Category: Independent Publishers (Comic Books & Graphic Novels)

Written by John Ney Rieber

Art by Darryl Banks; Jason Millet; Andrew Peppy; Transparency Digital; & Dreamer Design

Cover Art by Joe Benitez; Joe Weems; & Jeremy Roberts

SUMMARY:

DDP (Devil’s Due Publishing) released this untitled issue for September 2004.  At Barking Sands Beach at Kauai, Hawaii, Duke shockingly orders Scarlett, Roadblock, and Stalker to take Snake-Eyes into custody, believing that he is a COBRA mole.  Ignoring the captive Baroness’ collaboration, Scarlett rebuffs Duke’s command.  In a beach shoot-out, Snake-Eyes proves his patriotism to the Joes.  Seizing control of a missile testing facility, COBRA Commander demands that the U.S. President acquiesce to COBRA’s demands — or they’ll launch a salvo of missiles with the ominous Omega Black bio-weapon as a warhead.  Snake-Eyes & Beach Head attempt a pivotal counter-strike.   

REVIEW:

The art team’s visuals aren’t the same caliber as the awesome cover image, but they are certainly sufficient.  Rather noticeably, writer John Ney Rieber reasserts the militaristic aspects of G.I. Joe, as there’s a stronger emphasis on realistic storytelling.  For the most part, Ney Rieber’s approach works.  Though G.I. Joe: Reloaded # 7 isn’t memorable, it’s still worthy of multiple reads.   

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The inside front cover headlines the G.I. Joe and COBRA cast members, as well as summarizes the ongoing storyline.  There’s a single-page Devil’s Due news column.  Several full-page cover reveals are included, such as G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero # 35 and G.I. Joe: Reloaded # 8 (on the back cover).  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                7 Stars

Written by Alex Ross; Jim Krueger; Joe Casey; & Phil Hester

Art by Alex Ross; Mike Lilly; Vinicius Andrade; Simon Bowland; Joe Casey; Edgar Salazar; Romulo Fajardo, Jr.; & Carlos Paul

Cover Art by (Uncredited – presumably Alex Ross)

SUMMARY:

Published by Dynamite Entertainment in 2008, this 32-page promo offers both black-and-white sketches and color sequences to hype the next installment of Project Superpowers.  The sketchbook segment has co-creators Alex Ross & Jim Krueger tease The Inheritors (the super-sidekicks); The Patriots; The Supremacy; Captain Future (utilizing Ross’ Shazam! re-design that DC Comics had rejected); Man-Cat; Burning Eagle; Black Owl; The Scarlet Sisters (including Masquerade); Silver Streak; the Ghost; The Big Shots; The Super Mystery-Men; and Truth & Dare. 

The next segment provides artistic scripting, first issue cover reveals, and imagery re: the openers for three mini-series/spin-offs: Black Terror (by Ross, Krueger, Lilly, Andrade, & Bowland); Death-Defying Devil (by Ross, Casey, Salazar, Fajardo, Jr.; & Bowland); and Masquerade (by Ross, Hester, & Paul).  The last page is a full-blown ad for Black Terror # 1.       

REVIEW:

For a glorified ad, this promo is well-played.  Alex Ross earns his repetitive mentions in the credits, as his visual work is phenomenal.  The minimal text, as displayed in the sketchbook, smartly hints at what is coming up for these various characters without revealing the pertinent why’s.  Without question, Ross & Krueger make the use of ultra-slick artwork over text an effective sales technique.  For both Project Superpowers fans and series newcomers alike, this issue is a real treat to peruse, particularly as it emphasizes the saga’s classy imagery.       

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The inside front cover specifies each segment’s creative team underneath a brief saga synopsis.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                8 Stars

Written by Alex Ross & Jim Krueger

Art by Alex Ross; Carlos Paul; Simon Bowland; & Debora Carita

Cover Art by Alex Ross

SUMMARY:

Released by Dynamite Entertainment in 2008, “Proof Through the Night” sees the invasion of Shangri-La.  The present-day onslaught reminds a defiant Fighting Yank of a fiery wartime battle vs. the Japanese on Kokura.  Among Fighting Yank’s allies that day was The Mighty Samson, who suffers permanent blindness from a massive mid-air bomb explosion.  In the present-day Middle East, Samson and the Scarab compare notes.  The mute Death-Defying Devil, in late night Paris, communicates with a law enforcement officer that he has helped quell a riot.

