Month: December 2020

Written by & Art by Jim Lee

Cover Art by Jim Lee & Scott Williams

SUMMARY:

Published by WildStorm Productions for February 2007, this 40-page one-shot is a 1992-2002 retrospective of Jim Lee’s WildStorm and Image covers and pin-ups.  Lee briefly comments re: his chosen techniques and/or his inspiration for each individual image. 

Much of the artwork pertains to his creation: WILDC.A.T.S., along with looks at Deathblow, Divine Right, Gen 13, and Stormwatch.  Lee’s regular collaborators, artists-inkers Scott Williams (an introduction) and Alex Sinclair (re: a Divine Right trade paperback cover, also offer some input.    

REVIEW:

Superficially, Lee’s visual highlight reel is intriguing to peruse. Since the pretentious title is a clue, one is also keenly aware that the company he owns produced this self-congratulatory project.  Readers will gain some artistic how-to insights, in spite of Lee’s gloating.  To his credit, he seems somewhat humble. 

The inherent problem is that Lee doesn’t express any remotely critical second thoughts or even an ounce of hindsight re-evaluating his old work.  Hence, this one-shot is a less-than-subtle vanity job celebrating Lee’s earlier years as an artist-inker.        

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

There’s a helpful Table of Contents, which spells out the original source of each image.  Lee’s full-page “Storm Front” column plugs his company’s two new hires: artists Joel Gomez and Oliver Nome.    

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                     5½ Stars

Written by Grant Morrison

Art by Jim Lee; Scott Williams; Alex Sinclair; & Comicraft

Cover Art by Jim Lee & Scott Williams

SUMMARY:

Published by WildStorm Productions for December 2006, the issue is entitled “A Halo Around the World.”  In the near-future, it has been years since the WildCats dissembled.  Earth’s present is bleak a month before ‘The Worldstorm.’  In the Tropic of Capricorn, a young boy desperately seeks boozy derelict Cole “Grifter” Cash’s help from inhuman gangster Machado and his vicious thugs. 

Aboard Halo Solutions’ orbiting space station, Priscilla “Voodoo” Kitaen contemplates a tempting offer reuniting her with multi-billionaire entrepreneur Hadrian.  In deep space, Kaizen has been resurrected and is assembling new alien minions at his command.  On Khera, a bloodied Zealot and her warriors battle Daemonites, only to meet a corrupted Majestic.  The Grifter resurfaces. 

Note: There’s an alternate cover by Todd McFarlane and Jim Lee (image not available).

REVIEW:

Echoing Alan Moore’s Watchmen, this grim storyline likely requires at least some prior knowledge of Jim Lee’s WildCats saga.  It’ll help grasping where and why pivotal players, i.e. Voodoo; Grifter; Hadrian; Zealot; and Majestic, have been placed to set up this reboot.  In fairness, this storyline doesn’t flat-out rip off Watchmen or even the 1986 Aliens movie, but elements evoking both make for an intriguing read. 

Even if this issue’s plot doesn’t score originality points, Jim Lee’s impressive penciling is worth the price of admission itself.  The same applies to the entire art team.  The artwork’s visual package (especially Alex Sinclair’s flawless coloring) is stellar, to say the least.  

As a parental advisory, however, this issue depicts a full-page sex/post-sex scene.  Though its dialogue spells out Hadrian’s plan to reunite the Wildcats, Voodoo’s gratuitous frontal nudity is colored by the artistic use of infrared-like imaging.  Its heavy violence quotient (i.e. destroying Daemonites) aside, WildStorm/DC neglected to place a ‘mature’ label on this comic due to this explicit (and frankly unnecessary) Voodoo-Hadrian sequence.      

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Jim Lee offers a single-page “Storm Front” column.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                7 Stars

Written by Paul Levitz; Jonathan Peterson; Bob Rozakis; Greg Weisman; E. Nelson Bridwell; Peter Sanderson; & Len Wein

Art Contributors Include Anthony Tollin; Len Wein; Tatjana Wood; & Todd Klein

Wraparound Cover Art by Eduardo Barreto

SUMMARY:

Published by DC Comics for February 1987, this 32-page comic profiles the following T-U characters with accompanying artwork.  These profiles usually consist of an alter ego (if applicable); occupation; marital status; known relatives; group affiliation; base of operations; first appearance; height; weight; eye color; and hair color.  In addition to a short biography, the character’s powers and/or weapons are briefly summarized. 

