Month: November 2020

Written by Brian Azzarello

Art by Eduardo Risso; Patricia Mulvihill; & Clem Robins

Cover Art by Dave Johnson

SUMMARY:

Published by DC Comics for December 2003, it’s the opener of the noir-like “Broken City” storyline.  Narrated by Batman, amidst a Gotham City storm, he is searching for car magnate Angel Lupo’s missing sister, Elizabeth.  Interrogating her likely murderer, Killer Croc, the Dark Knight gladly busts his adversary’s new dentures. 

Locating Lupo’s femme fatale girlfriend, Margo, Batman trails her to an elusive Lupo’s hideout.  Upon thwarting Margo’s attempted rape by a thug, Batman realizes that she has alerted Lupo to flee.  Yet, a double-homicide leaves the Dark Knight eerily transfixed, as history seemingly repeats itself.      

REVIEW:

As the intriguing noir-like cover implies, writer Brian Azzarello is evidently aiming to make “Broken City” a nod to Mickey Spillane and Dashiell Hammett-style mysteries.  However, Azzarello’s half-serious narrative (i.e. Batman’s inexplicable use of puns) stumbles because such dialogue isn’t consistent with language that Batman (or even Bruce Wayne) generally uses.  Further, Azzarello doesn’t divulge much in the way of details: i.e. why Batman is on this particular case, or even how he snares Killer Croc for their upside-down chat.  Though the full-page last image is effectively haunting, this nasty first chapter is underwhelming. 

Even though it’s perfectly attuned to Azzarello’s gritty script, the deliberately ugly and unnecessarily sexualized artwork doesn’t provide much incentive to seek out more of this grotesque storyline.  Frankly, the disappointing Batman # 620 is hard to justify as readable Bat-entertainment. 

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The single-page “DC in Demand” column hypes that week’s various new issues and a briefing on Batman # 621.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                   3½ Stars

Written by Doug Moench

Art by Mike Manley; Bob Wiacek; Adrienne Roy; & Ken Bruzenak

Cover Art by Kelley Jones & Bob LeRose

SUMMARY:

Entitled “Blood Kin,” DC Comics published this grim KnightQuest: The Crusade tale for March 1994.  At a grisly Gotham crime scene where a suburban family has been slaughtered, Jean Paul Valley/Batman is haunted by dueling ghosts: that of his father (the previous Azrael) and of St. Dumas, each demanding his allegiance.  While the demented culprit feeds off bones at his own family’s crypt, Jean Paul realizes that it’s Arnold Etchison – the Arkham escapee/serial killer known as Abattoir –he’s after.  It’s up to the new Dark Knight to intercept Abattoir before he next slays his unsuspecting cousin and a dozen orphaned kids on route to a snowy camping trip.

REVIEW:

Aside from Etchison’s adult cousin somehow missing the shock value news of his relatives being brutally slaughtered the night before, the scripting of Batman # 505 makes the best of Jean Paul’s rookie Batman.  Case in point: writer Doug Moench plausibly conveys Jean Paul’s rudimentary detective work (i.e. heavily relying on the Bat-computer) building up towards an inevitable showdown vs. Abattoir. 

While details of Abattoir’s sickening crimes are mostly mentioned/inferred (instead of thankfully not depicted on-screen), Moench still does enough to make readers flinch.  Simultaneously, unlike plenty of lazy efforts by DC Comics in the mid-90’s, this issue’s art squad is very much on its game re: the visuals (i.e. the intriguing cover image). 

The bottom line is that Jean Paul’s limited appeal (in addition to some icky plot details that should have merited a parental advisory label) relegates Batman # 505 among one-and-done reads from that era.  

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

There’s a two-page “Bat Signals” letters-and-answers column.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:               6 Stars

Written by Cameron Stewart & Brenden Fletcher

Art by Babs Tarr; Cameron Stewart; Maris Wicks; Jared K. Fletcher

Cover Art by Cameron Stewart

SUMMARY:

Published by DC Comics for January 2015, this issue starring the New 52 Barbara Gordon is entitled “Tomorrow Cries Danger.”  At Burnside College, a stressed-out Barbara scrambles to find the necessary computer equipment to retrieve her lost thesis proposal.  Her new research assistant, Nadimah, gladly hooks her up with a potential solution, as Nadimah’s robotics-savvy brother, Qadir, has a spare computer drive Barbara needs. 

The baffling on-campus theft of two experimental motorcycles from Qadir’s lab sends Batgirl against sword-wielding twin sister bikers dubbed ‘The Jawbreakers.’  Her best hope may lie with a Japanese anime TV series she watched as a child.  This case adds to Barbara’s anxiety re: a bogus Batgirl impersonating her on-line.

