Month: December 2020

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Comic Books & Graphic Novels DC Comics LOONEY TUNES-Related

LOONEY TUNES # 238 (2017 DC Comics)

Written by (See Credits Below)

Art by (See Credits Below)

Cover Art by Derek Fridolfs & Pamela Lovas

SUMMARY:

Published by DC Comics for September 2017, this issue’s stories are:

  • “Out of Control” (8 pages).  Writer: Derek Fridolfs, with art by Walter Carzon; Horacio Ottolini; Candace Schinzler-Bell; & Saida Temofonte. After several more ACME product disasters, Wile E. Coyote realizes that his new TV remote can forward and reverse time.
  • “Hunt & Peck” (4 pages).  Writer: Sholly Fisch, with art by ‘Aranda;’ ‘Saichann;’ ‘Leigh;’ & Dave Tanguay.  In a wonky flashback hosted by Elmer Fudd, a prehistoric Wile E. Coyote takes his chances hunting mammoths and road runners.
  • “What’s My Neurosis?” (4 pages).  Writer: Jesse Leon McCann, with art by Mike DeCarlo; Mike Sellers; & Dave Tanguay.  Hapless psychiatrist ‘Doctor Bill’ diagnoses some Looney Tunes during their therapy sessions. 
  • “Zip Drive” (4 pages).  Writer: Sholly Fisch, with art by Pablo Zamboni; Ruben Torreiro; Phil Balsman; & Dave Tanguay.  Wile E. Coyote runs through a computerized series of attack scenarios strategizing how to finally nab the Road Runner.

REVIEW:

While the glossy artwork is ideal, something pertinent beyond the voice work and sound effects is lost in translation reading the particular Looney Tunes stories.  The story ideas are mildly promising, but the humor is pretty weak stuff.  It’s all too reminiscent of the Looney Tunes kiddie dreck that Gold Key and Whitman peddled in their 1970’s comics.  Still, this issue should briefly entertain 8-and-under Looney Tunes fans.      

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

There’s a two-page DC Super-Hero Girls puzzle with Poison Ivy entitled “Leaf Me Alone.”  DC Comics’ Orion and Mr. Miracle each receive a full-page profile.  The cover previews are for Batman ’66 Meets the Legion of Super-Heroes #1; Scooby-Doo Team-Up # 28; and Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? # 83.        

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                   4 Stars

Categories
Comic Books & Graphic Novels DC Comics LOONEY TUNES-Related

LOONEY TUNES # 39 (1998 DC Comics)

Written by (See Credits Below)

Art by (See Credits Below)

Cover Art by (Uncredited)

SUMMARY:

Published by DC Comics for April 1998, this 32-page issue pairs a Foghorn Leghorn caper with a ‘Twlight Zone’-like misadventure for Bugs Bunny.  The two stories are:

  • “Barnyard Gladiators” (12 pages).  Writer: Michael Eury, with art by Horacio Saavedra; Rubén Torreiro; & Javier Saavedra.  Winning a four-million-dollar lottery jackpot, Miss Prissy has Foghorn Leghorn and another gold-digging rooster literally competing for her affections.  Yet, the real winner (or loser) may be the referee: Barnyard Dawg.
  • “Hare-allel Universe” (12 pages).  Writer: Michael Eury, with art by Pablo Zamboni; Scott McRae; John Costanza; & Jo Meugniot.  Bugs Bunny’s underground burrowing inadvertently sends him into a parallel dimension where familiar Looney Tunes appear opposite to their natural personas.

REVIEW:

Impressively, the issue’s artwork is as good as one could hope for.  The cover image makes a curious mistake, as Barnyard Dawg is missing his trademark brown coloring.  Still, the mildly amusing Foghorn-and-Barnyard Dawg script lives up to their feuding brand of storytelling.  In fair warning, though, the story’s concluding gag re: who Miss Prissy chooses to marry just seems kinda wrong, good taste-wise. 

As for the Bugs Bunny tale, it’s surprising that Warners Bros. hasn’t tried a cartoon with this ‘Twlight Zone’ spoof premise before.  The script plays out okay, but a lack of voice actors or any funky sound effects negates how funny this premise might have been.  For faithful fans, Looney Tunes # 39 is a fun, kid-friendly read, but its two stories don’t hit their full potential.       

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

None.       

