Category: Independent Publishers (Comic Books & Graphic Novels)

Written by Elizabeth Massie & Rafael Nieves

Art by Paul Daly; Stephen Downer; & Josh Aitken

Covers ‘A’ & ‘C’ by J. Anthony Kosar

Covers ‘B’ & D’ by Paul Daly & Jason Jensen

SUMMARY:

In 2010, independent publisher Moonstone Books (with authorization from King Features Syndicate, Inc. and/or Hearst Holdings, Inc.) presented this one-shot spin-off of the classic Phantom.  With her brother, Kit, injured in action, Julie Walker becomes the new Phantom … for now. 

Beginning in New York City of late 1889, it’s up to the two Walkers to protect their family friend, Nellie Bly, from assassination during her historic around-the-world journey.  Assuming the Phantom’s mask against Kit’s protests, married mother Julie sends word to her family waiting for her in New Mexico that she will be delayed on urgent business.  Discreetly catching up to Nellie’s ship, the new Phantom finds that their adversaries won’t give up easily.  Ultimately, a San Francisco showdown will determine Julie’s fate.   

REVIEW:

In the realm of historical fiction, this undemanding adventure has the benefit of classy artwork.  Yet, the plotting re: an international assassination plot is hardly original.  The forgettable villains are strictly stock theater consistent with the minimal depth the script actually offers.  On the plus side, though, co-writers Elizabeth Massie and Rafael Nieves’ straight-up script is an old-school adventure that dismisses the concept of a standard-issue damsel-in-distress.  In terms of that concept, this entertaining comic (per Julie’s point-of-view) accomplishes its mission well.

This swashbuckling tale cleverly parallels two advances in 19^th Century feminism.  While Nellie defies conventional wisdom to break a world’s record, Julie nobly takes up the challenge as a stand-in Phantom.  As she evidently has Kit’s same training, the co-writers don’t play up disadvantages re: a gutsy Julie’s inexperience, let alone her gender.  Other than Kit’s ineffective protest from his hospital bed, neither topic is broached.  It’s only referenced that Julie misses her husband and children while completing her mission.  Via the Phantom’s stealthy methods, Julie makes it look easy.  These male baddies aren’t fazed that a single woman is beating them up, not to mention anticipating their every devious move.  

Without over-sexualizing Julie’s Phantom, artist Paul Daly’s low-key artwork meets the story’s needs well.  Further, Cover A’s image is a terrific showcase for Julie Walker’s Phantom, as she is in gun-slinging action on railroad tracks.  Ultimately, this comic merits a chance for re-discovery, as its appeal extends to all ages.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Moonstone offers advertisements for its upcoming projects, such as:

• a two-issue Phantom–Captain Action team-up;
• Domino Lady returns in an ongoing noir series;
• Lady Action one-shot (as a spin-off of Captain Action);
• a Captain Action Special # 1;
• Phantom trade paperbacks;
• The “Moonstone Maximum” sketch card series;
• The Phantom Chronicles Vol. 2 anthology; and
• the six-issue Phantom Double-Shot: KGB Noir series.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                7 Stars

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Written by Alex Segura & Matthew Rosenberg

Art by Joe Eisma; Jack Morelli; & Matt Herms

Cover Art by Joe Eisma

SUMMARY:

Published by Archie Comics for November 2017, this kick-off issue reboots Archie’s garage rock band with Betty, Veronica, Jughead, and Reggie.  After a wildly fun opening gig, The Archies look to their leader for their next move.  Upgrading their faltering equipment is on the to-do list.  Despite all their brainstorming, Jughead drags Archie along to check out their competition for some much-needed inspiration.  When Archie brings the band together to discuss his game plan, could his friends have some surprises in store for him?          

Note: There are three alternate covers by Matthew Dow Smith, Sandy Jarrell & Kelly Fitzpatrick, and Thomas Pitilli.  

