Category: MARVEL’s Hardcovers & Paperbacks

Written by (See Credits Below)

Art by (See Credits Below), plus Jeron Quality Color

Cover Art by Stuart Immonen & Laura Martin

SUMMARY:

As a 2004 Target exclusive, this 96-page paperback reprints four tales: Marvel Team-Up # 1 (from 1972); Uncanny X-Men # 143 (from 1981); Amazing Spider-Man # 314 (from 1991); and Incredible Hulk # 378 (from 1991).  Intentionally or not, all four tales occur on a Christmas Eve.

“Have Yourself a Sandman Little Christmas.”  Writer: Roy Thomas & Art by Ross Andru; M. Esposito; & Artie Simek. Spider-Man recruits Johnny Storm/Human Torch for a rematch vs. the Sandman.  Yet, the Sandman has other holiday plans. 

“Demon.”  Co-Writers: Chris Claremont & John Byrne & Art by John Byrne; Terry Austin; Tom Orzechowski; & Glynis Wein. Home alone at the X-Mansion, young Kitty Pryde spends a terrifying night fending off a bloodthirsty demon.

“Down and Out in Forest Hills.”  Writer: David Michelinie & Art by Todd McFarlane; Rick Parker; & Bob Sharen. Targeted in a personal vendetta, Peter and Mary Jane Watson-Parker are evicted from their condo.  In between web-slinging heroics, Peter must improvise some new lodgings for his family.

“Rhino-Plastered.”  Writer Peter David & Art by Bill Jaaska; Jeff Albrecht; Joe Rosen; & Glynis Oliver. Rick Jones entertains a group of unruly boys at a children’s hospital with an offbeat tale.  The misunderstanding involves a mall Santa’s (the Rhino’s new gig) fisticuffs with the Hulk. 

REVIEW:

To this compilation’s credit, its appeal (per the terrific cover image) should equally satisfy kids and adults.  Of the four vintage tales, despite some implied horror, “Demon” easily prevails in terms of both its high-caliber writing and artwork standing the test of time.  Peter David’s “Rhino-Plastered” deserves a honorable mention for the Hulk’s well-played holiday hijinks. 

Re: the two Spider-Man tales, both make good reads — only most of the faded artwork in “Down and Out in Forest Hills” doesn’t age well.  Overall, at a reasonable price, Marvel Age: Holiday Special offers an entertaining buy.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Full-page replicas of the covers are included.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                  6½ Stars

Written by (See Below)

Art by (See Below)

Cover Art by Dave Cockrum & John Cassady

SUMMARY:

Released as a 2006 Target exclusive, this 96-page digest compilation reprints X-Men #1-2 (1963) and Giant-Size X-Men # 1 (1975). 

• X-Men # 1 “X-Men.” Writer: Stan Lee & Artwork by Jack Kirby; Paul Reinman; & Sam Rosen.  Professor X’s young squad (Cyclops, Marvel Girl, Angel, Iceman, & the Beast) debuts.  After Jean Grey’s Marvel Girl joins the team, their first mission is thwart Magneto’s high-stakes terrorist strike against the Cape Citadel military base. 

• X-Men # 2 “No One Can Stop the Vanisher!”  Writer: Stan Lee & Artwork by Jack Kirby; Paul Reinman; & Sam Rosen.  The team faces public humiliation attempting to thwart the elusive Vanisher’s mutant teleportation powers.

• Giant-Size X-Men # 1 “Second Genesis!” Writer: Len Wein & Artwork by Dave Cockrum; Glynis Wein; & John Costanza.  With the X-Men missing-in-action, Professor X recruits a new international generation (Wolverine, Nightcrawler, Sunfire, Storm, Thunderbird, Banshee, & Colossus) of X-Men to rescue them.  Cyclops escapes to lead the new recruits into a frenzied battle vs. the living island known as Krakoa.  The lives of the captive X-Men (Marvel Girl, Iceman, Angel, Polaris, & Havok) are at stake. 

