Month: December 2020

Written by Brian Azzarello

Art by Jim Lee; Scott Williams; Alex Sinclair; & Nick Napolitano

Variant Cover Art by Michael Turner (seen below)

SUMMARY:

Entitled “For Tomorrow, Part Two,” DC Comics published it for July 2004.  Father Daniel Leone somberly makes his rounds before returning to the Catholic cathedral in downtown Metropolis.  He is frustrated by the current controversies affecting the Church.  Superman again visits him for a consultation. 

The Man of Steel describes entering an unidentified urban war zone (presumably, in the Middle East) where his intervention destroyed the conflict’s mass collection of firearms.  His effort as peacemaker is tragically marred by a resentful young boy’s assassination.     

Note: Though the image isn’t available here, the standard cover was produced by Jim Lee & Scott Williams.

REVIEW:

As with Superman # 204, the main asset of Superman # 205 is Jim Lee’s top-caliber artwork.  Unfortunately, another carry-over from the previous issue is that writer Brian Azzarello again fails to make this grim storyline an entertaining read.  Evidently, Azzarello’s For Tomorrow aims for real world relevance, but his take on Superman’s world-weary presence simply generates minimal appeal.  If anything, artist Michael Turner’s superb variant cover is reason enough to add Superman # 205 to any comic collection.       

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The single-page “DC in Demand” column includes a thumbnail cover reveal for Superman # 206.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                   6 Stars

Written by Brian Azzarello

Art by Jim Lee; Scott Williams; Alex Sinclair; & Nick Napolitano

Cover Art by Jim Lee & Scott Williams

SUMMARY:

Entitled “For Tomorrow, Part One,” DC Comics published it for June 2004.  At a Catholic cathedral in Metropolis, police Lt. Lupé Leocadio speaks with Father Daniel, who is her old friend.  Upon her departure, a somber Superman arrives for his own private consultation with Daniel.  Bearing heartfelt sadness, the Man of Steel acknowledges he was off-Earth aiding Green Lantern Kyle Rayner when the ominous ‘Vanishing’ recently occurred. 

With no explanation yet discovered, a million humans remain missing from Earth, including Lois Lane.  Superman is left without answers. 

REVIEW:

Sporting superb artwork, Superman # 204 suggests some intriguing potential, as to what catastrophe could darkly send even the Man of Steel into depression.  Yet, what writer Brian Azzarello doesn’t explain is why multiple panels convey Superman’s terse glares at the priest without justification.  One can only construe that either Superman is silently confronting the priest re: an unknown offense, or that Superman resents the priest’s probing stare.  Though it’s likely the latter, Azzarello doesn’t do enough to spell out why. 

As a new storyline opener, Azzarello inexplicably fails to make this story entertaining.  Its heavy angst quotient is more fitting for Batman.  Still, this comic’s asset is Jim Lee’s artwork, including a stellar cover image.      

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The single-page “DC in Demand” column includes a thumbnail of Jim Lee & Scott Williams’ cover for Superman # 205.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                   6 Stars

Written by Gerry Conway

Art by Luke McDonnell; Mike Machlan; & Albert De Guzman

Cover Art by Luke McDonnell & Bill Wray

SUMMARY:

Entitled “The Long Road Home,” this issue was published by DC Comics for December 1985.  It reveals Steel’s predicament after vanishing in battle on a frozen Earth-S during Crisis on Infinite Earths # 9.  On a desolate Earth, a ravaged Steel (Hank Heywood III) repels an attack by mutated cockroaches. He then finds himself himself the guest of a mysterious woman and her elderly wizard-like father residing in 1,000,000,000 A.D. 

Upon his recovery, Steel opts to aid his rescuers against the ominous Six’s killer-bots to regain the powerful Chrono-Cube.  Meanwhile, at the Justice League’s Detroit bunker, Hank’s recuperating grandfather (Commander Steel of the All-Star Squadron) regrets Hank’s inhumane origin as his bionic successor.

REVIEW:

Showcasing Hank Heywood III’s brief incarnation of Steel, writer Gerry Conway nicely weaves this one-shot tale by  anchoring it to a familiar villain from the League’s past.  Including a terrific cover image, the art team’s excellent visuals provide the necessary support to keep Steel’s solo adventure engaging. 

