Month: December 2020

Written by Scott Snyder

Art by Jim Lee; Scott Williams; Alex Sinclair; & Sal Cipriano

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

SUMMARY:

For DC Comics’ New 52 imprint in July 2014, this issue is entitled “Out of Time.”  In the Arctic, General Samuel Lane and his government-backed army’s lethal anti-Kryptonian weaponry lay siege to the Fortress of Solitude.  Inside the Fortress, Superman and Lois Lane refuse to surrender the mystical Earthstone and any other alien technology her father intends to seize.  Donning enhanced knight-like armor, Superman fights back. 

Lois’ intervention results in the enraged Man of Steel’s close encounter with General Lane.  Elsewhere, a fiery showdown decimates the Batcave, as Batman faces the cosmic Wraith (who is on the same power scale as Doomsday and Darkseid).  Even Wonder Woman’s intervention isn’t enough, as both heroes are battered by Wraith’s onslaught.  Their sole hope better arrive in time. 

Note:  Variant covers exist, courtesy of artists Jock Kubert & Andy Kubert, with Brad Anderson.

REVIEW:

Boasting glossy, top-caliber artwork, this issue is definitely worth the price of admission.  Writer Scott Snyder ensures that Superman, Lois, and Batman all have terrific moments.  Among the highlights is Batman’s classic straight-face burn of his gloating adversary that Superman isn’t around to save Wraith from him. 

To the creative team’s credit, this comic doesn’t resort to either profanity-laced dialogue or bloody gore.  One only needs to suspend total disbelief that the Dark Knight could withstand Wraith’s beat-down.  That said, Superman Unchained # 7 is an action-packed battle issue that should appeal to fans of DC’s Trinity (Superman; Wonder Woman; and Batman).  

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

From DC Group Editor Eddie Berganza, there is a two-page “Channel 52” spread hyping the Doomed storyline pitting Superman vs. Doomsday.  The single-page “DC All Access” column promotes Val-Zod as the new Superman of Earth 2.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                  8 Stars

Written by Kelley Puckett

Art by Aluir Amancio; Terry Austin; Phil Felix; & Marie Severin

Cover Art by Mike Manley & Terry Austin

SUMMARY:

Published by DC Comics for September 2000, this issue is entitled “Bigger Than Big, Smaller Than Small.”  Facing a single UFO in Metropolis, the Man of Steel makes quick work of a hostile alien.  Exposed to the alien’s seemingly useless weapon, a woozy Superman goes to S.T.A.R. Labs for routine testing.  A worried Lois Lane pushes her way into S.T.A.R. Labs to find that Superman is gradually shrinking to less than microscopic size. 

Professor Hamilton’s laser experiment evidently doesn’t work, as the Man of Steel is now small enough to rest in Lois’ palm before vanishing completely.  Relying on his knowledge of physics (and some x-ray vision), Superman seeks a faster-than-light solution.  Lois is left with a wistful hint of his heartfelt affection.

REVIEW:

Writer Kelley Puckett’s bland story is heavy on the atomic physics of Superman’s dilemma, but, unfortunately, it’s too easily forgettable.  Mostly, some huge logical gaffes are the problem (i.e. what happened to the hostile alien?  Why would Hamilton and S.T.A.R. Labs give up, leaving Lois with only a night shift janitor in sight and seemingly abandoning any chance of saving Superman?  How does Superman actually return to his normal size? 

It’s disappointing that Ray Palmer’s Atom doesn’t show up (let alone isn’t even mentioned), particularly if the Atom should be Superman’s logical hope of rescue.  Instead, Lois’ heartbreak becomes the sole item of interest.

In terms of the visuals meant to replicate Superman: The Animated Series (especially, the spot-on cover), the art team’s effort appears half-hearted on such a lackluster story.  Admirably kid-friendly, Superman Adventures # 47 probably won’t satisfy adult fans, but it at least makes a nice read for undemanding 10-and under fans.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

There is a single-page letters-and-answers column, as well as a thumbnail cover reveal for the next issue.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                    6 Stars

Written by Scott McCloud

Art by Rick Burchett; Terry Austin; Marie Severin; & Lois Buhalis

Cover Art by Rick Burchett; Terry Austin; Marie Severin; & WB Animation

SUMMARY:

Inspired by the animated series, DC Comics published this December 1996 issue entitled “Be Careful What You Wish For.”  Still adjusting to daily super-heroics a few months after his debut, a sheepish Superman is embarrassed by a naïve female admirer named Kelly.  At The Daily Planet, Lois and Clark playfully bicker before teaming up to interview a source re: recent wharf robberies. 

