Category: DC’s Hardcovers & Trade Paperbacks

Written by Josh Williamson.

Art by Sami Basri; Jessica Kholinne; & Jared K. Fletcher.

Collection Cover Art by Paulo Siquiera & Rod Reis.

SUMMARY:

Released by DC Comics in 2013, this 160-page trade paperback collects Voodoo # 7-12, plus Issue # 0, first published in 2012.  In her New 52 reboot, an abducted Priscilla “Pris” Kitaen had previously been mutated by vile alien experimentation before being rescued by the covert Black Razors organization.  Her evil, shape-shifting clone, ‘Voodoo,’ has become her vengeful obsession to destroy.  Priscilla’s potential new allies are subsequently no match against the clone’s monstrous super-powers. 

Voodoo, at the behest of the nefarious Lord Helspont, seeks a game-changing weapon in the Dead City of the Daemonites on Jupiter’s moon, Europa.   Joining the Black Razors, Priscilla’s intergalactic pursuit of her ruthless twin  leads to a fateful showdown. 

Issue # 0 reveals Priscilla’s escape from the alien cloning facility and Voodoo’s creation.  An enigmatic tease of Priscilla’s WildC.A.T.S. incarnation is conveyed in a crossover scene reuniting her with a teammate from a previous reality: the New 52’s Grifter.     

Notes: This title is also available digitally.  The series was effectively cancelled with this second volume. 

REVIEW:

Voodoo is among the first round of short-lived New 52 titles that far emphasized style over enduring substance.  Hence, this volume’s visuals are generally excellent.  It, unfortunately, lacks a compelling sci-fi/horror storyline to justify such artistic effort.  Josh Williamson’s efforts to right Ron Marz’s icky creative course (specifically, Issues # 1-6) largely fail due to an absence of likable characters to keep readers engaged. 

More so, this cast’s blah expendability is worsened by an over-reliance upon gross-out horror twists reminiscent of movies like 2000’s Pitch Black and 1986’s Alien.  Readers, if anything, are left sorely missing Wildstorm’s appealing WildC.A.T.S. incarnation of Priscilla Kitaen/Voodoo, who worked best in smaller doses. 

Ultimately, Voodoo, Volume 2: Killer in Me, might prove an okay read for adult fans.  Finding it at the library, however, is the most practical option.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

In a full-page format, each cover precedes each issue.  Cover artists for Issues # 7-11 are: Paulo Siquiera & Rod Reis; and for Issue # 12: Siquiera & Paul Mounts.  The Issue # 0’s cover artists are Sami Basri & Jessica Kholinne.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                    4 Stars

Written by (See Below).

Art by (See Below).

Cover Art Design by Damian Ryland.

SUMMARY:

Released in 2021 by DC Comics, this 400-page hardcover’s primary content consists of eleven premiere issues from DC’s mass re-launch of its continuity in 2011.  Each beginning a new arc, the issues are:

