Month: November 2020

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Comic Books & Graphic Novels DC Digital Comics

ACTION COMICS # 868 (2008 DC Comics)

Written by Geoff Johns

Art by Gary Frank; Jon Sibal; Rob Leigh; & Brad Anderson

Cover Art by Gary Frank & Brad Anderson

SUMMARY:

Published by DC Comics for October 2008, the third chapter of the five-part Brainiac storyline is entitled “Greetings.”  At The Daily Planet, gossip columnist Cat Grant smugly targets Supergirl.  Absent again, Clark’s cover story is that he is presently “on assignment” in Coast City.  After Lois discreetly interrupts Supergirl’s naïve confusion re: Cat’s vanity implants, the cousin-in-laws discuss Superman’s whereabouts.  Meanwhile, aboard Brainiac’s starship, a captive Superman resists interrogation by the villain’s cybernetic drones.  Briefly escaping, the Man of Steel confirms Supergirl’s suspicions re: the stolen city of Kandor. 

Superman is stunned that he has inadvertently given Brainiac the necessary coordinates to Earth.  Supergirl is designated Brainiac’s next victim.  Brainiac’s starship commences its invasion of Earth, as the Kents in Smallville and Lois & Supergirl in Metropolis look on in breath-taking horror.  Even sleazy Steve Lombard wonders where’s the Man of Steel when you really need him.   

REVIEW:

Gary Frank’s stellar rendition of a Christopher Reeve-esque Superman is always welcome.  The art team’s visuals are once more superb, including an absolutely spot-on cover image.  Writer Geoff Johns’ storyline continues to impress with this sci-fi/horror reboot of Brainiac that resembles a homage directed at Star Trek’s The Borg, Aliens, and probably The Terminator. 

However, there are two parental advisory notes: 

  1. As with Action Comics # 866, there’s another amusing gag sequence re: displaying Cat Grant’s recent cosmetic enhancements.  The well-played joke is fun adult humor, but it’s inappropriate for impressionable younger readers.  
  • Superman’s Borg-like interrogation scene is a bit gross (i.e. when the Man of Steel extracts a metallic tube forcibly shoved down his throat).  The imagery may be scary to kids.

Even so, Action Comics # 868 is a near-flawless gem of Superman entertainment.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Dan DiDio’s DC Nation column talks about writer J. Michael “Joe” Stracynski’s assignment writing Brave and the Bold.  DiDio also announces that DC Comics has reacquired the necessary rights and will (this time) include Archie Comics’ super-heroes (the Fly; the Shield; Jaguar; the Mighty Crusaders, etc.) into DC Comics continuity. 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:              9 Stars

Note: The complete storyline is available in both hardcover and trade paperback form.

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Categories
Comic Books & Graphic Novels DC Comics

ACTION COMICS # 867 (2008 DC Comics)

Written by Geoff Johns

Art by Gary Frank; Jon Sibal; Rob Leigh; & Brad Anderson

Cover Art by Gary Frank & Brad Anderson

SUMMARY:

Published by DC Comics for September 2008, the second chapter of the five-part Brainiac storyline is entitled “Hide & Seek.”  At the Fortress of Solitude, Superman and the teenage Supergirl examine the wrecked Brainiac probe.  Supergirl reveals her innate fears stemming from Brainiac’s horrific invasion of Krypton she had witnessed (briefly shown in Action Comics # 866).  Comforting his cousin, Superman, he is reminded that she misses Krypton far more than he actually does. 

Consulting his adoptive parents in Smallville, Clark decides it’s time for a showdown with Brainiac (as the Fortress has reverse-engineered the villain’s whereabouts).  Privately, Jonathan Kent and Clark reflect on old memories in the family barn.  A quick interlude at The Daily Planet has Lois & Clark privately discuss his recent concerns about Kara/Supergirl.  Boorish ex-jock/co-worker Steve Lombard humorously interrupts them.  In deep space, the Man of Steel intercepts Brainiac’s attack on an unspecified alien world, which includes a new supernova weapon. 

Note: Further mirroring Superman’s live-action films, Steve Lombard (and his boorish antics) resembles actor Gavan O’Herlihy’s sleazy ex-jock Brad Wilson from 1983’s Superman III.