REVIEW:

It’s no surprise that X-Men # 1-2 suffers from stale dialogue, but the Silver Age nostalgia factor makes up the difference.  Even more so, courtesy of its inspired creative team, Giant-Size X-Men # 1 remains a revelation.  An added bonus of some Marvel Universe handbook materials serves up another asset.  Considering the rarity of these reprints, this kid-friendly X-Men Classic makes a storytelling treat for any X-fan. 

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The covers are reprinted in a full-page format.  From the Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe: X-Men 2004, two-page entries are reprinted for Beast; Colossus; Cyclops; Iceman; and (three pages) Professor X.  Handbook portraits are by artist John Cassady (Beast & Cyclops,) Scott Johnson (Colossus), Carlos Pacheco (Iceman) and Aaron Lopresti (Professor X).  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                       8 Stars

Written by Fred Van Lente

Art by Andrea Di Vito & Salva Espin

Cover Art by Salvador Espin & Brad Anderson

SUMMARY:

As a 2008 Target exclusive, this 96-page paperback reprints Wolverine: First Class # 1-4 from the same year.  As the newest X-Men rookie, teenager Kitty Pryde is assigned by Professor X as Logan/Wolverine’s unwanted protégé.        

“The Buddy System.”  At Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters, a precocious Kitty’s first lesson is a field trip with her less-than-thrilled new mentor, Wolverine.  Wearing her X-Men uniform for the first time, Kitty helps Wolverine locate an unknown mutant hiding in a small West Virginia town.  Her teen insights may be the duo’s only chance of figuring out why a town-wide mob is targeting mutants. 

“Surprise!!”  Angling for a favor from a teammate with a valid driver’s license, Kitty gets far more than she bargained for.  Birthday boy Wolverine smells something’s up after Kitty coordinates a birthday night dinner out, which includes his girlfriend, Mariko.  At a ninja castle-themed restaurant in Tribeca, a malicious Sabretooth aims to personally serve up more of Wolverine’s annual humiliation ‘gift.’

“The Last Knights of Wundagore, Parts I-II.”  Searching for Magneto in Wundagore, Kitty & Wolverine become entangled in a deadly feud between the High Evolutionary and his ex-protégé. 

REVIEW:

While the book’s two-parter invariably drags at times, the first two stories are well-played tales from writer Fred Van Lente.  They nicely explore the surrogate kid sister chemistry Kitty establishes with an extra-grumpy Wolverine.  Despite the outlandish circumstances re: “Last Knights of Wundagore,” Van Lente maintains the delightful ‘odd couple’ banter between these two X-Men. 

In terms of consistency, artists Andrea Di Vito & Salva Espin, along with the cover art teams, provide top-notch visuals that should prove appealing to adults and kids alike.  Overall, this Wolverine: First Class book makes a welcome read to X-Men fans and deserves a chance at re-discovery.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Each issue’s cover art is reprinted in a full-page format.  The cover artists are: Espin & Anderson (Issue # 1); Leonard Kirk & Moose Baumann (Issue # 2); Espin (Issue # 3); and Alan Davis, Mark Farmer, & Paul Mounts (Issue # 4). 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                       7 Stars

Note: Also available is the 120-page Wolverine: First Class, Vol. 1: The Rookie trade paperback, which includes these four issues.

Written by (See Credits Below)

Art by (See Credits Below)

Cover Art by John Livesay & Lee Loughbridge

SUMMARY:

As a 2007 Target exclusive, this 96-page paperback reprints single stories from one-shots: Spider-Man Family # 1 (2005); Spider-Man Family Featuring Amazing Friends # 1 (2006); and Spider-Man Family Featuring Spider-Clan # 1 (2006). 

“Old Enemies Never Die!”  Writers: Tom DeFalco & Ron Lim; Art by Ron Lim; Norm Rapmund; Avalon Studios’ Rob Ro; Dave Sharpe; and cover artists Ron Lim & Paul Mounts.  In the alternate-reality MC2, teenager Spider-Girl (May Parker) investigates a resurfaced animated cartoon DVD parodying her retired father, Spider-Man.  A flashback features Spider-Man teaming up with Araña.  Also making appearances are Miguel (Araña’s mentor), Spider-Ham/Peter Porker, a female Jack O’Lantern, and MC2’s Peter Parker.