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                4 Stars

Categories
Comic Books & Graphic Novels DC Comics LOONEY TUNES-Related

LOONEY TUNES # 38 (1998 DC Comics)

Written by (See Credits Below)

Art by (See Credits Below)

Cover Art by Leonardo Bato & Rubén Torreiro

SUMMARY:

Published by DC Comics for March 1998, this 32-page issue celebrates Marvin the Martian’s 50th Anniversary.  The two stories are:

  • “The Trouble With Mars” (17 pages).  Writer: Terry Collins, with art by Pablo Zamboni; Rubén Torreiro; Daniel Griffo; & Prismacolor.  To contend with Marvin the Martian’s ominous threats, present-day NASA sends Porky Pig to recruit a down-on-his-luck Duck Dodgers and personally investigate Mars.  It’s a long-awaited rematch pitting the 24th½ Century’s bumbling space heroes vs. Marvin and Lt. K-9.
  • “Puppy Love” (6 pages).  Writer: Dana Kurtin, with art by Cosme Quartieri; Khato; John Costanza; & Tom Ziuko.  A suburban rodent couple adopts a chihuahua puppy as its new baby.  Knowing that their ‘baby’ isn’t really a mouse, the would-be dad summons his cousin, Speedy Gonzales, for an emergency intervention.

REVIEW:

The issue’s artwork is as good as one could hope for (including a terrific cover image).  To some extent, the lead story’s premise is on a par with the Duck Dodgers cartoon TV series.  It’s even a solid upgrade over that dull Return of Duck Dodgers in the 24th and ½ Century cartoon from roughly forty years ago. 

Some gags (including Porky’s reluctant return to his Space Cadet uniform) are well-played, though a throwaway joke re: how Duck Dodgers supposedly ‘sold out’ NASA to Hollywood isn’t explored enough.  It would have helped explain (particularly, to kids) why this story occurs in the present-day rather than the ‘24th½ Century.’  Further, had the script been reconfigured as more of an ongoing spoof of sci-fi shlock cliffhanger serials, that might have worked better.  As to Speedy’s back-up tale, it’s an instance of where the amusing premise sounds better than the actual outcome. Otherwise, it’s less said the better.

For devoted Duck Dodgers fans, Looney Tunes # 38 is fun, but it likely merits only a single read.       

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

None.       

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:            4 Stars

Categories
Comic Books & Graphic Novels DC Comics LOONEY TUNES-Related

LOONEY TUNES # 27 (1997 DC Comics)

Written by (See Credits Below)

Art by (See Credits Below)

Cover Art by Walter Carzon & Horacio Ottolini

SUMMARY:

Published by DC Comics for February 1997, this 32-page issue offers these three tales:  

  • “Once a Toon … Always a Toon” (10 pages).  Writers: Allison Heartinger & C.M. Baldwin, with art by Cosme Quartieri; Bob Pinaha; Khato; & Tom Ziuko.  Petunia Pigs hosts a reality TV special where Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, and Elmer Fudd (with some unintentional ‘help’ from Wile E. Coyote, & the Road Runner) voluntarily participate in an isolation dome experiment to change their natural combative tendencies.  It’s their supposed goal to become ‘better-behaved’ Toons for the sake of 21st Century political correctness.
  • “Lot O’ Misery” (6 pages).  Writer: Dave King, with art by Nelson Luty; Teresa Davidson; Horacio Ottolini; & Grace T.  Bland.  Perennial lottery loser Daffy Duck finally scores a five-million-dollar jackpot. Bugs Bunny observes him desperately search for his missing ticket.
  • “Love Disconnection” (8 pages).  Writer: Sean Carolan & Jennifer Moore, with art by Oscar Saavedra; Teresa Davidson; Rubén Torreiro; & Grace T. Bland.  During an argument re: her TV career, Petunia Pig dumps her sexist boyfriend, Porky Pig. A desperate Porky resorts to implementing radio host Pepe Le Pew’s dubious romantic advice to try winning Petunia back.

REVIEW:

Including a fun cover image, this issue’s artwork is as good as one could hope for.  While the lead story isn’t as hilarious as it should have been, its sarcastic jabs at excessive political correctness (not to mention, a swipe at Barney the Dinosaur) are well-played.  Daffy’s lottery mishap is practically a cartoon waiting to happen, but its tame ending is far too predictable. 

As for Petunia & Porky’s relationship bickering, the gags aren’t funny, though the underlying sentiments are domestic issues any adult might relate to.  Still, the concept re: Pepe Le Pew’s new job as a radio call-in advisor is ingenious enough that it likely deserves a cartoon by itself.  Even without voice actors and wacky sound effects, Looney Tunes # 27 is an okay single read for adults and kids alike. 