 CHARACTER(S):                                ARTIST(S):

• Tim Trench                                        Sandy Plunkett & P. Craig Russell
• Titano                                               John Byrne
• Titans of Myth                                   José Luis García-López
• TNT & Dan the Dyna-Mite             Romeo Tanghal
• Tobias Whale                                   Trevor Von Eeden
• Tokamak                                         Denys Cowan & Greg Brooks
• Tomahawk & Dan Hunter               Dan Spiegle
• Tomahawk’s Rangers                        Dan Spiegle
• Tommy Tomorrow                             Jim Mooney
• T.O.  Morrow                                  Joe Brozowski & Greg Brooks
• The Top                                          Carmine Infantino & Joe Giella
• Toyman                                          Marshall Rogers
• Trail Boss Matt Savage                   Carmine Infantino & Bernard Sachs
• Trickster                                        Paris Cullens & Gary Martin
• The Trigger Twins                           Carmine Infantino & Dick Giordano
• Trigon                                            George Pérez
• Tsunami                                         Rick Hoberg
• Turtle Man                                     Peter Laird
• Tweedledee & Tweedledum               Bill Sienkiewicz
• Two-Face                                        Brian Bolland
• 2000 Committee                              Joe Brozowski & Art Nichols
• Typhoon                                         Joe Brozowski & Steve Mitchell
• Tyr                                               Denys Cowan & Dick Giordano
• Tyroc                                            Norm Breyfogle
• Ultraa                                          Erik Larsen & Mike Machlan
• Ultra Boy                                     Ron Frenz & Bruce Patterson
• Ultra-Humanite                            John Staterna & Jerry Ordway
• Ultra Man (Gary Concord)           Marshall Rogers
• Ultra the Multi-Alien                  Terry Beatty & Dennis Jensent
• Uncle Sam                                  Murphy Anderson
• The Unimaginable                       Erik Larsen & Paul Neary
• Universo                                     Greg LaRocque & Arne Starr

REVIEW:

On the plus side, it’s a delightfully simplistic time warp to DC’s early post-Crisis era.  Case in point: it’s a bit of a treat to see acknowledged obscure Golden Age heroes like TNT and Gary Concord’s Ultra Man.  Another intriguing element that, due to Crisis, some characters, i.e. Earth-Two’s Ultra-Humanite, might have fresh backstories still to come. 

The series’ fairly high yet deliberately cheesy production values also remain consistent, including solid visuals from Brian Bolland and Erik Larsen, among others.  However, by this twentieth-fourth issue, it says a lot that its headliners are the Legion of Super-Heroes’ Ultra Boy and Two-Face.  All it comes down is that readers aren’t missing much, if this issue slips past them.  Aside from squinting at the miniscule font size, Who’s Who’s # 24 is a decent read.       

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The inside front cover is a letters-and-answers column.  The back inside cover suggests what titles and upcoming issues that readers can find most of these characters.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                    6 Stars

Written by Len Wein; Marv Wolfman; Robert Greenberger; Peter Sanderson; Paul Levitz; Gary Cohn; Mike W. Barr; & Todd Klein

Art Contributors Include Anthony Tollin; Len Wein; Tatjana Wood; & Tom Ziuko

Wraparound Cover Art by Paris Cullins & Dick Giordano

SUMMARY:

Published by DC Comics for October 1985, this 32-page comic profiles the following F-G characters with accompanying artwork.  These profiles usually consist of an alter ego (if applicable); occupation; marital status; known relatives; group affiliation; base of operations; first appearance; height; weight; eye color; and hair color.  In addition to a short biography, the character’s powers and/or weapons are briefly summarized. 