“Opposites Attack!”  Writer: Sean McKeever; Art by Patrick Olliffe, Casey Jones; Kano; Nick Dragotta; John Livesay; Vince Russell; Alvaro Lopez; Art Monkey’s Melanie Olsen; & Lee Loughridge.  Cover Art is by Livesay & Loughridge.  In a witty homage to the Spider-Man And His Amazing Friends’ animated series 25^th Anniversary, Spider-Man mingles with Iceman (Bobby Drake) & Firestar (Angelica Jones).  The happily-married webslinger comically plays matchmaker for a literally hot-and-cold romance.  Supporting characters include Mary Jane Watson-Parker; Shocker; Beetle; and Video Man.   

“Elemental Evil.”  Writer: C.B. Cebulski & Art by Skottie Young; Jean-Francois Beaulieu; & Virtual Caligraphy’s Randy Gentile.  The cover art is uncredited, but the artist might be Young. In a dark, manga-like alternate reality, young Peter Parker overcomes a second tragic death to pursue his ominous destiny.  Awaiting him is the demonic, ninja-like Spider-Clan.

Note: Despite their presence on the cover, neither Spider-Man 2099 nor the vampire bat appear in this collection.

REVIEW:

The first two stories are very much on their game, as both the plotting and artwork exceed expectations.  What’s even better is that both of these tales balance the right amount of self-parody and in-jokes with quality storytelling.  Both are welcome reads for Spider-fans, regardless of age. 

However, the dark nature of “Elemental Evil” makes it a dubious choice, in terms of kid-friendly entertainment.  Considering a homicide victim is skewered by a giant spider, Marvel Comics should have reconsidered why its bleak, horror-themed ambiance is a poor fit vs. the two more upbeat, kid-friendly stories.  Still, should one find this book at a decent price, Marvel: Spider-Man Family is well worth the price of admission. 

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Each issue’s cover art is mostly reprinted in a full-page format.  Two-page Marvel Handbook reprints are for Electro (Max Dillon) and Hobgoblin (Roderick Kingsley), though, oddly, neither character appears in this compilation.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                   6½ Stars

Written by Sean McKeever; Zeb Wells; & Fred Van Lente

Art by Patrick Scherberger; Michael O’Hare; Cory Hamscher; Norman Lee; Guru eFX; & Dave Sharpe

Cover Art by Patrick Scherberger. ‘Paris;’ & Guru EFx

SUMMARY:

As a 2007 Target exclusive, this 96-page paperback reprints Marvel Adventures Spider-Man # 6, # 15, and # 21-22 from 2005-2006. 

“Picture Perfect Peril!”  Accepting a bounty from art collector Justin Hammer, Spider-Man finds that retrieving a stolen painting from the Sandman is easier said than done. 

“How Spider-Man Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Arms!”  A scheming Doctor Octopus sends his cybernetic arms to attack Spider-Man as a legal ruse to free him from prison.  Yet, those same cybernetic arms have a different idea. 

“Fashion Victims!”  New villains Rocket Racer, Stilt-Man, & Leap-Frog set up the webslinger on a collision course with criminal gimmicks genius, the Tinkerer.  This tale establishes an alternate (and kid-friendly) explanation for how Spider-Man acquired his black-and-white costume. 

“World War G”  Spider-Man gets caught in a feud between the Green Goblin and the debuting Hobgoblin.  This villainous rivalry prompts  J. Jonah Jameson into bringing along Peter Parker along for an exclusive stakeout. 

REVIEW:

While this unrelated compilation’s title plays off Spider-Man’s extensive “Back in Black” storyline, the four tales still serve up some decent kiddie entertainment.  All four Spider-adventures are ideal for younger readers, as the visuals deliberately make this teen Peter Parker relatable to elementary schoolers.  If it can be found for a reasonable price, this Marvel Adventures Spider-Man: Back in Black ages well as for the intended audience.      