REVIEW:

Artist Gary Frank’s Christopher Reeve-esque Superman is a superb asset, as thee art team’s visuals are again top-caliber.  Writer Geoff Johns pens an excellent second act giving Superman a logical incentive to seek an ultimate confrontation with Brainiac.  Clark’s interaction with Jonathan Kent is the real highlight, though Superman’s scenes with Supergirl and Lois are also well-played.  The cover image of Clark battling Brainiac probes is terrific, though it isn’t an accurate depiction of the battle scene.  Action Comics # 867 is a true storytelling gem without inappropriate content for children. 

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Ian Sattler pens the DC Nation’s mini-interview with JSA Editor Mike Siglain to promote the JSA: Kingdom Come storyline.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                     9 Stars

Note: The complete storyline is available in both hardcover and trade paperback form.

Categories
Comic Books & Graphic Novels DC Comics

ACTION COMICS # 866 (2008 DC Comics)

Written by Geoff Johns

Art by Gary Frank; Jon Sibal; Rob Leigh; & Brad Anderson

Cover Art by Gary Frank & Brad Anderson

SUMMARY:

Published by DC Comics for August 2008, the first chapter of the five-part Brainiac storyline is entitled “First Contact.”  In a prologue set on Krypton thirty-five years ago, Brainiac’s lethal cybernetic drones scatter fleeing Kryptonians during his invasion.  Despite Zod & Ursa’s efforts to stop him, Brainiac abducts the city of Kandor for his ever-growing intergalactic collection of alien trophies. 

The present-day: The Daily Planet’s latest staff meeting includes workplace humor amongst the staff.  Lois & Clark’s privacy is interrupted when Clark hears a satellite explode in Earth’s orbit.  Superman’s mid-air interception of Brainiac’s drone has a twofold impact: 1. the Man of Steel is dumbfounded re: the drone’s sudden deactivation; and 2.  Brainiac now senses from deep space where the last Kryptonian is. 

Meanwhile, a Smallville interlude at the Kent farm foreshadows an upcoming sub-plot. 

REVIEW:

In impressive fashion, this issue revitalizes the Superman vs. Brainiac rivalry.  Writer Geoff Johns believably upgrades Brainiac into a monstrous, Borg-like villain.  Updating familiar faces Steve Lombard and Cat Grant also works well.  Even better, Johns nicely infuses the Clark-Lois-Perry-Jimmy quartet with elements siphoned from Christopher Reeve’s Superman movies.  The same applies to the flashback where Zod & Ursa aren’t merely pre-villainous caricatures.  

Artist Gary Frank generously indulges fans with an abundance of memorable Superman images.  Most notably, there’s Superman’s reaction shot to spotting the Brainiac drone, which would later be recycled as cover art for a DC Comics DVD about the company’s history.  Another image is Lois observing her husband unbutton his shirt to reveal the big ‘S.’  Frank’s expert rendition of his Reeve-like Superman proves timeless.  Not surprisingly, his Ursa & Zod mirror Sarah Douglas and Terence Stamp.  Even Lois Lane is reminiscent of Margot Kidder.  Without question, the creative team does a fantastically inspired job on this comic, including the terrific cover image.    

Still, there are parental concerns re: this issue’s disturbing content for younger readers.

  1. In pages 1-4: Brainiac’s cybernetic drones are depicted ruthlessly “assimilating” fleeing Kryptonians.  Page one has a brutally graphic image of a teenage boy being impaled at the base of his skull.  The gloating drone displays its victim on the next page.  A similar image has another male victim being impaled through the eye.  Inexplicably, DC Comics neglected to include any parental advisory.  Johns & Frank could have easily toned the shock value down without this opening scene losing its impact. Note: This violence resembles that seen in the PG-13-rated “Star Trek – First Contact.”
  • The Daily Planet’s Lombard’s crude innuendo to Lois should likely go over younger readers’ heads in terms of its sexual inference.   
  • In Clark & Cat’s one-page scene, Cat’s cosmetic enhancements are prominently displayed.  Though well-played, this hilarious gag sequence is adult humor only.    