Hydro aids Flame quench a seaside amusement park’s raging fire.  The patriotic V-Man encounters a partially amnesiac Masquerade in the Far East.  She is evidently afflicted with a lethal airborne epidemic killing everyone in the immediate vicinity.  An unidentified city’s citizens are fleeing in mass panic from their monstrous worst fears.  At a nearby pub, Mr. Face admits to the bartender that his mask’s enhanced powers are out-of-control.  Bombarded by Dynamic Man’s overwhelming forces, Shangri-La is engulfed in a wintry storm.  A hero falls during the survivors’ desperate retreat.   

Note: The inside front cover has a thumbnail of the variant incentive cover, which is “negative art” of the same cover below.  

REVIEW:

Anchored by classy artwork, co-writers Alex Ross & Jim Krueger continue to re-energize obscure Golden Age characters (from the public domain) by putting fresh polish on them.  This series impressively continues as a complete entertainment package, as its intriguing storyline is matched by glossy, top-caliber visuals.  Perhaps this issue’s sole fault is rotating too many sub-plots (i.e. Death-Defying Devil’s scene is allotted a mere page; and Samson & Scarab get two pages), so some angles are gaining minimal traction.

Still, the gradual introductions of all these ‘long-lost’ heroes is ingeniously played.  With its growing cast, Project Superpowers delivers again on its enormous potential – cover reveals clue in readers who’s coming next, but not the where’s and, most significantly, the why’s in the unfolding plot.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

There’sa single-page “Dynamite Dispatches” news-and-notes column, which includes thumbnail cover images for Project Superpowers # 2 and # 4.  The back cover is a cover reveal for Project Superpowers # 4.  “Fighting Yank’s War Journal” assesses The Mighty Samson and Masquerade.  A two-page gallery spread of character sketches consists of: Lash Lightning & Lightning Girl; American Crusader; Mr. Raven; American Eagle; Unknown Soldier; Skyman; Mr. Face; The Sword; Marvelo; The Flag; Captain Courageous; Green Lama; and the Super-American.   

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                8½ Stars

Written by Alex Ross & Jim Krueger

Art by Alex Ross; Carlos Paul; Simon Bowland; & Debora Carita

Cover Art by Alex Ross

SUMMARY:

Released by Dynamite Entertainment in 2008, “… The Whites of Their Eyes” leads off with the Death-Defying Devil emerging from the Paris sewers to battle violent insurgents.  In New York, Black Terror fights back against Dynamic Man’s superior robotic forces until he is forced to retreat with his allies.  Above all, Black Terror wants to find his long-missing sidekick, Tim.  Fighting Yank blames his ghostly ancestor as much as himself for their dire predicament.  In the war-ravaged Middle East, the blind Samson emerges to aid the blue-armored Scarab.  A despondent Flame finds the famed Hollywood sign has erupted in a blaze.  Dynamic Man’s ruthlessness is further revealed.        

Note: On the inside front cover, there’s a thumbnail of the variant incentive cover, which is “negative art” of the same cover below.  

REVIEW:

Like the first issue, Project Superpowers # 2 demonstrates that Dynamite Entertainment can compete in the same league as Marvel, DC, and Image.  Not only are the glossy visuals high-caliber, but this Alex Ross-Jim Krueger storyline is imbued with unpredictability.  Who knows where the urn’s now-released and likely bewildered heroes will turn up in this world facing modern evil, let alone pursue personal vendettas against Fighting Yank?  In this instance, the first issue’s cliffhanger follows a logical twist, as Death-Defying Devil, Samson, the Flame, and the Scarab are phased into the mayhem.      