REVIEW:

Sporting ultra-glossy visuals from a reliable art squad, this low-key opener is an intriguing re-launch of The Archies.  Instead of comical hijinks, co-writers Alex Segura & Matthew Rosenberg seek a realistic yet still kid-friendly approach.  While Betty, Veronica, and Reggie have minimal screen time, Archie and Jughead’s scenes indicate the push to transform them into believable teens instead of perpetuating their cartoony personas for chuckles.  It’s hard to predict how entertaining this series might be, but The Archies # 1 hints that a worthwhile experiment is in progress.       

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The inside front cover provides a paragraph-long synopsis setting up this issue’s storyline.  One page depicts all four covers for The Archies #1.  The single-page “Riverdale Gazette” column includes this issue’s recommended playlist from the Segura/Rosenberg writing duo.  A trade paperback, “The Archies and Other Stories,” is advertised to include this series, along with Big Moose and Jughead: The Hunger.  The Archies # 2 also gets a full-page reveal.        

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:              7½ Stars

Written by (See Credits Below)

Art by (See Credits Below)

Cover Art by (Uncredited)

SUMMARY:

Published by Archie Comics for June 2011, this standard-length issue sports four glossy Archie misadventures.

• “A Lot of Brass” (7 pages).  Script by Craig Boldman, with art by Pat Kennedy; Al Milgrom; Jack Morelli; & Digikore Studios.  A fellow student musician asks Archie to help him recruit a cornet player for his jazz brass band. 

• “Elite Treat” (6 pages).  Script by Craig Boldman, with art by Tim Kennedy & Al Milgrom.  Archie & Jughead try conning Veronica’s chef re: a free batch of his tasty French chocolate pastries.

• “Yours, Mine, & Hours” (6 pages).  Script by Angelo Decesare, with art by Pat Kennedy & Al Milgrom.  A stressed-out Mr. Lodge’s new household time management system runs smoothly, at least until Archie tries helping him out. 

• “How Low Can You Go?” (6 pages).  Script by Craig Boldman, with art by Pat Kennedy & Al Milgrom.  Borrowing a pair of extra-baggy pants out of his dad’s closet, a dubiously ‘hip’ Archie goes girl-watching with Jughead. 

REVIEW:

It’s standard Archie hijinks. Sporting consistently good artwork, Archie # 620 serves up undemanding yet instantly forgettable kiddie humor.  Of them, “How Low Can You Go?” and “A Lot of Brass” are slightly above-average.  At most, Archie # 620 is a bargain bin pick-up.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

There’s a full-page cover preview of Archie # 621.      

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:              5 Stars

Written by Michael Uslan

Art by Stan Goldberg; Bob Smith; Jack Morelli; & Glenn Whitmore

Cover Art by Stan Goldberg & Bob Smith

SUMMARY:

Published by Archie Comics for December 2009, this 32-page issue entitled “It’s Twins” completes the three-part Archie Marries Veronica. 

Archie & Veronica Andrews announce to their families that they are expecting a baby.  Meeting with Veronica, Betty gladly accepts her role as godmother.  With the birth preparations under way, Archie & Veronica attend Lamaze classes until Jughead must fill in one night for the expectant mother.  Archie’s labor drills may put him in the hospital before Veronica even gives birth.  Emotionally supported by their loving parents, Archie & Veronica  settle in for young family bliss over the next few years.  Yet, could Memory Lane’s mystique beckon a restless Archie once more?   

REVIEW:

After Archie # 600-601, writer Michael Uslan and the art team complete their ‘what-if’ hat trick exploring Archie and Veronica’s young married life.  Tightly focusing on Archie, Veronica, and their aging parents (who are finally becoming acquainted), Archie # 602 is well-played in terms of poignancy and great bits of humor (i.e. Archie & Jughead bungling Lamaze).  This comic’s best element is an ambiguous segue into the next issue: is Archie truly content in his married life with Veronica?  More specifically, what really draws him back to the time-warping Memory Lane?  For long-time fans, it’s hardly a shocker as to what’s coming next, but the journey is well worth taking.        

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

There’s a full-page cover preview of Archie # 603.      