Action Comics # 866 is a stellar Superman adventure packed with iconic Christopher Reeve-esque images as the Man of Steel.  However, some questionable content makes it inappropriate for kids.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Written by Michael Siglain, the DC Nation column heralds the supposed brilliance behind Grant Morrison’s Final Crisis.  The column also shills for the upcoming 12-part Batman – Gotham After Midnight maxi-series.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                9 Stars

Note: The complete storyline is available in both hardcover and trade paperback form.

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Categories
Comic Books & Graphic Novels DC Comics

ACTION COMICS # 700 (1994 DC Comics)

Written by Roger Stern

Art by Jackson Guice; Denis Rodier; Curt Swan; Murphy Anderson; Bill Oakley; & Glenn Whitmore

Cover Art by Jackson Guice; Tom Grummett; & Barry Kitson

SUMMARY:

Published for June 1994 by DC Comics, this 54-page anniversary issue is entitled “Swan Song.”  While Clark’s parents host Pete Ross & Lana Lang’s wedding in Smallville, mass destruction is unleashed in Metropolis.  Newly rehired by The Daily Planet, Lois Lane spearheads a major news exposé revealing a dying Lex Luthor’s schemes.  Among his crimes is destroying the underground Cadmus Labs.  Her mysterious informant is dubbed “Deep Quote.”  With Superboy’s help, the Man of Steel seeks out Luthor’s secluded yacht.

A series of well-concealed sonic torpedoes hidden underneath Metropolis devastates the city.  Including Supergirl and Superboy, the Man of Steel’s team must locate the remaining torpedoes amidst chaotic damage control.  Elsewhere, the demonic Satanus sets into motion his own devious scheme.  Through binoculars, a  heartbroken Perry White mourns what’s left of his city.  Lois observes the Man of Steel make a symbolic gesture re: the fate of Metropolis.    

REVIEW:

Though some of its artwork doesn’t age well, this ‘double-sized’ adventure likely rates among the better-written Superman tales of the mid-nineties.  Writer Roger Stern is very much on his game, particularly by balancing Lana’s low-key wedding vs. the Metropolis mayhem.  Impressively, Action Comics # 700 is a solid read for long-time fans.   

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

There is a two-page letters-and-answers column.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                  7½ Stars

Categories
Digital Songs & Albums Electronica & Epic Individual Tracks (Digital Albums & Singles) Soundtracks (Digital)

AIRWOLF: SUITE FOR ORCHESTRA (by Rick Patterson based upon Sylvester Levay’s original theme: Themes from Airwolf – Season Four)

SUMMARY:                                  RUNNING TIME: 7:52 Min.

Released in 2014, this track is an orchestral medley of original composer Sylvester Levay’s Airwolf themes (much of which is heard in the 1984 pilot episode, “Shadow of the Hawke,” during Airwolf’s fiery exit from Libya). Yet, Season Four’s composer Rick Patterson is credited for this suite, as it appears on the Airwolf: Themes From Season Four album. The performing orchestra isn’t identified.

REVIEW:

One might consider this track deceptive, as this classy suite’s secondary themes weren’t actually utilized for Season Four. Even if they were, their dramatic effect would have been neutralized by Season Four’s mostly low-grade production values. More so, this medley sounds like vintage Airwolf, as it magnificently covers Sylvester Levay’s 1984 work, not Rick Patterson’s in 1987. Even if this stellar orchestral homage (included a soaring pops sound) wasn’t generated by Levay himself, it’s highly recommended for Airwolf fans.       

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                  9 Stars

Note: As a recommendation, a full-length version of Patterson’s upbeat Airwolf: Season Four theme was released as a 2012 single. That particular track is easily Patterson’s best contribution to Airwolf; his other themes for Season Four aren’t in the same league as Levay.     

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Categories
Digital Songs & Albums Electronica & Epic Individual Tracks (Digital Albums & Singles) Music & Radio Shows Soundtracks (Digital)

AIRWOLF SEASON 4 – MAIN TITLE THEME {full-length} (by Rick Patterson based upon Sylvester Levay’s original theme: single)

SUMMARY:                                      RUNNING TIME: 2:44 Min.

Accompanying the opening and closing credits of Airwolf’s final season in 1987, Sylvester Levay’s original theme is recalibrated by musician Rick Patterson.  As of 2012, this extended track became available as a digital single under the title of “Airwolf Season IV Main Title Theme.”    

Note: Please note that the opening credits version has an abbreviated minute-length running time.    

