Month: October 2020

Categories
DVD Movies & Television (Videos)

ROBIN HOOD: PRINCE OF THIEVES (1991)

SUMMARY:                                        RUNNING TIME: 143 Min.

Directed by Kevin Reynolds, this 1991 Warner Bros. PG-13 widescreen release stars Kevin Costner (as Robin of Locksley); Morgan Freeman (as Azeem); Christian Slater (as Will Scarlett); Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio (as Marian); Geraldine McEwan (as the Sheriff’s ghoulish witch, Mortianna); Michael Wincott (as Sir Guy of Gisbourne); Nick Brimble (as Little John); Michael McShane (as Friar Tuck); and Alan Rickman (as the wicked Sheriff of Nottingham).    

In the late 12th Century (circa 1191), English noble Robin of Locksley returns home after fighting in the Crusades for several years.  Having escaped a brutal Turkish prison, he is stunned to find his estranged father has been vilely murdered and framed as a devil worshipper.  Further, the local Sheriff’s dark forces have unjustly confiscated Robin’s ancestral home, among other cruelties perpetrated upon Nottingham’s rural community.  Finding an ally in his radiant childhood friend, Marian, a fugitive Robin and his few allies must retreat into the supposedly haunted Sherwood Forest.  Meeting Little John and a ragtag band of scavengers, Robin and his loyal friend, Azeem, inspire a stealthy rebellion by looting wealthy travelers.  Only then can be much-needed food and supplies be re-distributed to the villagers.

As repeated failures to capture ‘Robin Hood’ egg him on, an incensed Sheriff resorts to desperate measures to ensure his pretense as an heir to the absent King Richard III.  It’s a fiery showdown, as the ‘Prince of Thieves’ and his friends make a last stand vs. the Sheriff’s treacherous bid for absolute power.      

REVIEW:

For all its wonderful assets, this film’s glaring weakness is Costner’s laziness, one: by failing to even muster a faint British accent, and two: that he hardly resembles an emaciated prisoner-of-war.  In other words, Costner plays himself as ‘Robin Hood,’  by compensating with athleticism and genuine charisma.  One could imagine Pierce Brosnan or Mel Gibson as better-suited for the role, but Costner’s chemistry with his co-stars surprisingly works.  More so, Freeman, Mastrantonio, Slater, and the film’s unquestioned MVP, Rickman, carry this movie whenever necessary.  Character actors McShane, Brimble, Wincott, and McEwan imbue the classy plot with some extra zest.  Beyond Rickman’s scene-stealing, few films can surpass Prince of Thieves’ lavish budget, in terms of its cinematography and lush English scenery. 

Outside of some anachronisms (i.e. Azeem’s hand-held telescope; the ornate costuming) and a few sluggish sequences, Prince of Thieves meets its aspirations as the 90’s answer to a swashbuckling adventure epic.  Bolstered by Bryan Adams’ timeless ballad, “Everything I Do (I Do It for You),” this rousing movie endures.  Even if one isn’t a Costner fan, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves is a satisfying escape back in time to Sherwood Forest.

BONUS FEATURES:

In addition to its theatrical trailers, there are basic production notes. Language options are for English or French, with available sub-titles in French, Spanish, and English. 

PACKAGING:

Decorated by some film stills, the bare-bones DVD case identifies its contents well … with one exception.  In a carry-over from early DVD’s, the disc must be flipped over to finish the movie.   As a heads-up, the disc must be flipped during Marian & Robin’s waterfalls sequence.

ROSCOE’S ODD MOON RATING:                          7½ Stars

Categories
Agatha Christie-Related DVD Movies & Television (Videos) Mystery & Suspense

AND THEN THERE WERE NONE (1945)

SUMMARY:             Running Time: 1 Hr., 37 Min.  (Black & White)

Produced and directed by René Clair, this film was produced/released by 20th Century Fox, but the movie has since lapsed into the public domain. Eight British strangers are piloted by a sandwich-munching boatman across rough coastal waters on a Friday afternoon to remote Indian Island, which is occupied by a sole manor home.  Awaiting them is a dim-witted servant couple: Thomas & Ethel Rogers, who aren’t thrilled managing a weekend house party. 

The guests consist of: curmudgeonly Judge Francis J. Quincannon; sleazy physician Dr. Edward Armstrong; bumbling private detective William H. Blore; suave explorer Phillip Lombard; willowy secretary Vera Claythorne; self-righteous spinster Ms. Emily Brent; elderly General Mandrake; and Prince Nikita Starlov, a boozy, freeloading Russian expatriate.  According to a letter sent to the butler, their unseen hosts, Mr. & Mrs. Owen, evidently won’t arrive until later that evening. 

After dinner, the houseguests are stunned when their mysterious host, U.N. Owen, accuses each of them of a ghastly crime through the use of a gramophone record.  Worse yet, they find themselves effectively marooned on Indian Island.  Three deaths in short order confirms that Owen intends to execute them all, one by one. 