Unwisely implying aloud that she is Superman’s new girlfriend, young Kelly is abducted by Metallo.  Lois & Clark’s investigation suggests that John “Metallo” Corben may be back in the gun-running business.  While Superman battles Metallo, Lois squabbles with her rival, Angela Chen, for this scoop.  Kelly decisively ends her exclusive ‘relationship’ with the Man of Steel, much to a stunned Lois’ chagrin.                               

REVIEW:

Capably supported by artwork resembling the animated series, this well-played issue is a winner.  Perhaps its best element is Lois & Clark’s classic chemistry.  In terms of kid-friendliness, the sole qualm is that one scene clearly conveys that an incensed Metallo has slapped Kelly after she tries screaming for help.  Otherwise, Superman Adventures # 2 proves a surprisingly good read.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The single-page “Watch This Space” column offers DC news-and-notes.  Editor Michael McAvennie pens a two-page letter to fans.  A gray-and-black cover reveal for Superman Adventures # 3 is also included.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                     8 Stars

Written by (See Credits Below)

Art by (See Credits Below)

Cover Art by Dustin Nguyen

SUMMARY:

Published by DC Comics for April 2011, this 80-page one-shot consists of seven 10-page tales that mostly concentrate on Superman’s supporting cast, including Jor-El; Perry White; Supergirl; Jimmy Olsen; Bizarro; Conner Kent’s Superboy; Lana Lang; ‘Ma’ Kent; and ‘Mrs. Superman’ herself, Lois Lane.  The stories are:

“First Time for Everything.” Writer: Beau Tidwell, with art by ‘Cafu;’ ‘Bit;’ Santiago Arcas; & Sal Cipriano.  As Krypton’s destruction looms closer, a desperate Jor-El dodges security forces to covertly swipe a core sample from the planet’s ore processing facility for analysis.  Against formidable odds, Jor-El’s science verifies that the planet’s core is irreversibly transforming into what will be one day be known as kryptonite.

“Old Men Talking in Bars.” Writer Neil Kleid, with art by Dean Haspiel; Joe Infurnari; & John J. Hill.  At a Metropolis bar, Perry White encounters childhood hero Ted “Wildcat” Grant where they trade paternal frustrations re: their grown sons.  In a flashback, Perry recalls his first press exclusive as a pre-teen witnessing an Intergang raid on a charity boxing match between World Champ Ted Grant and his All-Star Squadron pal, Jim “Guardian” Corrigan.  Predictably, chaos and a different kind of slugfest ensues. 

“Quarterlife Crisis.” Writer-Artists: Abhay Koshola & Andy MacDonald, with help from letterer Sal Cipriano and colorist Chris Beckett.  Superman & Jimmy Olsen try to track down a hundred Jimmy clones that have escaped into the city and will likely perish over the course of one long day.   

“No Go Away Glad, Just Go Away!” Writer: Steve Horton, with art by Dan McDaid and Patrick Brosseau.  On Bizarro World, a grumpy Bizarro wants to be left alone, but it invariably doesn’t work out that way.  Cameos include Bizarro Supergirl; Bizarro Lois Lane; Bizarro Zatanna Zatara; and a parade of other Bizarro counterparts.

“The Bloodsucker’s Moxie.” Writer: Joe Caramagna, with art by Trevor McCarthy; Andre Szymanowicz; & Patrick Brosseau.  On a chaotic carnival date with new boyfriend, Brendan, Supergirl switches from her civilian identity to battle a vampire-like alien octopus that likes to snack on Kryptonians.   

“Credit Check.” Writers: Paul Tobin & Colleen Coover, with art by Amilcar Pinna; Chris Beckett; & Travis Lanham.  By chance, Lois Lane & Lana Lang stumble upon a lost bank card during their lunch hour.  Egged on by Lana, Lois tenaciously tracks down the card’s mysterious owner.  To complete their task, Lois & Lana resort to some creativity in seeking out a few leads.

“Bad Moon Rising.”  Writer: Aubrey Sitterson, with art by Eddy Barrows; JP Mayer; Rod Reis; & John J. Hill.  In Smallville, a restless Conner Kent blows off Ma Kent for a nighttime jog, only to encounter a bloodthirsty teenage werewolf.  Humbled by the vicious encounter, Conner appreciates his surrogate mother’s parenting.

Note: Despite their cover presence, Lex Luthor, Krypto, Steel (John Henry Irons), Doomsday, Parasite, and Brainiac don’t appear in this issue.