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

None.      

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                  5 Stars

 

Categories
Comic Books & Graphic Novels DC Comics LOONEY TUNES-Related

LOONEY TUNES # 10 (1995 DC Comics)

Written by (See Credits Below)

Art by (See Credits Below)

Cover Art by (Uncredited)

SUMMARY:

Published by DC Comics for January 1995, this 32-page issue offers some Christmas season capers.  The stories are:

  • “How the Wabbit Saved Christmas” (18 pages).  Writer: Jack Enyart, with art by George Wildman; Scott McRae; Bob Pinaha; & Dave Tanguay.  On Christmas Eve, chimney sweepers Bugs Bunny & Daffy Duck’s efforts to nudge Elmer Fudd’s holiday spirit set them up as an injured Santa’s stand-ins.  Filling in for Santa, their overnight hijinks includes appearances from Penelope Pussycat, Pepe Le Pew, Speedy Gonzales, and the Tasmanian Devil.
  • “All Trapped Up” (3 pages).  Writer: Bobbi JG Weiss, with art by Horacio Saavedra; Rubén Torreiro; Bob Pinaha; & Dave Tanguay.  Sylvester the Cat’s Christmas Eve snooping over what gift his devoted son has in store for him has an ironic outcome.
  • An untitled and uncredited Bugs Bunny single-page comic strip has Bugs befuddling Elmer Fudd’s sense of Christmas spirit.

REVIEW:

Including a delightful cover image, this issue’s artwork is as good as one could hope for.  While the lead story isn’t nearly as hilarious as it might have been, it offers some decent kiddie fun.  The inspired gag re: Penelope Pussycat’s ‘Christmas present’ for Pepe Le Pew is the likely highlight.  The Sylvester-Sylvester Jr. tale isn’t all that funny, but it’s worth a mild chuckle.  The same might be said of the Bugs Bunny comic strip, which is presumably a newspaper reprint.  All said, Looney Tunes # 10 isn’t worth multiple reads for adults, but it’s a decent holiday one-and-done read for young fans. 

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Bugs and Tweety & Sylvester separately offer full-page kiddie activities.    

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                4½ Stars

Categories
Comic Books & Graphic Novels DC Comics

JUSTICE LEAGUE AMERICA ANNUAL # 9 (1995 DC Comics)

Written by Gerard Jones

Art by Jeff Parker; John Nyberg; Clem Robins; & Gene D’Angelo

Cover Art by José Marzan, Jr.

SUMMARY:

As part of its Year One theme, DC Comics published this 48-page annual entitled “Seconds” in 1995.  The League consists of: Martian Manhunter; Mr. Miracle; Captain Marvel/Shazam; Green Lantern (Hal Jordan); Black Canary; Guy Gardner; Captain Atom; Booster Gold; Batman; Doctor Fate; Blue Beetle (Ted Kord); and Rocket Red.  While Max Lord risks his life reneging on his covert role in a worldwide invasion conspiracy, the League is transported into a battle vs. Darkseid’s forces.  The fates of New Genesis and Apokolips are at stake.  Related guest stars include Metron, Orion, Lightray, Highfather, Darkseid, and DeSaad.    

REVIEW:

It’s laughably bad read!  The dubious impression left is that DC Comics should have outsourced this sub-par annual to an elementary school art class – the end result would have surpassed this creative team’s laziness. 

The biggest fizzle is that there are far too many Leaguers to give them all something remotely meaningful to do — ironically, Batman ends up the worst casualty.  As the team leader, no less, Batman comes off as a cardboard cutout sporadically seen amidst a few background panels.  Instead, Mr. Miracle and Max Lord are allotted the most pivotal screen time, which still doesn’t amount to much. 

Even worse than the mediocre storytelling is the stunningly low-grade (well, about 90% thereabouts) artwork – visually, the other ten percent hovers around average caliber.  DC Comics should be embarrassed by this annual’s production quality, as it’s strictly for undemanding kids.  Taking on this weak effort requires accepting it’s amateur hour time. For comparison’s sake, Justice League Annual # 9 is just as dreadful as 2018’s Justice League: No Justice mini-series.     