Eerily, this scheme is an allegory of the manor’s “Ten Little Indians” nursery rhyme theme, as it ominously hints at the next victim’s method of death.  Secret alliances are made, but it remains to be seen if anyone will escape Indian Island alive.  

Notes: This film’s content reflects Dame Agatha Christie’s stage play, which she adapted from her own 1939 suspense novel.  Yet, this film changes the names of three characters.  Presumably, the names of the judge and “Anthony Marston” were swapped out for ones befitting the actors.  As for the movie’s “General Mandrake,” in all likelihood, no wanted to confuse the novel’s “General Macarthur” with the real U.S. General.   

REVIEW:

Despite its implausibly light-hearted final twist, And Then There Were None is vintage Hollywood entertainment!  Tinged with delightfully droll gags, it’s a low-key movie relic populated by top-notch character actors, including two Oscar winners and three nominees. 

Barry Fitzgerald headlines this likable cast as the curmudgeonly Judge Quincannon.  Demonstrating the most layers of characterization, Walter Huston is superb depicting his Dr. Armstrong’s descent from a seemingly dignified physician into sleazy self-preservation.  Among the cast’s youthful members, June Duprez’s gracious Vera and Louis Hayward’s dapper Lombard amiably display terrific on-screen chemistry. 

Well-played contributions come from Dame Judith Anderson’s snooty Emily Brent and Roland Young as a perpetually-befuddled Blore.  Most of the others (i.e. Mischa Auer’s oblivious Nikita Starlov; C. Aubrey Smith’s senile General Mandrake; and Richard Haydn’s cartoony Rogers) are caricatures, but their performances fit perfectly with the film’s endearing ambiance.

In a nod to good taste, blood and graphic violence are implied off-screen.  Even some of the novel’s appalling unseen crimes (i.e. Vera Claythorne’s) were clearly altered to appease the era’s film censors.  More so, the guests’ past sins are mostly glossed over, presumably to not hamper the audience’s entertainment.  Even if one takes issue with such a cavalier attitude, this adaptation’s inspired dark comedy wouldn’t be nearly as effective, if they had exactly duplicated the novel’s unlikable characters.  Hence, Christie’s intriguing psychology re: the captives’ deliberate order of execution is ignored. 

If you can accept this black comedy more as a semi-spoof (i.e. occasionally hammy acting; sprinkles of morbid humor; campy suspense music; and even the clichéd eye-darting gag amongst suspects on a dark, stormy night), then you won’t likely be disappointed.  Unlike its mediocre remakes, the breezy And Then There Were None is a cinematic gem worth re-discovery. 

For an ideal double-feature, one might pair it with similarly tongue-in-cheek whodunnits like: Murder By Death; Arsenic & Old Lace; Clue; 1927’s silent The Cat and the Canary; Dark and Stormy Night; and Knives Out.   

BONUS FEATURES:

Some manufacturers offer a bonus black-and-white comedy short or a black-and-white TV episode … or some trivia notes … or cast biographies.  This 2006 VCI Entertainment release adds an obscure Leon Errol black-and-white comedy short entitled “Twin Husbands.”  The VCI version also includes a ‘Narrative for the Blind.’   

QUALITY CONTROL:

Finding a re-mastered version is unlikely (perhaps its Blu-ray release is), so the visual quality varies upon the manufacturer.  Having purchased a shoddy copy elsewhere once before, this reviewer opted replacing it with VCI Entertainment’s DVD release.  VCI’s upgrades meets all reasonable expectations re: visual and sound qualities.  VCI also offers basic control access, making it easy to navigate viewing options (including scene chapters).  If pristine picture and sound quality is a priority, another option is purchasing And Then There Were None in a digital format. 

PACKAGING:

VCI Entertainment solidly protects this DVD with a firm casing.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                           9 Stars

MISCELLANEOUS CAST TRIVIA:

  • Mischa Auer was Oscar-nominated for Best Supporting Actor re: 1936’s “My Man Godfrey,” starring William Powell.
  • Dame Judith Anderson received her Oscar nod as Best Supporting Actress for 1940’s “Rebecca,” directed by Alfred Hitchcock.
  • Barry Fitzgerald is the Oscars’ only acting dual-nominee.  For 1944’s “Going My Way,” he was nominated as both Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor.  Fitzgerald won the latter.  Thereafter, the Academy Awards changed its rules – such double-nominations are now impermissible.   
  • Roland Young earned his Oscar nod for Best Supporting Actor for 1937’s “Topper,” starring Cary Grant.
  • Working with Humphrey Bogart, Walter Huston’s Best Supporting Actor Oscar came for 1948’s “Treasure of the Sierra Madre,” directed by his son, John Huston.
  • The captives consists of nine Britons and one Russian.  Yet, the movie’s sole distinguishable accent is Fitzgerald’s Irish brogue.
  • This international cast features one Canadian (Huston); one South African (Hayward); one Irishman (Fitzgerald); one Russian (Auer); an Australian (Anderson); and five Britons (Duprez; Haydn; Leonard; Young; and Thurston).
Categories
DC-Related DVD Movies & Television (Videos)

4 FILM FAVORITES (SUPERMAN I-IV)

SUMMARY:                 RUNNING TIME: 485 Min. +

Disc 1 features Superman: The Movie on Side A and Superman II on Side B.  Disc 2 has Superman III on Side A, with Superman IV: The Quest for Peace on Side B.  All four films are presented in their theatrical versions.