REVIEW:

A table of contents would have been helpful tackling this issue.  Still, the first two stories alone are worth the price of admission.  While the ‘untold’ Jor-El tale carries a solid aura of suspense, its only logical gaffe is how he alone escapes explosions unscathed.  The likable Perry White-Wildcat flashback is a delightfully heavy-handed brew mixing action, light humor, and poignancy.  Of the seven stories, that one proves the most likely for multiple reads. 

Despite some implied gore, the relatively good “Bad Moon Rising” is this issue’s best-illustrated.  Putting Superboy vs. a werewolf is at least interesting.  The other Halloween-ish tale is Supergirl’s ruined carnival date, which adds some poignant depth to her dismayed love life.  Though it isn’t geared for multiple reads, Lois & Lana’s team-up is a pleasant respite from super-heroics. 

The other tales, “Quarterlife Crisis” and the Bizarro story are significant disappointments.  The Silver Age-style premise of a hundred Jimmy Olsens running around should generate chuckles, but the creative team opts for an oddly melancholic approach that doesn’t lead anywhere or even makes much sense.  The same applies to the sluggish Bizarro tale, as its humorous potential is squandered by concentrating far too much on the irony of Bizzaro World’s reverse meanings. 

The visuals for all seven stories (as well as Dustin Nguyen’s cover image) are an asset.  It’s the uneven writing, however, that doesn’t hold up its end.  In terms of a scorecard, it’s really two great stories followed by two dismal ones.  The last three are well-conveyed yet hardly memorable.     

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

There is a four-page preview of The Flash # 9, which begins The Road to Flashpoint.  The single-page “DC Nation” column from John Rozum explores the concept for DC’s new horror series: Xombi.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                  6 Stars

Written by Kurt Busiek

Art by Rick Leonardi; Jonathan Sibal; Brad Anderson; & Comicraft

Cover Art by Carlos Pacheco; Jesus Merino; & Dave Stewart

SUMMARY:

Published for August 2011 by DC Comics, this long-delayed one-shot is entitled “Lost Boy: A Tale of Krypto the Superdog.”  In the tragic wake of Infinite Crisis, a despondent Krypto waits at the Kent farm for Conner “Superboy” Kent’s return.  Having recuperated from his own injuries, the Dog of Steel tracks his missing boy’s scent on a trail of locales that ended with his fateful battle against the deranged Superboy-Prime.  Along the way, ghost-like images haunt Krypto, as he draws closer to the devastating truth. 

Note: Though the image isn’t provided with this comic, artist Stanley Lau created a variant cover.

REVIEW:

Accompanied by minimal dialogue, writer Kurt Busiek delivers a poignant gem.  Per the spot-on cover image, the capable art team ensures that Krypto gets a well-delivered spotlight.  For Krypto fans, Superman # 712 is a must-have read.   

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The single-page “DC Nation” column hypes the 2011 Green Lantern film.  Somewhat dubiously, an eight-page “Subway” advertisement teams racecar driver Carl Edwards and NBA player Blake Griffin with the Justice League vs. Gorilla Grodd’s minions.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                       9 Stars

Written by G. Willow Wilson

Art by Leandro Oliveira; Walden Wong; Rod Reis; & John J. Hill

Cover Art by John Cassady & David Baron

SUMMARY:

Published by DC Comics for December 2010, this issue is entitled “The Road Least Traveled: A ‘Grounded’ Interlude.”  Lois Lane is in Rushmark, Indiana, (where she had graduated from an unidentified college years before) to continue her assignment of covering Superman’s cross-country walking tour.  Lois ponders what might have been if she had gone on from college to a happily conventional life, instead of the widespread public perception as Superman’s ‘cheerleader.’ 

Besides meeting three self-involved current members of her sorority, Lois encounters ex-classmate/ex-boyfriend, Brian, and his infant son, J.B. Accepting a dinner invitation to Brian’s house, Lois meets his wife, Huong, and their daughter, Ahn.  Lois privately confides her envy to Huong, who busily juggles family life with a full-time job running an architectural firm. 

Huong assures her that any ‘might have been’ life isn’t worth stressing over.  Clearing her head, Lois finds herself romantically swept up by her husband into the night sky.  Missing one another, Lois & Clark discuss why she wishes to be needed by him. 

Note: Though the image isn’t provided with this comic, artist Gene Ha is credited for a variant cover.

REVIEW:

Kudos to writer G. Willow Wilson for realistically exploring Lois’ multi-dimensional personality, in terms of who she once was and wanted to be vs. her secret life as ‘Mrs. Superman.’  This issue is a solid read that admirably focuses on Lois’ emotional anxieties instead of yet another round of her aggressive approach to journalism. 