REVIEW:

Frankly, Rick Patterson’s upbeat reboot (including a rotating chopper blade sound effect intro) of Airwolf’s theme is the sole asset of the its last-gasp fourth season.  Patterson doesn’t match the caliber of Sylvester Levay’s original instrumental, but this catchy track is still really entertaining.  Hypothetically, Patterson’s energizing revamp would have been a cool update had it accompanied another season of Stringfellow Hawke (actor Jan-Michael Vincent) & Dominic Santini’s (actor Ernest Borgnine) high-flying adventures instead of the dubious quartet hired to replace them.       

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:              8 Stars

Note: Additional themes from Airwolf: Season Four were released in 2014 as an album (including the opening credits version of this tune).    

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Categories
Digital Songs & Albums Electronica & Epic Individual Tracks (Digital Albums & Singles) Soundtracks (Digital)

AIRWOLF SEASON 4 LOVE THEME & VARIANTS A-C (by Rick Patterson: Airwolf – Themes from Season Four)

SUMMARY:                        RUNNING TIMES: SEE BELOW

For Airwolf’s final season in 1987, musician Rick Patterson recalibrated original composer Sylvester Levay’s instrumental score, as well as incorporated his own new themes. 

From the Airwolf: Themes From Season Four album released in 2014, Season Four’s ‘love theme’ is a separate track, as are each of its three variations.  As heard in the episode, “Blackjack,” the love theme’s primary version runs 1:41.  A slower rendition (call it Variation A) runs 1:54.  A slightly speedier version (Variation B) clocks in at 1:38.  The up-tempo rendition (Variation C) last only 1:30.  These four themes often circulated throughout the 1987 season’s twenty-four episodes on the USA Network.       

Note: On the album, these four themes are Tracks # 2-5.

REVIEW:

Rick Patterson’s primary version (1:41) easily prevails as the best of the four.  It’s actually something of an underrated gem, as the track should be easily recognizable to anyone who has seen Season Four’s transitional episode, “Blackjack.” Frankly, it merits mention as among the best non-Levay themes that the entire Airwolf series had. 

However, there’s a noticeable drop re: its dubious variants, at least how they are presented here. The audio quality of both Variations A (1:54) and B (1:38) is oddly compressed, as if they were spit out by somebody’s half-working synthesizer.  Between the two of them, Variation B is clearly better, in part since the lethargic Variation A makes for some dreadful listening.  As for the comparatively zippy Variation C (1:30), it sounds less compressed than Variation B.  However, Variation C’s ninety seconds are still forgettable.  Of these four tracks, only the love theme’s primary version (1:41) deserves any consideration as a worthwhile download.     

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:        6 Stars (for the primary version) and 2-4 Stars (for the three variants)

Note: Instead, as a recommendation, a full-length version of Patterson’s upbeat Airwolf: Season Four theme was released as a 2012 single.    

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Categories
Comic Books & Graphic Novels Marvel Comics

CAPTAIN AMERICA # 700 (2018 MARVEL Comics)

Written by Mark Waid & Chris Samnee

Lead Feature Art by Matthew Wilson & VC’s Joe Caramagna

Back-Up Feature Art by Jack Kirby; Frank Giacola; Matthew Wilson; Ferran Delgado; Artie Simek; & Sam Rosen

Cover Art by Chris Samnee & Matthew Wilson

SUMMARY:

Published for June 2018 by Marvel Comics, this double-sized issue’s lead feature is an untitled wrap-up to Captain America’s feud with the Rampart terrorist organization.  Now residing in an alternate timeline of 2025, Steve Rogers leads a resistance force to govern and defend what’s left of the United States after Rampart had caused a nuclear disaster years before.  After nearly a year of slowly losing ground, a catastrophic explosion finally convinces Cap that he must return to the past and thwart Rampart’s cause before their epic nightmare is unleashed.  A letter to Sharon Carter later reveals Cap’s tentative plans for the present.

Mark Waid’s ten-page back-up tale is a Silver Age-style tribute adapting material by Stan Lee & Cap’s co-creator, Jack Kirby.  Entitled “The Gantlet! (sic),” Captain America races against time across Manhattan on foot to deliver a vital package to Nick Fury at SHIELD while pummeling Red Skull’s flunkies, including Batroc the Leaper.     