REVIEW:

Experiencing Christopher Reeve’s run as Superman in one affordable DVD set makes ideal sense. Yet, watching these Super-movies epitomizes how a comic book franchise descends Hollywood’s slippery slope.  Foreshadowing the same fate as the first four Batman films, the real arch-enemy of these DC Comics icons were increasingly moronic sequels meant as instant cash cows and/or glorified toy commercials.

Setting its dated costuming aside, 1978’s Superman: The Movie remains spectacular — director Richard Donner justifies its grandiose hype of making viewers believe a man can fly.  1981’s Superman II, despite its complicated history, mostly delivers the goods as well.  Its most glaring detriments are inexplicable continuity gaffes/omissions (i.e. must viewers infer that Lois & a powerless Clark simply walk out of the Fortress of Solitude to the North Pole’s nearest rent-a-car outlet?), and far too little of the first film’s classy humor.

Despite budget-skimping in various departments (i.e. the Grand Canyon finale’s cheesy special effects), 1983’s hapless Superman III still had some potential.  For instance, there’s the Clark Kent vs. a corrupted Superman showdown (though it makes too little sense); Annette O’Toole’s charm as a grown-up Lana Lang; and, of course, Christopher Reeve’s appeal as the Man of Steel.  In one of his best franchise moments, Reeve is seen in III timelessly soaring above the Atlantic Ocean to rescue a crippled oil tanker; this brief scene is as close as to a real movie Superman as there can be.  However, a stupidly crass storyline squanders Reeve’s unmatched big-screen presence for no good reason.      

Among the detriments are Richard Pryor & Robert Vaughn’s paycheck-only efforts, which are far too ordinary for any Superman movie, especially considering their sizable screen time.  The reverse applies to a neglected Margot Kidder being reduced to a cameo, as her Lois Lane is inexplicably M.I.A. when the evil Superman is flying amok. The lazy exclusion of a DC Comics threat (i.e. Brainiac, Parasite, or even Bizarro) is another major cheat, as far as succeeding Terence Stamp’s General Zod & Gene Hackman’s Lex Luthor.  A giant Atari-like system dubbed ‘The Ultimate Computer’ instead proves a horrible choice as Superman’s latest challenger.  Lastly, a tone-deaf approach to campy humor seals III as an unforced error in judgment.  

Among so many flaws, 1987’s cheapo Superman IV repeats one of III’s worst self-inflicted gaffes: far too much reliance on the screenwriters’ bland new characters (i.e. Nuclear Man, the Warfields, & Lenny Luthor).  While III wastes its sufficient budget on an awful script, IV at least aspires for a better story (including Gene Hackman’s return).  Sadly, the fourth film’s kryptonite extends far beyond grossly insufficient resources for special effects.  It’s telling that franchise regulars Margot Kidder/Lois Lane and Marc McClure/Jimmy Olsen now appear far too old for their roles — a mere ten years after the original film.  This factor contributes to why IV’s good intentions at rekindling Lois & Clark’s romance and depicting a Daily Planet sub-plot fall far short.  Evidently sensing all the ingredients for a disaster, Reeve’s fading enthusiasm in IV is unmistakable.  It’s really a lamentable finish to his decade-long run as the big-screen Man of Steel. 

Ultimately, this double-disc DVD’s appeal is a timeless opportunity to witness Reeve suit up as Hollywood’s best Superman — no matter how putrid the second and third sequels really are.

BONUS FEATURES:

4 Film Favorites merely copies over goodies from previous Superman DVD’s.  Like the films, these contents mirror the franchise’s steep decline.

  • Superman: The Movie’s 143-minute version offers an optional commentary by producer Pierre Spengler & executive producer Ilya Salkind; theatrical trailers; and a TV commercial.
  • Superman II’s 127-minute version has Spengler & Salkind’s optional commentary; a rare deleted scene entitled Superman’s Soufflé, as Lois & Superman cook dinner at the Fortress of Solitude; and the theatrical trailer.
  • Superman III’s 125-minute version has Spengler & Salkind’s optional commentary; the complete Making of Superman III TV special (narrated by actor Al Matthews); some deleted scenes; and the theatrical trailer.
  • Superman IV: The Quest for Peace’s 90-minute version has co-screenwriter Mark Rosenthal’s optional commentary; several deleted & unfinished scenes; and the theatrical trailer.