1. Action Comics # 1: “Superman Versus the City of Tomorrow.”  Writer: Grant Morrison & Art by Rags Morales; Rick Bryant; Brand Anderson; & Patrick Brosseau.  Cover: Rags Morales & Brad Anderson.  Variant Cover: Jim Lee; Scott Williams; & Alex Sinclair.  Reminiscent of his original Golden Age incarnation, a rookie Superman’s vigilantism generates considerable controversy in Metropolis.  Meanwhile, at the behest of U.S. General Sam Lane, Lex Luthor concocts a subway disaster scheme to capture the Man of Steel. 
2. *All-Star Western # 1: “Untitled.”  Writer: Justin Gray & Art by Jimmy Palmiotti; Moritat; Gabriel Bautista; & Rob Leigh.  Cover: Moritat.  In the 1880’s, Dr. Amadeus Arkham narrates his team-up with bounty hunter Jonah Hex to probe a series of grisly murders targeting Gotham City’s female prostitutes.
3. *Animal Man # 1: “The Hunt, Part One: Warning from the Red.”  Writer: Jeff Lemire & Art by Travel Foreman; Dan Green; Lovern Kindzierski; & Jared K. Fletcher.  Cover: Travel Foreman & Dan Green.  Buddy Baker experiences nightmarish changes in his super-powers that impact his family.
4. Aquaman # 1: “The Trench, Part One.”  Writer: Geoff Johns & Art by Ivan Reis; Joe Prado; Ron Reis; & Nick J. Napolitano.  Cover: Ivan Reis, Joe Prado, & Rod Reis.  As Aquaman & Mera decide upon their new off-shore residence, a ravenous invasion is rising from the Atlantic Ocean.
5. *Batman # 1: “Knife Trick.”  Writer Scott Snyder & Art by Greg Capullo, Jonathan Glapion, FCO Plascenia, Richard Starkings; & Comicraft’s Jimmy Betancourt.  Cover: Greg Capullo & FCO Plascenia. Variant Cover: Ethan Van Sciver & Tomas (?).  The Dark Knight learns of Gotham City’s grisly new serial killer, whose hit list includes Bruce Wayne.
6. *Demon Knights # 1: “Seven Against the Dark.”  Writer: Paul Cornell & Art by Diógenes Neves; Oclair Albert; Marcelo Maiolo; & Jared K. Fletcher.  Four centuries after Camelot’s fall, several medieval heroes converge, including Madame Xanadu, Jason Blood/Etrigan the Demon, and Sr Ystin the Shining Knight, to face an ominous magical threat.
7. The Flash # 1: “Untitled.”  Writers: Francis Manapul & Brian Buccellato & Art by Francis Manapul, Brian Buccellato, & Sal Cipriano.  Cover: Francis Manapul.  Variant Cover: Ivan Reis; Tim Townsend; & Rod Reis.  Thwarting a terrorist group’s assault, the Flash is implicated in the death of one of Barry Allen’s old friends.  Subsequently, Barry is pulled into a bizarre deception.
8. Justice League # 1: “Part One.” Writer: Geoff Johns & Art by Jim Lee, Scott Williams, Alex Sinclair; & Patrick Brosseau. Cover by Jim Lee, Scott Williams, & Alex Sinclair.  Variant Cover by David Finch, Richard Friend, & Peter Stiegerwald.  Reluctant allies Batman and Hal Jordan’s Green Lantern investigate an ominous alien threat that takes them from Gotham City to face off against Superman in Metropolis.  Victor Stone’s life before becoming Cyborg is also glimpsed.  Note: This tale is set five years in the past.
9. *Justice League Dark # 1: “In the Dark, Part One: Imaginary Women.”  Writer: Peter Milligan & Art by Mikel Janin; Ulises Arreola; & Rob Leigh.  Cover and 2^nd Printing Cover by Ryan Sook.  Madame Xanadu foretells a new generation of mystical Justice Leaguers to confront the insane Enchantress, June Moone.  Besides co-stars Zatanna Zatara (now a goth rookie), John Constantine, Madame Xanadu, and Shade the Changing Man, Justice Leaguers include Wonder Woman, Batman, Cyborg, and Superman.
10. *Voodoo # 1: “Keeping Secrets.”  Writer: Ron Marz and Art by Sami Basri, Jessica Kholinne, Sunny Gho, & Jared K. Fletcher.  Cover and 2^nd Printing Cover by Sami Basi & Sunny Gho. At the Voodoo Lounge, two U.S. special agents conduct undercover surveillance of the mysterious strip-tease dancer, Priscilla “Voodoo” Kitaen.  Her sultry human form reveals a monstrous, shapeshifting alter-ego.
11. *Wonder Woman # 1: “Visitation.”  Writer: Brian Azzarello & Art by Cliff Chiang, Matthew Wilson, & Jared K. Fletcher.  Cover and 2^nd Printing Cover by Cliff Chiang.  Pursued by dark forces linked to Mount Olympus, a young woman, Zola, needs Wonder Woman’s help. 

Note: As a parental advisory, the asterisk-tagged titles are likely inappropriate for pre-teen readers, as to gore and/or sexual content.  Demon Knights #  1’s plot includes the supernatural homicide of a baby. 

REVIEW:

There is no argument, in terms of sheer quantity, this 10^th Anniversary Deluxe Edition is exceptional.  Case in point: such an impressive array of bonus materials is worth the price of admission.  The same applies to some stellar artwork, as demonstrated throughout Aquaman, Justice League, and the surprisingly good Justice League Dark.  The flip side, however, reflects what isn’t addressed in Dan DiDio’s introduction: that is, DC’s crass reliance upon sex appeal and gore. 

It’s not a ‘bold’ statement, as DiDio deems DC’s dubious mentality; instead, readers will recognize shallow tripe and otherwise borderline trash when they see it.  While Red Hood and the Outlaws # 1 and Catwoman # 1 aren’t included in this compendium, they are two other instances where DC’s New 52 sought a fast and sordid buck. 

Foregoing DC’s traditionally bankable, all-ages appeal, most of these eleven titles are clearly designed for a macho adult audience.  Justice League, The Flash, and Action Comics are innocuous fun; by comparison, All-Star Western and the unrepentant Voodoo sleaze-fest surely are not.  What is most disturbing about these latter two issues is the overt sexualization of women, if not flat-out misogyny, towards its female characters. 

Degrees of homicidal violence and gore also plague Batman, Wonder Woman, and the Vertigo Comics-like Animal Man, so it is a misassumption that their storylines are kid-friendly.  Given its title, Justice League Dark is just that, so supernatural gore and some sexual inferences become a foregone conclusion.