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Each issue’s cover art is reprinted in a full-page format.  The cover artists are: Tony S. Daniel & Soto’s J. Rauch (Issue # 6); Amanda Conner & Chris Sotomayor (Issue # 15); Scherberger, ‘Paris,’ & Guru EFx (Issue # 21); and Scherberger, Hamscher, & Guru eFX (Issue # 22). 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                 5½ Stars

Written by Brian Michael Bendis

Art by Dan Jurgens; Sandu Florea; Frank D’Armata; Richard Starkings; Comicraft’s Albert Deschesne; David Finch; Danny Miki; Rick Mays; Jason Martin; Rob Schwager; Dave Sharpe; Frank Cho; Jason Keith;  Steve McNiven; Dexter Vines; Morry Hollowell; Mike Deodato Jr.; Joe Pimentel; Dave Stewart; Richard Isanove; Olivier Copiel; Drew Geraci; Drew Hennessy; Livesay; Rick Maygar; Mark Morales;  Mike Perkins; Tim Townsend; June Chung; José Villarrubia; Alex Maleev; VC’s Chris Elipoulos; Howard Chaykin;  Leinil Francis Yu; Dave McCaig;  Pasqual Ferry; Paul Smith; Dean White; Jim Cheung; Justin Ponsor;  & Josh Singh

Covers by Dan Jurgens, Sandu Florea, & Frank D’Armata; David Finch, Danny Miki, & Frank D’Armata;  Andrea Di Vito & Laura Villari; Frank Cho & Jason Keith;  Steve McNiven, Dexter Vines, & Morry Holowell;  Mike Deodato Jr. & Dave Stewart; Olivier Coipel, Mark Morales, & José Villarrubia; Gabriele Dell’Otto;  Howard Chaykin  & Dave Stewart;  Leinil Francis Yu & Dave McCaig; Oliver Coipel, Mark Morales, & Dave Stewart; Adi Granov;  Jim Cheung, John Dell, & Justin Ponsar; & Alex Maleev

Collection Cover Art by David Finch; Danny Miki; & Frank D’Armata

SUMMARY:

Released by Marvel Comics in 2017, this 496-page compendium reprints The New Avengers # 11-25; the New Avengers Guest-Starring the Fantastic Four one-shot; the lead story from Giant-Size Spider-Woman # 1; New Avengers Annual # 1; the New Avengers: Illuminati one-shot; and the Civil War: The Confession one-shot (all from approximately 2006-2007). 

First up is a New Avengers/Fantastic Four team-up investigating a mysterious alien craft hidden on Earth for five million years.  Pursuing the Silver Samurai in Japan, the temporarily short-handed team recruits a stealthy new member, Ronin, for a heavy-duty skirmish vs. The Hand’s ninja forces backed by Madame Hydra (Viper) and the Yashida crime syndicate.  Suspecting a team mole, Captain America demands answers from an evasive Spider-Woman. 

Narrated by Ms. Marvel’s blog, The New Avengers publicly debuts for the world’s media.  Luke Cage inspires the New Avengers’ new public relations policy in Detroit.  In the aftermath of “The House of M,” a veteran super-team is massacred. The New Avengers and SHIELD descend on Cleveland to face off against the cosmic-level mutant threat: Michael Pointer.  Even bolstered by Ms. Marvel (in fully Binary mode), the Vision, and Spider-Man’s new ‘Iron Spider’ costume, the heroes seemingly stands little chance.  This fiery showdown leads to a Genosha horror-fest. 

The renegade Black Widow II, Yelena Belova, mutates into a new threat.  After the birth of their child, Luke Cage and Jessica Jones become the first married New Avengers.  The Illuminati disbands over its exile of the Hulk and the onset of Iron Man’s commitment to forcing super-heroes’ government-approved subordination to SHIELD. 

