptwriters lifted ideas from The Grinch Who Stole Christmas, A Christmas Story, and Home Alone in this homage to family-friendly Christmas movies. Still, even a little Gotham holiday cheer goes a long way.

The storyline might have delighted more as a seven-minute short or a 22-minute animated TV episode (a full 45-minute diversion ought to have been the limit). There are still cute moments and consistently stellar backdrop imagery, but such assets can’t hide an exceedingly eye-rolling Bat-caper. However, Damian’s ridiculous crusade (more in line with Teen Titans Go!) is extended too far to make for a watchable feature film outside its intended kiddie audience.

More so, while the voice cast is on its game, their characters are crudely drawn more as parodies. Case in point: James Cromwell’s Alfred is so grotesquely depicted that it looks like he just stepped out of a “Far Side” comic strip. While parody and homage can be cleverly and even hilariously intertwined (i.e. Looney Tunes) by animation, nothing is gained the way Merry Little Batman’s characters are so disproportionately drawn. Had the animation style more closely resembled Batman: The Animated Series, the story’s charm would not have been lost.

Meant to be ultimately heartwarming, Merry Little Batman falls short of an instant holiday viewing tradition.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 5 Stars

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BATMAN: THE 1989 MOVIE ADAPTATION (2019/2023 DC Comics)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date July 24, 2023

Written by Dennis O’Neil.

Art by Jerry Ordway; Steve Oliff; & John Costanza.

Cover Art by Jerry Ordway.

SUMMARY:

First released in 2019 by DC Comics for the film’s 30^th Anniversary, this 134-page ‘deluxe edition’ reprints the comic book adaptation of 1989’s Batman movie co-starring Michael Keaton, Kim Basinger, and Jack Nicholson. A subsequent 2023 reprinting was issued – presumably, to capitalize on Keaton’s much-anticipated return as Batman in The Flash.

In only a month, the nocturnal Batman has become a terrifying urban legend to street thugs in decrepit Gotham City. Local reporter Alexander Knox and his glamorous new partner, photojournalist Vicki Vale, attempt to solve this mystery. Meanwhile, Vicki falls in love with enigmatic 35-year-old billionaire Bruce Wayne, who is reluctant to share his dark secrets with her.

Upon being double-crossed by his boss, Carl Grissom, psychotic mobster Jack Napier has transformed into Gotham’s latest warped creation: the Joker. Hence, Batman and his new arch-enemy commence a dangerous series of face-offs. Batman, with Vicki’s help, attempts to thwart the Joker’s mass poisoning of Gotham’s public with his sinister Smylex laughing gas. An ominous catch-phrase has Batman subsequently realize where his obsession with Jack Napier first began.

With an abducted Vicki’s life at stake, Gotham’s Dark Knight pursues the maniacal Joker into a climatic final showdown. The question becomes: who rules Gotham City’s nights?

Note: This title is also available digitally.

REVIEW:

Reading this adaptation, one will immediately recognize the 1989 comic book’s limitations, in fairness to O’Neil’s lackluster rehash. First, multiple scenes and characters are omitted – i.e. Bruce & Vicki’s initial meeting; no Harvey Dent seen; a drugged Alicia’s disfigurement revealed to Vicki, etc. The maximum page count no doubt prioritized what O’Neil could do with the plot’s content.

Secondly, aside from minor tweaking, O’Neil sticks close to the script’s dialogue. Like Craig Shaw Gardner’s novelization, the cast’s improvisations (i.e. Keaton’s memorable “I’m Batman” intro) aren’t represented. Frankly, they wouldn’t have the same effect in this medium. The reliable O’Neil, overall, does a decent job given how he’s creatively boxed in.

As for artist Jerry Ordway, he has a knack for conveying terrific close-up likenesses of the cast much of the time. Still, though generally faithful to the cast’s costuming, the visuals are otherwise pedestrian. Suffice to say, the art squad falls far short of recapturing Anton Furst’s innovative art deco design, let alone a welcome sense of the mega-budget cinematography.