Essentially, these premiere issues reveal that DC was desperate (in some instances, far too reckless) to boost its lagging sales.  DC’s New 52 will be remembered, at best, as a mixed-bag experience; for most readers, it was a failed and unnecessary five-year experiment.  Conveniently revamping DC’s iconic characters with an excess of superficial gloss and a mostly blank slate was by no means the right creative antidote. 

Rather than flushing decades of popular continuity (again), perhaps DC might have tried harder after Flashpoint maturing some familiar characters with even telltale hints of gray hair.  Hence, a relatable progression of time seems more worthwhile than DC’s panic button of de-aging nearly its entire roster by a decade.

Note: One unexplained New 52 oddity is how a decade-younger Bruce Wayne still has young Damian Wayne (whose age hasn’t changed) as his son.  For that matter, why wouldn’t Tim Drake and other Teen Titans have reverted to elementary school kids?  Again, DC’s logic deploying its New 52 makeover often contradicts itself.

Regardless of inconsistencies in writing depth, this 10^th Anniversary Deluxe Edition celebrates New 52 in all its glory.  If anything, there is enough misguided content that parents should best think twice before purchasing this treasure trove for any young DC fan.    

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Credits and a table of contents are provided.  DC’s ex-publisher, Dan DiDio, provides an insightful (yet self-serving), three-page introduction.  In a full-page format, the original cover followed by either a variant or a second printing cover  precedes each issue. 

Consisting of 118 pages, the bonus materials section includes: marketing concepts, extensive character designs and sketch work, covers, and even the original draft list of New 52 titles DC had planned.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:              6½ Stars

Written by Scott Snyder.

Art by Greg Capullo; Jonathan Glapion; FCO Plascenia; Tom Napolitano; Yanick Paquette; Bryan Hitch; Nathan Fairbairn; & Alex Sinclair.

Collection Cover Art by Greg Capullo; Jonathan Glapion; & FCO Plascenia.

SUMMARY:

In this sequel to Dark Nights: Metal, DC Comics released this 232-page trade paperback collecting Dark Nights: Death Metal # 1-7. 

On a post-apocalyptic Earth, the Batman Who Laughs, along with the cosmic deity, Perpetua, now dominates DC’s multiverse in every bleak detail.  Only Wonder Woman’s makeshift strike force stands a remote chance of restoring the legendary multiverse to what it should be.  Among those joining their perennial Justice League teammate are Wally West, Batman and Superman – each is guarding a devastating secret, as to his true nature.

Come the end, an ultimate sacrifice must be made to resurrect DC’s entire multitude of parallel Earths, each evidently different from prior incarnations.  Ultimately, Death Metal is meant to serve as DC’s precursor to its Infinite Frontier continuity re-launch.

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

REVIEW:

Previously, 2018’s Justice League: No Justice – a ludicrous storyline with generally crummy artwork – was seemingly the worst event dreck DC has produced this century.  Dark Nights: Death Metal dubiously rivals No Justice for pure nonsense. 

Aspiring to be DC’s answer to a heavy metal/goth opera, this bizarre cosmic epic overdoses on high-concept style vs. treading any semblance of storytelling substance.  Case in point: an epilogue scene where the heroes and villains share a rock jam concert (with Superman as lead vocalist and Batman on guitar, no less) tells astute readers how glaringly misguided Death Metal is. 

While the art squad’s visuals are generally high-caliber, writer Scott Snyder’s plot coherency stumbles from the get-go.  After the halfway mark, no matter how Crisis-related homages are pitched, Snyder’s grandiose storyline is  incomprehensible.  It’s like Snyder is trying to one-up fellow scribe Grant Morrison’s playbook on how to leave hapless DC readers baffled one sequence after another, with too little or no helpful transition.  Short of setting up DC’s Infinite Frontier era, the most tantalizing scene is between a M.I.A. Wonder Woman and an ethereal version of her Golden Age incarnation. 

Beyond that, the tone-deaf Dark Knights: Death Metal is strictly geared for DC’s current hardcore teen fanbase.  Any effort on DC’s part to engage an all-ages audience (whether it be kids or mainstream adults) appears otherwise coincidental.      

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

In a full-page format, the original cover precedes each issue.  Artist Greg Capullo includes a four-page sketchbook.  A four-panel evolution depicts the creation of Dark Knights: Death Metal # 1’s cover image (it doubles as s also the collection cover image).  Artists Doug Mahnke & David Baron’s variant covers for Issues # 1-6, in a half-page format, are presented.  Their Issue # 7 cover variant appears as a full page.         

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                      3½ Stars

Written by Gail Simone & Issue # 91 only: Jim Alexander.

Art by Joe Bennett; Eddy Barrows; Paulo Siqueira; Adriana Melo; Adam DeKraker; David Lopez; Bruce Timm; Brad Walker; Robin Riggs; Fernando Blanco; Will Conrad; Jimmy Palmiotti; Hi-Fi; Jared K. Fletcher; & Rob Leigh.