Even it doesn’t accomplish much, Justice League of America # 245 is really more a decent reminder of DC’s commendable mid-80’s quality control.  Boosted by Conway’s quick flashbacks to help out readers just tuning in, this Crisis on Infinite Earths tie-in should appeal to fans of all ages.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

There is a two-page “JLA Mail Room” letters-and-answers column.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                7 Stars

Written by Gerry Conway

Art by George Tuska; Mike Machlan; Helen Vasik; & Gene D’Angelo

Cover Art by Chuck Patton & Mike Machlan

SUMMARY:

Published by DC Comics for September 1985, the midpoint of a three-part Amazo storyline is entitled “Battle Cry.”  Having left the League, Aquaman reunites with his estranged wife, Mera.  In the rugged Canadian forest, the League breaks into tag-teams (Elongated Man & Gypsy) (Zatanna Zatara & Steel) (Vixen & Vibe) to pursue Amazo.  Surviving Amazo’s attack on the League’s prototype jet, Martian Manhunter and Dale Gunn aren’t aware that the team has engaged the unstoppable android. 

Unhinged by the mind of a crazed local named Jake MacGregor, Amazo easily captures the team, duo by duo.  Martian Manhunter & Dale Gunn depart for Superman’s Fortress of Solitude, unaware of the abducted team’s potentially grim fate.       

REVIEW:

This entertaining issue is another reason why the Detroit Justice League is sadly underrated.  First up is poignant character depth realized in Aquaman & Mera’s arc, courtesy of writer Gerry Conway’s smart dialogue. He also delivers an exciting series of skirmishes, as the Detroit League is plausibly overwhelmed by Amazo’s arsenal.  Setting up a terrific cliffhanger, Conway makes the best use of this League roster. 

Including a likable old school sort of cover image, the art team puts forth a reliable effort visualizing this adventure.  The only off-note is a pedestrian-looking Aquaman.  Overall, Justice League of America # 242 is worth re-discovery, in terms of vintage 1980’s pre-Crisis DC Comics.      

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Including a thumb-nail of the next issue’s cover, there is a two-page “JLA Mail Room” letters-and-answers column.  On the inside back cover, Editor Dick Giordano’s full-page “Meanwhile …” column includes quick summaries of the week’s new DC releases. 

Among Giordano’s topics is Crisis on Infinite Earths.  Of dubious mention is DC’s 15-page (including a cover) preview adapting the MASK toy line as a comic book series.      

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                7½ Stars

Written by Gerry Conway

Art by Chuck Patton; Gene D’Angelo; Rick Hoberg; Mike Machlan; & John Costanza

Cover Art by Chuck Patton & Mike Machlan

SUMMARY:

Published by DC Comics for June 1985, this 32-page issue showcasing Vixen is entitled “In the Shadow of the Ox.”  At the Justice League’s new Detroit bunker, a skeptical Superman, Wonder Woman, and Flash (Barry Allen) confront Aquaman’s team.  A dismayed Zatanna Zatara witnesses Vixen’s rivalry for Dale Gunn’s affections.  The JLA is disturbed by Aquaman’s telepathy reining in an irate Vixen (and previously Steel).   

To rescue elderly Mother Windom, Vixen defiantly confronts her despised uncle, General Mustapha Maksai, now dubbed ‘The Gored Ox.’ Transformed into a bloodthirsty man-ox, Maksai faces off vs. Vixen in a lethal showdown to contest the mystical Tantu Totem’s destined owner.   

Notes: See also Issues # 234-235 re: the Vixen vs. Maksai storyline.  This story also acknowledges the onset of space-time fluxes caused by the Crisis on Infinite Earths series.

REVIEW:

Gerry Conway’s JLA Detroit squad steps up their game in Issue # 239.  In addition to a well-played Vixen showcase solidifying her origin, Conway makes good use of a stop-over from Wonder Woman, Flash, and Superman.  Impressively, all of DC’s necessary creative elements are in place, including excellent visuals.  Case in point: the excellent cover image is a spot-on tease.  No matter how maligned this era of League history has been, this underrated issue merits re-discovery.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

There is a two-page “JLA Mail Room” letters-and-answers column, as well a single-page “Meanwhile …” column from DC’s Dick Giordano.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                 8 Stars

Written by Gerry Conway

Art by Chuck Patton; Rick Magyar; Ben Oda; & Gene D’Angelo

Cover Art by Chuck Patton & Dick Giordano

SUMMARY:

Published by DC Comics for March 1985, it is entitled “Rebirth, Part Four: Gypsy Genius.”  Aquaman’s new Justice League (Zatanna Zatara; Vixen; Vibe; Steel; Elongated Man; and J’onn J’onzz/Martian Manhunter) are in a stand-off with Overmaster and his Cadre.  Forced to flee their first major engagement as a team, Aquaman and Martian Manhunter helps the League regroup while telepathically sensing the truth behind Overmaster’s outlandish claims.  The League makes its stand against the pursuing Cadre. 

At the League’s Detroit bunker, Gypsy & Dale Gunn join forces to track down the missing team.  Arriving at the North Pole, Gypsy and Gunn join the battle in progress.  The League learns from its two master telepaths the likely truth behind this Overmaster’s power grab scheme.  As they depart the North Pole, the team witnesses an unearthly sight likely confirming Aquaman & Martian Manhunter’s deductions.       