  To summarize what one really gets:  

  1. The first film’s trailers and TV commercial offer some fun nostalgia.
  • The lost Superman II cooking scene (with Reeve & Kidder) is an obscure treat.  It’s a fun reminder of the innocent charm this franchise once had.    
  • Al Matthews (who also plays III’s beleaguered fire chief) convincingly narrates III’s making-of TV special to help hide how awful the film is.  The deleted scenes are okay viewing, though none would have helped the film.  The trailer, ironically, is a public service announcement — it forecasts the entire plot.  Watching this amateurish (and far too long) trailer leaves zero doubt that III is in deep, deep trouble.
  • Deleted/unfinished scenes for IV (especially a stunningly pathetic Bizarro-like fight sequence) confirm Superman has hit rock bottom.  Only an extended/unfinished Superman & Lois cross-country flight sequence hints at the 1978 film’s magic.  Though it doesn’t divulge too much of the plot, IV’s trailer openly concedes its inferior special effects. Rosenthal’s insightful yet somewhat self-serving commentary blames Cannon Films’ slipshod approach for ruining the movie (and betraying Reeve’s ambitions). 

QUALITY CONTROL:

The films are presented in widescreen (16×9, 2.4:1) format, with Dolby Surround Sound 5.1 for the first two films and Dolby Surround Stereo for the third and fourth films.  At least, that is what the packaging claims.  The remote control access is easy to navigate, as are the scene selections and special features for each film. 

PACKAGING:

Warner Bros. crams the standard title credits and all the technical information in barely-legible small print on the back cover.  The dual discs have a white ring on Side A, only identifying in microscopic print which film is on which side.  The discs are well-protected on separate holders rather than being stacked together. 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                        8 Stars

Notes: A recommended option is finding 2006’s Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut.  Its storytelling is imperfect, but Donner’s intended vision finally linking I and II as a two-part epic is worth exploring.

Categories
Books & Novels Children's Books DC-Related LEGO Toys & Games

LEGO DC SUPER-HEROES HANDBOOK

Written by Scholastic, Inc.

SUMMARY:

Published in 2013, at 109 pages, after a single-page introduction, this paperback has the following sections (each with a Lego character and/or props).

CHAPTER 1: HEROES

Superman (pages 10-13)

Batman (pages 14-17, featuring 4 different Lego Batman figures)

Robin (pages 18-19)

Wonder Woman (pages 20-21)

Aquaman (pages 22-23)

The Flash (pages 24-25)

Green Lantern (pages 26-27)

Commissioner Gordon (with a likeness to actor Gary Oldman) (pages 28-29)

Lois Lane (with a likeness to actress Amy Adams) (pages 30-31)

Colonel Hardy (pages 32-33)

Guards (pages 34-35)

CHAPTER 2: VILLAINS

Lex Luthor (pages 38-39)

General Zod (pages 40-41)

Faora & Tor-An (pages 42-43)

Joker (pages 44-45)

Harley Quinn (pages 46-47)

Bane (pages 48-49)

Catwoman (pages 50-51)

Two-Face (pages 52-53)

Poison Ivy (pages 54-55)

Riddler (pages 56-57)

Scarecrow (pages 58-59)

Mr. Freeze (pages 60-61)

Penguin (pages 62-63)

Henchmen (pages 64-65)

CHAPTER 3: VEHICLES

Batmobile (pages 68-69)

Batwing (pages 70-71)

Batboat (pages 72-73)

Batcycle (pages 74-75)

Bat jump jet (pages 76-77)

Joker’s helicopter (pages 78-79)

Bane’s drill tank (pages 80-81)

Batman’s tumbler (pages 82-83)

Catwoman’s Cat-cycle (pages 84-85)

Two Face’s Tow truck (pages 86-87)

Arkham Asylum Security Van (pages 88-89)

Lex Luthor’s Power Armor (pages 90-91)

Lex Luthor’s Off-Roader (pages 92-93)

Zod’s Black Zero Drop Ship (pages 94-95)

Zod’s Black Zero Escape Pod (with Lois Lane) (pages 96-97)

CHAPTER 4: LOCATIONS

Gotham City (pages 100-101 – shows Batman, the Batwing, Joker, & the Joker’s Helicopter only.

Metropolis (pages 102-103) – shows Superman & Wonder Woman vs. Lex Luthor in his Power Armor only.

Batcave (pages 104-105) – includes Batman & Robin, with a jailed Poison Ivy.

Funhouse (pages 106-107) – includes Joker, Harley Quinn, & Riddler vs. Batman & Robin.

