Category: DC’s Hardcovers & Trade Paperbacks

Written by Mark Waid.

Art by Bryan Hitch; J.H. Williams III; Javier Saltares; Phil Jimenez; Ty  Templeton; Doug Mahnke; Mark Pajarillo; Mike S. Miller; Paul Neary; Mick Gray; Chris Ivy; Kevin Nowlan; Drew Geraci; Walden Wong; Armando Durruthy; Laura DePuy; John Kalisz; & Ken Lopez.

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

SUMMARY:

Released by DC Comics in 2001, this 208-page paperback compiles JLA # 47-54 from 2000-2001.  The JLA roster presently consists of: Wonder Woman; Martian Manhunter; Superman; Wally West’s Flash; Plastic Man; Aquaman; and Kyle Rayner’s Green Lantern.  After Tower of Babel’s controversial events, a malcontent Batman is now exiled from the team. 

Introducing the wicked Queen of Fables, the storybook sorceress transforms DC’s New York City into a medieval fantasy-land upon mistaking Wonder Woman as her hated step-daughter: Snow White.  Without Batman’s leadership, the League struggles to improvise an effective strategy to thwart the Queen.  The storyline’s three issue titles are: “Into the Woods;” “Truth is Stranger;” and “Unhappily Ever After.”   

Describing the team’s struggle with trust issues vs. Doctor Destiny, the Man of Steel privately implores Batman to make things right with the League in “Dream Team.”  Yet, the Dark Knight won’t compromise his privacy unless Superman is also willing to play by these new rules.

With the team’s secret identities now revealed to their teammates, an extradimensional entity known as ‘I.D.’ splits Superman; Batman; Green Lantern; Flash; Martian Manhunter; & Plastic Man from their alter egos into separate individuals.  As conveyed in costume changes by the Flash and Superman, without their mortal personas, the League finds itself eerily more efficient than ever before. 

Yet, the six powerless ‘secret identities’ conclude realize they must end I.D.’s possibly irreversible damage to Earth.  Could old-school mobster Patrick “Eel” O’Brian (aka Plastic Man) be their unlikely catalyst?  Does Metamorpho’s bizarre predicament tie in?  Divided We Fall’s four related segments are “Man and Superman;” “Element of Surprise;” “It Takes a Thief;” and “United We Fall.”    

The outcome secretly sets up the next volume’s main storyline: Terror Incognita.

REVIEW:

Boasting often stellar visuals, the Queen of Fables’ storyline excels with an assortment of inspired twists, even if its outcome is hardly in doubt.  In that sense, writer Mark Waid has a field day playing up macabre elements of familiar fairy tales. 

By comparison, the split-personality caper is a dose of formulaic JLA storytelling with sporadically above-average artwork.  Still, the role that Plastic Man’s alter ego contributes is well-played.  Bridging the two halves is a good Doctor Destiny adventure that allows the team to briefly escape Batman & Superman’s enormous shadows.  As with the scripting, the artwork isn’t remarkable, but it is easily more than sufficient. 

Ultimately, JLA: Divided We Fall isn’t a must-have read, but this collection is reasonably good DC entertainment.  

Parental Note: The grotesque fates of the Queen’s first victims (a mother and young daughter) are presumably undone, as inferred by a comment made by Wonder Woman.  Still, Waid should have been more overt updating what has happened to them.     

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Rendered in full-page format, Hitch & Neary’s eight covers are provided.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                 6 Stars

Written by Brian Azzarello.

Art by Jim Lee; Scott Williams; Richard Friend; Sandra Hope; Matt Banning; Eric Basaldua; Danny Miki; Trevor Scott; Tim Townsend; Joe Weems; Alex Sinclair; Rob Leigh; & Nick J. Napolitano.

Cover Art by Jim Lee; Scott Williams; & Alex Sinclair.

SUMMARY:

Released by DC Comics in 2005, this 160-page paperback compiles Superman # 210-215 from 2004-2005.  Previously, one million random humans (including Lois Lane) have ominously vanished from Earth.  Even Batman & Wonder Woman suspect that this baffling enigma is irreversible.  Weeks later, having previously confided in a terminally ill Father Daniel Leone in Metropolis, a disturbed Superman brings his new friend to visit the Fortress of Solitude. 

Among its possessions is a silvery metallic orb containing ‘The Phantom Zone.’  Having deduced Superman’s intentions, Batman dispatches Wonder Woman to thwart the Man of Steel from potentially recreating ‘The Vanishing.’  Further complicating matters is the enigmatic spy-mercenary, Elias Orr, who is deployed by a shadowy organization with evidently sinister motives.  Orr’s objective is revealed to cross mortal lines into both super-technology and ancient magic. 

The Fortress is destroyed by Superman’s Arctic battle with Wonder Woman.  Still, she reluctantly allows him to continue probing the secret of ‘The Vanishing.’  Within a reconfigured Phantom Zone of his own design, Superman explores a seemingly idyllic paradise intended as humanity’s refuge in the event of Earth’s destruction. 

Contemplating his role as Earth’s self-appointed savior, the Man of Steel finds that not all its residents forces worship peace within this sanctuary.  Along with robot duplicates of Jor-El, Lara, & Clark Kent, a reunited Superman & Lois must face off vs. his father’s worst foe in a fiery showdown to save a million lives.