            CHARACTER(S):                                            ARTIST(S):

• The Fatal Five                                        Steve Lightie & Bill Wray
• The Fearsome Five                                  George Pérez
• Felicity (Omega Men)                              Dan Spiegle
• Felix Faust                                            Gil Kane
• Female Furies                                         Jack Kirby & Greg Theakston
• Ferro Lad (Legion of Super-Heroes)         Dan Day & Larry Mahlstedt
• The Fiddler                                            Sandy Plunkett & Joe Rubenstein
• Firebrand I (Freedom Fighters)                Murphy Anderson
• Firebrand II (All-Star Squadron)            Rich Buckler & Mike DeCarlo
• Firebug                                                  Denya Cowan & Bob Smith
• Firefly                                                    Bret Blevins
• Firehair                                                  Joe Kubert
• Firehawk                                               Rafael Kayanan & Dick Giordano
• Fire Jade                                                Dan Jurgens & Dick Giordano
• Fire Lad (Legion of Substitute Heroes)     Keith Giffen & Karl Kesel
• Firestorm (Ronnie Raymond /Professor Martin Stein)  Al Milgrom
• Fisherman                                             Luke McConnell & Bill Wray
• Flash I (Jay Garrick)                             Eduardo Barreto
• Flash II (Barry Allen)                    Carmine Infantino & Murphy Anderson
• Floronic Man                                        Steve Bissette
• Forager (New Gods)                              Jack Kirby & Greg Theakston
• The Force of July                                   Jerome Moore & Bruce Patterson
• Forever People                                      Jack Kirby & Greg Theakston
• The Forgotten Heroes                           Paris Cullins & Gary Martin
• The Forgotten Villains                        Paris Cullins & Gary Martin
• The Freedom Fighters                          Alex Sawuk & Romeo Tanghal
• Funky Flashman                                Jack Kirby & Bill Wray
• Fury (Golden Age Wonder Woman’s daughter)   Jerry Ordway
• Galactic Golem                                 Curt Swan & Rick Burchett
• The Gambler                                    Tom Mandrake
• The Gang                                        Carmine Infantino & Bob Oksner
• Garguax                                         Terry Austin

REVIEW:

No matter how dated its material is, this issue is still a fun way to explore DC Comics’ character roster before the company embarked on its ceaseless continuity reboots.  Not nearly as detailed or ambitious as its self-serious rival, the Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe series, this slightly cheesy eighth installment of Who’s Who reminds long-time fans why colorful and endearing visuals are just as important as the biographical text. 

While the miniscule font size will likely require some squinting, the creative team (including a slew of top-caliber artists) assembles a solid team effort profiling this collection of F-to-G characters.  Celebrating the quality of pre-Crisis DC Comics storytelling, readers should still find this comic a refreshingly innocent blast from the past.  

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The inside front cover has a quick pronunciation glossary.  The back inside cover suggests what titles and upcoming issues that readers can find these particular characters.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                    8 Stars

Written by Len Wein; Marv Wolfman; Robert Greenberger; Peter Sanderson; Paul Levitz; Gary Cohn; E. Nelson Bridwell; & Todd Klein

Art Contributors Include Helen Vesik; Shelley Eiber; Tatjana Wood; & Tom Ziuko

Wraparound Cover Art by George Pérez & Dick Giordano

SUMMARY:

Published by DC Comics for May 1985, this 32-page comic profiles the following ‘B’ characters with accompanying artwork.  These entries consist of an alter ego (if applicable); occupation; marital status; known relatives; group affiliation; base of operations; first appearance; height; weight; eye color; and hair color.  Besides a biography, the character’s powers and/or weapons are briefly summarized. 