Arkham Asylum (pages 108-109) includes Batman & Robin, Scarecrow, Harley Quin, Penguin, Joker, Guard, and the Arkham Asylum Security Van.

REVIEW:

Simplistically written for its intended audience, a paragraph-long synopsis per character along with a few quick facts are blasted out in “Biff-Pow-Zap,” star-spangled comic book style.  These ‘facts’ summarize a character’s super-powers, equipment, secret identity, etc.  Some characters, such as the Flash, are even displayed with some added visual effects (i.e. the Flash’s velocity running at super-speed; the Batboat’s fiery jet engines accelerating).  Though it’s impressively designed, this handbook is a glorified toy catalog (minus listing retail prices).  Still, LEGO collectors may find it a nice reference guide.    

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 5 Stars

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Categories
Books & Novels DC-Related Movies & Television (Books)

SUPERMAN III (1983 Movie Novelization)

Written by William Kotzwinkle (adapting the 1983 film script)

SUMMARY:

Adapting the 1983 Christopher Reeve film, this official 221-page Warner Books novelization features Clark Kent/Superman on a much-needed break from his hectic Metropolis life.  Returning home to Smallville for his fifteen-year high school reunion, Clark reconnects with Lana Lang, as well as meeting her young son, Ricky. Elsewhere, opportunistic tech-geek Gus Gorman is recruited by greedy corporate tycoons, Ross and Vera Webster, to design an ‘Ultimate Computer’ to manipulate the Earth’s weather for illicit purposes.  Utilizing this computer’s awesome capabilities, the Webster siblings and Gus infect Superman with artificial kryptonite.  With a corrupted Man of Steel and a super-computer both wreaking worldwide havoc, it’s time for at least one unlikely hero.       

REVIEW:

The good news is that it’s a faithful adaptation.  Of course, there also lies the bad news, too, as there’s more superficiality at stake than actual Superman.  Most telling, Kotzwinkle’s pessimism upstages the script’s ineptitude at devising campy humor.  By overplaying the cynicism angle, he doesn’t mitigate Superman III’s creative laziness by much.  Also, be advised that scattered profanities are included, so don’t mistake Kotzwinkle’s take on Superman III as a kid-friendly junior novelization.    

With occasional gusto, scenes are duly expanded, and a few superfluous ones (i.e. Lois Lane’s tropical vacation) are briefly mentioned.  Of significance, Kotzwinkle spells out cynical insights that the characters only vaguely convey in the movie.  Depicting a burnt-out Clark’s weariness re: faking constant humility, one gains a relatable sense of the daily toll his super-responsibilities have inflicted.  Bumbling career loser Gus Gorman’s thoughts can be amusing (i.e. his dreaded memories of prison life), but Kotzwinkle’s Gus is a 1970’s sitcom caricature vs. an actual character.  The novel’s credibility further erodes by not explaining how Gus even gained the scientific expertise to design this supposed ‘Ultimate Computer.’  For that matter, Kotzwinkle doesn’t bother disguising that the Websters and blond eye candy Lorelai Ambrosia are mere knock-offs of Lex Luthor’s entourage from the previous Superman films. 

It comes down to whether or not readers will appreciate the author’s acerbic humor. From the Man of Steel’s ungrateful customers to Vera Webster’s toxic breath, Kotzwinkle puts acidic zip into his putdowns of everyday life.  His witty jibes are often spot-on, but it’s still a depressing vibe for any Superman adventure. Suffice to say, Kotzwinkle’s visit to Metropolis is a far cry from the magic of Superman: The Movie. 

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

There are eight double-sided pages of black-and-white film stills.   

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                               5½ Stars

Categories
Comic Books & Graphic Novels Independent Hardcovers & Trade Paperbacks Independent Publishers (Comic Books & Graphic Novels)

PROJECT SUPERPOWERS, CHAPTER 1 (DYNAMITE Entertainment)

Written by Alex Ross & Jim Krueger 

Art by Stephen Sadowski; Douglas Klauba; Carlos Paul; Inlight Studio; Debora Carita; & Simon Bowland

Original Cover Art & Collected Edition Cover Art by Alex Ross

SUMMARY:

Released in May 2009 by Dynamite Entertainment, this 264-page paperback compiles the inaugural # 0 and the first seven issues of Project Superpowers.  Elderly recluse (and ex-World War II super-hero) Bruce “Fighting Yank” Carter III is prodded into action by an ethereal American flag.  It’s up to Carter to undo a grave sin he committed sixty years before by stalking and imprisoning virtually all of his fellow super-heroes inside Pandora’s Box.  Compelled by his own ghostly ancestor, Carter had rationalized his friends’ eternal captivity would neutralize the world’s permeating evils.      

