Category: DC’s Hardcovers & Trade Paperbacks

Written by Judd Winick.

Art by Ian Churchill; Joe Benitez; Julian Lopez; Norm Rapmund; Victor Llamas; Andy Lanning; Jon Sibal; Prentis Rollins; Sandra Hope; Derek Fridolfs; Joe Weems; Oliver Nome; Rodney Ramas; Edgar Delgado; Comicraft; Travis Lanham; & Rob Clark Jr.

Collection Cover Art by Ethan Van Sciver & Brad Anderson.

SUMMARY:

Released by DC Comics in 2008, this 200-page hardcover reprints 2007’s Titans East Special one-shot followed by 2008’s Titans # 1-6.  Having recruited a new generation of Teen Titans, Cyborg finds his former teammates declining to make themselves available as fellow mentors.  During a training exercise, tragedy ensues as the squad dubbed ‘Teen Titans East’ is ambushed and near-annihilated by an unknown predator. 

Unable to protect the rookies, Cyborg is among the badly injured survivors.  Both the current Teen Titans and adult ex-Titans (Nightwing, Starfire, Beast Boy, Wally West’s Flash, Raven, Red Arrow, & Donna Troy) are simultaneously targeted by supernatural forces.

The re-assembled ex-Titans enlist the Justice League’s aid to protect their fellow alumni, including Argent, who have also been targeted for extermination.  Realizing that Trigon and, by extension, Raven’s mysterious male siblings, intend to destroy them all, the Titans must strike back in force.  Meanwhile, Beast Boy & Raven’s possible teen romance begins while Starfire & Nightwing evidently resolve their own troubled romantic future. 

Even if the team survives their ordeal against Trigon’s heirs, another former Titan unexpectedly resurfaces in someone else’s body.  Storyline segments are entitled “The Fickle Hand, Parts I-II;” “Family Affair, Parts I-III;” “I Know Your Heart Because I Know Mine;” and “Together. Together Forever.”  

Note: This title has also been released as a paperback.

REVIEW:

As demonstrated by his Outsiders run, Judd Winick can be an upper-tier comics scribe.  One would then logically expect assembling DC’s best Teen Titans alumni (i.e. future Justice Leaguers) that Winick’s scripting here would be of a similar caliber. With Titans: Old Friends, however, such promising talent fails to materialize.  Harvesting a vengeful return of Trigon (and now his demonic offspring) to justify this Titans reunion, Old Friends instead delivers a disappointing sleaze-fest. 

Case in point: Winick’s reliance on sexual innuendo (even among the new recruits), nude scenes, and the Titans’ rude and generally bratty antics conveys how low DC Comics has already sunk in the 21^st Century. More so, DC essentially lets Winick thumb his nose at Marv Wolfman & George Pérez’s critically-acclaimed work with these same characters.  Playing up implied smut, if only for shock value, is a hallmark for the lazy, self-satisfied scripting Winick resorts to.  Why Old Friends’ content didn’t merit a parental advisory from DC Comics is utterly irresponsible.

Though the artistic style fluctuates at times, the visuals are generally excellent.  However, the art squad is by no means innocent in this collaboration with Winick.  Far too often, the art squad resorts to soft-core porn, i.e. scantily-clad women; close-ups of Starfire & Donna Troy in unnecessary pin-up poses with impossibly scrawny waistlines; and, most blatantly, several shower and swimming pool sequences to ogle as much feminine skin as allowable.  Not being totally sexist, the art team briefly allots Wally West and Dick Grayson similar opportunities.  Still, such visual diversions can’t disguise Winick’s low-grade, exploitative script. 