Meanwhile, an abducted Father Daniel’s fate may be linked to the destruction of Superman’s fabricated dreamworld.  With the meaningful location of a new Fortress revealed, it is indicated that the world will move on soon forgetting the mysterious ‘Vanishing.’

Note: This title was also previously released as a hardcover.

REVIEW:

Jim Lee’s art squad conjures up a veritable trove of visual magic; their work is equal to what Michael Turner’s Aspen Comics team does illustrating the futuristic Superman: Godfall.  Hence, the best asset of Superman: For Tomorrow, Volume 2 (i.e. the cover image) consistently speaks for itself.    

Yet, much like Turner & Joe Kelly’s iffy plotting in Godfall, fault lies with Brian Azzarello’s top-heavy storyline.  Azzarello strives for a thought-provoking impetus where Superman tries re-engineering Jor-El’s strategy to save all rather than just one.  Aside from its biblical allusions, For Tomorrow’s pretentious second half is a slog to read before bursting into apocalyptic combat for the outcome.  It’s really then no surprise then that neither charm nor some humorous relief matter in Azzarello’s dark script.  Instead, along with occasional profanities, he opts for Orr’s misogyny directed at Wonder Woman and the enigmatic villainess, Halcyon, as a dubious bonus for readers.

More indignity comes at the expense of Father Daniel, who would have likely made a welcome addition to Superman’s recurring Metropolis cast.  Horrifically bio-engineering Daniel into a monstrous super-soldier makes little sense, let alone conveniently casting him off the way Azzarello does.  All it does is further spell out how condescending Azzarello’s melancholic Superman is — no matter the good intentions from either Azzarello or the Man of Steel himself. 

While For Tomorrow’s creative team merits credit for trying to concoct an ambitious storyline, Volume 2 is a downcast reading experience.       

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Jim Lee pens a two-page afterword.  All the Lee-Williams-Sinclair covers are reproduced in a full-page format.  Lee provides a two-page project sketchbook.  Azzarello, Lee, Williams, & Sinclair offer their various acknowledgements.  Lastly, there’s a single biography page introducing the creative team’s four main players, as well as Leigh and Napolitano.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                 5½ Stars

Written by Gerard Jones

Art by Pat Broderick; Bruce Patterson; Anthony Tollin; & Albert T. De Guzman

Cover Art by Alan Davis; Mark Farmer; & Dave Stewart

SUMMARY:

With initially different cover art, DC Comics released this 192-page paperback compilation in 2003.  The publication information indicates that a first release may have occurred as early as 1992.  Collecting Green Lantern # 1-8 from 1990, this series re-launch was inspired by the popularity of Hal Jordan’s Green Lantern: Emerald Dawn prequelmini-series.  With all but one of the Guardians of the Universe departing this dimension, planet Oa lays desolate and in ruins.  Only three Green Lanterns remain: Hal Jordan, John Stewart, & Guy Gardner. 

Gardner is a bored degenerate assigned to the less-than-thrilled Justice League.  In hiding, an emotionally distraught Stewart is tormented by mass tragedy, as well as the heartbreaking murder of his wife, Katma Tui.  Seeking answers from the ‘Old Timer’ on Oa, Stewart is abducted upon realizing this lone Guardian is homicidally insane.  Deliberately living off the grid (aside from a short visit to the Justice League), a melancholic Hal Jordan seeks to regain a sense of his own humanity as a drifting laborer.  Gardner’s annoying intrusions further entrench Hal’s resolve.  Despite multiple setbacks, Hal seems content in semi-retirement from his emerald ‘curse.’  

After cities from Hal’s past vanish from Earth, his disillusionment is put on hold.  Hal realizes that it’s up to him to confront ‘The Old Timer’ and save John Stewart.  Even Hal’s formidable willpower isn’t enough, as he must reluctantly summon Gardner to Oa, as well.  To free the Guardian’s captives (including a young mother and child that Hal has bonded with), the three Lanterns face a grueling showdown.  Ultimately, the future of the Green Lantern Corps is at stake. 

Note: Events from the first Emerald Dawn mini-series are briefly referenced.

REVIEW:

Nicely refreshened, the art squad’s above-average visuals are easily The Road Back’s best asset.  Unfortunately, the tiresome premise that writer Gerard Jones relies upon to continue the franchise misfires from the get-go.  Revisiting the vintage 1970’s ‘Hard-Traveling Heroes’ concept (where Green Lantern, Green Arrow, & occasionally Black Canary explored the down-to-Earth U.S.), Jones’ sequel is frankly a bore to read. 

Aside from aging Hal Jordan far too much (which infers his fellow JLA buddies are all now 40-ish, too), Jones generates far too little magic re: Hal’s legacy as DC’s definitive Green Lantern.  By teasing Hal’s suicidal clifftop dive on the first page alone, The Road Back instead digs itself a deep hole. 

Given this lackluster brand of storytelling, it’s no surprise that DC would controversially opt to introduce Kyle Rayner come Issue # 50.  Conveniently, writer Geoff Johns later transformed this era (i.e. Hal’s graying temples) into the retroactive beginning of Hal’s secret corruption by Parallax.  In reality, Johns’ energizing 2004 Green Lantern: Rebirth served as the antidote to DC’s inexplicable, post-Crisis bungling of Hal Jordan’s storylines dating back to the mid-80’s.  Reading Green Lantern: The Road Back serves as proof enough.  