Note: Though the image isn’t available here, there is a variant cover by artist Cliff Chiang.

REVIEW:

Impressively, its mix of a fun storyline (including humorous bits re: Barbara’s interactions with her friend, Frankie) and stylish artwork makes Batgirl # 36 a wonderful read.  Its hip reliance on 21^st Century technology gives this revitalized Batgirl a terrific edge, implying that she’s a reliable solo heroine vs. one of Bruce Wayne’s many young protégés (with access to a seemingly unlimited arsenal).  In her second fight with ‘The Jawbreakers,’ the well-choreographed sequence displays Barbara’s ingenuity and a knack for improvisation.     

If anything, this issue proves why Barbara Gordon’s Batgirl is among the New 52’s smartest assets, in terms of restoring DC’s best Batgirl back to her prime.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

There’s a two-page “Channel 52” spread hyping Justice League 3000.  The single-page “DC All Access” column plugs the release of Adam West’s live-action Batman: The Complete Series on Blu-Ray and DVD.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:              8 Stars

Written by Dennis O’Neil

Art by Barry Kitson; John Stokes; Demetrius Bassoukos; Digital Hellfire; & Ken Bruzenak

Cover Art by Barry Kitson

SUMMARY:

Entitled “Demon Time: Part 1: Returned,” DC Comics published this issue for February 1996.  At Dr. Sandra Kinsolving’s secluded home, Lilhy and a middle-aged psychiatrist observe Jean Paul Valley’s workout with Nightwing.  Confronting his fellow St. Dumas disciple, an evidently jealous Jean Paul flees an awkward exchange re: Nightwing & Lilhy’s unexpected kiss. 

Meanwhile, partial amnesiac Carleton LeHah (or Simon LeHah) returns home from hospital to recover from brain surgery.  Now re-possessed by the Lord Demon Biis, LeHah schemes deadly vengeance upon Jean Paul/Azrael re: their prior confrontation.  It’s made evident that LeHah slayed Jean Paul’s father – the first Azrael.  Setting up Demon Time’s continuation, Jean Paul/Azrael and his psychiatrist are ambushed.     

REVIEW:

For Jean Paul Valley’s fanbase, it’s a fairly good plot, courtesy of writer Dennis O’Neil.  While Nightwing’s guest presence doesn’t add much, the LeHah sub-plot (and its link to Jean Paul’s shadowy past) seems promising.  More so, unlike some of the cartoony sludge DC Comics passed off as artwork in the mid-90’s, this issue’s art squad does a commendable job (including the cover image)– they’re not taking the lazy way out.  Still, this Batman spin-off series exhibits limited appeal, as far as pushing the uncharismatic Jean Paul as a viable solo star. 

Now resembling a scrawny hippie/college kid/graduate student (seemingly shorter, too) with a blond shag hairstyle, he hardly presents the formidable ex-Batman one might expect and would like to see more of.  That’s why, despite its above-average production quality, Azrael # 13 is likely to be a forgettable one-and-done with most readers. 

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

There is a single-page letters-and-column.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                     6 Stars

Written by Erik Larsen & Gary Carlson

Art by Eric Battle; Norm Rapmund; Richard Horie; Tanya Horie; & Johnny B. Good Workman

Cover Art by Eric Battle & Norm Rapmund

SUMMARY:

Published by DC Comics for September 1999, this 34-page issue is entitled “Drugs of Choice.”  A beleaguered Aquaman (aka King Orin) contends with far more than losing his marine telepathy due to Piranha-Man’s chicanery.  With an overcrowded Atlantis succumbing to a substance abuse problem, Aquaman, Tempest, and Indigo confront the scheming Kingfish, who intends to capitalize as an undersea drug kingpin. 

Among Kingfish’s  efforts is a bounty on Aquaman’s head that the electrifying Eel intends to collect.  Aquaman also contends with medical crises separately imperiling his critically-injured mother, Atlanna, and his rapidly-aging father, Atlan.  Vulko struggles to help preserve Atlanna’s life, as he confides to Aquaman his lifelong emotional crush on Atlanna.   

With a likely divorce looming, Queen Mera stands in for her estranged husband as Atlantis’ royal-in-command.  Despite her own attraction to renegade soldier Noble, Mera suspects that Aquaman is cheating on her with Indigo.  Adding to this frenetic soap opera circus is a group of young Atlanteans humorously pirating TV rerun access from the surface world.  A last-second surprise revelation stings Aquaman’s family circle.   