Old Friends squanders DC’s latest effort to re-establish the ex-Teen Titans as adult mentors for the next generation, along with resuming their own celebrated history.  Subsequent issues in this 2008-2011 title’s short run offer better (and less risqué) reading, but this opening storyline, unfortunately, peddles glorified trash.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

In a full-page format, the covers (and an alternate cover) precede each issue.  The cover artists are: Ian Churchill, Norm Rapmund, & Rod Reis (Titans East Special # 1 and Issue # 4 ); Ian Churchill & Rod Reis (Issue # 1); Ethan Van Sciver & Brad Anderson (Issue # 1’s variant); Joe Benitez, Victor Llamas, & Edgar Delgado (Issues # 2-3 and # 6); and Benitez, Oliver Nome, & Delgado (Issue # 5).

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                         2 Stars

Written by Jeph Loeb

Art by Michael Turner; Peter Stiegerwald; & Richard Starkings

Covers & Collection Cover Art by Michael Turner & Peter Stiegerwald

SUMMARY:

Released by DC Comics in 2005, this 168-page trade paperback compiles 2004’s Superman/Batman # 8-13.  Superman is temporarily quarantined in the Fortress of Solitude due to a meteorite recently hitting Earth that contains crystallized shards of various new colors of Kryptonite. 

Solo investigating the meteorite now residing at the bottom of Gotham Bay, Batman shockingly discovers that a young blonde (and nude) woman has emerged and steals his Bat-boat.  Despite Batman’s ominous suspicions, Superman believes that this enigmatic teenager is Kara Zor-El – his long-lost paternal cousin. 

Wonder Woman soon intervenes and arranges for Kara’s supervised protection residing on Themiscyra — indefinitely.  Yet, the bewildered teenage phenom has been targeted by Darkseid to bolster his bloodthirsty Female Furies as his mightiest assassin.  Tragedy ensues when Darkseid’s monstrous forces seek to acquire Kara by any means necessary.   

With their combined might, Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, & Big Barda invade fiery Apokolips to rescue Kara from Darkseid’s wrath.  Yet, will Superman discover an insidious truth re: his cousin’s preferences?  Are Batman’s worst fears justified?  Ultimately, the battle for Supergirl’s future resides with an over-protective Man of Steel …, and for his own ulterior reasons, Gotham’s Dark Knight. 

The final pages poignantly convey a prelude to Supergirl’s imminent spin-off title.      

Notes: This title is also available in a hardcover format. The storyline was faithfully adapted into the DC 2010 animated film: Superman/Batman – Apocalypse.

REVIEW:

DC Comics finally gets it right with a 21^st Century Supergirl.  After DC’s muddled failures concocting a new ‘Supergirl’ to fit its post-Crisis on Infinite Earths universe, Jeph Loeb wisely updated the original Supergirl’s classic Silver Age origin.  Loeb is on his creative game, as this plausible Supergirl is the protégé/surrogate daughter of not only Superman, but also now his two most trusted friends.  Hence, including a nod to a pivotal player from Crisis on Infinite Earths, Loeb’s plotting makes perfect sense down to the last possibly heart-breaking twist.   

Kudos also go to Aspen Comics’ Michael Turner & Peter Stiegerwald for creating the gorgeous, top-caliber artwork.  Reminiscent of their collaboration on Fathom, the duo reliably conjures up visual magic.  Superman/Batman, Volume 2: Supergirl resurrects a nostalgic DC icon transforming her into something both gloriously new and yet readily familiar.  Restoring some faith in DC’s creative intentions, this book delivers an absolutely welcome read.          

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Loeb’s insightful three-page foreword explains the impetus for the real Supergirl’s return to DC Comics after close to twenty years.  Turner & Stiegerwald’s full-page cover precedes each issue.  Two versions of a sample page ‘translate’ the Kryptonese alphabet.  Turner provides his pencil sketch of Issue # 8’s cover. 

Along with their 3^rd printing variant cover for Issue # 8, Turner & Stiegerwald offer their variant for Issue # 13 (both in a full-page format).  Another full-page cover variant appears for Issue # 10 by Jim Lee, Scott Williams, & Alex Sinclair. 

Turner’s seven-page project sketchbook includes Supergirl’s possible costume designs.  There is a posed, full-page Supergirl portrait by Turner & Stiegerwald for Superman: Secret Files 2004.  Lastly, there’s a quick set of creative team biographies.      