Note: The artists for the multiple variant covers (images not available here) are: Alex Ross; John Cassady & Laura Martin; Jim Lee, Scott Williams, & Edgar Delgado; Rahzzah; & Jim Steranko.

REVIEW:

Though both stories are fairly good, the contents are still a huge letdown for such a milestone issue.  Instead of a much-deserved series retrospective with guest stars galore, Marvel Comics opts to push the Rampart vs. Cap feud.  Suffice to say, the first half of the story is a somewhat middling read.  Aided by some solid artwork, the time-traveling lead story’s terrific causal loop at least results in a fitting second half.  The best sequence is its satisfying epilogue, as Cap’s poignant letter to Sharon Carter is also a nostalgic analogy spelling out his heartfelt patriotism. 

Despite the oxymoron of being hyped as an ‘all-new classic,’ Waid and Kirby’s Silver Age tale is a fun throwback to uncomplicated Marvel storytelling.  Its inclusion is justifiable, even if the lead feature should have been a worthier storyline (or even an all-star collection of short stories epitomizing Cap).       

Suffice to say, 2009’s Captain America # 600 is a surefire gem as far as an anniversary issue — another hundred issues later, this one sure isn’t.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

There’s a three-page “Cap’s Corner” column where fans express what Captain America’s characters means to them.  A thumbnail cover reveal for the next issue is also included.    

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                4 Stars

Categories
Comic Books & Graphic Novels Marvel Comics

CAPTAIN AMERICA # 600 (2009 MARVEL Comics)

Written by (See Credits Below)

Art by (See Credits Below)

Cover Art by Steve Epting

SUMMARY:

Published by Marvel Comics for August 2009, this 100-page special is set primarily one year after Steve Rogers’ assassination as a prelude to Captain America: Reborn.  Of the five stories, one is a reprint from 1942’s Captain America # 16 by Stan Lee himself. 

  • Origin (2 pages): by Alex Ross & Paul Dini, with lettering by Todd Klein.  Reprinted from 2002’s Captain America: Red, White, and Blue, it’s a lush profile summarizing Cap’s origin.
  • One Year After (40 pages): Written by Ed Brubaker, with art by Butch Guice; Howard Chaykin; Rafael Albuquerque; David Aja; Mitch Breitweiser; Frank D’Amata; Edgar Delgado; Matt Hollingsworth; VC’s Joe Caramagna; & Chris Eliopoulos.  The after-effects of Steve Rogers’ death one year later impact Sharon Carter; Steve’s 1950’s impostor; an alternate world’s female Bucky & the Young Avengers’ Patriot (with a cameo by Isaiah Bradley); Crossbones & Sin; the Red Skull; and the New Avengers (including Bucky as Captain America).  Risking capture by Norman Osborn’s forces, fugitive New Avengers (minus Spider-Man) go incognito to a Central Park candlelight vigil honoring Cap.  Sharon Carter stuns the team with cryptic news.  
  • In Memoriam (12 pages): Written by Roger Stern, with art by Kalman Andrasofszky; Marte Garcia; & VC’s Joe Caramagna & Chris Eliopoulos.  Elsewhere, the one-year anniversary of Steve’s death has his ex-girlfriend, Bernie Rosenthal, and their mutual friend, Josh, reflect over their memories of Steve/Cap.  Bernie and Josh also remember another late friend they shared with Steve: Mike Farrel.
  • The Persistence of Memorabilia (10 pages): Written by Mark Waid, with art by Dale Eaglesham; Paul Mounts; & VC’s Joe Caramagna.  The world’s most prolific Cap memorabilia collector, Joseph Paglino, sells off his invaluable treasure trove by auction, with some unexpected results.
  • Red Skull’s Deadly Revenge (24 pages): Written by Stan Lee, with art by Al Avison.  A vengeful Red Skull escapes prison to bedevil Cap & Bucky with an audacious scheme.    

Note: An alternate cover is by Alex Ross.  Utilizing page six, it serves as a second printing variant cover by artist Butch Guice.  There is also the rare Dynamic Forces variant (which is a silvery version of the Ross cover).