More so, Project Superpowers is something truly special beyond the star presence of Alex Ross and talented writer Jim Krueger.  It’s the Ross team’s ingenuity repackaging obscure Golden Age characters in the public domain that makes this issue seem like magic.  Case in point: the mysterious Death-Defying Devil was inspired by the Golden Age Daredevil.  It’s why Ross & Krueger’s instant universe comes with a fresh shine where seemingly anything may happen. 

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

There’s a single-page “Dynamite Dispatches” news-and-notes column, which includes thumbnail cover images for issues # 1 (Black Terror and Green Lama) and # 3 (Masquerade and Samson).  “Fighting Yank’s War Journal” assesses Death-Defying Devil.  A two-page spread of character sketches consists of: The Green Mask & sidekick Domino; Black Terror & sidekick Tim; U.S. Jones; Amazing Man (who resembles He-Man); Blue Bolt; the Arrow; Sub-Zero Man; Vulcan; Pyroman; Captain Battle (who resembles classic Nick Fury + Captain America + Buck Rogers) and sidekick Captain Battle Jr.; Death-Defying Devil; and the Liberator.  The back cover offers another reveal of the next issue.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                   10 Stars

Written by Jim Krueger & Alex Ross

Art by Carlos Paul; Simon Bowland; Debora Carita; & Alex Ross

Cover Art by Alex Ross

SUMMARY:

Entitled “The Rumors of My Demise …,” it was published by Dynamite Entertainment in 2008.  Accompanied by his Revolutionary War ancestor’s ghost and the enigmatic American Spirit, elderly Bruce Carter’s deep-freeze trek reaches Green Lama’s Shangri-La.  Reuniting with the Lama, Carter (aka the Fighting Yank) goes to New York City to release his old comrades trapped inside Pandora’s Box for decades.  Facing resistance from Dynamic Man, Carter and Lama realize the chilling agenda that their former ally has unleashed on Earth.  Vastly outnumbered, their sole hope may lie with the urn’s first known escapee: the vengeful Black Terror, who wants the Yank dead.    

Note: In addition to artist Michael Turner & Peter Steigerwald’s alternate Black Terror cover, there are rare ‘negative art’ variants also out there for both covers.

REVIEW:

Bolstered by a welcome sense of unpredictability, this first issue displays immense potential.  Without question, the caliber of its visuals is consistently top-tier.  By ingeniously repackaging obscure Golden Age characters from the public domain, co-writers Jim Krueger and Alex Ross set up an epic storyline thematically exploring a dying Carter’s quest for redemption.  Suffice to say, Project Superpowers # 1 is a startlingly good read, as Krueger & Ross reinvigorate some of the Golden Age’s long-lost legends.   

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The front inside cover reveals all four cover images (including the ‘negative art’ variants).  The back cover is a full-fledged promo for the next issue.  There’s a single-page “Dynamite Dispatches” news & notes column, which includes a briefing for Project Superpowers # 2.  A full-page reveals the behind-the-scenes creation of the climatic panel depicting the Black Terror’s return. 

The “Fighting Yank’s War Journal” offers his brief thoughts (and a glossy full-body image) on the Black Terror, as well as a two-page spread on the Yank’s opinion re: Dynamic Man’s Family.  A second two-page spread offers Alex Ross & InLight Studio’s ‘Golden Age Character Sketches’ of: Hydro; Cat & Kitten; Fighting Yank; Silver Streak; the Owl; Strongman; Captain Future; Major Victory; the Woman in Red; Dynamic Man & Dynamic Boy; and the Target & His Targeteers.  These extensive bonus features are a real treat.     

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                    10 Stars

Written by Jim Krueger & Alex Ross

Art by Doug Klauba; Stephen Sadowski; Alex Ross; Simon Bowland; & Captain Moreno

Cover Art (Right Side of Connecting Cover) by Alex Ross

SUMMARY:

Entitled “Last Gleaming,” this 40-page prologue was published by Dynamite Entertainment in 2008.  Elderly recluse Bruce Carter III is haunted by a wraith-like U.S. flag (known as The American Spirit), reminding him of his judgmental past decades before as the masked super-hero, Fighting Yank, during World War II. 