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

None.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:              3 Stars

Categories
Comic Books & Graphic Novels DC Comics

JUSTICE LEAGUE AMERICA ANNUAL # 6 (1992 DC Comics)

Written by Dan Mishkin

Art by Dave Cockrum; José Marzan, Jr.; Clem Robins; Gene D’Angelo; & Dan Jurgens

Cover Art by Dan Jurgens & Dave Cockrum

SUMMARY:

As part of the Eclipso: The Darkness Within saga, this 64-page annual entitled “Maximum Eclipse” was released by DC Comics for 1992.  Among Eclipso’s captives are Valor/Mon-El, a Starman, and evidently Hal Jordan’s Green Lantern.  After initially declining the Man of Steel’s League recruitment effort, Wonder Woman witnesses Eclipso’s corruptive power first-hand.  Superman, Wonder Woman, Metamorpho, and the League (Booster Gold, Maxima, Guy Gardner, Fire, Bloodwynd, Ice, and Ted Kord’s Blue Beetle) confer with Professor Bruce Gordon, unaware that Eclipso has already infiltrated them. 

Having corrupted another Leaguer, Eclipso launches a nuclear radiation disaster as a diversion.  In a chaotic battle versus their possessed teammate, the team doesn’t know that Blue Beetle is fighting a running game of desperation fending off the actual Eclipso inside their own HQ.        

Note: This Eclipso crossover storyline continues in The Demon Annual # 1.

REVIEW:

Utilizing this particular League, their 1992 annual is well-played.  The best asset of writer Dan Miskin’s script is depicting one of Ted Kord’s finest adventures single-handedly facing Eclipso, including a mysterious cliffhanger finish.  Matching up well with Mishkin’s entertaining plot is a solid, if unspectacular, outing by the art squad.  Above all, Justice League America Annual # 6 makes for a kid-friendly read that should appeal to adult fans, too.  To DC’s credit, this story isn’t padded by any means, but its multiple plot twists render the actual extent of Eclipso’s nocturnal powers confusing at times.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

None.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:              7 Stars

Categories
Comic Books & Graphic Novels DC Comics

JUSTICE LEAGUE {aka JUSTICE LEAGUE OF ANTARCTICA} ANNUAL # 4 (1990 DC Comics)

Written by Keith Giffen & J.M. DeMatteis  

Art by Mike McKone; Bob Smith; Bob Lappan; & Gene D’Angelo

Cover Art by Kevin Maguire & Joe Rubinstein

SUMMARY:

Published by DC Comics for 1990, this 64-page annual doubles as the ‘Justice League Antarctica’ one-shot.  Hitting rock bottom at the unemployment line, a reformed Injustice League (Major Disaster, Clock King, Multi Man, Big Sir, & Cluemaster) desperately accepts a life-line to serve as the Justice League’s new Antarctic branch (as far away as real trouble as possible).  This new branch also recruits the alien Scarlet Skier and the dog-like Gnort the Green Lantern.  In proximity to the team’s dull HQ,  a South Pole bio-genetics lab crisis forces the other Justice Leagues to investigate.  Repelling man-eating invaders, this incident ends up one of the League’s most embarrassing cases ever.

Notes: The Justice League Europe/International is represented by Martian Manhunter; Blue Beetle (Ted Kord); Guy Gardner; Flash (Wally West); Elongated Man; Fire; Captain Atom; Metamorpho; & Power Girl.  Related guest stars are Sue Dibny, Oberon; Catherine Cobert, and Max Lord.

REVIEW:

Despite their work fading after thirty years, the art squad consistently delivers above-average visuals.  In that sense, everyone on this creative team scores the necessary points.  For instance, by going for straight-up laughs, co-writers Keith Giffen & J.M. DeMatteis devise perhaps the best Justice League sitcom ever.  With  Martian Manhunter and a super-single Flash (briefly making a pass at an uninterested Fire) as this tale’s only legitimate A-listers, Giffen & DeMatteis manage to hilariously deploy the most hapless super-villain/super-hero wanna-bes imaginable.  Incredulous reaction scenes (primarily, from Martian Manhunter and Captain Atom) add to the fun, though this particular gag is relied upon too often. 

The scripting (perhaps faintly inspired by 1982’s The Thing film) proves mostly terrific, including Max Lord’s amusing post-case epilogue re: Justice League Antarctica’s immediate ‘future.’  Aside from a gag hinting Gnort once unknowingly hired an escort/prostitute and a few carnivorous inferences, the wacky humor is equally accessible to adults and teens.  For what Justice League Annual # 4 is meant for, it’s a DC comedy gem well worth re-discovery.     