REVIEW:

Tinged by some sarcastic narration, one wonders if co-writers Erik Larsen and Gary Carlson meant this issue as something akin to a sophisticated, Soap-style TV soap opera spoof (with too few chuckles).  Or maybe this issue is supposed to be an underwater version of Marvel Comics’ Inhumans? 

Regardless of their script’s ambitious intentions, this issue will likely overwhelm casual readers via its excessive sub-plots.  Had the story focused tightly on intrigue from three bigger plot threads instead of a half-dozen or more, an entertaining read wouldn’t become so diluted.  As a counter-balance, the art team’s visuals are often terrific, particularly in the battle sequences.  Further, the dynamic cover image serves as this issue’s best creative element.  Aquaman # 59 tries hard, but its potential for a fun read ends up lost in all the dramatic shuffling.     

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

None.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                     6 Stars

Written by Peter David

Art by J. Calafiore; Peter Palmiotti; Mark McKenna; Tom McCraw; & Albert De Guzman

Cover Art by Ron Lim; Chris Ivy; & Patrick Martin

SUMMARY:

Entitled “Line of Succession,” this standard-length issue was published by DC Comics for June 1998.  The vengeful sea god, Triton, chillingly murders a pivotal member of Aquaman’s family.  Telepathically alerted by this death, Tempest/Garth and Aquaman/Orin both sense that something ominous is afoot.  Amidst political strife in Poseidonis, Triton’s tidal wave attack upon the besieged domed city brings Aquaman and an undersea army to its defense.  Aquaman has no answer for Triton’s monstrous ace-in-the-hole.  Even with Tempest & Dolphin also standing up to Triton, a shocking cliffhanger twist comes into play.

REVIEW:

As the rugged underwater warrior-king, Aquaman is terrific in this issue.  Writer Peter David is on his game, as he makes Triton’s rampage a plausible threat against Aquaman and his allies.  His depictions of the supporting cast, including Vulko, Garth, and Dolphin, are also well-played, in terms of testing loyalty to ‘The King of the Seas.’  Include a stellar cover image, the art squad’s visuals are well above-average.  Aquaman # 45 is a minor gem worth re-discovery.     

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

“Ebb & Flow” is a two-page letters-and-answers column.  Included is a brief written teaser re: the next issue.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:              8 Stars

Written by Peter David

Art by Kirk Jarvinen; Brad Vancata; Tom McCraw; & Dan Nakrosis

Cover Art by Kirk Jarvinen

SUMMARY:

Published by DC Comics for January 1994, the second installment of this four-part mini-series is entitled “Fish Tales.”  After protecting defenseless mother-and-infant dolphins from nefarious Japanese poachers, Aquaman (sporting a blond mullet) chronicles his life in a journal. 

Starting with his willful abandonment as an infant upon Mercy Reef, he recounts his rescue by a family of dolphins and his childhood with them.  Saving his dolphin friend, Nera, from a shark, eighteen-month old Aquaman first realizes his human-shaped hands.  Years later, a teenage Aquaman encounters fishermen for the first time and must make a fateful decision.    

REVIEW:

Among DC’s innumerable Aquaman reboots, writer Peter David poignantly envisions Aquaman as an underwater Tarzan.  Not quite in the same spirit as a Disney animated film, David’s low-key plotting incorporates the point-of-views of dolphins and sharks.  He succeeds in not being cartoony in another wink to Edgar Rice Burroughs.  In conjunction, this issue’s art squad consistently provides good visuals, including the underwater sequences.  Kirk Jarvinen’s classy cover image also provides another ideal selling point. 

For long-time Aquaman fans, Time and Tide # 2 is a nice re-discovery of what super-hero origins can be by focusing on a character’s personality development instead of predictably pushing action-adventure.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

There is a two-page “Tide and Time” letters-and-answers column.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:               7 Stars

Written by Kurt Busiek  

Art by Butch Guice; Todd Klein; & Dan Brown

Cover Art by Butch Guice & Dan Brown

SUMMARY:

Published for July 2006 by DC Comics, this One Year Later issue is entitled “Deep Down.”  A mysteriously amnesiac Aquaman lookalike calling himself ‘Arthur Curry’ declines Queen Mera’s offer to join her domain.  Accompanied by his new pal,  King Shark, a wandering Arthur reveals a hint of his mighty powers while brawling in the underwater Whale’s Gullet pub. 

After a sexual interlude with a sultry mermaid named Tejaia (curiously resembling Mera), Arthur answers a beacon summoning Aquaman.  Bringing King Shark as his ally, Arthur meets the Sea Devils team, who soon introduce him to a ghost from Aquaman’s past.     