It’s unfortunate that, back in 1989, DC Comics didn’t prioritize this project to merit its artistic A-game. It appears that DC has since refreshened (to a degree) the comic’s weak-looking inks with a more worthwhile upgrade, aesthetics-wise.

Even if this ‘deluxe edition’ isn’t a must-have, it’s a decent slice of Bat-nostalgia from DC’s archives.

Notes: O’Neil includes one brief scene (likely deleted from the finished film) where Knox poses as Batman’s ‘corpse.’ In one set of images (replicated on the back cover), Ordway presents nice head shot close-ups of Keaton, Basinger, & Michael Gough’s Alfred. Keaton’s depiction has a longer-hair comb-over, which, amusingly, resembles a toupee.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

In a full-page format, both covers of the comic’s prior release are included. A scanned copy of Ordway’s artwork, as obvious padding, effectively doubles this book’s size. Ironically, Ordway’s black-and-white sketches are more vividly noir than the inked version.

BRIAN’S OOD MOON RATING: 5½ Stars

Note: Craig Shaw Gardner’s intriguing novelization depicts the movie’s intended script before Basinger replaced an injured Sean Young as ‘Vicki Vale.’

Hence, subsequently deleted/un-filmed scenes include Bruce & Vicki’s horseback riding sequence and a masked Bruce’s improvised horseback rescue of Vicki from the Joker and his henchmen. This latter action sequence was replaced in the film by Bruce faking his apparent death in Vicki’s apartment before discreetly escaping to the Batcave.

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JUSTICE LEAGUE: THE JOKER AND HARLEY QUINN’S JUSTICE LEAGUE JAILHOUSE

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date July 24, 2023

Written by Louise Simonson.

Illustrated & Cover Art by Tim Levins.

SUMMARY:

Based off the Justice League Unlimited animated program’s continuity, Stone Arch Brooks released this 88-page paperback in 2018. It’s among at least eight titles in this series.

Hired by Lex Luthor, the Joker & Harley Quinn conspire to abduct the Justice League by holding them captive in a secret subterranean cavern below Arkham Asylum. The big prize is Luthor’s ulterior motive: a defeated Superman at his mercy (or lack thereof).

With the Huntress and Flash as their first prisoners, the villains reveal that the Leaguers have been chained to an elaborate death trap where Gotham would be decimated by a bomb. One catch is that the heroes’ vast powers have been conveniently neutralized. The far more diabolical one is that the sole means to prevent detonation is steady (forced) laughter at video replays of the Joker’s favorite ‘greatest hits’ schemes.

Despite already knowing the identities of their adversaries, the Man of Steel is lured into a kryptonite trap. It’s up to Wonder Woman, Batman, Cyborg, and John Stewart’s Green Lantern to launch a counter-strike to save their teammates. To make their strategy work, Wonder Woman risks her life to infiltrate the villainous duo’s lair by posing as their next prisoner.

The question becomes: will this dangerous gamble save Gotham City and her teammates in time?

Notes: Neither Hal Jordan’s Green Lantern nor Aquaman appear in this story. The back cover reiterates the League roster, including its reserves.

REVIEW:

With excellent production values (including an easily readable font), this book doesn’t cheat its young target audience.

Veteran comics writer Louise Simonson devises a fun little plot that seemingly evens the odds pitting two wacky Bat-villains vs. seven Justice Leaguers. While ‘screen time’ is generally well-divided, Wonder Woman earns this story’s MVP award as Simonson’s best-written character. As for the visuals, Tim Levins’ artwork nicely homages the look of Justice League Unlimited. Suffice to say, this Justice League caper should be a fast read where kids will outgrow it sooner vs. later.