Collection Cover Art by Adriana Melo & Will Conrad.

SUMMARY:

In 2021, DC Comics released this 272-page trade paperback reprinting 2005-2006’s Birds of Prey # 81-91.  In Singapore, Dinah Lance’s Black Canary brings her surrogate uncle, Ted Grant’s Wildcat, on an undercover mission infiltrating an ultra-dangerous drug trafficking ring.  While an ailing Barbara Gordon’s Oracle and Blackhawk Zinda try to provide them remote back-up, an estranged Helena Bertinelli’s Huntress has initiated her own solo operation vs. Gotham City’s mob factions. 

Ultimately, both sides of this volatile equation collide in Gotham, as the Birds must rely on some new allies, such as Savant, and others (i.e., Connor Hawke’s Green Arrow) for help.

Amidst Countdown to Infinite Crisis, Booster Gold pleads with an overworked Oracle for help searching for a M.I.A. Blue Beetle (aka Ted Kord).  With her life threatened by an invasive metallic parasite, Barbara faces emergency surgery.  Guest stars include Dr. Mid-Nite, Batman, Dick Grayson, Superman, and Cyborg. 

Leaving Gotham City, the reunited Birds set up a new base in Metropolis where the Prankster, Calculator, and Deathstroke are among their initial adversaries.  A subsequent Birds mission to Istanbul is also in the cards.  At a celebration in her honor, a recuperating Barbara reunites with Dick Grayson. Filling in for Superman, Dinah and Blackhawk Zinda must resolve a high-profile hostage crisis covered on live TV. 

Alerted by her day job as a school teacher, Helena takes personal action protecting a young student’s family threatened by drug dealers.  Extensively tortured, a captive Savant is pressured by Calculator’s mercenaries (among them are Hellhound and Black Spider) to divulge Oracle’s elusive identity.  On a nocturnal Star City raid, Black Canary tries closing old emotional wounds by teaming up with her ex-fiancé, Green Arrow.

While feuding with the Calculator, Barbara decides if it is finally time to reveal her secret life to her worried father, Commissioner Gordon.  The Birds risk Batman’s wrath by backing Helena’s endgame in her Gotham mob sting.  Huntress and an injured Black Canary are confronted by a peeved Dark Knight. 

Prior to the last panel alluding to Helena’s role in Infinite Crisis, the team tangles itself up re: terminally ill mobster Joseph Bull.  Awaiting the Birds are two villains-for-hire on loan from the Royal Flush Gang.

REVIEW:

Backed by this art squad’s excellent visuals, writer Gail Simone delivers all the necessary goods for long-time Bird watchers.  Case in point: Simone’s cartoony Black Canary caper with guest artist Bruce Timm is a comedic treat!  Birds of Prey: Fighters by Trade, suffice to say, is a top-flight and remarkably coherent read.  Recommended!

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

In a full-page format, the original cover (followed by a single-color version) precedes each issue.  The cover artists are: Adriana Melo and Will Conrad. The sole exception is Jesus Saiz, who handles Issue # 91.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                        8 Stars

Written by Brian Michael Bendis.

Art by Steve Pugh; Sanford Greene; Phil Hester; Scott Godlewski; Eric Gapstur; Nick Filardi; Romulo Fajardo Jr.; Trish Mulvihill; Hi-Fi; Gabe Eltaeb; & Josh Reed.

Collection Cover Art by David Marquez & Alejandro Sánchez.

SUMMARY:

In 2022, DC Comics released this 158-page hardcover compiling Justice League # 64-71 (from 2021-2022).  Presently, the active League roster consists of: Queen Hippolyta; Black Canary, Green Arrow, Naomi McDuffie; Superman; Hawkgirl; Black Adam; Aquaman; & Batman. 

First up is the five-part United Order storyline.  Escaping custody at his trial before the newly formed United Planets, the seemingly invincible Synmar Utopica attacks Earth to destroy his closest cosmic rival: Superman.  Yet even the League’s reinforced firepower is not enough to keep from the Hall of Justice from being demolished. 

Also facing the team, as allies and/or potential adversaries, is the intergalactic United Order: they are the 21^st Century precursor to the Legion of Super-Heroes.  Despite sharing him as an enemy, they dispute the League’s means of neutralizing Synmar Utopica.    

After some much-needed downtime, Green Arrow & Black Canary must contend with would-be assassin Leonardo Lane (Lois Lane’s kid brother — aka Daemon Rose) and a bumbling seven-member squad of Deathstroke impostors.  Later, amidst the Hall of Justice’s wreckage, Naomi struggles to find her foster parents.      