Marvel’s first Civil War ignites, as ideological dissension between Iron Man and Captain America shatters the team.  The war’s dark outcome is seen through the eyes of these two perennial Avengers.  Guest appearances include Alpha Flight; The Inhumans; The Young Avengers; Magneto; Daisy Johnson; Sharon Carter; the Hulk; Daredevil; The Illuminati; J. Jonah Jameson; and a surprise cameo by Stan Lee.

REVIEW:

After a fun Fantastic Four team-up, The New Avengers – Complete Collection, Volume 3 features some outstanding storytelling from Brian Michael Bendis.  Adapting to various visual styles, Bendis’ structured plotting segues well from one arc to the next, especially the Illuminati’s behind-the-scenes dissension and individual showcases revealing the war’s effect on various members (Luke Cage, Spider-Woman, & Sentry). 

In particular, the various Luke Cage-Jessica Jones segments are frankly stellar depictions of these two characters.  The realistic personality depth Bendis instills in his hand-picked New Avengers (minus Spider-Man and Wolverine, who make minimal contributions) is also exceptionally well-played.  However, there are some sporadic missteps, such as a New Avenger openly speculating about Michael Pointer as a potential super-hero (after all the mass destruction and deaths he has caused, no less), or Wolverine’s underwhelming emotional response to a tragic event impacting him.    

Aside from some speechifying by Captain America & Iron Man, Bendis often finds the right formula of dialogue (i.e. team banter), action sequences, and plot twists.  Readers also benefit from high-caliber artwork (particularly from David Finch) befitting the various storylines.  Protected by an excellent binding, this compilation proves excellent in all its facets, minus some pages where the continuity order of the dialogue/art panels can be hard to follow.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

All the covers are included in a full-page format, as are the Wizard Magazine # 153 and # 171 promo covers.  Howard Chaykin & Dave Stewart’s 2^nd-run New Avengers # 21 cover is in full-page color.  Their black-and-white sketch variant of their Issue # 23 cover also appears. 

Provided in a half-page, black-and-white format are a Silver Samurai image by David Finch & Danny Miki (pages 21-22 from Issue # 12) and Frank Cho’s Spider-Woman montage (pages 4-6 from Issue # 14).  There is also Annual # 1’s unused black-and-white full-page group shot from Oliver Coipel & Mark Morales.  The front inside cover promotes Complete Collection, Volume 1.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars

Written by Brian Michael Bendis

Art by David Finch; Olivier Copel; Danny Miki; Frank D’Armata; Stan Lee; Jack Kirby; Dick Ayers; Bob Sharen; George Pérez; John Byrne; Scott Kolins; Kieron Dwyer; Alan Davis; Michael Golden; Brent Anderson; J.G. Jones; Alex Maleev; Steve Epting; Lee Weeks; Michael Gaydos; Eric Powell; Darick Robertson; Mike Mayhew; David Mack; Gary Frank; Michael Avon Oeming; Jim Cheung; Steve McNiven; Brian Reber; Morry Hollowell; Pete Pantazis; Avalon’s Andy Troy; Mark Morales; Mike Perkins; Justin Ponsor; Allen Martinez; Victor Olazaba; John Dell; Jae Lee; & José Villarubia

Covers by David Finch; Danny Miki; Frank D’Armata; Neal Adams; & Laura Martin

Collection Cover Art by David Finch; Danny Miki; & Fran D’Armata

SUMMARY:

Released by Marvel Comics in 2017, this 504-page compendium reprints 2004’s Avengers # 500-503 and Avengers: Finale from the “Avengers Disassembled” saga, as well as the initial ten issues of its immediate sequel series: The New Avengers. 

In tragic fashion, a seemingly impregnable Avengers Mansion falls to a massive explosion.  Devastating subsequent assaults soon cripple the team.  The surviving Avengers ominously realize one of their own has turned against them.  Facing financial problems and public backlash, the team later disbands. 