Still, Justice League: The Joker and Harley Quinn’s Justice League Jailhouse is a welcome find for an elementary school library.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

There is a table of contents. The League’s ‘roll call’ highlights its primary seven members: Wonder Woman; Batman; Superman; Cyborg; Flash; Hal Jordan’s Green Lantern; and Aquaman. Another twenty League reserves are also depicted. The League’s ‘database’ reviews a quick profile on the Joker and Harley Quinn, along with images of another thirty-four Legion of Doom villains. An ad also identifies the covers for all eight (so far) titles in this series.

While there is a single-page glossary, it ironically omits the climax’s biggest word: “doppelgänger.” A few questions and some creative writing prompts are then provided for students. Paragraph-length bios on Simonson and Levins are on the last page.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 Stars

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JUSTICE LEAGUE: GORILLA GRODD AND THE PRIMATE PROTOCOL

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date July 14, 2023

Written by Brandon T. Snider.

Illustrated & Cover Art by Tim Levins.

SUMMARY:

Based off the Justice League Unlimited animated program’s continuity, Stone Arch Brooks released this 88-page paperback in 2018. It’s among at least eight titles in this series.

With the League already short-handed due to various emergencies, Batman deploys a six-member squad under Wonder Woman & Vixen’s command to Gorilla City. This contingent consists of John Stewart’s Green Lantern; Hawkman; Green Arrow; & Ronnie Raymond/Professor Martin Stein’s rookie Firestorm. Their mission is to recapture a fugitive Gorilla Grodd.

A routine skirmish seemingly lands Grodd and his mind-controlling gold helmet in League custody. Yet, aboard a mid-air League Javelin jet, the conniving Gorilla Grodd’s latest evil scheme is unleashed. Transforming Firestorm, Green Arrow, Hawkman, and Wonder Woman into his rampaging gorilla minions, Grodd sends them against Vixen & Green Lantern in downtown New York City.

It’s up to Professor Stein to reach Ronnie’s mind to save their League teammates while there’s still time.

Notes: While Batman plays a supporting role in this plot, Superman, Cyborg, & Flash make cameo appearances. Neither Hal Jordan’s Green Lantern nor Aquaman appear in this story. The back cover reiterates the League roster, including its reserves. There are at least seven other titles in this particular Stone Arch Books series.

REVIEW:

Its production values are remarkably good, including an easily readable font. Both its comic book-faithful plot (i.e. Hawkman & Green Arrow’s mutual disdain) and appealing visuals ensure a decent diversion for the intended elementary school audience. As the team’s rookie powerhouse, Firestorm (Ronnie Raymond & Professor Martin Stein) is highlighted in a plot reminiscent of the mid-80’s Super-Friends TV incarnations as The Super Powers Team/Galactic Guardians animated series.

There’s nothing remarkable about the story itself, as kids will likely outgrow it fast. Still, Justice League: Gorilla Grodd and The Primate Protocol makes a fun library read for ages 8 and up.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

There’s a table of contents. The League’s ‘roll call’ highlights its primary seven members: Wonder Woman; Batman; Superman; Cyborg; Flash; Hal Jordan’s Green Lantern; and Aquaman. Another twenty League reserves are also depicted. The League’s ‘database’ reviews a quick profile on Gorilla Grodd, along with images of another thirty-five Legion of Doom villains.

An ad identifies the covers for all eight (so far) titles in this series. Following a single-page glossary, a few questions and some creative writing prompts are provided for students. Paragraph-length bios on Snider and Levins are saved for last.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 Stars

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GIRL TAKING OVER: A LOIS LANE STORY (DC Comics)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date June 30, 2023

Written by Sarah Kuhn.

Art by Arielle Jovellanos; Olivia Pecini; Melanie Ujimori; & Sam Lotfi.

Cover Art by Arielle Jovellanos; Olivia Pecini; & Melanie Ujimori.

SUMMARY:

Released by DC Comics in 2023, this 185-page Young Adult graphic novel re-imagines Lois Lane as an ultra-ambitious 18-year-old first-generation Asian American high school graduate seeking her first big break.