The three major sequences (Lois quietly reflecting on her college days; Lois visiting Brian & Huong’s family home; and the romantic finale) are well-played and generally kid-friendly.  Even more so, this intriguing one-shot is imbued with top-caliber visuals by the art team (aside from Lois and Brian inexplicably resembling twenty-somethings instead of mid-to-late-thirtysomethings).  Superman # 704 is an underrated gem inside the high-profile Grounded that proves worth the price of admission.    

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The single-page “DC Nation” column offers three panels previewing Action Comics # 894, as Lex Luthor encounters DC’s female version of Death.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                    9 Stars

Written by (See Credits Below)

Art by (See Credits Below)

Cover Art by Gary Frank & Brad Anderson

SUMMARY:

Published for August 2010 by DC Comics, this landmark issue occurs immediately after the extensive New Krypton saga has concluded.  Consisting of three tales, they are:

• The Comeback: Written by James Robinson, with art by Bernard Chang; Blond; & John J. Hill (16 pages). Interrupting a high-stakes weapons deal involving the Toyman & Parasite, Lois Lane is chased by the Parasite inside a Metropolis warehouse.  Once Superman intervenes, Lois observes her husband make quick work of his old foe.  Later that night, Lois & Clark poignantly renew their emotional commitment. 

• Geometry: Written by Dan Jurgens, with art by Norm Rapmund; Pete Pantazis; & John J. Hill (16 pages). Due to a Wayne Enterprises commitment, a tuxedo-clad Bruce Wayne must take a high society night off as Batman.  Told to stay home and concentrate on his homework, young Dick Grayson chafes at the chance to prove himself as Robin.  A restless Boy Wonder goes to the Gotham City docks to thwart a gang of weapons smugglers.  Outmatched, a captive Robin needs the Man of Steel, who humorously later tries to help cover up Dick’s lack of judgment. 

• Grounded (Prologue: The Slap Heard ‘Round the World): Written by J. Michael Straczynski, with art by Eddy Barrows; J.P. Mayer; Rod Reis; & John J. Hill (10 pages). In the wake of the New Krypton crisis, a grieving widow/young mother slaps Superman in full view of the media on Capitol Hill.  Pressed into the Man of Steel’s mind is that he might have saved her dying husband, had he not been preoccupied with a galactic crisis.  Haunted by her grief, Superman seeks out Batman and the Flash before remembering some pertinent advice from his late adoptive father.  It spurns the humbled Man of Steel to make a renewed commitment to Earth in a way he has never done before.

Note: Though the image isn’t included with this comic, artists Eduardo Risso & Trish Mulvihill (with help from Neal Adams) created a variant cover.

REVIEW:

All three tales are exceptionally well-written, each with a different artistic style.  What’s even better is that all three visual styles are fantastic.  The vintage Gary Frank-Brad Anderson cover image is another asset.  With its bits of charming humor (as told in part from Dick Grayson’s perspective), the Robin-Superman team-up is likely the most complete package of the three stories. 

To DC’s credit, this issue is solidly low-key, as the stories are crafted in such a way that casual fans won’t be overwhelmed by current continuity.  For all the right reasons, the classy Superman # 700 is a keepsake for fans.  

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

There are single-page previews promoting upcoming storylines for: Action Comics (including a full-page cover reveal for Issue # 890); Supergirl (including cover reveals of Issues # 55-56); and the start of a new Superboy series.  A five-page preview of Action Comics # 890 depicts a new storyline in progress for Lex Luthor.  DC Editor Adam Schlagman pens a single-page “DC Nation” column promoting a new Green Arrow solo series spinning off from the Brightest Day saga.      

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                        9 Stars

Written by James Robinson

Art by Renato Guedes & Jorgé Correa Jr.; Wilson Magalhaes; David Curiel; & John J. Hill

Cover Art by Alex Ross

SUMMARY:

Published by DC Comics for February 2009, the ninth chapter of New Krypton is entitled “Hard Times!”  Above New Krypton, Superman is warned by a contingent of DC’s mightiest heroes that he has one hour to surrender the murderers of several Science Police and prison guards.  Despite the Man of Steel’s arguments, his Aunt Allura defies him, claiming that New Krypton’s vast superiority to Earth means that they don’t have to surrender anything. 

Caught in the middle between them, Supergirl shockingly lashes out.  Earth’s greatest heroes are vastly outnumbered defending themselves from the New Kryptonians.  Helping balance the odds, Zatanna Zatara leads a mystical cavalry.   