Six months later, thwarting an orchestrated mass prison break at the SHIELD-controlled Raft brings Luke Cage, an injured Spider-Man, Captain America, Iron Man, Jessica Drew’s Spider-Woman, & Matt Murdock (aka Daredevil) forge a makeshift team.  The mysterious prisoner known as the Sentry also joins the violent skirmish.  Only Daredevil declines Captain America’s recruitment to pursue the forty-some Raft escapees-at-large as ‘The New Avengers.’

After missions capturing fugitives Electro and the Wrecker, the team journeys to the Savage Land to face off against the monstrous Sauron and the second Black Widow.  Stumbling upon rogue SHIELD black ops, the New Avengers add Wolverine to the team before tackling the enigma of the Sentry.  His vast unknown powers, as well as that of the unstoppable Void, may well consume them all. 

Guest appearances include The Illuminati, the X-Men, the Fantastic Four, and the Inhumans, as well as Mary Jane Watson-Parker, Foggy Nelson, Dr. Strange, several surviving Avengers, and a treasure trove of characters from archival flashbacks.    

REVIEW:

Its best asset are consistently stellar visuals led by David Finch.  As much credit as writer Brian Michael Bendis deserves, it’s Finch and the art squad that admirably cover up Bendis’ over-indulgences.  Aside from Bendis’ propensity for relying on “ohmigod,” “oh, no,” and “aargh!” as his dialogue of choice far too often, two-thirds of this Bendis collection really is a knock-out. 

While the team conveniently doesn’t even realize a particular member is missing until the big revelation, Avengers # 500-503 is top-caliber storytelling.  Avengers: Finale, as its epilogue, is poignant at the right moments, if not self-indulgent.  However, the New Avengers # 1-10 spread is far more a mixed bag. 

The prison break-out, the team’s recruitment (including Spider-Woman’s unknown allegiances), and even the Savage Land sequence are exceptionally well-played.  The only qualm is too often these New Avengers concede that they can’t decipher who is covertly masterminding an assortment of schemes they’ve uncovered. 

Yet, it’s the dismal Sentry storyline (approximately Issues # 7-10) that sucks readers into a joyless vacuum.  Bendis’s confusing Sentry in-joke dilemma and its resolution requiring a lengthy Emma Frost intervention takes seemingly forever to finish. 

There’s plenty of great visuals down this stretch, but Bendis’ monotonous storytelling becomes one pothole after another.  Still, this collection boasts a horde of extras making The New Avengers: The Complete Collection, Volume 1 a true Marvel gem.  Protected by an excellent binding, this compilation is a great read — that is, excluding when Bendis fixates on the Sentry.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Also included are New Avengers # 1 – Director’s Cut and New Avengers: Most Wanted Files (with full-page covers).  All the covers and variants for Issues # 1-10 appear in a full-page format. 

The variant teams are: David Finch, Danny Miki, & Frank D’ Armata (B) – Joe Quesada & Richard Isanove (C) – Steve McNiven & Richard Isanove (D) for Issue # 1; Trevor Hairshine & Richard Isanove for Issue # 2; Oliver Coipel & Richard Isanove for Issue # 3; Jim Cheung & Richard Isanove  for Issue # 4; Adi Granov & Richard Isanove for Issue # 5; Bryan Hitch & Richard Isanove for Issue # 6; an uncredited combined variant of New Avengers # 1-6; Neal Adams & Laura Martin for Issue # 7; John Romita, Sr., Al Milgrom, & Paul Mounts for Issue # 8; Herb Trimpe & Paul Mounts for Issue # 9; and Saul Buscema & Paul Mounts for Issue # 10.

Full-page promotional cover images from Wizard Magazine # 161 and # 163 are also included.  Others features are: a montage of mini-cover images of Avengers # 1-500; the full-page cover for Avengers # 500 (Director’s Cut) by John Cassaday & Laura Martin; a single-page draft synopsis by Bendis for Avengers: CHAOS; a three-page interview with Bendis; artist David Finch’s four-page commentary; the script page for a deleted Thor cameo from Avengers # 501; a two-page “Hembeck” comic strip by Fred Hembeck & Chris Sotomayor; an eight-page guide identifying the Raft’s  escapees; and the New Avengers Vol. 2 trade paperback cover image by Steve McNiven, Dexter Vines, & Morry Hollowell.  Lastly, the back inside cover promotes the cover image for The New Avengers: Complete Collection, Volume 3.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:               8½ Stars