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                  9 Stars

Written by Greg Rucka

Art by Nicola Scott; Bilquis Evely (for “Interlude” only); Romulo Fajardo Jr.; & Jodi Wynne

Covers & Collection Covert Art by Nicola Scott & Romulo Fajardo Jr.

SUMMARY:

Released by DC Comics in 2017, this 168-page trade paperback compiles Wonder Woman # 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, & 14 (all from 2016-2017).  Initially paralleling their lives, glimpses of Diana, Princess of the Amazons, and U.S. Navy SEAL Lt. Steve Trevor are seen.  Soon after Diana recovers from a viper’s poisonous bite, she and her fellow Amazons witness the mid-air explosion of Trevor’s military jet before its remnants surface on Themyscira’s beach. 

To battle the world’s evils far beyond its shores, an Amazonian tournament decrees its lone champion accompany Trevor (the tragedy’s lone survivor) back to modern civilization.  Leaving her homeland, Diana willingly sacrifices enchanted immortality, as well as the option of someday returning to Themyscira. 

Despite her noble intentions, Diana finds herself overwhelmed, confused, and, for a lack of any better idea by the U.S. military, unjustly incarcerated.  Only the help of archaeologist Dr. Barbara Ann Minerva, as her translator, helps Diana start to slowly acclimate.  Gaining vast new gifts from the disguised gods, Diana displays enhanced physical powers to accompany her impervious silver bracelets and mystical golden lasso. 

Minerva ominously deduces the anagram of the SEAR terrorist group once Diana, Steve, & Etta Candy partially thwart an insidious attack upon a San Diego mall. It’s soon up to Diana to face her most formidable adversary defending humanity from chaotic and deadly violence fueled by pure hate.  Ultimately, the world concocts the legendary alternate name for which Diana becomes synonymous with.     

In “Interlude,” long before her transformation into the Cheetah, Dr. Barbara Ann Minerva’s origin is revealed.  Dating back to her childhood, Minerva’s fascination with myth becomes an adult obsession to find the present location of the Amazons.  Hence, will Steve Trevor be the first mortal to discover Themyscira? 

Note: This title has been subsequently released as an expanded, hardcover ‘deluxe’ edition.

REVIEW:

Retreading iconic turf, Writer Greg Rucka’s plotting is consistently solid, as are the art team’s painting-like visuals.  Despite Rucka’s depiction of Steve Trevor as more of a dim-witted hunk than a savvy Navy SEAL, the storyline delivers solid entertainment. 

Of particular note is a naïve Diana’s plausible exploration of 21^st Century cultural nuances amidst her own sense of awe and wonder.  Her obligatory battle against the same godly nemesis Gal Gadot’s live-action incarnation faces isn’t action-packed like the film, but it is satisfying enough.  The same applies to Diana’s initial friendship with another future enemy.  Dr. Minerva’s slow-brewing envy (and eventual betrayal) of Wonder Woman now makes more sense from the get-go.  

Believably presenting her as alien to the mortal world, Wonder Woman, Volume 2: Year One is a welcome read setting up Diana’s DC Universe Rebirth continuity.     

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

In a full-page format, Nicola Scott & Romulo Fajardo Jr.’s original cover precedes each issue in color followed by a sketch-like, black-and-white version).  There’s a variant cover gallery (all in a full-page format): artist Frank Cho for Issues # 2, 4, & 6; and then artist Jenny Frison for Issues # 8, 10, 12, & 14.   

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                      7 Stars

Written by Geoff Johns; Grant Morrison; Greg Rucka; & Mark Waid.