In the three-part “Biggest Score Ever,” the League reluctantly partners with Checkmate once they discover that the Royal Flush Gang has committed its biggest heist ever: plundering the Fortress of Solitude.  It is up to the League to rein in the dire repercussions stemming from the Royal Flushes’ moronic actions.  Aside from Green Arrow’s exposed alliance with Checkmate, it is also hinted that another Leaguer has an ongoing covert affiliation.  

Guest stars and cameos include: Lois Lane; Katana; Firestorm; The Wonder Twins (Zan & Jayna); Doctor Fate; John Constantine; Blue Devil; Booster Gold; The Question; Bones; Steve Trevor; Kate Spencer’s Manhunter; Supergirl; Kimiyo Hoshi’s Dr. Light; Metamorpho; Fire; John Henry Irons’ Steel; Vixen; Ragman; Jaime Reyes’ Blue Beetle; Captain Atom; Plastic Man; & Atom Smasher.

Note: This title is also available digitally and will presumably be released as a trade paperback at a future date.

REVIEW:

The superb visual look from Volume 1: Prisms initially carries over to Volume 2.  That asset is welcome compensation for an unimpressive storyline courtesy of Brian Michael Bendis.  Approaching the halfway point, however, the artwork’s quality starts taking a downward shift towards average and even sub-par visuals.  Bendis’ plotting tries to make up the difference with his semi-amusing Royal Flush caper, but the result is not enough. 

Justice League, Volume 2: United Order, suffice to say, is not must-have reading.  For most fans, finding this book at the library should prove sufficient.           

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Original covers by David Marquez & Alejandro Sánchez (Issues # 64-67); David Marquez & Ivan Plascenia (Issue # 68) and Yanick Paquette & Nathan Fairbairn (Issue # 69-71) each appear in a full-page format.  The variant artists consist of Jason Howard: Issue # 64; David Talaski: Issue # 65; and Alexander Lozano: Issues # 66-71.   

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                         5 Stars

Written by Brian Michael Bendis.

Art by David Marquez; Tamra Bonvillain; Ivan Plascenia; & Josh Reed.

Cover Art by David Marquez & Tamra Bonvillain.

SUMMARY:

In 2022, DC Comics released this 128-page hardcover assembling Justice League # 59-63 (from 2021).  Presently, the League roster consists of: Black Canary; Green Arrow; Flash; Aquaman; Hawkgirl; Superman; and Batman.  The team first encounters the enigmatic, alternate-reality teen powerhouse, Naomi McDuffie, as both Black Adam and Queen Hippolyta subsequently become involved.

The monstrous Brutus, a nearly unstoppable invader from Naomi’s Earth, wreaks near-catastrophic havoc on Earth.  Accompanied by Naomi, most of the League pursues Brutus back to his own turf for a decisive rematch where their vast super-powers are strangely affected.  

Even when the Flash and Queen Hippolyta bolster the League’s firepower, will it be still enough to thwart a juggernaut like Brutus?  Lurking in the shadows is the threat of his even more dangerous boss.  Ultimately, the courage of a defiant young woman may make all the difference. 

Note: This title is also available digitally and will be later released as a trade paperback.

REVIEW:

Visually, the art squad delivers consistently top-caliber work — that asset alone is worth the price of admission.  As to Brian Michael Bendis’ storytelling, it is readable, in terms of kid-friendly entertainment value.  Yet, what is sorely missing is a sense of excitement that Bendis often imbued his Avengers/New Avengers run at Marvel years ago.  His generally lukewarm plotting for the five-part Prisms storyline, in that sense, struggles to match its superb artwork, let alone justify the ridiculous plethora of variant covers heralding Bendis joining the franchise.

For Naomi’s fanbase, this volume is likely a must-have proposition.  For Justice League die-hards, however, it is far more about celebrating the artwork than the mundane storyline.  What Bendis supplies in this volume is merely a library read. 

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The original covers each appear in a full-page format.  The same further applies to the variant covers (# 59: Marquez & Bonvillain; # 60-61: Karl Ngu; # 62: Howard Porter & Hi-Fi; # 63: Dan Panosian) and Issue # 59’s three Zach Snyder’s Justice League variants: (Jim Lee & Alex Sinclair; Liam Sharp; and Lee Bermejo).  Marquez also includes a four-page sketchbook of character designs and some pencil-and-ink panels.   

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                6 Stars

Written by Mark Waid & Martin Pasko.

Art by Humberto Ramos; Oscar Jimenez; Nick Gnazzo; Wayne Faucher; José Marzán Jr.; Brad Vancata; Mark Stegbauer; Tom McCraw; Chris Eliopoulos; Gaspar Saladino; Kevin Cunnigham; & Philip Felix.

Collection Cover Art by Humberto Ramos; Wayne Faucher; & Tom McCraw.