Written by Joey Cavalieri (Based on Stan Lee’s Story)

Art by Hyperdesign, Inc. and Jack Kirby; & Joe Sinnott

Cover Art by Casey Jones; Tom Simmons; & Don Cassity

SUMMARY:

Published in 1996 by Marvel Comics, this 96-page novelization divides into eighteen short chapters adapting Fantastic Four # 94 and # 126.  At the team’s Baxter Building, Reed and Sue Richards proudly introduce their infant son, Franklin Benjamin Richards, to Ben “The Thing” Grimm; Crystal; and his uncle, Johnny “Human Torch” Storm. 

After a brief flashback explaining the Fantastic Four’s origin, the team take Franklin on an upstate journey to meet the reclusive Agatha Harkness, who has agreed to be the boy’s nanny.  The Fantastic Four isn’t aware that their evil rivals, The Frightful Four (Wizard; Sandman; Trapster; and Madame Medusa), are after them.

At Agatha’s gothic home on secluded Whisper Hill, Ben ponders how she could possibly anticipate that a sudden storm necessitates the team’s overnight stay.  The Frightful Four’s ambush neutralizes the team, but could one of the Frightful Four be a traitor?  Also, how can elderly Agatha and her black house cat, Ebony, be any match for The Frightful Four, if the Fantastic Four was easily defeated?  Miss Harkness and her cat may be more fearsome than the villains ever imagined.        

REVIEW:

Putting basic logic aside (i.e. how locking their guest room door effectively traps the Invisible Woman and Mr. Fantastic isn’t explained; and neither is how the Frightful Four secretly breaches Agatha’s house), this undemanding book is a solid treat for 10-and-under crowd. 

Nicely reprinting Jack Kirby & Joe Sinnott’s artwork in black-and-white, readers can compare the text in some of the original panels to writer Joey Cavalieri’s adaption.  For instance, Stan Lee’s dialogue for Ben Grimm differs from Cavalieri’s more contemporary wording, but kids should easily grasp the difference between the two versions.   

More so, this book makes a decent transition for younger readers who will soon move on to junior novelizations.    

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Each chapter concludes with the same full-page, blue-and-white image of the Fantastic Four (as seen below).

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                5 Stars

Written by Tom DeFalco

Art by Various Artists

Cover Art by Carlos Pagulayan; Jeffrey Huet; & Chris Sotomayor

SUMMARY:

Published by Marvel Comics in 2007, this 148-page DK Books-style digest by veteran Marvel editor-writer Tom DeFalco is a complete guidebook to comics’ First Family: the Fantastic Four.  DeFalco summarizes the team’s history and storylines during each decade; provides character bios of the team, supporting players, and recurring guest stars; offers a section re: its temporary members; and even counts down the Thing’s ‘Top Ten Best Stories.’  The books is heavily decorated with reprinted images from countless comic books and their covers.  The book concludes with a promo two-page interview with Stan Lee hyping his Last Fantastic Four Story one-shot project.

Note: This book focuses solely on the comic books, so the team’s animated and live-action exploits aren’t included.

REVIEW:

Despite the eye-squinting small font size, this kid-friendly book proves a Fantastic Four fan’s dream.  In terms of its present relevancy, DeFalco’s text impressively extends into the 2000’s by discussing Fantastic Four 2099, Ultimate Fantastic Four, and the team’s Marvel Knights 4 imprint.  Yet, this book’s best section may well be its remarkable solo tribute to Ben Grimm’s Thing, as DeFalco describes the character’s best-ever stories.  To the credit of DeFalco and the contributing artists, they have done a truly commendable job of consolidating forty-six years of information re: Marvel’s first super-team into a handy reference guide.  This paperback should be treated as a worthy standard for future projects like this one.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Stan Lee provides a foreword.  There’s also two sticker pages (with four stickers per page).