With help from the Green Lama, Carter finds that now destroying Pandora’s Box (it resembles an urn) has unleashed a new chaotic age on Earth.  Suffering varying degrees of bewilderment, mutated heroes resurface scattered across the globe.  By freeing his old friends, Carter senses they represent the world’s last hope against technological tyranny that has wreaked havoc for decades without opposition.  Deploying some of Carter’s treacherous ex-allies, the ominous council known as The Supremacy has its own shadowy agenda re: Earth’s future that necessitates these Golden Age heroes be destroyed once and for all.   

Notes: This title was first printed as a hardcover in December 2008.  Entitled “Chapter Two,” the thirteen-issue sequel was divided and released as two separate volumes between 2009 and 2010.  Further, there have been multiple mini-series/spin-offs and sequels. 

REVIEW:

Masterfully repackaging Golden Age characters in the public domain, co-writers Alex Ross & Jim Krueger conjure up a super-hero opus worthy of DC, Marvel, and Image Comics.  With the urn’s prisoners mutated by their half-century ordeal, characters, such as Death-Defying Devil, Mr. Face, Masquerade, Samson, and The Black Terror, convey intriguing counterparts to Marvel’s Invaders and DC’s Justice Society/All-Star Squadron.  Further, the central sub-lot re: the Yank’s  redemption is well-played in terms of propelling this epic’s narrative.

As new characters are unleashed each issue, Ross & Krueger enjoy a welcome sense of unpredictability in playing out their plot twists.  In that sense, one might think that Project Superpowers reiterates themes seen in Alan Moore’s Watchmen, Marvel’s mid-80’s Squadron Supreme, and James Robinson’s DC Elseworlds: The Golden Age.  In a brilliant stroke of realism, having both sides of the global conflict resort to the self-appointed savior card by appealing to the world’s masses through television speaks to the fickleness of public perception.  

The downside is that their scripting weakens late in the game and/or becomes unnecessarily repetitive – i.e. how could an elderly and badly wounded Yank single-handedly rout a horde of atomically-powered henchmen?  Afterwards, how many confrontations do readers really need between Yank, the American Spirit, and his cursed ancestor?  In the worst instance, the climactic battle loses credibility – logically, there should be casualties on both sides in a dramatic last stand – without them, the storytelling fails readers.  Ross & Krueger, despite all their great ideas, should have tightened their script’s bolts at this juncture more effectively, so the finish line packs more of a wallop. Hence, some poignancy would have been appreciated at this stage of the Ross-Krueger epic.    

While Ross focuses on strong co-writing and top-caliber cover visuals, the project’s interior art team should be commended for consistently strong imagery.  Exemplifying classiness, the use of gore (as in the F-Troop sequences) isn’t sensationalized in a shallow ‘ain’t it cool?’ manner – it’s handled surprisingly better than the industry norm.  Delivering a first-class epic read, Project Superpowers, Chapter 1 gradually becomes addictive in the best possible way.      

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Dynamite Entertainment President Nick Barrucci offers a brief foreword.  Ross acknowledges a personal friend, Don Strueber, as the likeness for the elderly Yank.  A table of contents lists the smorgasbord of bonus features:

  • Two full-page alternate covers by artists Michael Turner & Peter Steigerwaldt;
  • The Fighting Yank’s full-page War Journal entries by Alex Ross & Inlight Studio, separately consisting of:
  • Fighting Yank; The Green Lama; The American Spirit (note: look for Captain America’s silhouette cameo);  Black Terror; and The Death-Defying Devil; 
  • Dynamic Man & The Dynamic Family; The Mighty Samson; Masquerade; Pyroman; & The Flame; 
  • Police Corp; The Arrow; The Crusaders; The Scarab; The Owl; Mr. Face; Hydro; The Target; & F-Troop.
  • Golden Age characters reference guide by Ross & Inlight Studio (note: many characters wait  until Chapter 2);
  • Character sketches, designs, & concept art by Ross, Stephen Sadowski, & Dou Klauba; 
  • Brief teasers for spin-offs starring Black Terror, Death-Defying Devil, & Masquerade.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 9 Stars

Categories
Comic Books & Graphic Novels History & Biographies (Books) Independent Hardcovers & Trade Paperbacks Independent Publishers (Comic Books & Graphic Novels)

GRAPHIC NOVELS OF WORLD WAR II: THE BATTLE OF MIDAY – THE DESTRUCTION OF THE JAPANESE FLEET (2007 ROSEN Publishing Group, Inc.)

Written by Steve White & Illustrated by Richard Elson

SUMMARY:

Published by the Rosen Publishing Group, Inc. in 2007, this 48-page paperback depicts a visual summary of June 1942’s Battle of Midway.  

Note: The back cover infers that this book is included in a six-pack.  If so, another of its pack’s volumes is The Battle of Iwo Jima: Guerilla Warfare in the Pacific. 