Art by Keith Giffen; Chris Batista; Joe bennett; Tom Derenick; Jamal Igle; Phil Jimenez; Drew Johnson; Dan Jurgens; Shawn Moll; Patrick Olliffe; Joe Prado; Andy Smith; Mariah Benes; Joe Bennett; Keith Champagne; Drew Geraci; Dan Green; Jack Jadson; Ruy Jose; Andy Lanning; Jay Leisten; Dave Meikis; ‘Nelson;’ Rodney Ramos; Norm Rapmund; Prentis Rollins; Ray Snyder; David Baron; Hi-Fi; Pete Pantazis; Alex Sinclair; Phil Balsman; Pat Brosseau; Jared K. Fletcher; Rob Leigh; & Travis Lanham.

Collection Cover Art by J.G. Jones & Alex Sinclair, with Robbie Biederman.

SUMMARY:

Released by DC Comics in 2007, this 304-page paperback compiles 52 # 27-39 (from 2006-2007) in the saga’s second-to-last volume.  Including glimpses of Bruce Wayne’s enigmatic desert quest and a powerless Clark Kent’s abduction, 52, Volume 3 continues these storylines:

• With the explosive demise of Booster Gold, the masked Supernova is the new sensation of Metropolis. 
• Superman remains mysteriously absent.  Dubbed his ‘Everyman’ project, Lex Luthor takes advantage by pushing his own ominous, pay-to-play new incarnation of Infinity, Inc.  The source of super-powers for these rookie renegades seeking instant fame and glory has John Henry Irons/Steel’s research team and a depleted JSA (including an outraged Obsidian) challenging Luthor’s ulterior motives and means.  Worse yet, John Henry’s own niece, Natasha, has joined this Infinity, Inc. to escape Steel’s heroic shadow.
• Accompanied by the Helmet of Nabu (Dr. Fate’s helmet), Ralph Dibny continues his obsessive quest to resurrect his beloved wife, Sue, by supernatural means.  Ralph’s efforts include facing off vs. Jean Loring’s Eclipso and even challenging the Spectre for answers.
• In deep space, sinister forces are at ruthless work.  To aid the Green Lantern Corps, Starfire, Adam Strange, Animal Man join Lobo on a perilous mission that will hopefully lead the lost trio back home to Earth.
• On secluded Oolong Island, the Metal Men’s Dr. Will Magnus is uneasily surrounded by evil super-geniuses (including Veronica Cale & Dr. Sivana) in gleeful subservience to Chang Tzu.
• With the original Question terminally ill, Renee Montoya commutes to and from Nanda Parbat, as she may become his eventual successor.  They help Kate Kane’s rookie Batwoman in battling Intergang’s near-biblical crime wave infesting Gotham City.  Having departed Bruce Wayne’s year-long sabbatical, Dick Grayson & Tim Drake return to a besieged Gotham.
• Viewed as an imminent threat to American security, the Black Adam Family (Black Adam, Isis, & Osiris) is targeted for termination by the Suicide Squad.
• Rip Hunter, Waverider, & a secret ally discover the shocking threat plundering the space-time continuum.

REVIEW:

Volume 3’s production values are consistently impressive.  Continuing its controversial approach after the ultra-violent Infinite Crisis, DC Comics eschews its pre-teen audience altogether for darker and more mature storytelling in the DC Universe. 

Yet, what hits home is that 52, Volume 3, as engrossing and cohesive of an initial read as it is, doesn’t necessarily maintain that same appeal the second time or more around.  An excess of macabre plotting and some unrepentant gore deplete any sense of innocent fun that DC Comics once proudly stood for.  Hence, 52’s fans won’t be disappointed, but kids should look elsewhere for appropriate DC entertainment.   

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

For starters, there’s a page-long summary of 52’s multitude of ongoing storylines.  After each chapter, members of the creative team offer plot commentaries, page breakdowns, and script analyses.  There’s a gallery of artists J.G. Jones & Alex Sinclair’s covers (with four to a page), with only Issue # 27 getting a full-page spread.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                            7½ Stars

Written by G. Willow Wilson.

