Month: November 2020

Written by (See Below)

Art by (See Below)

Cover Art by Howard Porter & Hi-Fi

SUMMARY:

Published by DC Comics in 2019, this compilation leads off with two new stories.  Inspired by Batman: The Animated Series, a pair of reprints from Batman Adventures # 18 (1999) and Batman Adventures # 31 (2000) comprise this one-shot’s second half.

• “Harbor Invasion.”  Writer: Jeff Parker & Art by: Scott Kolins; Hi-Fi; & A Larger World Studios’ Troy Peteri. Batman & Robin (Damian Wayne) must thwart King Shark’s vengeful attack on a gala for Gotham’s Aquatic Center research facility.  Aquaman & Mera make a brief cameo.

• “Arkham Asylum Escape.”  Writer: Jeff Parker & Art by: Scott Koblish; Wil Quintana; & A Larger World Studios’ Troy Peteri. It’s double-feature night for a tired Batman & Nightwing, as they must recapture a monstrous Clayface after already nabbing the Joker and his goons.

• “Like A Bat Outta Gotham.”  Writer: Scott Peterson & Art by: Craig Rousseau; Terry Beatty; Lee Loughridge; & Tim Harkins. Once more the Man-Bat, Kirk Langstrom’s rampaging vandalism of Gotham labs leads a suspicious Batman & Batgirl (Barbara Gordon) to investigate the fate of Langstrom’s missing spouse.

• “Madness & Chaos.”  Writer: Ty Templeton & Art by: Terry Beatty; Zylonol; & Tim Harkins.  The Joker desperately wants public credit upon unleashing a massive Gotham City blackout.  With help from Nightwing & Batgirl (Barbara Gordon), Batman and Robin (Tim Drake) must protect the panic-stricken public.

REVIEW:

Clearly meant for kids, this issue is an undemanding dose of Bat-fun.  It’s noteworthy that Damian Wayne’s Robin is even deliberately likable in “Harbor Invasion,” which is at odds with his snarky persona.  All three writers put in a solid effort, though the Batman Adventures reprints provide a bit more sophistication. 

For instance, the last scene of “Madness & Chaos” is an amusing little gem.  More specifically, these reprints aren’t merely toy ads and appear consistent with Batman: The Animated Series continuity.  As for the visuals, it’s not surprising that the newer stories, especially the underwater scenes of “Harbor Invasion,” stand out more. 

Despite a potentially hefty cover price, Batman: The Caped Crusader 100-Page Giant # 1 won’t likely disappoint Bat-fans – that is, ages 10 and under.       

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

None.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:            6 Stars  

Written by Grant Morrison

Art by Frank Quitely & DC’s Lettering Department

Cover Art by Frank Quitely

SUMMARY:

Published by DC Comics for August 2009, this new series helps launch the Batman Reborn phase, as Bruce Wayne is presumed dead in the wake of the Final Crisis mini-series.  Dick Grayson is Gotham’s new Dark Knight with Bruce’s rebellious young son, Damian, as his Robin.  The inaugural issue kicks off a three-part storyline, as the Dynamic Duo encounters the macabre Circus of Strange.  

In “Part One: Domino Effect,” Gotham City thugs (including an aptly-named Mr. Toad) are pursued by a new flying Batmobile.  Once captured, Toad threatens that the mysterious ‘Pyg’ will pay them back.  An interlude depicts Alfred, Dick, & Damian at the new Batcave in downtown Gotham.  Batman & Robin respond to the Bat-signal, as Commissioner Gordon is already skeptical of the Dark Knight’s latest incarnation. 

Two Gotham street cops meet a grisly end while a Toad hoodlum desperately packs to flee town with his young daughter.  It’s implied that the tortured crook and his daughter will be forcibly joining Pyg’s brainwashed cult.  

Note: Artist J.G. Jones created an Alex-Ross style variant cover, but that image isn’t included with this comic.

REVIEW:

Considering the unremarkable storyline, it’s a peculiar and middling series opener.  The good news is that brewing tension between Dick and his disdainful new protégé makes an intriguing element.  Also, artist Frank Quitely deserves some kudos, as his distinctive style readily matches this issue’s macabre ambiance.  Yet, the vile final page confirms that writer Grant Morrison intends this ghoulish storyline for adults only. 

As Morrison’s Batman tales are often hit or miss — it’s fair to say that his Batman and Robin # 1 barely hits a double here rather than the necessary triple or home run that an inaugural issue really ought to be. 