Parental Note: Though not explicitly illustrated, a red alert is an unnecessary sequence where Gardner blatantly (in costume, no less) scopes out pornography in an XXX-rated shop.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The series’ assistant editor, Kevin Dooley, pens a single-page introduction written back in 1992.  As exact full-page duplicates, Pat Broderick & Mark Nelson’s eight covers are included.   

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                          4 Stars

Written by Michael Turner & Joe Kelly

Art by Talent Caldwell; Jason Gorder; Peter Steigerwald; Grafiksismik; Christina Strain; & Comicraft

Cover Art by Michael Turner & Peter Stiegerwald

SUMMARY:

Released by DC Comics in 2004, this 128-page collaboration with Michael Turner’s Aspen Comics team reprints Action Comics # 812-813, Adventures of Superman # 625-626, and Superman # 202-203 (all from 2004).  Clark Kent has been missing for weeks, as Lois Lane & Perry White worry about his unknown fate.  Meanwhile, trapped on what he believes is present-day Krypton, a seemingly powerless Kal-El is a government bureaucrat happily living with his alien wife, Lyla.  Harassment by a gang of renegade bikers soon causes his repressed super-powers to tragically ignite. 

Not understanding where these monstrous powers originated from, Kal-El realizes that he has been deceived.  Once the perpetrator and others escape from their ‘world’ to Metropolis, it’s up to the Man of Steel to restore his correct sense of reality.  As Superman humbly acknowledges, he isn’t a god, despite what some in Kandor otherwise believe.   

Note: This title is also available in paperback.

REVIEW:

Considering Aspen Comics’ involvement, the triumph of style over high-concept substance is hardly a surprise.  As one can expect, the late Michael Turner’s artwork is exquisite.  The same kudos apply to his Fathom cohorts, as Talent Caldwell & Peter Steigerwald gorgeously render the interior visuals. 

Working against them, however, is Godfall’s uninvolving storyline that confines Superman inside a Total Recall sort of virtual reality (minus the gore).  There’s also too much screen time re:  Tron-like motorcycles that look great without boosting the actual plot.    

While guest characters, like the enigmatic Lyla, are intriguing, plot twists they convey might have better suited an Elseworlds one-shot.  Hence, far too little of Godfall is entertaining in a mainstream sense.  Even the revelation that Perry White has long co-conspired with Lois Lane to cover up Clark’s lengthy absences isn’t explored – i.e. has Perry known Clark’s secret all along?  One can only surmise and shrug, much like a long-suffering Lois is scripted to do by condoning her husband’s latest bizarre disappearance. 

Come the story’s end, no matter how much this re-imagining of Kandor appealed to Turner & Joe Kelly, the journey they take readers on proves a blah experience.  Hence, the only practical reason for keeping Superman: Godfall is Aspen’s lush brand of artwork. 

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

After a two-page foreword, co-writer Joe Kelly adds a helpful two-page summary explaining how Superman’s feud vs.  Brainiac 12 and the Futuresmiths have landed him in an alternate-reality ‘Krypton.’  A list-of-characters (Kal-El; Lyla; Preus; Basqat; Shire; Mamoth; & Jigsaw) presents a paragraph-length bio for each of them. 

In full-page format, the eye-popping Michael Turner cover gallery offers both sketch and full-color reprints.  Turner’s sketch gallery offers nine pages of his concept work, including colorized test images.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:               5½ Stars

Note:  A recommended Michael Turner-related DC project is Superman/Batman, Volume 2: Supergirl.

Written by (See Below)

Art by (See Below)

Cover Art (including the compilation’s cover) by John Cassady; Mark Lewis; David Baron; & Mark Chiarello

SUMMARY:

Released by DC Comics in 2004, this 208-page paperback compilation reprints JSA All Stars # 1-8 from 2003.  Re: Issues # 2-7, as repetitively introduced by Hal Jordan’s Spectre, two new short stories are featured – each with its own creative team.  The first tale reveals the present-day JSA ‘legacy’ member’s related mission, while the second tale is a glimpse of the original JSA hero.

“Legacy.”  Writers: David Goyer & Geoff Johns, with Art by: Sal Velluto; Bob Almond; Ken Lopez; & John Kalisz. (Issue # 1)

Icicle’s brazen escape from a high-security prison transport plane sets up a South Florida showdown pitting the JSA vs. the current Injustice Society.  The demonic villain calling himself ‘Legacy’ abducts Alan Scott’s Green Lantern; Wildcat; Jay Garrick’s Flash; and Hawkman.  Another potential casualty is Sand, as he is transformed into a glass statue.

Subsequently, Hal Jordan’s Spectre advises the remaining JSA (Mr. Terrific; Star-Spangled Kid/Stargirl; Hourman II; Hector Hall’s Doctor Fate; Dr. Mid-Nite III; & Hawkgirl) to resolve their own personal demons first within the next forty-eight hours before facing Legacy again. Yet, all isn’t what it appears.

“Flying High.” Writers: David Goyer & Geoff Johns, with Art by: Phil Winslade; Ken Lopez; & John Kalisz. (Issue # 2) “The Same Thing Happens Every Night.”  Writer: Jeph Loeb, with Art by: Tim Sale; Richard Starkings; & Mark Chiarello.

With her grandfather, Speed Saunders, Hawkgirl/Kendra Saunders defeats a terrorist group in mid-air combat.  They proceed to Eugene, Oregon, where Kendra visits for the first time the young daughter she gave up for adoption years before.  In Midway City (during the Golden Age), a bank heist keeps a sheepish Hawkman/Carter Hall from getting home in time for a romantic dinner with his simmering wife, Shiera.