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:          8 Stars

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Written by Michael Uslan

Art by Stan Goldberg; Bob Smith; Jack Morelli; & Glenn Whitmore

Cover Art by Stan Goldberg & Bob Smith

SUMMARY:

Published by Archie Comics for November 2009, this 32-page issue is the second installment of a six-part future ‘what if’ for Archie and his closest friends.  It’s “The Wedding” mid-point of the three-part Archie Marries Veronica. 

Before the wedding, Archie and the guys face a tight situation at their tuxedo fittings.  At Veronica’s bachelorette party, Betty’s arrival says plenty.  Amidst the inevitable wedding jitters, Veronica becomes Mrs. Archie Andrews.  Flash forward a year, as Archie is pushing himself hard — perhaps too hard — to justify his father-in-law’s newfound faith in him.  Coming home, an exhausted Archie finds out that his bride has another big announcement.        

REVIEW:

In a direct continuation of Archie # 600, writer Michael Uslan and the art team make good on this ‘what if’ prospect of exploring Archie and Veronica’s fledging marriage.  Poignant touches of character development are spot-on, as this element extends wonderfully to Archie’s supporting cast.  Case in point: Archie’s brief scenes with a matured Reggie are a nice payoff.  Even better is a scene where Betty’s two best friends are casually acknowledged by her new boyfriend, as at least one name is a surprise.  Perhaps the most memorable sequence has Archie finally resolving loose ends with Betty.  Overall, Archie # 601 is a gem in the franchise’s history.    

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

There’s a full-page cover preview of Archie # 602.      

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                       8 Stars

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Written by Michael Uslan

Art by Stan Goldberg; Bob Smith; Jack Morelli; & Glenn Whitmore

Cover Art by Stan Goldberg & Bob Smith

SUMMARY:

Published by Archie Comics for October 2009, this 32-page issue kicks off a six-part future ‘what if’ for Archie and his closest friends.  It’s “The Proposal” opener of the three-part Archie Marries Veronica. 

With high school graduation finally in sight, Archie’s late evening walk takes him up the mythical Memory Lane where he finds himself graduating from State University.  With the exception of a lackadaisical Jughead, his circle of friends are pursuing separate ways into adulthood.  Faced with uncertain career prospects, Archie takes his generous graduation present to purchase a pricey engagement ring. As the gang reacts to the stunning matrimonial news, all ponder the emotional impact on a devastated Betty.  

REVIEW:

Not hampered by a slew of gratuitous extras, this landmark issue is an intriguing ‘what if’ look ahead at Archie Andrews and those around them, as he finally exits high school.  It’s refreshingly poignant to see a maturing (yet still self-centered) Archie, along with Betty, Veronica, Dilton, Jughead, and even Reggie find they’re not immune to the realities of adulthood.  Case in point: Jughead and Archie’s private post-proposal chat is perhaps one of their best moments in franchise history.  The scene of Veronica’s dad react to the prospect of Archie as his new son-in-law is also well-played.  The same applies to Betty’s reaction and a follow-up phone call from Veronica.  Supported by the art team’s reliably solid visuals, this issue proves a true winner for the Archie franchise.        

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

There’s a full-page cover preview of Archie # 601.      

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:            8½ Stars

Written by Dan Wickline; Joe Brusha; & Ralph Tedesco

Art by Gus Vasquez; Garry Henderson; Paolo Pantalena; Nei Raffino; & Alphabet Soup’s Jim Reddington

Cover Art “A” by Al Rio

SUMMARY:

Published by Zenescope Entertainment for April 2008, this eleven-page teaser is set during the Abbasid Dynasty, at a time when Baghdad is the world’s largest city.  At the port of Al Jahra, the legendary swashbuckler, Sinbad, meets the beautiful sorceress, Samelia, in a fateful encounter with the tyrannical Captain Orland.  The back-up feature is a four-page preview of the next issue: Sinbad and the Eyes of Fire, Part One.  Seeking the Sunfury Amulet on a volcanic island, Sinbad and his new shipmates are startled by a hostile welcoming party.         