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Three images preview the next issue (“The Circus of the Strange”) while the following page teases upcoming images in this Batman and Robin series.  Also, Ian Sattler promotes the upcoming Heroes Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina, for June 2009.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                    4½ Stars

IMAGE NOT AVAILABLE

Written by Sarah E. Byam

Art by Dick Giordano; Trevor Von Eeeden; Steve Haynie; & Julia Lacquement

Cover Art by Dick Giordano

SUMMARY:

Published by DC Comics for November 1991, the lead-off of this four-part mini-series is entitled “Part I: Domestic Troubles.”  In Seattle, a defiant Vietnamese-American radio talk show host, Gan Nguyen, runs afoul of local mobsters.  Exasperated by Ollie “Green Arrow” Queen’s financial neglect of their relationship, Dinah “Black Canary” Lance goes off to the mountains.  Meeting Gan through a mutual friend, she gives him a ride back to the Seattle ferry.  The mob sends thugs to dispose of Gan.  While Gan deduces Dinah’s secret identity, another assassination attempt is set in motion.

REVIEW:

In vintage form, Dinah Lance’s solo vehicle is in solid hands.  Bolstered by Dick Giordano’s capable artwork, the realistic storyline that writer Sarah E. Byam has devised makes terrific use of a powerless Dinah (keeping in mind, at the time, she has lost her sonic ‘canary cry’).  Her fearsome martial arts skills, however, are put to impressive use in a fight scene against two thugs on the pier.  Also, the brief sequence where Dinah tells off Ollie for his recent freeloading is spot-on storytelling.  Black Canary: New Wings # 1, overall, is a worthy treat for Dinah’s fans.  

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Series editor Mike Gold pens an interesting page-and-a-half analysis of solo female super-heroes, including Black Canary’s impact on the genre.   

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:               7½ Stars

Written by Ron Marz

Art by Eduardo Barreto; Kurt Hathaway; & Carla Feeny

Cover Art by Dave Johnson & Lee Loughridge

SUMMARY:

Published for May 1999 by DC Comics, this issue is the second of several Justice Society Returns one-shots reviving DC Comics & Quality Comics anthology titles from the Golden Age.  Each issue depicts the wartime Justice Society pursuing a common mystical foe and his disciples by breaking into smaller units for missions around the globe. 

In “The JSA Returns, Part Two: Cold Heart,” a February 1945 letter from an American soldier to his mother recounts an incident from his assignment in Russia.  As American and British troops await further word amidst the war’s final months, they are startled by Green Lantern (Alan Scott) and Johnny Thunder’s presence to protect the trio of President Roosevelt; Winston Churchill; and Josef Stalin during a secret conference.  Facing an adversary called “The Disciple,” Green Lantern and Thunder’s genie defend the outmatched soldiers.  Yet, it’s up to two unlikely others to step in.  Dr. Occult makes a cameo appearance during this poignant tale.    

Note: The Justice Society Returns’ eight one-shots (plus a group issue) are assembled in a same-titled 2003 DC Comics trade paperback, consisting of this issue; Adventure Comics; All-Star Comics; National Comics; Sensation Comics; Smash Comics; Star-Spangled Comics; and Thrilling Comics (all considering as Vol. 2 # 1 issues). 

REVIEW:

Writer Ron Marz assembles a terrific team-up adventure that even has bumbling Johnny Thunder finally delivering on his own potential as a reluctant hero.  The artwork is exceptional, particularly as the visuals representing familiar historical figures are easily recognizable.  This issue proves an entertaining effort!   

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The last page teases the returning JSA: Starman; Hawkman & Hawkgirl; Atom; Wonder Woman; Hourman; Sandman; Star-Spangled Kid; Dr. Mid-Nite; Flash; Mr. Terrific; Wildcat; Johnny Thunder; and Green Lantern. 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                 7½ Stars

IMAGE NOT AVAILABLE

Written by Mark Waid

Art by Mike Zeck; John Beatty; Phil Felix; John Kalisz; & Digital Chameleon

Cover Art by Mike Zeck

SUMMARY:

Published by DC Comics for February 1999, the finale of this two-part sequel to Kingdom Come is entitled “Mighty Rivers.”  The present-day Superman investigates a nuclear catastrophe in Kansas to find Gog using a captive Captain Atom to bait him into a deathtrap.  Rescued by Kingdom Come’s aging Superman, Wonder Woman, and Batman, a bewildered Man of Steel summons his own Wonder Woman and Batman.  Seeking to rescue Kingdom Come’s infant Jonathan Kent from Gog, the six heroes are ultimately aided by Rip Hunter and four young allies from Kingdom Come’s reality. 

Mystically watching from afar are Gog’s misguided ‘enablers:’ Highfather; Ganthet; Phantom Stranger; the wizard Shazam; and Zeus.  A cataclysmic showdown vs.  Gog leads into DC’s ‘greatest’ secret ever, as an enigmatic figure emerges to make a stunning revelation.         