“Challenging Fate.” Writers: David Goyer & Geoff Johns, with Art by: Barry Kitson; Patricia Prentice; & John Kalisz.  (Issue # 3)  “Untitled.”  Writer/Artist: Darwin Cooke, with Mark Chiarello & Steve Manale. 

In Salem, Massachusetts, Hector Hall faces Nabu (channeled through a local mortal) for answers over drinks at a local pub.  Hector is rattled by one potential future impacting Kendra.  Decades earlier, as guests aboard on a cruise ship beset by a monstrous presence, Kent Nelson & Inza Cramer need Doctor Fate to intervene.

“A Star is Born.”  Writers: David Goyer & Geoff Johns, with Art by: Mike McKone; Wayne Faucher; Kurt Hathaway; & John Kalisz.  (Issue # 4)  “Starman: FBI Agent.”  Writer: James Robinson, with Art by: Tony Harris & Ken Lopez.

Accompanied by S.T.R.I.P.E., Courtney Whitmore confronts her estranged father, who is now a flunky-for-hire with the Royal Flush Gang.  In tribute both to the original Star-Spangled Kid and Ted Knight’s Starman, Courtney’s code-name becomes ‘Stargirl.’  During the Golden Age, on a rainy Opal City night, Ted Knight warily accepts an initiation test into the wartime FBI. 

“An Hour at a Time.”  Writers: David Goyer & Geoff Johns, with Art by: Adam DeKraker; Prentis Rollins; Kurt Hathaway; & John Kalisz.  (Issue # 5)  “…Conduct Unbecoming …!”  Writer/Artist: Howard Chaykin; with Ken Lopez & John Kalisz.

Leaving a lunch date with his mother, Hourman II/Rick Tyler desperately races to thwart a high-rise suicide.  Facing a similar depletion of his Miraclo energy boost, the clock turns back to Rex Tyler’s Hourman in October 1940.  During military wargames in Texarkana, he attempts to save an U.S. Army Captain from a murderous subordinate.

“Out of the Shadows.”  Writers: David Goyer & Geoff Johns, with Art by: Stephen Sadowski; Wade Von Grawbadger; Ken Lopez; & John Kalisz.  (Issue # 6)  “Blind Spot.”  Writer: Brian Azzarello, with Art by: Eduardo Risso; Ken Lopez; & John Kalisz.

In a blacked-out subway crash, in Portsmouth, Washington, Dr. Pieter Cross (aka Dr. Mid-Nite III) must deliver an injured passenger’s baby.  During the Golden Age, the original Dr. Mid-Nite (Dr. Charles McNider) listens to a thug’s abused girlfriend re: how to find him. 

“Fair Enough.”  Writers: David Goyer & Geoff Johns, with Art by: Dave Ross; Aribal Rodriguez; Ken Lopez; & John Kalisz.  (Issue # 7) “The Strange Case of Mr. Terrific and Doctor Nil.”  Writer: Michael Chabon; with Art by: Michael Lark & John Kalisz.  Confronting Bones, Michael Holt’s Mr. Terrific learns a heartbreaking secret re: his own origin.  Decades before, Terry Sloane (the Golden Age Mr. Terrific) invites his alcoholic brother to attend his holiday costume party.  Parodying his brother’s secret identity, Ned Sloane meets a fellow party guest with his own grudge.   

“And Justice For All.”  Writers: David Goyer & Geoff Johns, with Art by: Sal Velluto; Bob Almond; Ken Lopez; & John Kalisz. (Issue # 8)

Hal Jordan’s Spectre aids the JSA in battle against Legacy’s wicked true identity.  The team’s remaining founders contemplate their role as mentor for the JSA’s current generation. 

Note: Sand’s fate isn’t resolved in this volume.

REVIEW:

For JSA fans, there’s a surplus of enjoyable content.  The individual stories supply solid reading (i.e. Hawkgirl’s showcase) that add depth to various JSA favorites.  The new Golden Age back-up tales are well-produced and fun to read, but there’s no mistaking that they are filler material – especially the Terry Sloane/Ned Sloane tale.    

As for the book-end storyline (Issues # 1 and # 8), consider it as standard-issue JSA plotting.  That isn’t meant to be derogatory, but this first volume of JSA All Stars wins more on visuals than must-have storytelling.    

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

After the table-of-contents, there’s a page with paragraph-length bios for Jay Garrick’s Flash; Alan Scott’s Green Lantern; Wildcat; Sand; and the Spectre.  Preceding each issue, its cover appears in a full-page format.  Accompanying each issue are brief bios summarizing the Golden Age original character and his/her present-day ‘heir.’     

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                 7 Stars

Written by Paul Levitz

Art by George Pérez; Rags Morales; Luke Ross; Jerry Ordway; Bob Wiacek; Dave Meikis; Tom Smith; John Kalisz; Rob Schwager; Tanya Horie; Richard Horie; & Rob Leigh

Cover Art by George Pérez

SUMMARY:

Released by DC Comics in 2006, this 144-page compilation reprints JSA # 82-87 (also from 2006).  In a crossover to early events of Infinite Crisis, it’s a dark and stormy night, as Power Girl returns to the JSA brownstone.  Consoling a troubled Power Girl, Ma Hunkel ‘translates’ Earth-Two Lois Lane’s shorthand account of the Gentleman Ghost committing a brazen series of heists in late March 1951. These thefts occur the night after the JSA’s abrupt retirement amidst McCarthyism. 