Art by Jesús Merino; Tom Derenick; Xermanico; Lee Garrett; Scot Eaton; Vicente Cifuentes; Trevor Scott; Norm Rapmund; Wayne Faucher; José Marzán Jr.; Scott Hanna; Romulo Fajardo Jr.; & Pat Brosseau.

Collection Cover Art by Jesús Merino & Romulo Fajardo Jr.

SUMMARY:

Released by DC Comics in 2020, this 208-page paperback compilation reprints Wonder Woman # 74-81 from 2019-20.  To reunite a fractured Themyscira deteriorating further still under Grail’s ominous rule, Diana and her allies, Atlantiades – the winged daughter of Aphrodite, and the mortal, Maggie, search for possible allies. One may be Diana’s long-missing aunt, Antiope.  In a mystical journey beyond Queen Hippolyta’s Dimension Chi sanctuary, a poignant reunion possibly awaits Diana.  Yet, if there is any chance of freeing her imprisoned mother, Diana must risk igniting an Amazonian civil war in “Return of the Amazons, Parts 1-2.”   

Reunited with her mother, Diana compassionately sets aside her feelings for Veronica Cale to bring another family back together.  “Mothers and Children” also explores Wonder Woman & Steve Trevor’s romance, but could growing fissures in their estranged relationship now be irreparable?   

Meanwhile, Cheetah has now acquired a magical blade dubbed ‘The God Killer’ from Lex Luthor.  It’s a weapon from which even Wonder Woman has no viable defense.  Hence, the five-part “Loveless” begins.  With Cheetah deeming Amazons and Olympians alike as imminent prey, can anyone thwart her bloodthirsty hunt for vengeance?  Steve and his romantic rival, Atlantiades, intervene as best they can, but an unexpected alliance may be an injured Diana’s only hope for an even battlefield.

Should she survive Cheetah’s onslaught, the dire fallout from confronting her most dangerous foe may alter Wonder Woman’s personal life forever.  At the zenith of their long-standing feud, has Cheetah finally inflicted the fateful blows to conquer Diana’s heroic spirit once and for all?    

REVIEW:

Throughout the somber Loveless, the art squad’s visuals are consistently excellent.  G. Willow Wilson’s  storytelling is both intelligent and exceptionally well-plotted, even if the result isn’t necessarily a fun read.  Had there been more of a balance (i.e. occasional bits of humor), then Wonder Woman, Volume 3: Loveless would have surely fulfilled its intriguing potential. 

Still, Wilson’s plot twists pack an emotional wallop for longtime fans.  For that alone, this game-changing installment of Wonder Woman’s saga is certainly worth the read.      

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Merino & Fajardo Jr.’s covers precede the issues (each appearing in a full-page format).  A concluding gallery offers all seven variant covers (artist Jenny Frison: Issues # 74-79 & # 81; and artists Neil Googe & Rex Lokus: Issue # 80’s DCeased homage), each as a full page.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                  7½ Stars

Written by Grant Morrison

Art by Yanick Paquette; Nathan Fairbairn; & Todd Klein

Cover Art by Yanick Paquette

SUMMARY:

Completing Grant Morrison’s Elseworlds-like trilogy, DC Comics published this 136-page hardcover in 2021.  For the first time in a thousand years, Queen Diana intends to peacefully reunite all rival Amazonian tribes in her name.  It’ll take their combined might to thwart Maxwell Lord’s militaristic strike on Paradise Island’s futuristic society.  Utilizing his mortal identity, the enigmatic Lord desires to restore masculine domination to the world. 

Resembling a corrupted Tony Stark/Iron Man, Lord’s formidable army of armored A.R.E.S. drones may be an impetus towards igniting a final world war between the genders.  With a fugitive Captain Steve Trevor & Etta Candy (resembling actress Rebel Wilson) among her steadfast allies, it’s up to Wonder Woman to make a defensive stand and forever transform her world’s future.      