Notes: This mini-sequel was accompanied by six Kingdom one-shots: Gog # 1; Offspring # 1; Kid Flash # 1; Nightstar # 1; Son of the Bat # 1; and Planet Krypton # 1(February 1998-1999).  Further, fans should recognize precursors (intentional or not) of Infinite Crisis and Justice Society of America’s extensive “Thy Kingdom Come” storyline that were written years later.  

REVIEW:

Keeping in mind DC’s subsequent continuity shifts, it’s a good read despite contemporary fans will likely deem it outdated. 

Considering what he is tasked with, writer Mark Waid does a competent job … no matter how preposterous his script’s peripheral details become.  More specifically, the hyper-time concept is a reasonable alternative for a seemingly infinite number of DC’s alternate ‘Elseworlds’ realities on one Earth vs. re-activating the parallel-earth concept (as DC’s super-muddled Infinite Crisis would do six years later).

Anchored by decent artwork that doesn’t bother trying to emulate Alex Ross, Waid offers good surprises to reward patient readers, including another ‘Planet Krypton’ restaurant sequence.  Perhaps best of all is a worthy wink at the Golden Age Superman.  It’s a classy contrast to the Infinite Crisis creative team’s dubious handiwork six years later.

Without the first issue, The Kingdom # 2 recaps enough of the convoluted storyline to enjoy this issue for its own merits.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

None.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:         6½ Stars

Written by Mark Waid

Art by Mark Pajarillo; Walden Wong; Ken Lopez; & Rob Schwager

Cover Art by Mark Pajarillo & Walden Wong

SUMMARY:

Published by DC Comics for February 1999, this one-shot set approximately two years after Kingdom Come is entitled “Quick Fix.”  In Kingdom Come’s alternate-reality future, a long-widowed Wally West’s teenage daughter, Iris, utilizes her phenomenal super-speed honoring her father’s legacy.  An unappreciative Wally never wanted her to be Kid Flash, much preferring to pass the family legacy to her older brother, Barry. 

Iris is now aware that her Earth’s reality will likely end inside of twenty-four hours.  A selfishly wayward Barry couldn’t carry less, as Iris confronts him.  Poignantly bidding farewell to her estranged father, Iris departs to the unknown on a last-ditch effort to save their Earth.  Wally contemplates his error misjudging Iris.

Notes: This one shot accompanies The Kingdom # 1-2 min-series and five other one-shots: Gog # 1; Offspring # 1; Nightstar # 1; Son of the Bat # 1; and Planet Krypton # 1. 

REVIEW:

Bolstered by the art team’s solid visuals (particularly, the cover image), Iris West’s Kid Flash is this issue’s most likable asset.  She makes a plausible daughter for Wally, even if her late mother is deliberately left unidentified.  Yet, writer Mark Waid fixates on the West family’s dysfunction rather than exploring more of Iris’ intriguing potential as Kid Flash.  To Waid’s credit, his storyline is easily readable, but the issue struggles to muster interest in the West Family rift.  Seeing Kid Flash’s actual mission prior to her appearance in the concluding Kingdom # 2 likely would made a more entertaining adventure.   

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The last page spells out DC’s Kingdom itinerary including the previously released Gog # 1 (February 1998) and The Kingdom # 1 (December 1998).  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                 6 Stars

Written by John Ostrander & Lein Wein

Art by John Byrne; Steve Haynie; & Tom Ziuko

Cover Art by John Byrne

SUMMARY:

Published by DC Comics for November 1986, it’s entitled “Once Upon a Time …!”  Kicking off a six-part mini-series, it’s meant to jump-start some high-profile reboots in the wake of the 1985-86 Crisis on Infinite Earths series. 

On Apokolips, Darkseid and DeSaad scheme to finally destroy Earth’s heroes.  Brimstone’s fiery rampage forces Firestorm and a time-displaced Cosmic Boy to team up with the Detroit Justice League (Martian Manhunter; Gypsy; Vixen, Elongated Man; Steel; & Vibe).  Wally West’s Flash dispatches Deadshot before seeking some advice from ex-teammate Changeling at Titans Tower.  Darkseid’s underling, “Glorious” Godfrey, witnesses Captain Marvel’s magical lightning ‘kill’ Darkseid’s pawn: Macro-Man.  Col. Rick Flag is incredulous that Amanda Waller wants him recruiting and commanding Task Force X (aka The Suicide Squad).  A devastated Billy Batson makes a fateful decision.            

REVIEW:

Boosted by John Byrne’s penciling, this first issue opens up some intriguing storylines.  For instance, Billy Batson is a child again (vs. teenager), as his Captain Marvel is re-introduced as a rookie hero instead of the Golden Age legend he previously was.  Readers also see Wally West’s deceptive approach at carrying on Barry Allen’s legacy as the Flash.  Putting Darkseid’s clichéd prologue aside (it’s far more worthy of a Super-Friends cartoon), Legends # 1 doesn’t rely upon either Batman or Superman to get DC’s new ‘crisis’ underway.  Keeping modest expectations, this kid-friendly issue by co-writers John Ostrander & Len Wein is a decent read.   