 CHARACTER(S):                      ARTIST(S):

• Black Lightning                         Jim Aparo
• Black Manta                            Bill Willingham & Romeo Tanghal
• Black Orchid                           Terry Austin
• Black Pirate                            Jerry Ordway
• Black Racer                             Jack Kirby &Greg Theakston
• Blackrock                                Curt Swan & Murphy Anderson
• Black Spider                            Pat Broderick
• Blackstarr                               Carmine Infantino & Rick Magyar
• Blockbuster                             Michael T. Gilbert
• Blok                                      Steve Lightle
• Blue Beetle (Ted Kord)            Steve Rude
• Blue Devil                             Paris Cullins & Gary Martin
• Bolt                                      Paris Cullins & Gary Martin
• Bouncing Boy                         Keith Giffen & Karl Kesel
• The Boy Commandos              Jack Kirby & Greg Theakston
• The Brain                             Bill Sienkiewicz
• Brainiac                                Ed Hannigan & Mike DeCarlo
• Brainiac 5                             Curt Swan & Karl Kesel
• Brain Storm                          Curt Swan & Al Williamson
• Brain Wave                           Joe Staton
• Brain Wave Jr.                      Jerry Ordway
• Breathtaker                          Rafael Kayanan
• Bronze Tiger                         Denys Cowan & Frank Giacoia
• Broot                                    Shawn McManus
• Brother Blood                        George Pérez
• The Brotherhood of Evil I & II George Pérez
• Brother Power                        Jim Valentino & Karl Kesel
• Bug-Eyed Bandit                   Gil Kane
• Bug & Byte                          Rafael Kayanan & Bob Smith
• B’wana Beast                        Chuck Patton & Rick Magyar
• Byth                                     Joe Kubert

REVIEW:

Impressively, neither the colorful artwork nor the text has faded much over time.  No matter how dated the material is, this issue is a fun read exploring DC Comics’ character roster –at least, before the company’s never-ending series of continuity reboots came into play. 

Not nearly as detailed or ambitious as its ultra-serious rival, the Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe series, this slightly cheesy third installment of Who’s Who instead reminds long-time fans and newcomers why endearing visuals are just as important as the biographical text. 

While the miniscule font size may require some squinting (or maybe a magnifying glass), the creative team effort is commendable profiling this collection of ‘B’ characters, without taking the encyclopedia concept too far.  Celebrating the quality of pre-Crisis DC Comics storytelling, readers should find this issue a refreshing treat from the past.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The inside front cover prints one of the first fan response letters, as well as Len Wein’s insightful response (re: why Who’s Who deliberately isn’t defining super-power limitations).  The back inside cover suggests titles and upcoming issues that readers can expect to find these  characters.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                   8 Stars

Written by Grant Morrison

Art by Frank Quitely; Jamie Grant; & Phil Balsman

Cover Art by Frank Quitely & Cover Logo by Chip Kidd

SUMMARY:

Released by DC Comics for September 2009, this reprint of All-Star Superman # 1 (from 2006) was part of a Watchmen-related ‘What’s Next?’ promotion.  To promote the trade paperbacks, the other four reprints were the first issues of Superman: Red Son; Batman: Arkham Asylum; Kingdom Come; and Brian Azzarello’s Joker. 

Rescuing a sun exploration crew from the Parasite, Superman is bombarded by a lethal overdose of solar radiation.  It’s revealed that Lex Luthor has set up this death trap while working for General Sam Lane.  Meanwhile, The Daily Planet intends to expose Luthor’s other scheme re: a water investment scam to financially profit off his sun-tampering.  Facing a grim medical prognosis, Clark makes a stunning revelation to Lois.     

REVIEW:

Upon adjusting to artist Frank Quitely’s distinctive style (including top-tier renditions of Lois Lane and Lex Luthor), this eye-popping reprint is a solid read.  The colorful spectrum-like visuals re: the sun and Superman’s medical diagnosis alone are worth checking out. 

The only detriment is Quitely’s unwieldy, Mr. Incredible-like interpretation of Superman/Clark Kent, as this near-parody look doesn’t enhance the story.  Still, writer Grant Morrison concocts a fresh approach to Luthor’s scheming.  Treading on futuristic science fiction, this unusual Superman storyline is intriguing, particularly its cliffhanger last page. 

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

None.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                    7 Stars

Written by Barbara Randall

Art by Colleen Doran; Todd Klein; Dennis Janke; & Adrienne Roy

Cover Art by George Pérez

SUMMARY:

Published by DC Comics for February 1988, this Millennium (Week 8) tie-in is entitled “Once in a Millennium.”  Anxiously awaiting the return of her boyfriend/new roommate, Dick “Nightwing” Grayson, an impulsive Starfire burns off some restless energy.  By chance, she rescues her outmatched friend, Harbinger, from a Manhunter assault. 