REVIEW:

Considering that its title character has been ‘deceased’ for a year, this anniversary issue is exceptional.  Opening with Alex Ross & Paul Dini’s star-spangled profile is a smart publishing choice.  Beyond fawning over Steve’s past, “In Memoriam” and “The Persistence of Memorabilia” relive some vintage 1980’s storylines, as well as other reminders per relics Cap once possessed.  Both well-written tales confirm that those who knew him think of Steve Rogers as the Captain America, not just one of many Caps over time. 

“One Year After” justifies its hefty creative squad by effectively providing varied perceptions of the icon’s demise, particularly in Sharon Carter’s poignant sequences.  To writer Ed Brubaker’s credit, the set-up for “Captain America: Reborn” is tantalizing, even if the inevitability of Steve’s return wasn’t ever really in doubt.

Credit should also go to the Marvel time machine re: Stan Lee’s archived Cap vs. Red Skull wartime tale.  It’s definitely a ‘Wow!’-type read, in part due to Stan Lee’s crude scripting (i.e. a huge assortment of plot contrivances).  Suffice to say, Lee applies a Golden Age kitchen sink approach that even sports a seemingly definitive death.  Al Avison’s artwork is better than one might expect for that era.  That’s only one of many other surprises, like the amusing sight of U.S. Army Private Steve Rogers smoking a pipe.  In impressive fashion, Captain America # 600 nails the necessary marks for what this milestone issue should be.     

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The first page is a table-of-contents.  Cap’s co-creator, Joe Simon’s two-page “My Bulletin Board” reveals some intriguing behind-the-scenes history re: Captain America, some Cap artwork, and even a few swipes at co-creator Jack Kirby.  A nine-page thumbnail cover gallery celebrates the complete gamut of Captain America’s 600-issue run, including a glimpse of the Alex Ross cover for this issue.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                10 Stars

Categories
Comic Books & Graphic Novels Marvel Comics

CAPTAIN AMERICA # 398 (1992 MARVEL Comics)

Feature Story & Back-Up Story Written by Mark Gruenwald

Feature Art by Rik Levins; Danny Bulanadi; Joe Rosen; & Christie Scheele. Back-Up Art by Larry Alexander; Dan Panosian; Steve Dutro; & R. Witterstaetter.

Cover Art by Rik Levins & Danny Bulanadi

SUMMARY:

Published by Marvel Comics in March 1992, the company-wide Operation: Galactic Storm’s opening salvo is entitled “It Came From Outer Space.”  A startling nightmare re: an imminent Kree invasion compels Rick Jones to contact Captain America — despite their recent estrangement.  Meeting up in Benson, Arizona, Cap & Rick face off vs. the armored Warstar robot, with the Kree accomplishing its initial goal.  An abduction sub-plot re: Cap’s girlfriend, Diamondback, is referenced, as she has mysteriously vanished after going to a night school computer class.  Also in play is simmering animosity from Cap’s pilot, John Jameson, towards his boss re: why exactly Diamondback is on their team’s payroll.   

In a back-up tale entitled “Silence of the Night,” the mercenary Skeleton Crew: Cutthroat, Jack-o-Lantern, and Blackwing, accompany Mother Night (after making bail) as her new recruits back to Red Skull’s secret HQ.  As the Skull’s ‘significant other,’ Mother Night is brutally punished upon revealing to him that their ‘faked death’ scheme has been exposed.  

Note: The Galactic Storm saga continues in West Coast Avengers # 80.

REVIEW:

The issue’s terrific artwork (still looking brand-new after nearly thirty years) outshines Cap’s ho-hum team-up with Rick Jones.  Writer Mark Gruenwald’s feature is likely one-and-done for readers, but there’s at least some solid dialogue scenes between Cap and Peggy Carter, John Jameson, and Rick Jones. 

Yet, the repugnant last page of “Silence of the Night” completely derails a decent yet quickly forgettable read.  A full page depicts Red Skull’s vile beating of Mother Night, with her pleading to be killed this way, no less.  Considering the issue is otherwise marketed as kid-friendly, this last-minute switch revels in shock value without legitimate merit.  For dramatic purposes, depicting this domestic violence off-screen, in silhouette, or finding another subtle means would have made far more sense.

Due to this unnecessary creative choice, what would have been an average Captain America # 398 plummets in readability.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

There’s a single-page “American Graffiti” letters-and-answers column.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                2 Stars