REVIEW:

Though writer Gerry Conway must resort to having Aquaman finally explain at length the deductions he and the Martian Manhunter have made, the story is generally well-played.  Not only are the art team’s visuals solid (including an okay cover image), but the plotting satisfactorily boosts this new League. 

Kudos also go to Conway for incorporating Gypsy and Dale Gunn as vital participants in the issue’s wrap-up.  Conway makes a terrific effort at portraying the League’s heroics as an ensemble piece.  As evidence of how underrated the fan-derided Detroit Justice League actually is, Justice League of America # 236 proves a surprisingly good read.  

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

There is Dick Giordano’s single-page “Meanwhile …” column, as well as a “JLA Mail Room” page for letters and answers.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                 7½ Stars

Written by Gerry Conway & Chuck Patton

Art by Mike Machlin; John Costanza; & Gene D’Angelo

Cover Art by Chuck Patton & Dick Giordano

SUMMARY:

Entitled “Rebirth, Part Three: Heavy Metal,” this issue was published by DC Comics for February 1985.  At their Detroit bunker, Gypsy secretly observes the League’s mixed reaction to Vixen’s solo raid at the city jail.  Telepathically reprimanding a team rookie, Aquaman’s aloof leadership doesn’t sit well with the League veterans. 

Outside the bunker, Gypsy & Steel are attacked by the Cadre’s Fastball, on behalf of his boss, the Overmaster.  At the M’Changan Embassy in New York City, Vixen faces off against the vicious General Mustapha Maksai, who wants her mystical Tantu Totem.  Rescuing a wounded Vixen, Aquaman defies the police.  20-year old Steel confides his origin to a sympathetic (and horrified) Zatanna Zatara.  The League abruptly meets o Overmaster’s sinister Cadre.            

REVIEW:

In fairness, this issue’s so-so cover image doesn’t inspire confidence.  Yet, despite all the flack that DC Comics endured for their controversial mid-80’s JLA reboot, this issue ages fairly well. Co-writers Gerry Conway and Chuck Patton generate an intriguing dynamic of a hard-nosed Aquaman vs. the hotshot rookies (Steel, Vixen, & Vibe), as Zatanna, Elongated Man, and Martian Manhunter hold this makeshift team together. 

More impressively, Conway & Patton ensure that this League plausibly displays individual personalities to build character depth.  The art team’s visuals further bolster DC’s equivalent to Marvel’s vintage Avengers quartet of Captain America, Hawkeye, Scarlet Witch, & Quicksilver.  Justice League of America # 235 isn’t a must-have, but it offers a refreshing read. 

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The “JLA Mail Room” letters-and-answers column offers a three-page sampling of fan reactions to the much-debated JLA Annual introducing its new members.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                   7 Stars

Written by Kurt Busiek

Art by Chuck Patton; Dick Giordano; John Costanza; ‘Klein;’ & Gene D’Angelo

Cover Art by Chuck Patton & Dick Giordano

SUMMARY:

Entitled “The Supremacy Factor,” it was published by DC Comics for March 1984.  This issue’s League line-up consists of Superman; Green Lantern; Firestorm; Wonder Woman; Black Canary; Red Tornado; & Green Arrow.  En route in Star City to meet up with Ollie Queen, Hal Jordan, and Clark Kent for lunch, Dinah Lance (Black Canary) is overwhelmed in a back alley skirmish against the masked Paragon. 

Even after her friends make the save, Paragon stuns them with his awesome powers and escapes.  Discreetly investigating, Firestorm, Green Arrow, and Black Canary find that Paragon can mimic their powers (within proximity) and gains a superior edge over each of them in raw power.  The arrival of Red Tornado, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, and Superman makes it a 7-to-1 League advantage, but they still can’t thwart Paragon.  Only Black Canary’s intuitive ‘divide & conquer’ strategy may find their adversary’s weakness.

REVIEW:

Well-played!  Though Paragon is hardly a memorable villain, writer Kurt Busiek maximizes the character’s ultra- arrogant presence as a would-be world conqueror to make him a plausible JLA threat.  Not only is the League’s chemistry spot-on, Busiek ensures that their selfless teamwork in battle is a fun experience. 

In particular, Black Canary is the issue’s MVP, as she is seen on the last page giving Paragon some fitting payback.  Busiek’s vintage tale also gets capable support from the art team.  At any rate, Justice League of America # 224 is worth re-discovery for any JLA fan looking for an entertaining read.    

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

In addition to Dick Giordano’s “Meanwhile …” column, there is a “JLA Mail Room” letters-and-answers column.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                8 Stars