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

None.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                 8 Stars

Categories
Comic Books & Graphic Novels DC Comics

JUSTICE LEAGUE # 40 (2018 DC Comics)

Written by Christopher Priest

Art by Pete Woods; Chris Sotomayor; and Willie Schu

Cover Art by David Yardin

SUMMARY:

Published by DC Comics for May 2018, the second chapter of Justice Lost is entitled “Selection.”  In Estes Park West, Arkansas, team leader Cyborg discovers more sabotage by the League’s anonymous “Fan.”  Outraged protesters needing emergency help during a toxic cloud disaster divides the Justice League, as to a best course of action.  Risking negative public perception, both League squads reluctantly leave the scene to let the first responders assume complete control. 

Aboard the JLA Watchtower satellite, Aquaman battles the Fan’s blonde assistant before she makes her escape. The returning League (Wonder Woman; Flash; Cyborg; Vixen; Batman; Atom; Killer Frost; Aquaman; Ray; Black Canary; Lobo; and Superman) discovers the Fan’s latest trap.  With their orbiting base rapidly descending into Earth’s atmosphere, the League looks to Cyborg.  Intent of saving everyone, Cyborg concocts a jury-rig strategy to transform the Watchtower into a makeshift ice ball as their sole means of evading potential incineration.       

In Washington D.C., a high-standing congressional chairman ponders how to navigate a scheming attorney’s outlandish seventy-five billion dollar class-action lawsuit against the Justice League.    

Notes: Though the image isn’t provided in this comic, artist JG Jones created this issue’s variant cover.  Also, despite their cover billing, neither of the team’s Green Lanterns are present for this story.

REVIEW:

Writer Christopher Priest’s script offers an intriguing cliffhanger.  Further, the implicit trust that the team has in Cyborg delivers a pivotal moment in his character’s history.  Yet, it’s peculiar to see Aquaman punch apparently a human woman (even if she is a villain) seemingly at full force, and she seems just barely dazed.  It makes too little sense.  Further, the deceptive cover image conveys a battle of the League’s two squads, which this issue certainly isn’t.  At most, the first sequence depicts a brief disagreement.  Why DC Comics would resort to false advertising to boost sales is really anyone’s guess.  Complemented by terrific visuals, Justice League # 40 still proves a mostly solid read.    

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The single-page “DC All Access” column promotes the Dark Night: Metal mini-series.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                   6½ Stars

Categories
Comic Books & Graphic Novels DC Comics

JUSTICE LEAGUE: GENERATION LOST # 9 (2010 DC Comics)

Written by Judd Winick

Art by Fernando Dagnino; Raul Fernandez; & Steve Wands

Cover Art by Cliff Chiang; Kevin Maguire; & Hi-Fi Design

SUMMARY:

Published for early November 2010 by DC Comics, the ninth installment of this twenty-four issue Brightest Day tie-in is entitled “Just Stopping By.”  Infiltrating the Justice League International embassy in Germany, renegade ex-member Maxwell Lord pits a mind-controlled Fire as a weapon vs. her team (Captain Atom; Ice; Jaime Reyes’ Blue Beetle; Booster Gold; and an injured Rocket Red).  Lord’s ongoing sabotage disables Skeets, as the JLI must contend with Fire before their embassy is destroyed.  Booster pursues the telepathic Lord for a showdown.  A new operative is recruited by Lord on Checkmate’s behalf to eliminate Captain Atom.    

Note: Kevin Maguire & Hi-Fi conjured up a variant cover, but its image isn’t included in this comic.

REVIEW:

Including some profanity-laced dialogue, writer Judd Winick devises a dynamite read for JLI fans.  In stark contrast to Keith Giffen’s comically befuddled version, Winick conveys this Maxwell Lord as a considerable threat against his vengeful ex-teammates.  A world-weary Booster Gold also impressively stands above his comedy relief reputation as the team’s voice-of-reason, as well as possessing the most personal score to settle with a ruthless Lord. 

Captain Atom, Fire, and an out-of-armor Rocket Red are great during their screen time, which helps Winick keep readers off-guard as to potential plot twists.  Further aiding Winick is an art squad that submits an excellent effort illustrating this issue.  The primary cover image is indicative of high-quality visuals. Ultimately, Justice League: Generation Lost # 9 is an exciting caper that adult fans should find worth their time.  

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

DC Assistant Editor Janelle Siegel’s “DC Nation” column heralds the Knight and Squire mini-series.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                8½ Stars