Unable to apprehend him, the Ghost’s crimes confound the Golden Age versions of Superman, Batman, & Wonder Woman, along with a newly-retired Jay “Flash” Garrick.  Even eluding capture by Wonder Woman’s golden lasso, the Ghost’s weakness is at least hinted.

In the present day, the One Year Later arc depicts a short-handed JSA (Mr. Terrific; Stargirl, who is now taking driver’s education; Jay Garrick’s Flash; Jakeem Thunder; Dr. Mid-Nite III; Wildcat; and a half-blinded Alan Scott/Green Lantern coping with the tragic death of his daughter, Jade).  Also present are Ma Hunkel and Jay’s wife, Joan.  Confronted by ghosts from their past, the team finds that they’ve been mysteriously targeted by Jim Craddock — The Gentleman Ghost.  Among them is a previously undisclosed tragedy re: a civilian colleague that Alan Scott must painfully revisit.  Interspersed are scenes revealing the Ghost’s origin centuries before. 

Glimpses depict young Jim Craddock’s transition from a harsh English childhood to his foretold destiny as a spectral bandit.  In a sequence guest-starring five JSA-related ghosts, an enigmatic clue from the Golden Age Batman infers how the JSA can thwart the Ghost.  As Craddock’s army of ghosts invade their brownstone and simultaneously rampage in London, a divided Justice Society needs an unexpected miracle in this showdown.       

REVIEW:

Make no mistake: Paul Levitz is a reliable DC Comics scribe who can deliver top-flight entertainment without resorting to sleaze. 

Aside from some well-played twists, a new adventure remembering the original Batman-Wonder Woman-Superman trio (along with Lois Lane) after the JSA’s abrupt retirement is welcome fun.  Still, it’s peculiar to see Superman prematurely graying in 1951, as he would have been, at most, in his early forties.  A later scene depicting Jakeem Thunder’s Thunderbolt’s team-up with the JSA’s ‘ghost squad’ is also wonderfully depicted.  The same applies to a poignant sub-plot between Jade’s spirit and her grieving father.    

Still, Levitz isn’t immune to stumbling over plot holes (i.e. why doesn’t the JSA consult Hawkgirl for insight battling the Ghost?  Though Hawkman is missing-in-action during One Year Later, his eternal partner presumably would know of strategies to utilize against their perpetual foe.  Also, it’s muddled if the original JSA members realize who this ghostly Batman once was to them). Another quirk is not bothering to explain why Stargirl’s virginity somehow protects her from Craddock’s ghostly fiends. Perhaps most pertinent is a lack of detail re: who (or what) would grant the Ghost’s ultimate desire, assuming his murderous scheme succeeds. 

Levitz’s plotting, despite these contrivances, is inspired enough to overcome even the eye-rolling presence of a Highlander-esque duel in the climax.  This last twist, more specifically, coming out of nowhere to satisfy the necessity of ‘noble blood’ to help vanquish the Ghost is dubious at best.  Otherwise, the storyline’s entirety effectively navigates the JSA’s past continuity vs. its and present incarnation surprisingly well.      

Enhancing Levitz’s script are the art squad’s high-caliber visuals.  In particular, the Craddock flashback scenes are exceptionally crafted and, more so, lushly painted.  For long-time fans, JSA: Ghost Stories is a terrific homage to pre-Crisis continuity, as Levitz is fully aware that the company’s past is still worth mining for treasure.  

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Presented in a gallery format, George Pérez’s terrific covers (reduced to half-page size) are included.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                     7½ Stars

Written by (See Below)

Art by (See Below)

Cover Art by Jim Lee; Scott Williams; & Alex Sinclair

SUMMARY:

Released by DC Comics in 2017, this 168-page compilation reprints seven tales dating back to 1999.  The stories are:

• “Justice League, Part 1” – Justice League # 1 (2011).  Writer: Geoff Johns, with Art by: Jim Lee; Scott Williams; Alex Sinclair; & Patrick Brosseau.  Cover Art by: Jim Lee; Scott Williams; & Alex Sinclair.  The New 52’s League debuts with an origin makeover that occurs five years before.  Pursuing mysterious alien terrorists, Batman & Hal Jordan’s Green Lantern meet for the first time.  They soon head to Metropolis to probe a possible suspect: Superman.

• “Altered Egos” – JLA # 33 (1999).  Writer: Mark Waid, with Art by: Mark Pajarillo; Walden Wong; John Kalisz; & Ken Lopez.  Cover Art by: Howard Porter; John Dell; & John Garrahy.  On the French Riviera, a JLA strike team (Steel; Big Barda, Orion, Plastic Man; and Kyle Rayner’s Green Lantern) face an immensely dangerous ‘Bruce Wayne.’  Meanwhile, under Batman’s command, Superman, Wonder Woman, and a mysterious Flash must race the clock checking up on White Martians, who are unknowingly a deep sleeper cell spread out across Earth.