REVIEW:

In its sole instance of good storytelling, the last page signifying a sub-plot coming full circle makes sense.  Far too little else actually does; instead, Grant Morrison’s epic storyline comes off as mockingly hollow.  From the get-go, the art squad’s consistently high-caliber visuals are sabotaged by Morrison’s homage to absurdist works reminiscent of authors like Robert A. Heinlein & Kurt Vonnegut. 

As for the sci-fi/fantasy context he smugly parodies, Morrison’s teased ‘Battle of the Sexes’ between Wonder Woman & arch-nemesis Maxwell Lord is a veritable mess leading to nowhere.  Essentially, Earth One’s condescending Wonder Woman exudes Amazonian masterhood on steroids. 

Think of it this way: Earth One, Volume Three is a dubious 21^st Century re-imagining of William Moulton Marston’s rudimentary characters (Wonder Woman, Steve Trevor, Etta Candy, etc.), as they were in their initial Golden Age incarnations.  Given Morrison’s penchant for bizarre/psychedelic story arcs misinterpreting DC icons (i.e. Batman R.I.P.; Seven Soldiers), it’s unsurprising that Wonder Woman’s strategy of enforcing peace on her Earth amounts to benign dictatorship.  Come the end, this tone-deaf, nonsensical approach to Wonder Woman indicates DC’s disappointing lack of editorial control.

Had Gail Simone (undoubtedly, she is DC’s most insightful scribe for female characters) replaced Morrison, then artist Yanick Paquette’s impressive work likely wouldn’t have been squandered.         

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

There is Paquette’s intriguing nine-page sketchbook.  Also included are Morrison & Paquette’s mini-biographies.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                3 Stars

Written by Mark Waid & Brian Augustyn.  

Art by Oscar Jimenez; Anthony Castrillo; Jim Cheung; Sergio Cariello; José Marzan, Jr.; Anibel Rodriguez; John Nyberg; Brian Garvey; Tom McCraw; Gaspar Saladino; & Kevin Cunningham.

Original Cover Art by Oscar Jimenez; Steve Lightle; Mike Wieringo; & José Marzan, Jr.

Compilation Cover Art by Mike Wieringo; José Marzan, Jr.; & Patrick Martin.

SUMMARY:

Released by DC Comics in 2005, this 166-page paperback reprints The Flash # 112-118 (from 1996).  Enduring another of Wally West’s enigmatic absences, Linda Park trusts that Wally will return to her … like he always does.  She is, however, unaware that the Speed Force (aka ‘the Speed Field’) has left Wally trapped in the 64^th Century where he finds himself worshipped as a deity. 

With his absence extending longer than ever before, Linda increasingly suspects that Wally’s latest MIA stint may well be permanent.  In his place is John Fox – the time-traveling Flash of the 27^th Century; the ulterior reason for his presence is eventually revealed. 

After attending Johnny Quick’s funeral, Fox teams with Linda & Piper to pursue the icy Chillblaine, who proves surprisingly elusive.  As a disoriented Wally leaps to the 30^th Century and later encounters John in the 27^th Century, the alliance between Chillblaine and two of Wally’s most dangerous foes comes into play. 

Among this trio’s crimes is the chilling homicide of a long-time Rogue dating back to Barry Allen’s era.  Worse yet is that these three villains are forcing Barry’s captive widow, Iris, to reveal her knowledge of the future for their own nefarious gain. 

Drawing emotionally closer, sudden friction between Linda & Fox precedes a likely irreversible tragedy.  With further catastrophes looming, it’s up to Wally to finally find a way of racing home to make things right.  Ultimately, the Fastest Man Alive needs his 27^th Century successor to help save their beloved Linda from a frozen doom.  

Guest appearances and cameos by the extended Flash Family include: Jay Garrick; Max Mercury; Bart Allen; Jesse Chambers and her mother; The Tornado Twins; & even Bart’s 30^th Century cousin, Jenni “XS” Ognats.

REVIEW:

For Wally & Linda fans, the writing and the art squad’s visuals consistently hold up as expected.  Though its time-traveling plot components are sometimes eye-rolling, the plotting isn’t better or worse than other Flash storylines of that era.  Case in point: instead of diminishing him, nicely-played homages to Barry Allen’s legacy only add to Wally’s stature as DC’s premier Flash. 