Note: The interior front cover has a thumbnail reveal of the variant (Cover B) by artists Romano Molenaar and Nei Ruffino.

REVIEW:

Strangely, this comic presents a night-and-day difference re: continuity.  The less-than-promising teaser has decent dialogue (Sinbad is very much a macho blowhard), but the cheap artwork is too rudimentary.  Make no mistake: by swapping out art teams, the visuals for the Issue # 1 preview vastly surpass the teaser.  The stark improvement takes a few moments to distinguish the same characters (minus Sinbad) between Issue # 0 and the preview.  As for the preview’s writing, it, too, seems impressively upgraded.  Artist Al Rio’s “Cover A” also delivers a solid asset.  If anything, this issue is unique, as readers can see this series simultaneously at its potential best and evidently its worst.      

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

There’s a stellar two-page spread of the cover reveal for 1001 Arabian Nights: The Adventures of Sinbad # 1.  Among the ads, there are several full-page cover reveals, including a two-page spread for Grimm Fairy Tales Presents: Beyond Wonderland # 0.  

BRIAN’S 10-STAR RATING:                   4½ Stars

Written by (See Credits Below)

Art by (See Credits Below)

Cover Art by Pop Mihan (for Christian] & Dan Fraga, Lary Stucker, and ‘Tanya’ [for Black Seed]

SUMMARY:

Published by Rob Liefeld’s Maximum Press for July 1996, this flip-cover comic consists of four short stories/teasers.

• Rob Liefield’s Christian: Written by Robert Loren Fleming & Art by Pop Mhan & Kurt Hathaway.

In an eight-page black-and-white finale to her first story arc, Christian’s fate is literally up in the air.  She must dodge imminent death using some birthday balloons.

•  Larry Marder’s Beanworld: Writing & Art by Larry Marder, with Extreme Colors’ ‘Drew’.  

In a three-page color comic strip, Mr. Spook and Proffy examine some unusual substances that suspiciously resembles three worms and chunks of red and green jello. 

• Bionix: Written by Rob Liefeld & Robert Napton, with Art by Brian Denham, Norm Rapmund, and Kurt Hathaway.  

It’s a four-page black-and-white teaser for Bionix # 1 (which wasn’t released).  On the night before the Fourth of July, 1996, a retiring Oscar Goldman ponders the future of bionics without him.  It’s revealed that Steve Austin and Jaime Sommers vanished ten years before, which would ultimately doom OSI’s covert bionics project.

• Chuck Jones’ Risk: Written by Chuck Jones & Robert Napton, with Art by Chuck Jones; Emir Ribeiro; Dan Shadian; Extreme Colors; & Kurt Hathaway.  

In a nine-page color tale, the warrior known as Risk faces formidable opposition in the Hollywood sewer system.

Note: Despite its appearance as one of its two flip-covers, Black Seed isn’t featured in this comic.

REVIEW:

The unimpressive Beanworld tale makes no sense and, if there is an intended punchline, then it’s invisible.  The Risk chapter is competently produced (and still coherent enough) for anyone who hasn’t read the previous chapters.  Yet, there isn’t anything remotely original or appealing about Risk.  Sensing Rob Liefeld’s input, Risk’s characters are overdrawn with a propensity for overdosed-on-steroids physiques. 

Still, Christian overcomes its primitive visuals, as this diminutive heroine has a spunky adventure.  It’s the second-best element of Asylum # 6.  The tantalizing Bionix presents a fresh look for Oscar Goldman, as well as all-too-predictable Liefeld revamps of Steve Austin & Jaime Sommers.  This nicely-illustrated yet all-too-brief Bionix teaser is the easy winner of a mixed-bag Asylum # 6.   

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Asylum Editor Matt Hawkins offers an introduction on the inside Christian front cover.  In two black-and-white full-page sketch pin-ups, there is Avengelyne by artist Michael Chang and a Battlestar Galactica montage by artist Ching Lau. 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:             3 Stars