• “Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow” – Justice League of America # 1 (2006).  Writer: Brad Meltzer, with Art by: Eric Wright; Dick Giordano; Tony Harris; George Pérez; J.H. Williams III; Luke McDonnell; Paul Neary; Gene Ha; Rags Morales; Ethan Van Sciver; Kevin Maguire; Adam Kubert; Dan Jurgens; Kevin Nowlan; Jim Lee; Howard Porter; Dexter Vines; Andy Kubert; Jesse Delperdang; Phil Jimenez; Andy Lanning; Ed Benes; Sandra Hope; Alex Sinclair; & Rob Leigh.  Cover: Michael Turner & Peter Steigerwald. 

Note: The variant covers aren’t included. 

Told by alternating P.O.V.’s of Batman, Wonder Woman, & Superman, the legendary trio contemplates initiating a post-Infinite Crisis Justice League.  Glimpses of the past and possible alternate futures are conveyed.

• “Throne of Atlantis, Chapter Three: Friends and Enemies.” – Justice League # 16 (2013).  Writer: Geoff Johns, with Art by: Ivan Reis; Joe Prado; Rod Reis; & Dave Sharpe.  Cover Art by: Ivan Reis; Joe Prado; & Rod Reis.  Note: The variant cover isn’t included. 

Under Ocean Master’s command, Atlantis invades the surface world.  Superman, Batman, & Wonder Woman are uncertain of Aquaman’s present allegiance.  Cyborg must desperately implement the League’s back-up plan.

• “Forever Heroes” – Justice League # 29 (2015).  Writer: Geoff Johns, with Art by: Doug Mahnke; Keith Champagne; Christian Alamy; Rod Reis; & Dezi Sienty.  Cover Art by: Ivan Reis; Joe Prado; & Rod Reis. 

Note: The variant cover isn’t included. 

As the last Leaguer standing, Cyborg, calls upon the rebuilt Metal Men as Earth’s last defense against the Crime Syndicate’s forces.

• “Maintenance Day” – JLA # 107 (2004).  Writer: Kurt Busiek, with Art by: Ron Garney; Dan Green; David Baron; & Jared K. Fletcher.  Cover Art by: Ron Garney & David Baron.  With the others on a mission in N-Space, Martian Manhunter & Wally West’s Flash stand guard at the JLA Watchtower.  An emergency comes up, as yet another menace awaits the League.

• “Fear the Reaper” – Justice League: The Rebirth # 1 (2016).  Writer: Bryan Hitch; with Art by: Bryan Hitch; Daniel Henriques; Scott Hanna; Alex Sinclair; Richard Starkings; & Comicraft.  Cover Art by: Tony S. Daniel & Tomeu Morey. 

Note: The variant cover isn’t included. 

Coping with the recent demise of the New 52’s Superman, the League (including Green Lanterns Jessica Cruz & Simon Baz) is trapped inside a massive alien menace threatening Earth.  Their only hope may be a Man of Steel from another reality.            

REVIEW:

Two complaints come to mind: 1. What’s with this collection’s zero sense of continuity?  It’s an utter hodge-podge, especially for casual readers. 2. Why do this franchise’s ‘greatest triumphs’ occur only in the last two decades (including three picks for Geoff Johns) vs. digging far deeper into DC’s archives? 

A partial answer to # 2 is that DC subsequently released a milestone 60^th Anniversary hardcover in 2018 covering an appropriately wide gamut of the JLA’s exploits.  Despite such qualms, these seven handpicked tales still make for some good reading.  Fans certainly can’t argue with the pristine visual quality (i.e. only “Maintenance Day” has less than A-caliber artwork).

The most awe-inspiring tale, of course, is Brad Meltzer’s teaser re: the League’s past, present, and future.  Like a pendulum tilted by alternating art teams, DC dangles tantalizing future premises that likely won’t ever be explored ‘as is,’ but they are worth imagining. 

Mark Waid’s entry is this compilation’s most entertaining caper; it capably depicts the Justice’s League’s reliable brand of action and humor, along with some welcome surprises.  The other stories rely far more heavily on dramatic in-progress/incomplete story angles, but even potential boredom/confusion is compensated by first-class visuals.

As to what actual criteria DC utilized to select these specific stories, that remains debatable.  All things considered, perhaps it’s better not to care.  If enjoyed solely as a franchise sampler of its more recent incarnations, then Justice League: Their Greatest Triumphs delivers the necessary goods.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

There is a table-of-contents with full creative credits.  The original covers are reprinted in a full-page format.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                              7 Stars

Written by Sholly Fisch

Art by Dario Briezula; Walter Carzon; Horacio Ottolini; Scott Jeralds; Franco Riesco; Silvana Brys; & Saida Temofonte

Compilation Cover Art & Original Cover Art by Dario Brizuela & Franco Riesco

SUMMARY:

Released by DC Comics in 2019, this 152-page compilation reprints Scooby-Doo! Team-Up # 37-43 from 2018.  The seven adventures are:

• “Nasty Tricks.”  The Mystery Inc. gang are called to Midvale to help Supergirl, who is being haunted by ghosts from her native Argo City.  It’s up to Scooby and Streaky the Super-Cat to help unmask the truth. 
• “It Was a Dark and Gritty Knight.”  In homage to their prior animated TV team-ups, Mystery Inc. returns to Big City to aid Dyno-Mutt probe why Blue Falcon has suddenly become so intense.  Of course, all isn’t what it appears.  There’s several Batman wink-wink gags, as this story is dedicated to Adam West’s memory.
• “Victory Through Scare Power.”  In present-day Washington, D.C., the accidental opening of Pandora’s Box unleashes a horde of ghostly winged demons.  Doctor Fate then brings Mystery Inc. to 1942’s Justice Society of America (Alan Scott’s Green Lantern; Jay Garrick’s Flash; Wildcat; Ma Hunkel’s Red Tornado; Doctor Mid-Nite I; Johnny Thunder; Sandman I; the first Atom; Queen Hippolyta/Wonder Woman; and the original Black Canary).  In classic JSA fashion, everyone divides into squads to battle Vandal Savage’s Nazi and demonic forces before reuniting for the big showdown.
• How’s Bayou?”  In the Swamp Thing’s bayou, Mystery Inc. faces the nefarious Voodoo Queen and her zombie slaves.  Abby Arcane and Solomon Grundy also make appearances.
• “Perils Before Swine.”  Representing TV’s Wacky Races, the Ant Hill Mob needs Mystery Inc. to help protect  Penelope Pitstop from the scheming Hooded Claw’s forces.
• “Gorilla Warfare.”  Mystery Inc. finds that there’s plenty of monkey business afoot in Pleasantville – villainous guest stars include Gorilla Grodd; Monsieur Mallah; a Nazi vampire gorilla; & the Ultra-Humanite.  Turnaround is fair play in the form of Sam Simeon; Detective Chimp; Titano the Super-Ape; Congo Bill & Congorilla; and maybe even Beppo the Super-Monkey.
• “Doomed!”  Set after the ‘High-Rise Horror’ case, Mystery Inc. meets the classic Doom Patrol (Robotman, Elasti-Girl, Negative Man, & The Chief), along with some weird new recruits: the Animal-Vegetable-Mineral Man, Flex Mentallo, Crazy Jane, & Danny the Street.  Even with this much firepower, will it be enough against the original Brotherhood of Evil?     

Continuity Notes: As implied in these stories, Scooby’s gang already met Supergirl, Diana/Wonder Woman (twice), Elasti-Girl’s adopted son — Beast Boy, & the Legion of Doom’s Solomon Grundy in Volume 1. They also met the present-day Black Canary in Volume 6. 

To address a ‘connection’ between Blue Falcon and Batman, there’s an unrelated DC/Hanna-Barbera team-up pairing the Super-Sons (Damian Wayne & Jonathan Kent) with Dyno-Mutt.  It’s revealed that story’s Blue Falcon belongs to Batman Inc.; not to mention, he’s a childhood prep school pal of Bruce Wayne.  This one-shot is available in the DC/Hanna-Barbera team-ups’ second volume, along with, i.e., a 1970’s Black Lightning caper with Hong Kong Phooey.  

REVIEW:

After six prior volumes, the Scooby team-up magic isn’t nearly as dazzling – i.e. some of Shaggy and Fred’s clichéd dialogue bits are tiresome.  Still, these stories should hold up okay with the elementary school crowd.  Both Sholly Fisch’s kid-friendly plotting and the art squad’s visuals are consistently on their game, but there ought to be two parental caveats. 

First, “Victory Through Scare Power” and, to a lesser degree, “Gorilla Warfare” reference the Nazis, which is out-of-place for Scooby-Doo storytelling.  Secondly, Fisch has Dyno-Mutt briefly comparing his duo with Blue Falcon to other legendary ‘pairs.’  Harmlessly, he mentions peanut butter and jelly, … rhythm and blues, … and then, of all things, ‘Sacco and Vanzetti.’  Meant as a historical quip for adults, it’s a tasteless attempt at humor far above the intended audience’s pay grade.  Considering the various DC kiddie titles he has written, Fisch ought to have known better.

Scooby-Doo! Team-Up, Volume 7: Doomed!, based on its overall content, continues a terrific series concept.  Once again, DC’s production values are commendable – they’re not skimping.   Parents, however, may find the earlier volumes (especially Volume 1) are more enjoyable reads for their kids.     

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Full-page reproductions of the covers are included.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                       6 Stars

Written by Geoff Johns

Co-Writers (for the crossover): Geoff Johns & Mark Waid

Art by (See Below)

• Teen Titans/Legion Special & Issue # 16: Mike McKone; Ivan Reis; Joe Prado; Marlo Alquiza; Mark Campos; Comicraft; Rob Leigh; Jeromy Cox; & Snow Cone.  Cover Artists: Mike McKone & Marlo Alquisa (Issue # 16) and Phil Jimenez & Andy Lanning [Teen Titans/Legion Special)
• Issues # 17-19 – “Titans Tomorrow: “ Mike McKone; Marlo Alquiza; Comicraft & Jeromy Cox.  Cover Artists: McKone & Alquiza.
• Issues # 20-21 – “Hiding:”  Tom Grummett; Nelson Conrad; Comicraft; & Jeromy Cox.  Cover Artists: Duncan Rouleau (Issue # 20) and McKone & Alquiza (Issue # 21). 
• Issues # 22-23 – “Lights Out:”  Mike McKone; Marlo Alquiza; Comicraft; & Jeromy Cox.  Cover Artists: McKone & Alquiza.

Compilation Cover Art by Mike McKone & Marlo Alquiza

SUMMARY:

Released by DC Comics in 2005, this 224-page compilation consists of: the Teen Titans/Legion of Super-Heroes Special and Teen Titans # 16-23 (all from 2004-2005).  The roster consists of: team veterans Starfire; Cyborg; Raven; and Beast Boy, along with Tim Drake’s Robin; Cassie Sandsmark’s Wonder Girl; Conner Kent’s Superboy;  Bart Allen’s Kid Flash; and eventually Mia Dearden’s Speedy (replacing Starfire).  Guest stars include this alternate future’s Titans East, and a reunion of virtually all the present-day Titan alumni. 