Race Against Time!, in that sense, continues Wally’s reliability for solid and literally fast-paced entertainment meant for all ages.  Hence, this particular collection isn’t a must-have, but it gladly offers a good read.       

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

In a full-page gallery format, all seven covers are included.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                           6 Stars

Written by Mark Waid; Chuck Dixon; & Scott Beatty.

Art by Mike S. Miller; Bryan Hitch; Darryl Banks; Cliff Rathburn; Paul Neary; Dave Meikis; Wayne Faucher; David Baron; Laura DePuy; Ken Lopez; & Bill Oakley.

Cover Art by Bryan Hitch; Paul Neary; & Laura DePuy.

SUMMARY:

Released by DC Comics in 2002, this 144-page paperback  collects JLA # 55-60 from 2001-2002.  The team roster consists of: Superman; Wonder Woman  (presently stripped of her royal tiara); Wally West’s Flash; Plastic Man; Kyle Rayner’s Green Lantern; Martian Manhunter; Aquaman (Issue # 60 only); and a reinstated Batman. 

Like ghosts escaping the JLA’s closet, Earth’s sleeper cell of White Martians awaken to seek bloodthirsty vengeance.  With the Martian Manhunter as their tortured captive, the shape-shifting White Martians seemingly anticipate the short-handed League’s every counter-move.  Overpowered, the team goes into desperation mode, as even the nebulous Phantom Zone may not be a safe refuge. 

Guest cameos include: Firestorm; Krypto; Impulse; John Henry Irons’ Steel; Zatanna Zatara; Alan Scott’s Green Lantern; and the Atom.  Terror Incognita’s four segments are: “Came the Pale Riders;” “The Harvest;” “Mind Over Matter;” and “Dying Breath.”

Facing off vs. a Joker-ized Doctor Polaris in the Arctic, even the JLA’s firepower may not be enough in “Bipolar Disorder.”  Batman and Green Lantern disagree on combat tactics, as both boast familiarity with different aspects of this unique adversary.  On Christmas Eve, Plastic Man tries coaxing his friend’s skeptical little boy to sleep with a tale of how Santa Claus joined the JLA.  In “Merry Christmas, Justice League — Now Die!,” the League needs Santa’s help taking down the nefarious Neron’s forces in his demonic underworld workshop.    

REVIEW:

Aside from an unnecessary human brain-eating sub-plot (gore is only inferred), Terror Incognita’s four-part adventure is a solid read.  For instance, this sequel’s continuity utilizing earlier storylines from this particular JLA series is well-played.  Mark Waid’s scripting takes some welcome twists, as the art squad’s visuals are consistently good.  Though it is often standard JLA storytelling, Terror Incognita is still satisfying and occasionally unpredictable. 

The same assessment applies to “Bipolar Disorder,” especially as Plastic Man’s amusing Three Stooges tribute late in the game is worth catching.  Arguably, the artwork for Chuck Dixon & Scott Beatty’s one-shot tale is this book’s best.  While his Santa vs. Neron caper goes darker than necessary, Mark Waid’s goofy JLA/Santa team-up is something of a comedy gem – wait for the last panel!  This last story’s visuals seem reasonably good, too.    

Though this compilation isn’t a must-have, Terror Incognita (including the two bonus stories) delivers on its moderate potential for adult fans.    

Parental Note: There are some horrific inferences for young readers (i.e. J’onn J’onzz’s nude torture; and Batman observing the White Martians harvesting brains from their telepathic human captives).

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

There’s a three-page cover gallery.  The covers are presented in a half-page format (Issues # 55-58 artists: Hitch, Neary, & DePuy; Issue # 59 artist: Bill Sienkiewicz; and Issue # 60’s artists are Cliff Rathburn & Paul Neary).  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                 6½ Stars