For the summer prior to pursuing a journalism degree at the University of Metropolis, Lois (or “Lo-chan,” as her doting mother calls her) embraces a promising internship with Cat Grant’s urban website in National City. If anything, she is at least far away from her quaint and excessively dull hometown of Macville – evidently located somewhere on the West Coast.

Lois considers this big city gig a precursor to phenomenal career accomplishments awaiting her back East at The Daily Planet someday. Yet, first she finds out that her mother has secretly arranged for Miki Mahara (Lois’ long-estranged, ex-best friend) as a summer roommate. Suffice to say, there is instant friction between Lois & Miki’s vibrant yet seemingly dissimilar personalities.

Note: It isn’t clarified if Lois & Miki are in fact cousins, as they evidently share an ‘Uncle Ronnie.’

Lois’ ‘epic’ life plan further unravels the next day as her professional idol, Cat Grant, is summarily dismissed due to corporate chicanery leaving Lois reduced to a coffee gofer. Later defending an artistic Miki’s principles to avant-garde actor/theater owner Dante Alexander, Lois smells a rat.

Having confirmed Alexander’s fraudulent scheme, Lois is dismayed that her snide boss, Bradley Beauregard Belmont (aka Triple B), has suppressed her exposé and threatens revoking her internship. With help from their shared friends, an emboldened Miki convinces Lois to collaborate on an anonymous website, “Novice Nooz!,” geared towards honest journalism for their generation.

Success and potential romances quietly blossom for both Lois and Miki. Impacting the young journalist’s newfound momentum is a spirit-crushing encounter with a downcast Cat Grant. Even worse is vengeful repercussions threatened by Belmont and Alexander once they realize how Lois & Miki have blatantly defied them. With public exposure meant to ruin their promising futures, the two friends must make a pivotal stand, regardless of the consequences.

Notes: This title is also available digitally. As a parental advisory, there are sporadic profanities, including one f-word.

REVIEW:

With unabashed exuberance, writer Sarah Kuhn’s storyline explores a bevy of contemporary themes, including racism, both gender and workplace discrimination, ethical journalism, and youthful yet non-violent rebellion. More so, Kuhn packages her plot twists to embolden girls with resiliency and a belief that dreams can come true … even if they necessitate some occasional tweaking/reality checks.

In that sense, the down-to-earth title character doesn’t really need Lois Lane’s name value for this book’s upbeat content to succeed. The ‘Lois Lane’ element, however, only further enhances Girl Taking Over’s innate charm by living up to the comic book icon’s reputation. The same applies to this art squad’s colorful visuals, which prove an ideal fit for Kuhn’s effervescent storytelling.

There is one caveat: Kuhn’s two stock villains are strictly one-dimensional egomaniacs. It isn’t necessary that either one ‘magically’ reforms by the story’s end (a cookie-cutter cliché that Kuhn doesn’t resort to). Had either Alexander or Belmont exhibited one unexpected hint of compassion, then Girl Taking Over would be a more complete story where all ethnicities deserve a level playing field.

Aside from some unnecessary profanities, Girl Taking Over: A Lois Lane Story is a treat to read. More so, Kuhn and her collaborators supply convincing evidence that terrific Lois Lane stories don’t require a Man of Steel.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Collaborators Kuhn and Jovellanos each have a photo and biography page. Exploring their re-imagining of Cassandra Cain, there is a thirteen-page preview of Kuhn & artist Nicole Goux’s Shadow of the Batgirl graphic novel.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars

HARLEY QUINN SERIES – POISON IVY (aka IVY): SEEDLING (Episode 201)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date June 6, 2023

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 9:37 Min.

Through his production company, Imagination Upgraded!, Brandon Champ Robinson co-wrote the script (with Samantha Briggs) and directed this live-action fan film/webisode. It was evidently released in 2020. Inspired by DC Comics’ Poison Ivy, this fan film depicts Ivy/’Ms. P’ (Biosah) as an enigmatic African American woman who possesses telepathic powers with all plants. The city where she lives isn’t identified.