REVIEW:

Primarily geared towards middle schoolers (since there is a glossary included), it’s an impressive visual aid that doesn’t glorify Midway’s historical significance in a superficial Hollywood-style manner.  Not only is writer Steve White’s relatively simplistic text spot-on, illustrator Richard Elson does high-caliber work recreating the various aircrafts and vessels involved.  In fair warning, White and Elson describe scenes of carnage without being too explicit.  The only point of confusion for readers may be tracking the military lingo, i.e. code-names for types of planes.  Supplementing this excellent history lesson is the text explaining the lead-up and after-effects on both sides.  Overall, this book would likely be a helpful tool for a student’s world history project or book report.    

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Its single-page Table of Contents also includes a short summary of the U.S. vs. Japanese wartime activities leading up to the Battle of Midway.  Four of its pivotal commanders: Japan’s Admiral Yamamoto and Vice Admiral Nagumo, U.S. Navy Admiral Nimitz, and U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Fletcher are also quickly profiled.  As preludes, a pair of two-page chapters, “The Feared U.S. Carriers” and “The Japanese Plan of Attack” set up the book’s visual narrative re: opposing strategies.  An additional two-page chapter, “The Road to Ruin,” describes the post-battle consequences for Japan.  A glossary, index, and a page re: further reader recommendations are also included.        

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 9 Stars

Categories
Comic Books & Graphic Novels History & Biographies (Books) Independent Hardcovers & Trade Paperbacks Independent Publishers (Comic Books & Graphic Novels)

GRAPHIC NOVELS OF WORLD WAR II: THE BATTLE OF IWO JIMA – GUERRILLA WARFARE IN THE PACIFIC (ROSEN Publishing Group, Inc.)

Written by Larry Hama & Illustrated by Anthony Williams

SUMMARY:

Published by the Rosen Publishing Group, Inc. in 2007, this 48-page paperback is a visual summary of February-March 1945’s Battle of Iwo Jima.  Included in the narrative are brief descriptions of a few of the battle’s soldiers, including some of its survivors.  The book further explains the iconic photo that its cover was inspired from.  

Note: The back cover infers that this book is included in a six-pack.  If so, another of its pack’s volumes is The Battle of Midway: The Destruction of the Japanese Fleet. 

REVIEW:

Primarily geared towards middle schoolers (since there is a glossary included), it’s a gritty visual aid that doesn’t glorify Iwo Jima’s historical significance as propaganda.  Well known for his G.I. Joe work, writer Larry Hama doesn’t flinch describing the thirty-six-day battle.  Though there is some implied gore, illustrator Anthony Williams doesn’t depict blood.  Frankly, his visuals echoing Hama’s text is near-haunting.  Case in point: a little-known battle facet re: a trio of young Japanese botany students trapped on the island is indicative of Iwo Jima’s chilling post-battle mysteries.  For that matter, the post-war fate of U.S. Marine Ira Hayes is another tragedy in itself re: the effects of “survivor guilt.”  Supplementing this history lesson is the text explaining the lead-up and after-effects on both sides.  Overall, this book should make a helpful tool for a student’s world history project or book report.    

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Its single-page table of contents also includes a short summary of the U.S. vs. Japanese wartime activities leading up to the Battle of Midway.  Four of its pivotal commanders: U.S. Navy Admiral Spruance, U.S. Marine General Smith, and Japan’s Lt. General Kuribayashi and Lt. Colonel Nishi are quickly profiled.  As preludes, a pair of two-page chapters, “Stopping the Japanese War Machine” and “Tiny Island of Death” set up the book’s visual narrative re: opposing strategies.  An additional two-page chapter, “Countdown to Total Victory,” describes the Japan’s wartime surrender in July 1945.  A glossary, index, and a page re: further reader recommendations are also included.        

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 9 Stars

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Comic Books & Graphic Novels Independent Hardcovers & Trade Paperbacks Independent Publishers (Comic Books & Graphic Novels)

ARCHIE’S BIG BOOK: MAGIC, MUSIC & MISCHIEF (ARCHIE Comics)

Written by George Gladir; Frank Doyle; & Bob Bolling  

Art by Dan DeCarlo; Bob Bolling; Stan Goldberg; Rudy Lapick; Vince DeCarlo; Bill Yoshida; Marty Epp; Barry Grossman; Dexter Taylor; Bob Smith; Jack Morelli; & Digikore Studios

Cover Art by Dan DeCarlo & Dexter Taylor

SUMMARY:

Released by Archie Comics in 2017, this 304-page archival paperback showcases Sabrina the Teenage Witch; Josie & The Pussycats; & Little Archies.  Though specific publication dates aren’t provided, all these stories clearly go back decades.  Notably, there is a brief disclaimer re: how some of the outdated story material could be construed as socially insensitive.

The fourteen Sabrina’s are: “Presenting Sabrina the Teenage Witch;” “Witch Pitch;” “Sister Sorceress;” “Tennis Menace;” “Double Trouble;” “Strange Love (guest-starring Veronica & Archie);” “An Uncle’s Monkey;” “Witch Fulfillment;” “A Brew Stew;” “Carnival Capers;” “True to Type;” “Plant Life;” “Witchkit Warning;” and “The Nose Knows.”  