Note: In this continuity, the dead (or MIA) Aquaman is Orin of Atlantis.

REVIEW:

The stylishly murky visuals make sense, as they are this issue’s best creative element.  Yet, by reinventing the DC’s aquatic icon as a gentleman stranger/barbarian of the Seven Seas, Kurt Busiek’s languid storytelling does far too little to make this ‘new’ Aquaman seem even close to a big-league DC character.  Primarily, this soggy version of Aquaman (at least, in this issue’s scenes) is bogged down, as there’s no other character packing an ounce of charisma, short of Mera’s single sequence. 

Despite working with appropriate imagery, Busiek’s effort at intelligently mining an Arthur Curry reboot in Aquaman # 43, unfortunately, makes for a blah read. In that sense, the tawdry cover image is merely a diversion — it doesn’t rescue the bland scripting.  

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Dan DiDio’s “DC Nation” column includes thumbnail glimpses at covers for Detective Comics # 819; JSA # 85; Superman # 652; and Aquaman: Sword of Atlantis # 43.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                    4 Stars

Written by Grant Morrison

Art by Frank Quitely; Jamie Grant; & Phil Balsman

Cover Art by Frank Quitely & Jamie Grant

SUMMARY:

Entitled “Being Bizarro,” it was released by DC Comics for June 2007.  Above a cube-like planet resembling Earth, Superman is attacked by protoplasm-like monsters.  In Metropolis, at The Daily Planet’s Christmas party, the same monsters attack revealing themselves as Bizarros that fatally mutate their victims upon physical contact. 

Tragically losing a staff member, Lois, Perry, Jimmy, Cat Grant, and Steve Lombard escape from the rooftop aboard The Planet’s blimp.  Superman arrives in Metropolis to combat the Bizarro invasion.  The medical reason for Lombard’s “immunity” to the Bizarro plague is revealed.  In addition to the lethal plague, the Cubeworld is imperiling Earth’s weather and tides.  Wishing Lois a ‘Merry Christmas,’ Superman takes Jimmy’s advice re: a counter-attack against the Cubeworld.  On Bizarro’s planet, Superman knows his powers are fading fast under red sunlight.  Superman & Bizarro encounter the mysterious Zibarro.            

REVIEW:

Sporting stellar visuals, All-Star Superman #7 embraces a fresh approach to the Bizarro mythos.  Writer Grant Morrison’s unpredictable sci-fi storyline smartly adds some horror elements with a little humor to make a pretty cohesive read.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The single-page “DC Nation” column includes a thumbnail cover reveal for All-Star Superman # 8.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:             8 Stars

Written by Mark Waid

Art by Karl Kerschl; Ian Churchill; Norm Rapmund; Manuel Garcia; Joe Bennett; Ruy Jose; Daniel Acuña; Pat Brosseau; Stephane Peru; Tanya Horie; & Richard Horie

Cover Art by Bill Sienkiewicz

SUMMARY:

Published by DC Comics for September 2007, this 40-page transitional one-shot bridges the end of Bart Allen’s The Flash: The Fastest Man Alive series to Wally West’s canceled solo series resuming with Issue # 231.  Set immediately in the aftermath of the JLA/JSA “Lightning Saga” crossover, Wally and his family have returned from a year-long hiatus.  Batman soon sends word of tragedy from Los Angeles, as the Rogues have murdered a suddenly-powerless Bart Allen. 

Abandoning early retirement, a vengeful Wally chases down Bart’s demented clone, Inertia, who had gleefully precipitated his counterpart’s death.  Wally is further haunted that resuming his own access to the Speed Force may have doomed Bart.  

REVIEW:

Revitalizing Wally West as DC’s primary Flash makes perfect storytelling sense.  Clearly, the last issues of his own series had accelerated cancellation because the writers couldn’t devise something meaningful for Wally to do.  Mark Waid’s story accomplishes just that, as the poignant interaction that Wally has with Aunt Iris is well worth the price of admission.  The same applies to the last two pages revealing a bright new direction for Wally’s Flash. 

The only logical element missing is a cameo from Jay Garrick’s Flash.  Nonetheless, Waid still accomplishes plenty.  Despite the potential as an artistic distraction, five different visual styles (all high-caliber in their own way) further enhance Waid’s classy storytelling.  Running on all cylinders, All-Flash # 1 offers a well-played tale for long-time fans.  

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

DC’s Director for Digital Workflow, Nick Napolitano, pens the single-page “DC Nation” column.  It includes thumbnail covers for Amazons Attack # 4; Countdown # 41; and a variant cover by Josh Middleton for All-Flash # 1.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                             8½ Stars