At her suburban home, Ivy’s use of a cannabis-like smoking device is interrupted by two teens, Chris & TK (Brown & Curtis), who playfully pose as burglars. She senses their presence through her home’s array of plants. After a round of shooting foam bullets back and forth with the kids, she agrees to help TK with a project. Ivy then returns to her private relaxation.

Leaving Ivy’s home, the teens are approached by a neighborhood drug dealer, Vic (Walker). While much preferring Ivy’s mysterious substance, Vic prods a reluctant TK into pushing a new designer drug. Vic claims these pills have five times the potency of Ivy’s personal concoction.

At home with TK, Chris naively stumbles upon Vic’s pills in TK’s backpack. Leading into a cliffhanger, plants in proximity to Chris send a dire alert to Ivy – that her friend is imminent danger just as the naive teenager is about to sample one of Vic’s illicit pills.

Pamela/Poison Ivy aka ‘Ms. P:’ Justina Biosah

TK: Charles Curtis

Chris: Kaitlyn Brown

Vic: Nathan Walker.

Notes: George Ross Bridgman and Jon Finfera’s names appear in the cast’s opening credits, but their roles aren’t identified. There’s two possibilities: either A. they are the voice actors for Ivy’s telepathic plants, or B. perhaps their footage was edited out of the finalized episode.

For clarification, DC Comics isn’t acknowledged in the credits. Also, despite the series title, there isn’t a Harley Quinn referenced in this film. One may infer that “Ivy: Seedling (Episode 201)” is meant to be a ‘spin-off’ of a Harley Quinn fan film.

REVIEW:

Despite the drug-related plot, this low-budget film’s visual vibe demonstrates some welcome potential. Case in point: combined with nature sounds, the opening credits sequence’s cinematography is stylish. As to the acting, Justina Biosah makes Pamela Isley/Poison Ivy an intriguing heroine, in what little is seen of her sultry character. By comparison, her castmates’ performances come off as somewhat amateurish, but this TV-caliber mini-film is nonetheless watchable.

Fans of DC’s Poison Ivy might want to check this neat little production out, at least for curiosity’s sake. If Brandon Champ Robinson devised this project as a work sample for DC Entertainment to contemplate hiring him, then he makes a reasonably convincing case. The same applies to Biosah for potential TV/film roles in the DC Universe.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 6 Stars

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DC COMICS BACKSTORIES: BATMAN – GOTHAM CITY’S GUARDIAN

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date February 24, 2023
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Written by Matthew K. Manning & Illustrated by Steven Gordon

SUMMARY:

Released in 2016 through Scholastic, Inc., this 128-page DC Comics Backstories paperback explores the New 52’s Batman. After a short foreword from the Dark Knight himself, a cast of characters section introduces of Batman’s inner circle and his most well-known villains. Starting with Bruce Wayne’s tragic childhood, Batman’s origin is revealed, along with details of his weaponry/vehicles/Batcave.

Subsequent chapters discuss his current rosters of villains and notable Bat-allies (including Batgirl and multiple Robins), and the New 52’s Justice League. Also included in black-and-white are original artwork, sketches, and assorted vehicle blueprints.

Note: The New 52’s Wonder Woman has her own DC Comics Backstories book.

REVIEW:

Well-written for his target audience, writer Matthew K. Manning’s text delivers everything necessary for a good read. Specifically, by avoiding detailed storylines and omitting grisly details, Manning still provides an accurate overview of Gotham’s Dark Knight and his supporting cast. While Steve Gordon’s sketch-like illustrations may vary (i.e. one portrait of the Joker is superb while a Two-Face pose is amateurish by comparison), the above-average visuals are frankly a bonus for Manning’s terrific narrative.

For the elementary school (and early middle school) crowd, DC Comics Backstories – Batman: Gotham City’s Guardian should delight young Bat-fans.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES:

The four-page “Fast Facts” adds supplemental trivia to Batman’s chronology. A glossary and a single-page appendix then conclude the book.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7½ Stars