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                    9 Stars

Written by Kelly Sue DeConnick & Warren Ellis  

Art by David Lopez

SUMMARY:

This ultra-slim 96-page paperbck reprints Marvel Comics’ Captain Marvel # 12-15 from 2015.  Now firmly established as Captain Marvel, Carol Danvers’ year-long Avengers deep space patrol encounters a dire predicament, as she returns to her disabled starship.  Bloodthirsty pirates (known as the Haffensye) have forcibly abducted her sidekicks: alien friend Tic and Carol’s alien orange tabby, Chewie.  Simultaneously pursuing the thugs and trying to make necessary repairs, Carol’s starship must breach a cosmic phenomenon ominously known as the “Endless Envelope,” if she has any chance of intercepting them. 

Carol faces heated competition to retrieve a potentially evil cosmic mirror during the Black Vortex storyline.  Evidently, this mirror allows those who view it to merge with their vastly powerful cosmic counterparts.  The story’s conclusion specifies where this storyline continues on elsewhere.  Carol at last returns home with Chewie, only to discover that a beloved friend on Earth sadly died of cancer the week before.  Guest stars include fellow Avengers: best friend Jessica “Spider-Woman” Drew and Carol’s significant other, James “War Machine” Rhodes. 

REVIEW:

Though Marvel Comics inexplicably doesn’t translate its classy Latin title, it means “She Flies With Her Own Wings.”  It’s an apt description.  Well-anchored by Lopez’s likable artwork, writers Kelly Sue DeConnick & Warren Ellis take readers on an intergalactic hot pursuit that vividly blends Star Wars-style action and humor.  The writing duo also deserve kudos for the minimal techno-babble during Carol’s starship chase.  Carol and her onboard A.I. computer’s ongoing banter is entertaining and easy to follow.     

However, the same doesn’t apply to the baffling Black Vortex cross-over (which is actually the saga’s eleventh installment).  Despite some cool moments (i.e. the cover image), this story is hard to grasp.  A quick intro helps, as readers won’t be completely lost.  However, it’s still a major cheat that the storyline abruptly cuts off, as readers must then separately seek out Legendary Star-Lord # 11.  At a minimum, adding some before-and-after material re: Black Vortex would have been appreciated.  The one-shot wrap-up poignantly completes Carol’s journey home.  It’s really this book’s best asset. 

There’s no question that writers DeConnick & Ellis have smartly updated Carol Danvers.  She has wonderfully morphed from her reckless ex-alcoholic phase several years ago to a surprisingly relatable intergalactic crusader.  Her new association with the Guardians of the Galaxy’s goofy style of sci-fi humor makes perfect sense here, including some terrific Star Wars in-jokes.  Beyond naming her cat in honor of the galaxy’s most famous Wookie, there is Chewie’s amusing mistaken identity sub-plot involving moronic alien goons deeming him the “greatest weapon in the galaxy.” 

More so, Carol’s starship (courtesy of Stark Enterprises) has its own Knight Rider-like personality that she has dubbed as ‘Harrison,’ presumably in homage of Han Solo’s alter ego.  As one could expect, Carol’s wildly dangerous piloting is deliberately reminiscent of a brash Corellian smuggler from a galaxy far, far away.  

Finally, one must consider this book’s inexplicable skimpiness.  The lack of padding — any vintage bonus reprints from Carol’s early days (or maybe one of her pivotal Avengers appearances) — frankly undervalues her character.  The other detriment pertains to those not readily familiar with this series. Clearly, Alis Volat Propriis is meant for those who have at least perused the two prior volumes. 

Though Marvel offers some introductory material, not enough in-story references are made explaining who’s who and what’s what for those now just tuning in.  Still, this classy book contains some terrific material and is definitely worth at least one read.  Had there been more pages for the buck, Alis Volat Propiis would be a true keeper.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

In addition to the cover pages (among them is a stellar variant for issue # 14), there is a four-page, black & white showcase of David Lopez’s in-progress artwork for scenes from this book.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                        6 Stars