SUMMARY:

In 2021, in homage to Bart Allen (aka Impulse/Kid Flash/Flash), DC Comics released this 376-page trade paperback consisting of Impulse # 1-12 and The Flash (Wally West) # 108-111 from 1995-1996.  Specifically, cousins Wally & Bart’s six-part “Dead Heat” crossover is reprinted in its entirety.  Bart’s debut and subsequent appearances in Wally West’s Flash title setting up his spin-off series, however, aren’t included. 

Having recently arrived, Barry Allen’s rambunctious 30^th Century grandson, Bart, has been sent to live with his new mentor, Max Mercury, in secluded Manchester, Alabama.  Under an enigmatic Max’s tutelage, Bart impatiently begins to hone his superhuman speed (and to keep his accelerated aging in check).  As Max is fully aware, raising a hyper-active teenager isn’t easy.  From acclimating to the mid-90’s grind of rural middle school to gleefully taking down local super-villains, the 13-to-14-year old Bart earns his moniker of ‘Impulse.’ 

Meanwhile, Max’s subsequent abduction by the nefarious Savitar sets up a Speed Force showdown vs. Wally West’s Flash and his temporarily powerless associates: Bart, the original Flash: Jay Garrick, father and daughter: Johnny Quick & Jesse Quick, & Bart’s visiting 30^th Century teenage cousin, XS. 

To thwart Savitar, it appears that Max & Johnny may hold the edge against their old foe, even if the ultimate cost of victory is severe.  “Dead Heat” guest stars also include Linda Park, Bart’s grandmother – Iris West, and a cameo from John Fox’s Flash. 

Come the poignant finish line of “Runs in the Family,” Bart becomes acutely aware of how alone he is ten centuries away from his prior life.

REVIEW:

Even nearly thirty years later, Bart & Max’s appealing surrogate family dynamic is still a treat to read – i.e. how Max slyly commends young Bart for devising a partial strategy in lieu of his protégé’s usual no-plan at all.  Aside from one unbleeped profanity, this collection benefits from Mark Waid’s kid-friendly scripting and the art squad’s generally solid visuals.  In particular, this creative team makes Impulse’s adventures a fun ride for all fans while keeping its youthful target audience’s brand of humor in mind.

Bart’s regularly obnoxious yet good-hearted character, in other words, doesn’t always come off as The Flash’s dubious answer to Scrappy-Doo — thankfully. Still, such easy reads (one of which is a well-constructed P.S.A. re: telltale signs of child abuse) prevail over the convoluted and often blah “Dead Heat” saga.  For fans of Bart Allen, Flash/Impulse: Runs in the Family is a welcome time machine revisiting this legacy character’s arguably best incarnation.   

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Full-page replicas of the original covers are included.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                7 Stars

Written by Alan Burnett & Paul Dini.

Art by Ty Templeton; Mark Morales; Sean Parsons; Monica Kubina; & Josh Reed.

Collection Cover Art by Dave Johnson.

SUMMARY:

In 2021, DC Comics released this 208-page paperback reprinting 2020’s Issues # 1-8.  Resuming the continuity of TV’s Batman: The Animated Series / New Batman Adventures, Batman’s never-ending crusade expands upon the Bat-Family consisting of Alfred Pennyworth, Barbara Gordon’s Batgirl, and Tim Drake’s Robin III.  Despite appearing on the back cover, Dick Grayson’s Nightwing doesn’t participate in these stories.

The first arc is “Hardware, Parts I-II.”  Lex Luthor returns to Gotham, with a destructive and seemingly indestructible giant robot as his new toy.  Batman senses all isn’t what it seems, as he counters Luthor’s armored power suit with his own.  Meanwhile, the Bat-Family realizes that a mysterious stalker is spying upon them.  Superman makes a brief guest appearance.

The next arc is “Mentors, Parts I-IV.”  Deathstroke is in town, seemingly on the trail of Firefly for a mysterious bounty.  As the stalker angle continues, Batman worries that he might lose an impressionable Tim Drake due to his unexpected hero worship of Deathstroke.  In a showdown with the Dark Knight, Deathstroke’s ulterior agenda is revealed.  “The Darker Knight, Parts I-II” has Batman & Azrael teaming up to recover a mystical item that Catwoman has swiped.  A showdown with Mr. Freeze is imminent, as he attempts to resurrect his late wife’s corpse.

“Red Son Rising, Parts, I-V” depicts an adult Jason Todd seeking vengeance on his own terms against both his ex-mentor and the Joker.  Todd’s origin and subsequent fate as Robin II are tweaked for a younger audience, but his savage near-death beating by the Joker is left intact. Meanwhile, others express interest in taking advantage of a now-compromised Dark Knight. 