The eighteen Josie’s (from her pre-Pussycats solo title) and Josie & The Pussycats stories are: “A Gym Dandy;” “Neat Workers;” “Muscle Hustle;” “Track Down;” “Footlight Follies;” “The Bright Side;” “Show Biz Blues;” “It’s Curtain Time;” “Sweater Girls;” “A Bad Sport;” “Native Nuisance;” “Force Feed;” “Off to a Good Start;” “Take Me to Your Leader;” “Please Take Note;” “Sing a Song of Sixpence” (guest-starring Veronica); “Club Crisis;” and “The Image.”  Note: Of them, only the last tale credits the retitled series officially as Josie & The Pussycats.  

The nine Little Archie’s are: “Little Archie;” “The Flash;” “The Big Loser;” “On Mars;” “Lawbreaker;” “The Strange Case of Mystery Map;” Little Archie’s “Joke Page;” “The Super Sleuth;” and “The New Kid.” 

REVIEW:

Chalk it up to quantity over quality, as, unsurprisingly, lightweight nostalgia goes only so far.  Out of forty stories and a so-called ‘joke page,’ only Veronica Lodge’s amusing guest spot in a Josie & The Pussycats tale bears a second look.  The bland Sabrina and Josie & The Pussycats collections offer at best some innocent reading.  Their appeal, however, is geared strictly towards undemanding fans. 

Little Archie ages the worst – despite good intentions, these painfully unfunny tales struggle to be readable.  The first sample – Little Archie plays ‘married’ with Veronica & interloper Betty – spells out clichéd elementary school kids, but its sexist spoofing is hardly endearing.  The same applies to Little Archie’s mystery map caper where it more closely resembles a wanna-be Jonny Quest plot than kiddie Riverdale.  Amidst these middling tales, Little Archie isn’t cute, no matter if the kids are drawn that way.  In the end, this book’s best asset lies with the top-notch production values, including the original artwork being nicely refreshed.  Ink alone, unfortunately, doesn’t hide the ultra-tedious storytelling filling up Archie’s Big Book: Magic, Music & Mischief.  

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

There’s a table of contents.  Each of the three sections has a single-page introduction explaining the general context.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 3 Stars

Categories
Comic Books & Graphic Novels Independent Hardcovers & Trade Paperbacks Independent Publishers (Comic Books & Graphic Novels)

ARCHIE & FRIENDS ALL-STARS, VOLUME 22 – ARCHIE: A ROCK ‘N’ ROLL ROMANCE (ARCHIE Comics)

Written by Dan Parent

Illustrated by Dan Parent; Rich Koslowski; Jack Morelli; & Digikore Studios

SUMMARY:

Published by Archie Comic Publications in 2014, this 104-page paperback reprints 2011’s Archie # 631-634.  It’s also Vol. 22 of the Archie & Friends All-Stars Series.  Attending a Josie & The Pussycats concert with his friends, Archie Andrews becomes smitten with Pussycats guitarist Valerie Brown.  Betty Cooper and Veronica Lodge wistfully observe their beloved Archie move on from them.  Valerie’s younger brother, Trev, is also introduced. 

Meanwhile, Valerie wistfully ponders her destiny with Archie at the mythical Memory Lane, as other alternate fates play out for The Archies and Josie & The Pussycats.  Cameos include Cheryl Blossom and Sabrina the Teenage Witch.    

REVIEW:

From start to finish, writer-artist Dan Parent delivers a gem.  What could have been a passable variant of the ‘Archie Marries Betty/Archie Marries Veronica’ concept exceeds both of these predecessors.  In large part, Parent’s excellent writing and consistently likable artwork matches the exuberance of Valerie & Archie’s whirlwind chemistry.  Even better is seeing this Archie decisively committed vs. still contemplating his what-if’s with Betty and/or Veronica.   

Endearing Archie & Valerie as a plausible couple, Parent’s game plan meets every expectation, including fun sub-plots for Veronica, Betty, and newcomer Trev.  While Jughead, Reggie, Josie, and Melody receive minimal ‘screen time,’ Parent enjoyably links the various Archie teen franchises together to add some further depth.  Yet, this storyline’s MVP is unquestionably Valerie, as she excels in a worthy spotlight anchoring the storyline’s narrative.   Archie: A Rock ‘N’ Romance delivers a wonderful what-if for fans balancing humor, poignancy, and romance, with an appreciated dash of realism.  

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

There’s a two-page pencil sketchbook. 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars

Note: For additional reading, there’s Archie # 608-609.  This Josie & The Pussycats cross-over previews Archie & Valerie’s romantic chemistry,  as their two bands team up for a tour.