As the duo fends off multiple Manhunters, a troubled Harbinger is imbued by Starfire’s efforts to boost her self-esteem.  The Monitor’s ex-protégé recognizes that she can simultaneously still be herself and a hero.      

REVIEW:

Describing a lovestruck Starfire’s portrayal, it resembles the adult equivalent of her annoyingly sweet and naïve Teen Titans Go! cartoon persona.  Still, writer Barbara Randall ensures that Starfire’s upbeat attitude is one of this issue’s best assets.  Case in point: Randall nails a throwaway gag re: a helicopter pilot who might lose his license for claiming to see a flying girl after an oblivious Starfire flyby.  

Though this issue is heavily pushed as a Millennium tie-in, writer Barbara Randall smartly points out that Starfire hadn’t seen Harbinger since Crisis on Infinite Earths # 5-6.  As a Crisis mini-sequel, the character chemistry between Starfire and Harbinger contributes to a terrific read.

Supported by the art team’s excellent visuals (including the stellar cover image), Teen Titans Spotlight # 19 makes this rare Starfire-Harbinger team-up well worth checking out for fans.  

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

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

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                 8 Stars

Written by Geoff Johns

Art by Tony S. Daniel; Kevin Conrad; Tanya Horie; Richard Horie; & Jared K. Fletcher

Cover Art by Tony S. Daniel; Tanya Horie; & Richard Horie

SUMMARY:

Published for November 2006 by DC Comics, this installment is entitled “Titans Around the World, Part II,” in a four-part storyline.  Having recently been ‘reborn’ into a cloned teenage body, Raven has mysteriously vanished.  The Titans: Cyborg; Tim Drake/Robin; Cassie Sandsmark/Wonder Girl; Ravager; and Kid Devil pursue her by contacting former Titans that she has recently consulted. 

Backstage at one of his Tokyo stage performances, the Titans interview Zatanna’s snotty cousin, Zachary Zatara, who regrets ever joining this presently-dysfunctional squad.  In Brisbane, Australia, the team catches up with Miss Martian, who guides them towards Raven’s next rendezvous: the South China Sea.  They meet up with Bombshell (the female teenager equivalent of Captain Atom), as she and Raven were seeking a traitor hiding among the Titans.  Quite possibly, Miss Martian and Bombshell already know who this traitor is.   

REVIEW:

Considering that the missing Raven angle is practically a Titans cliché, writer Geoff Johns still delivers a well-played tale easy enough for new readers.  Better yet, the art team’s visuals (including its nifty Zachary Zatara-starring cover) is nothing short of superb.  Even if Teen Titans # 39 conjures up a recycled plot, the character interplay makes up enough of the difference for a worthwhile read.  

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Dan DiDio offers a short DC Nation column.  In addition to a cover reveal for Teen Titans # 40, cover reveals for Nightwing # 125, 52 # 22, and Mystery in Space # 2 are included.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                      8 Stars

IMAGE NOT AVAILABLE

Written by Marv Wolfman

Lead Feature Art by George Perez; Dick Giordano; Ben Oda; & Adrienne Roy

“Reunion” Art by Carmine Infantino; Romeo Tanghal; Adrienne Roy; & Ben Oda

Cover Art by Chuck Patton & Dick Giordano

SUMMARY:

Published by DC Comics for November 1985, this one-shot filler reprints the first appearance of the New Teen Titans and a rare early tale guest-starring Aqualad and Speedy. 

In the untitled lead reprint, Robin succumbs to a fainting spell, as he is about to tackle a hostage situation at S.T.A.R. Labs.  Leaping into his future self, an addled Robin is at Titans Tower, where he meets Changeling (ex-Beast Boy); Cyborg; Raven; Starfire; and his old friends, Wonder Girl and Kid Flash. 