Lastly, “Secret Santa” depicts Gotham’s Christmas season, as Batman monitors Arnold Wesker’s newfound independence from his partner, Scarface the dummy.  Girlfriends Poison Ivy & Harley Quinn, meanwhile, co-host an exclusive holiday party for Gotham’s costumed Arkham Asylum cretins and a few other guests.  Left off the guest list, the party-crashing Joker has made some explosive plans for New Year’s Eve.   

Note: This book is also available digitally.

REVIEW:

Season One scores plenty of consumer points with consistently good storytelling, the art squad’s visual homage to the animated series, and an array of bonus materials.  Had an introduction from Dini and/or series producer Bruce Timm been thrown in, this package would be absolutely complete.  In that sense, the only vintage element otherwise missing is the magic of Kevin Conroy voicing Batman. 

However, there are a few parental caveats.  1.  There is a segment of Mr. Freeze cradling his wife’s decomposing corpse after evidently grave-robbing it from a cemetery — all that is seen is her feet under a blanket-like shroud; and 2. A flashback revealing young Jason Todd’s brutal torture by the Joker is visually toned down from the comics and the Batman: Under the Red Hood animated film.  Still, the dire inference of Todd being beaten to near-death with a bloody crowbar is plainly obvious.  Todd’s improbable escape is curiously explained, but not how he would have plausibly survived such extensive internal injuries.

Given the circumstances, the co-writers adapt Todd’s Robin/Red Hood storyline for a younger audience about as well as one could expect without cheating older readers.  As much as “Red Son Rising” dominates Season One, Todd’s presence isn’t its best asset.  Instead, “Secret Santa,” with its well-played blend of action, humor, and poignant character progression, is likely the worthiest of deserving an animated episode.   

Even if none of these stories are must-have reads, Bat-fans should still find Season One a welcome addition to the bookcase.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

In a full-page format, Templeton’s sketches for: an armored Batman (black-and-white); Deathstroke (color and black-and-white); Azrael in both his St. Dumas armor and Bat-armor (color); Jason Todd’s Red Hood (color); and Todd’s Robin (color).  There is a full-page leaping Batman pin-up from artist Dave Johnson seen four times in two alternating color schemes.  Also seen is a portrait of Alfred staring at a glass-encased Bat-suit from artists Paolo Rivera & Joe Rivera.

Preceding each story is its original full-page cover.  The cover artists are: Dave Johnson (Issue # 1); Sean Murphy & Matt Hollingsworth (Issue # 2); Joe Quinones (Issue # 3); James Harren (Issue # 4); Paola Rivera & Joe Rivera (Issue # 5); Khary Randolph & Emilio Lopez (Issue # 6); Becky Cloonan (Issue # 7); & Mirka Andolfo (Issue # 8).  Appearing in a half-page format is artist Randy Mayor’s covers used for the book’s digital chapters; each is designed to resemble The Animated Series’ title cards.

Lastly, as accompanied by Randolph & Lopez’s Batman pin-up, there is a full-page variant cover gallery.  The variant cover artists are: Dan Mora (Issue # 1); Dustin Nguyen (Issue # 2); Dan Hipp (Issue # 3); Ben Caldwell (Issue # 4); Sean “Cheeks” Galloway (Issue # 5); Kaare Andrews (Issue # 6); Justin Erickson (Issue # 7); and Ronnie Del Carmen (Issue # 8). 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                 8½ Stars

Written by Bill Willingham.

Art by Lan Medina; Steve Leialoha; Craig Hamilton; Sherilyn van Valkenburgh; & Todd Klein.

Collection Cover Art by Mark Buckingham.

SUMMARY:

First published in 2002, for its Vertigo Comics imprint, DC Comics re-released this 10^th Anniversary edition of Fables, Volume 1: Legends in Exile in 2012.  Like before, 2002’s Issues # 1-5 have been compiled, but multiple extras (as listed below) are now included.  Hence, the page count is now 160 pages.

In New York City’s secret Fabletown community, an ultra-bloody crime scene sends Jack (of old Beanstalk fame) rushing to its security chief’s disheveled office claiming his girlfriend, Rose Red, is missing.  Supervised by Rose’s estranged sister, Snow White (Fabletown’s Deputy Mayor/Director of Operations), an insightful Bigby Wolf begins his hunt for the perpetrator. Among his potential homicide suspects are: a scorned Bluebeard; the perpetually-conniving Jack; Snow White’s sleazeball ex-husband: Prince Charming; and possibly even Snow White herself. 

Meanwhile, a high-profile lottery for Charming’s supposed riches from the lost Homelands is set for this year’s Remembrance Ball.  Under increasing pressure, it’s up to Bigby to reveal the ugly truth scandalizing Fabletown.  He senses full well that all isn’t what it seems.

REVIEW:

Despite resorting to excessive profanities, writer Bill Willingham conjures up an intriguing murder-mystery.  Bigby Wolf, as Fabletown’s world-weary, Sam Spade/John Constantine-esque gumshoe, dominates Volume 1, exactly as Willingham intends. 