In flashback, as ordered by the U.S. Government, the Yank infiltrates German territory late in the war to steal a mythical urn known as ‘Pandora’s Box’ from the Nazis.  Carter concludes that the urn’s ancient evils can be recaptured, but the horrific price is forever condemning a pendulum of good within the urn.  The Yank’s skeptical fellow super-heroes aren’t persuaded to sacrifice themselves.  During an attempted U.S. atomic bombing of Japanese island, Kokura, the Yank’s treachery begins. 

With the world now jeopardized by the 21^st Century’s high-tech evils, could have Carter’s misguided obsession been manipulated by someone else’s ulterior agenda?  Even sensing his own imminent demise, the former Yank believes one old friend might still help him achieve redemption. 

Note: This issue has several alternate covers: one is the connecting left-side half of this Alex Ross cover.  The ‘negative art’ cover by Ross represents the left side half.  Artist Michael Turner created a separate cover, which also its own ‘negative art’ version.

REVIEW:

Dynamite Entertainment delivers exactly that in this inaugural issue.  Propelled by energetic unpredictability, co-writers Jim Krueger and Alex Ross have devised an ingenious premise repackaging obscure Golden Age characters from the public domain.  With Ross anchoring the glossy visuals with his high-powered paintings, Project Superpowers # 0 is a virtually flawless package.  Let’s just say that Marvel Comics and DC Comics’ creative standards are stale in comparison. 

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The front inside cover depicts images of the alternate covers (including the ‘negative art’ variants).  The back cover is a full-fledged promo for the next issue.  There’s a single-page “Dynamite Dispatches” news & notes column, which includes a briefing for Project Superpowers # 1.  A two-page spread reveals Ross & Sadowski’s behind-the-scenes creation of the two-page Battle of Kokura spread seen on pages 18-19 (or pages 22-23, counting ads). 

The three-page “Fighting Yank’s War Journal” offers his brief assessments (and glossy full-body images from Ross) of the Green Lama; the American Spirit; and the Yank himself.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                 10 Stars

Written by (See Credits Below)

Art by (See Credits Below)

Cover Art by Dan DeCarlo & ‘AMF’

SUMMARY:

Published by Archie Comics for July 1998, this 32-page comic depicts these four Veronica Lodge tales, plus a Sabrina the Teenage Witch appearance:

“Prom Qualm” (6 pages).  Script by George Gladir, with art by Jeff Shultz; Rich Koslowski; Bill Yoshida; & Barry Grossman.  Veronica ponders how might Archie humiliate her on Prom Night.  As she explains to her cousin, Wendy, the next day, did Archie live down to her fears?

“Park Lark” (1 page). Script by Bill Golliher, with art by Dan DeCarlo.  Sabrina the Teenage Witch finds out that Harvey has a picnic date in the park with her rival, Amy.    

“The Real McCoy” (6 pages).  Script & Pencils by Bob Bolling, with inks by Rich Koslowski.  Veronica quickly catches on that her father has sent a spy to shadow her glamorous solo vacation to Port of Palms.

“Royal Flush” (5 pages).  Script by Hal Smith, with art by Jeff Shultz & Rich Koslowski.  Expecting to ‘accidently’ meet Prince Rudolph at the airport, Veronica takes her prospective prince on a guided tour of Riverdale.   

“Pinch Hitter Sitter” (5 pages).  Script by Mike Pellowski, with art by Jeff Shultz & Rich Koslowski.  Substituting for Betty, Veronica babysits a rambunctious, sports-obsessed tween boy.  

REVIEW:

Sporting reliably good artwork (including an amusing cover image), these well-played Veronica tales should entertain her pre-teen fans. “Prom Qualm” carries a wistful charm while “The Real McCoy” explores Veronica’s rebellious counter-measures against her ultra-protective dad.  Effectively balancing Veronica’s spoiled brat persona is her mature, well-intentioned efforts to help out Betty in “Pinch Hitter Sitter.”  “Royal Flush” is a standard-issue Veronica sitcom, but the punchline is worth some chuckles, as is Sabrina’s comic strip.  Overall, Veronica # 77 isn’t necessarily a keeper, but its harmless hijinks make a fun single read.        