Jumping back and forth in time, a confused Robin aids these new Titans rescue a S.T.A.R. Labs scientist (Cyborg’s father) from a monstrous protoplasm.  Starfire’s efforts finally expel the protoplasm back into its own dimension.  Returning to the present-day, a hiding Raven quietly notes that Robin’s bizarre dream is really a premonition. 

In “Reunion!” Aqualad rescues an unconscious Speedy from a watery grave in the Dominican Republic.  Seeking help at Titans Tower, the two former Titans are introduced to Starfire & Cyborg.  Joining Aqualad and Speedy, the Teen Titans (Robin; Wonder Girl; Kid Flash; Cyborg; and Starfire) launch a two-pronged attack against the drug smugglers who nearly killed Speedy.  In the Dominican Republic and in Miami, the Titans mete out justice. 

Note: DC inexplicably doesn’t identify the original sources for either of these tales. However, the lead story was a back-up feature for 1980’s DC Comics Presents # 26 while “Reunion!” is from 1981’s DC Blue Ribbon Digest # 18.   

REVIEW:

For fans of the New Teen Titans, both of these hard-to-find reprints are fairly solid entertainment.  At times, the lead feature is muddled by not explaining how Robin is moving through time, but the well-illustrated story makes up for this deliberate omission with vintage team banter.  Though the artwork for “Reunion!” is primitive in comparison, its anti-drugs plot is simplistic enough for young readers. 

Even if these two stories are hardly the New Teen Titans at their best, they are at least intriguing to peruse for nostalgia’s sake.    

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The standard “Tower” letters-and-answers column is a single-page letter to fans from writer Marv Wolfman.  The single-page “Meanwhile …” column touts DC Comics’ Bullets softball team and a letter from a fan who describes practical benefits from reading comic books.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:              6 Stars

Written by Scott Snyder

Art by Jim Lee; Scott Williams; Alex Sinclair; Dustin Nguyen (flashback); John Kalisz (flashback); & Sal Capriano

Cover Art by Jim Lee; Scott Williams; & Alex Sinclair

SUMMARY:

Entitled “Let the Light In,” the finale of this New 52-related mini-series was published by DC Comics for January 2015.  At the Arctic Circle, Superman accepts a suicide run offered by Lex Luthor against an alien armada by turning himself into a solar bomb.  Lois Lane, Jimmy Olsen, General Sam Lane, and from afar, Lex Luthor witness Superman’s departure. 

Before saying farewell to Lois, the Man of Steel declines Batman & Wonder Woman’s offer for Justice League intervention.  They’ll have their hands full, as the aliens’ initial attack effectively disables the Earth’s electronics, creating worldwide havoc. 

Interspersed is a nightmarish Smallville flashback to Clark’s childhood.  Making a critical decision, young Clark protects his adoptive mother from a deranged neighbor seeking to expose the boy’s secret.  While Luthor reconsiders Superman’s impact on humanity, the Man of Steel faces the armada’s onslaught on the other side of the Sun.  In the present-day epilogue, Lois reconnects by phone with a recuperating Clark, who relives an exhilarating memory of boyhood     

Note: There are evidently two variant covers: one by Bryan Hitch & Alex Sinclair and the other by David Finch & Sonia Oback.  

REVIEW:

Bolstered by Jim Lee’s high-caliber visuals, Superman Unchained # 9 is a glossy exploration of the New 52’s Superman.  Between the haunting flashbacks (convincingly depicted by artists Dustin Nguyen & John Kalisz) and the poignant Superman-Lois sequences, this issue is a solid effort from writer Scott Snyder. 

Anticipating Superman’s imminent doom, Luthor’s articulate commentary re: the Man of Steel proves another highlight that Snyder delivers spot-on.  If anything, Superman Unchained # 9 is an effective advertisement for the complete mini-series. 

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

It’s a double-sided cover.  A two-page spread for DC’s ‘Channel 52’ column depicts the artistic production of an image of Deathstroke and guest star Harley Quinn from Deathstroke # 4.  The single-page “DC All Access” column hypes the LEGO Batman 3: Beyond Gotham video game.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                   9 Stars