Providing Bigby a welcome pendulum is Snow White as his politically savvy tag-team partner, no matter how reluctantly (and emotionally) involved she is.  Their crime-solving, ‘odd couple’ chemistry concocts this book’s most traditionally appealing asset.  As to the mystery’s twist ending, Willingham’s revelations are fair game when Bigby explains the assorted visual clues.

Padded with bonus materials, Fables, Volume 1: Legends in Exile delivers an excellent first journey into Willingham’s long-running saga.    

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

A table-of-contents is provided.  Willingham slyly pens a two-page introduction.  In a full-page format, artists James Jean’s original covers are included, as is Alex Maleev’s variant for Issue # 1.  Jean also supplies the double-page cover accompanying the initial release of Fables, Volume 1: Legends in Exile. 

Entitled “A Wolf in the Fold,” in traditional fable-like prose, Willingham’s eight-page prequel reveals Bigby & Snow White’s first encounter centuries before, along with why the Wolf later assumed human form to accompany her overseas to The New World.  Willingham supplies two full-page black-and-white illustrations.  

There’s also three previews:

• From Peter & Max, A Fables Novel: The eight-page “The Price of a Happy Ending” depicts the raven Clara’s wartime recruitment of Little Bo Peep and Peter as black ops assassins on Fabletown’s behalf.  Written by Willingham, he is joined by artist Steve Leialoha & letterer Todd Klein.
• From Fables, Volume 2: Animal Farm: In an eight-page excerpt, Snow White & Rose Red visit Fabletown’s private sanctuary amidst talk of an imminent revolution to seize their long-lost Homelands.  Written by Willingham, he is joined by artists Mark Buckingham & Steve Leialoha.
• From Fairest # 1: A seven-page excerpt depicts a nocturnal twist on the Sleeping Beauty tale.  Written by Willingham, he is joined by artists Phil Jimenez & Andy Lanning, with cover art from Adam Hughes.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                8 Stars

Written by Tom Taylor.

Art by Rogê Antônio; Cian Tormey; Rain Beredo; & Wes Abbott.

Collection Cover Art by Julian Totino Tedesco.

SUMMARY:

In 2021, DC Comics released this 152-page hardcover publishing 2020’s digital fourteen-chapter prequel to the video game: Injustice: Gods Among Us.  Just twelve months before Superman’s fateful corruption, terminally ill inmate Andre Chavard makes a devil’s bargain to escape Gotham’s Blackgate prison to finally meet his adult grandson.  In exchange for his help, the Joker demands from Chavard a long-lost mystical amulet that can mind-control anyone, even gods.

The Justice League, meanwhile, celebrates their illustrious predecessors: the surviving (and now-elderly) members of the Justice Society and their heroic legacy.  Elsewhere, Superman and his wife, Lois Lane, poignantly contemplate starting their own legacy.  Possessing the jewel-like amulet, the Joker unleashes a reign of terror on both the JLA and JSA, as the JSA’s worst failure comes back to haunt them.  The motivation for the Joker’s final vengeance months later is revealed.    

Notes: This title is also available in digital and paperback formats.  Continuity-wise: 1. Wonder Woman is a dual member of the JLA and the JSA; reflecting DC’s post-Rebirth shift, this Alan Scott/Green Lantern is gay; and Inza Cramer (also called Inza Nelson) is this reality’s Doctor Fate.

REVIEW:

As one might anticipate, the art squad’s visuals are consistently this franchise’s best asset.  The storyline, however, is a mixed bag, despite writer Tom Taylor’s initially promising homage to classic JLA/JSA team-ups.  Expecting the cover’s inference of a JLA/JSA civil war isn’t what one gets, as far as the Joker’s amulet possibly decimating both rosters. 

While Taylor concocts some intriguing plot twists, such unpredictability tends to be negated by his reliance on shock value violence (i.e. brutally killing off or maiming characters for supposedly dramatic value rather than the sadism it simply is).  For that matter, spelling out exactly why a pregnant Lois Lane is targeted a year later isn’t welcome entertainment.  In a nod to good taste, leaving Joker’s motivation as ambiguous would have been a better creative choice.

For Injustice’s long-time fan base, Year Zero will likely be a satisfying and action-packed read.  More casual readers, however, may find the storyline’s violence quotient not explicitly graphic but still disturbing.    

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

In a full-page cover gallery format, Julian Totino Tedesco’s covers for Chapters One, Three, and Five are included.  Shrunk to half-page images are his cover sketches for these same chapters.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:             5½ Stars

Note: Another DC title worth considering is Elseworlds: JSA – The Liberty Files where the book’s second half has the team facing the Nazis’ ultimate weapon: a Zod-like Superman.