Conner & Cassie’s awkward dinner date at the San Francisco pier is interrupted by a temporal flux from the 31^st Century.  Instantly returning (though five months older), Conner recruits the team to aid the Legion of Super-Heroes in the far future.  Awaiting them is a Fatal Five now multiplied one hundred-fold into the Fatal Five-Hundred. 

Returning to the 21^st Century leaves the Legion to an unknown fate, as the Titans face an alternate future ten years after their initial departure.  Alluding to a fateful ‘crisis,’ their fascistic Titans West counterparts (Batman; Superman; Wonder Woman; Animal Man; Flash; & Raven; plus Aquawoman) have declared war on their perceived enemies.  Even with a double-agent’s help and the rival Titans East, a showdown between the Titans’ present and future selves climaxes in the Batcave.  It’s ambiguous, if this alternate future will be revisited. 

Back at their own Titans Tower, the next two storylines are unofficial Identity Crisis crossovers.  Mia Dearden joins the squad soon after Starfire departs for Nightwing’s Outsiders.  Tracking down Lex Luthor’s stolen power-suit, the Titans face the mercenary Electrocutioner.  A grieving Tim reveals to his teammates the recent homicide of his father. 

Holding an abducted Green Arrow hostage, a demented Doctor Light demands an epic showdown in Philadelphia vs. the Titans.  Ultimately, the Titans appear in force to stand any chance against the ultra-powerful Light.  As the JLA’s dark secrets surface from Identity Crisis, a twist finish is still coming.          

REVIEW:

After the first few pages, don’t expect any charm exploring The Future is Now.  Considering its recurring themes (i.e. mass murder, torture, and mayhem), Volume 4 isn’t a particularly fun read.  Still, a combination of capable storytelling and top-caliber visuals delivers plenty for fans, ages 15 and up.  The franchise’s die-hards should further appreciate the presence of nearly every Titan, as well as the terrific Legion crossover, in this book’s impressive page count. 

Geoff Johns’ plotting bridges numerous sub-plots remarkably well, as he begins shifting the team towards its imminent role in Infinite Crisis.  To his credit, Johns also tantalizingly baits readers into possibly seeking out Brad Meltzer’s Identity Crisis and the Nightwing-led Outsiders, let alone his own underrated masterpiece: JLA: Crisis of Conscience. 

The grim Teen Titans, Volume 4: The Future is Now, by comparison, isn’t a must-have read.  Yet, it’s still easily superior to the ultra-muddled and gratuitously violent trash Johns peddles in the disappointing Infinite Crisis. 

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

There’s a two-page synopsis describing the current Teen Titans roster (including mentors Cyborg & Starfire).  The covers appear in a full-page gallery format.  A two-page black-and-white gallery displays costume sketches for some of the alternate-future Titans.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                           7½ Stars

Written by Barbara Kesel & Matt Haley.  

Art by Matt Haley; Tom Simmons; Bill Oakley; & Moose Baumann.

Cover Art by Matt Haley; Tom Simmons; & Moose Baumann.

SUMMARY:

Released in 1998 by DC Comics, this 64-page Elseworlds tale imagines an alternate reality where true crime novelist Barbara Gordon/Batgirl has forcibly segregated her Gotham City from Earth’s superhuman interference (i.e. the Justice Society). 

Despite the presence of both Batgirl and the full Justice Society, a visiting Lex Luthor is abducted from a black-tie PR event by a venom-powered Joker and his new associate/ex-Luthor crony, Dr. Emil Hamilton.  Complicating Batgirl’s team-up with a naïve Supergirl is twofold: the Joker’s slimy crush on Batgirl has him transformed to Bane-size to impress her while this Supergirl idolizes the nefarious Luthor.  This Elseworld’s Finest Team must then infiltrate Luthor’s Metropolis lab complex to confirm its darkest secrets. 

Included are this reality’s origin flashbacks for both Batgirl, whose ‘Alfred’-like assistant is playboy Bruce Wayne, & Kara/Supergirl.

REVIEW:

Good intentions re: super-feminism aside, the story’s sole plus is the starring duo’s cool-looking costumes.  They’re impressive enough that DC Direct’s Elseworlds toy line subsequently produced a pair of stellar Supergirl & Batgirl action figures in 2007 during its third wave to cash in.  Otherwise, there’s far too little substance present in this disappointing one-shot.  For instance, the premise re: at least dozen Justice Society/Justice League members (including Wonder Woman, Big Barda, a Captain Marvel, etc.) kowtowing to Batgirl’s technological wrath is ludicrous. 

Far worse is a repulsive plot twist late in the game that confirms Elseworld’s Finest: Supergirl & Batgirl’s negligible plotting.  After an unsatisfying climax, the final few pages are ironically this story’s best. 

The art squad’s decent visuals mitigate only so much Barbara Kesel & Matt Haley’s unappealing script.  Suffice to say, collecting the action figures of Elseworld’s Finest duo is a far more rewarding option than reading this misguided junk.

Note: This title has been published in anthology form twice: specifically, Elseworlds: Justice League, Book One – in 2016 and then its 2024 re-release.   

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

None.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                            3 Stars