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

A two-page “Dear Veronica” spread has Veronica gently answering fan requests for friendship advice with some help from editor Sara Algase. 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:              6 Stars

Written by (See Credits Below)

Art by (See Credits Below)

Cover Art by Dan DeCarlo

SUMMARY:

Published by Archie Comics for July 1997, this 32-page comic depicts these four Veronica Lodge tales:

“Prom Problem” (6 pages).  Script by Barbara Slate, with art by Jeff Shultz; Ruby Lapick; Bill Yoshida; & Barry Grossman.  Scheming to boost her intellectual image and still win the ‘Prom Queen’ title, Veronica asks a startled Dilton to the upcoming prom.

“A Sweet Idea” (6 pages). Script by Frank Doyle, with art by Tim Kennedy & Rudy Lapick.  Relieving an exhausted Pop, Veronica & Archie ineptly cover a demanding shift at his diner.  

“Missed List” (5 pages).  Script by Hal Smith, with art by Dan DeCarlo.  It’s to Betty to console a sulking Veronica when she doesn’t make a ten best-dressed women’s list.

“Mr. & Ms.” (3 pages).  Script by Kathleen Webb, with art by Jeff Shultz & Rudy Lapick.  Veronica & Archie bicker over who is taking whose last name to use, if they ever get married.   

REVIEW:

Sporting fun artwork (including the cover image), these harmless stories are a faintly amusing look at the ultra-conceited Veronica.  Among them, “Prom Problem” offers originality, as to a possible Veronica & Dilton pairing (or maybe not).  However, “Mr. & Ms.” wins the prize for the issue’s best chuckles.  While adults can appreciate the subject matter of “Mr. & Ms.,” this issue’s mild kiddie humor should make an enjoyable read for Veronica’s pre-teen fans. 

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Full pages are separately devoted to fan artwork and the ‘Editor’s Notebook.’  Another full page has Veronica gently answering fan requests for advice with some help from editor Sara Algase.  Veronica’s full-page “Classick TeeVee” by artist Rex W. Lindsey parodies That Girl, the U.K.’s Avengers, The Bionic Woman, and The Addams Family.  The back inside cover is a word search puzzle, with a depiction of Veronica by artist ‘RGO.’  The uncredited back cover is Veronica’s tropical fashion montage titled “Veronica Dive In.”       

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:               6 Stars

Written by Arvid Nelson

Art by Edgar Salazar; Adriano Lucas; & Simon Bowland

Cover Art ‘A’ by Fabiano Neves

SUMMARY:

Published in 2011 by Dynamite Entertainment, this third ‘episode’ of the five-part Son of Set storyline is entitled “A Fistful of Rubble.”  Sonja wistfully dreams of Kain and a group of young boys racing into heavenly light.  She awakens to the harsh remnants left of her kingdom. Sorcerer Thulsa Doom recruits Ryakin’s Cimmerian mercenaries to finally destroy Sonja.  For a sacrificial ceremony, the city’s surviving captives have been ominously separated based upon gender.  Doom briefly argues with his three-headed serpent master, Set.  At their secluded encampment, Sonja, Survara, and Melea are ambushed – it may well be a showdown with Ryakin re: the fate of their defenseless surviving followers.

Note: Though the image isn’t available here, the Cover B artist is Carlos Rafael.

REVIEW:

In fairness, Dynamite Entertainment wisely deems this comic’s contents as a ‘Teen+.’  Two scenes alone: Sonja’s partial nudity waking up from her dream and a gory sequence of Thulsa’s zombies eating alive one of Ryakin’s thugs certainly merit Queen Sonja # 18 are for adults-only.  Still, writer Arvid Nelson’s intensely bleak, movie-like storyline boasts some impressive potential and is complemented by some top-caliber artwork.  For Sonja fans, this issue is worth reading.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The inside back cover shows portraits of both covers.  There’s also a single-page “Dynamite Dispatches” that includes letters, as well as quotes from Warehouse 13’s stars commenting on Dynamite’s comic book adaptation.    

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:            7 Stars