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Editor Mike Gold provides an insightful two-page column re: the origin of this Legends mini-series.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                    5½ Stars

Written by Sholly Fisch

Art by Ethen Beavers; Guy Major; & Dezi Sienty

Cover Art by Rick Burchett; Dan Davis; & Gabe Eltaeb

SUMMARY:

Published by DC Comics for December 2011, this House of Mystery-themed Halloween caper is entitled “Trick or Treat.”  Summoned by the House’s caretaker, Cain, Batman & Zatanna Zatara search for the culprit who has mischievously TP’ed the mystical mansion as a Halloween prank.  Their night’s round-up includes confrontations with Doctor Destiny and Mr Mxyzptlk. 

Ultimately, the heroes deduce they have been deceived from the get-go.  Klarion the Witch Boy summons a slew of mystical Bat-villains to tangle with Batman’s magical allies, including the Spectre, Etrigan the Demon, and the Swamp Thing.  Zatanna’s magic teaches an obnoxious Klarion a well-deserved biology lesson. 

REVIEW:

For all ages, it’s a Halloween delight.  Writer Sholly Fisch devises a terrific script (definitely worthy of its own animated TV episode), with a few well-timed surprises.  Including the spot-on cover image, the artwork perfectly supports this fun story.  Highly recommended! 

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Johnny DC’s single-page “DC in Demand” hypes the month’s new kid-friendly releases.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:               8 Stars

Note: As a recommended double-feature, Sholly Fisch also wrote 2016’s Scooby-Doo Team-Up # 19 features the Mystery Inc. gang’s Halloween Night fun with Zatanna Zatara.

Written by Marc Andreyko

Art by Jesus Saiz; Jimmy Palmiotti; Steve Buccellato; & Jared K. Fletcher

Cover Art by Jae Lee

SUMMARY:

In October 2004, DC Comics rebooted Manhunter, as hard-nosed Los Angeles prosecutor Kate Spencer debuts as a mysterious vigilante.  Entitled Shedding Skin,” this inaugural issue has Kate pursue L.A.’s super-criminal element upon evading courtroom justice. 

L.A. detectives investigate Copperhead’s gruesome escape overnight from a police transport van.  A flashback to sixteen hours earlier at the L.A. federal courthouse depicts Kate at work in court.  Despite her urging to the jury to sentence serial killer Copperhead to death, Kate is horrified that this monster has been given mercy.  Overhearing the police band radio, Kate’s worst fears of his inevitable escape are confirmed.  It’s up to the new Manhunter to pursue Copperhead using makeshift super-villain equipment she swipes from her department’s evidence vault. 

REVIEW:

One might accurately describe Kate Spencer’s noir-ish Manhunter, as DC Comics’ intense answer to Marvel’s Daredevil. As if the cover’s depiction of blood spatters isn’t suggestive enough, a “mature content” advisory notice is justifiable considering this issue’s ultra-violence.  Depicting gritty R-rated gore, writer Marc Andreyko offers solid storytelling amidst some realistically raw dialogue … until one recognizes its glaring flaws. 

In all fairness, the improbability of Kate holding her own vs. Copperhead (maybe she is an ex-commando?) might be forgiven.  Presumably, the series could/would explain such details later.  Yet, this issue’s back-and-forth timeline is too muddled re: what scene is occurring sequentially. 

Worse yet, Andreyko belies basic logic as to how a rooftop-hopping Manhunter reaches the crime scene first (evidently, within seconds) to spot Copperhead, just as the police start arriving.  Another convenient twist suggests there aren’t witnesses to Kate’s slugfest with Copperhead leading into the sewers.  Superficially, this taut action sequence seems realistic, but Andreyko’s storytelling falls short on plausibility at times. 

Still, the fast-paced plot mostly justifies artist Jesus Saiz’s grisly crime scene imagery.  His murky visual style is impressive, though Saiz’s work borders on gratuitous re: what bloody mayhem readers will see.  Visually, Jae Lee’s cover image accurately depicts this Manhunter’s roughhouse brand of crime-fighting.  Despite an excessive reliance on gore and adult content, Manhunter # 1 makes an intriguing opener for an ongoing monthly series.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The last page is a column written by a DC “mole” promoting DC’s upcoming projects.  Including a sneak preview of Manhunter # 2’s cover, readers can glimpse covers for both JSA: Strange Adventures # 1 and Outsiders # 15.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                  6½ Stars