Notes: Though an image isn’t provided here, a variant cover was produced by artists Chris Sprouse; Karl Story; and Laura Martin.  Also, the kryptonite-laced asteroid field sequence on the Alex Ross cover doesn’t occur, at least not in this issue.

REVIEW:

Supported by the art team’s exquisite visuals, it’s an excellent read!  Writer James Robinson convincingly splits the Man of Steel’s loyalty to Earth’s safety and to his own race.  The same applies to an emotionally-rattled Supergirl, as she witnesses her mother’s startling ruthlessness. 

The plight of DC’s super-heroes vs. the New Kryptonians is well-played, though it’s not quite clear as to who all is involved.  For instance, Green Lantern Alan Scott appears with Hal Jordan and John Stewart in the final pages, but he isn’t seen during their initial confrontation with Superman.  Perhaps it’s meant to be conveyed that the heroes brought unseen back-ups, if there’s a worst case scenario.

Even if some other segments of the extensive New Krypton storyline seem tiresome, Superman # 683 proves one of its best, in terms of a complete package of storytelling and visual magic.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The single-page “DC Nation” column includes a thumbnail reveal for the next installment: Action Comics # 873.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                    9 Stars

Written by James Robinson

Art by Renato Guedes; Wilson Magalháes; David Curiel; & John J. Hill

Cover Art by Alex Ross (though uncredited)

SUMMARY:

Entitled “New Krypton, Part Two: Strange Meetings and Chance Encounters,” it was published by DC Comics for December 2008.  In Metropolis, The Daily Planet braces for Superman’s imminent arrival with a New Krypton delegation to meet the U.S. President.  A contingent of Superman’s friends (Wonder Woman; Mr. Terrific; Hawkgirl; & Green Lanterns John Stewart and Alan Scott) advise him of their skepticism re: New Krypton’s presence on Earth.  Lois observes Agent Liberty’s security precautions. 

With Supergirl, the Man of Steel accompanies the New Krypton delegation into Metropolis.  After an uneasy few moments, the summit’s spectacle is interrupted by one of Superman’s most devastating foes.  Elsewhere, a lonely Martha Kent gets a welcome visit from Krypto seeking to comfort her.     

REVIEW:

Beautifully illustrated (including the Alex Ross cover), writer James Robinson ensures that this issue doesn’t rush anything.  For instance, the poignant scene between Martha Kent and Krypto is well-played in its simplicity.  Though the convenient arrival of a familiar Superman nemesis is unexplained, its abruptness is still effective.  Accordingly, with Robinson smartly arranging the various scenes, Superman # 681 is a solid read. 

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The single-page, Halloween-themed “DC Nation” column includes a thumbnail cover reveal for the one-shot Guardian of Metropolis Special # 1.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                             7 Stars

Written by James Robinson

Art by Renato Guedes; Wilson Magalháes; Hi-Fi; & John J. Hill

Cover Art by Alex Ross

SUMMARY:

Entitled “The Coming of Atlas, Part 4: Man of Yore, Dog of Tomorrow,” this issue was published by DC Comics for November 2008.  Against Atlas, the Man of Steel has been overpowered in a Metropolis slugfest.  As downtown onlookers (including Superman’s wife, Lois Lane, and Jimmy Olsen) watch, Krypto aggressively attacks Atlas to protect his ‘man.’  Lois instantly regrets her prior misgivings over Krypto’s destructive tendencies.  Even a mysterious military operation testing various strength levels of an energy weapon fails to deter the mighty Dog of Steel. 

A battered Superman flees to seek out Zatanna Zatara’s help, but he must settle for her obnoxious younger cousin, Zachary Zatara.  With Krypto imperiled, the Man of Steel must step up his game to vanquish Atlas.

REVIEW:

Include insightful ‘thought balloons’ for Krypto, writer James Robinson does great work deploying the Dog of Steel.  Robinson also writes a great scene for Lois, as well as Superman’s justifiable dislike for Zatanna’s snarky cousin.  The ending is sentimental hokum, but it’s worth catching.  Beyond his wild slugfest with Krypto and Superman, nothing is actually done with Atlas, which is the issue’s sole flaw. 

In terms of visuals (including the vintage Alex Ross cover), the art team does exceptional work.  Accordingly, Superman # 680 is a great read and a well-deserved nod to Krypto.  

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

DC Editor Mike Carlin discusses a plot twist from Trinity # 17 in the single-page “DC Nation” column.  There are thumbnail cover reveals for Superman: New Krypton Special # 17; Reign in Hell # 3; Teen Titans # 63; and a tawdry image for Ambush Bug: Year One # 0.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                      8½ Stars