Month: December 2020

“All-New, All-Different Avengers”

Written by Mark Waid

Art by Mahmud Asrar; Frank Martin; & VC’s Joe Sabino

Cover Art by Jerome Opeña & Frank Martin

“Uncanny Inhumans”

Written by Charles Soule

Art by Brandon Peterson; Justin Ponsor; & VC’s Clayton Cowles

Cover Art by Nick Bradshaw & Richard Isanoye

SUMMARY:

For Free Comic Book Day 2015, Marvel Comics offered this flip book featuring new incarnations of the Avengers and the Inhumans in two 10-page stories.  Seen partially through flashbacks, three teenage protégés (the Indian-born Ms. Marvel; the new Nova; and Miles Morales’ Spider-Man) have joined the Avengers, which consist of: the Vision; Iron Man; Captain America (Sam “Falcon” Wilson); and Jane Foster’s Thor.  As the adult Avengers thwart a magical dragon during a downtown Manhattan bank heist, the three teens discover deceased victims inside the bank’s vault.  There they must face the villainous Radioactive Man … and the consequences of their actions.

In Mumbai, India, a vain Bollywood actor, Ajay Roy, soaks in the adulation of his first film premiere.  The unexpected arrival of the Terrigen Cloud disrupts the premiere and wildly mutates Roy into a tree-like creature.  HYDRA attempts to abduct this new Inhuman, only to face some unexpected opposition. Medusa, Naja, & the Fantastic Four’s Human Torch make appearances, as evidently this erratic Terrigen Cloud is now mutating humans all over Earth.

REVIEW:

Supported by decent visuals, writer Mark Waid’s unremarkable tale shines a decent spotlight on Marvel’s next generation of Avengers.  Tinged with some age-appropriate humor, this story should be okay for pre-teen readers.  Waid and the art team smartly infer how lethal Radioactive Man is, but they don’t resort to graphically revealing the deceased bank job victims.  Overall, it’s a low-key and reliable approach phasing in some intriguing new characters.  The undemanding cover serves this story well enough.

As to “The Uncanny Inhumans,” the glossy, high-caliber artwork impressively matches writer Charles Soule’s short tale of two contrasting reactions to suddenly becoming an Inhuman.  Soule’s depiction of this new character, Ajay Roy, realistically plays up his ultra-conceited personality to help make this story well worth the read.  Its cover image makes a stellar visual.  

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Bolstered by some nice artwork, a three-page preview glimpses a comic adaption of novelist James Patterson’s Max Ride: First Flight # 1.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                6½ Stars

IMAGES NOT AVAILABLE

Written by (See Credits Below)

Art by (See Credits Below)

Cover Art by Al Milgrom & Mike Machlan

SUMMARY:

Published by Marvel Comics in 1988, this sixty-four page annual consists of three “Evolutionary War” tales.  The first two stories occur simultaneously, though it’s revealed that the second one actually occurs first. 

Heads You Lose ..!  Writer: Steve Englehart; & Art by Al Milgrom; Gerry Taloc; Bill Oakley; & Marc Siry.  Held captive by the High Evolutionary, scientist (and ex-Giant Man) Bill Foster desperately sends word for help.  In Wakanda, after easily repelling an invasion force, Black Panther summons the West Coast Avengers to aid Foster.  Along with the Panther, Hawkeye, Wonder Woman, Scarlet Witch, Mantis, and the Vision face a second assault team sent by the Evolutionary.

Tails You Win!  Writer: Steve Englehart; & Art by Al Milgrom; Chris Ivy; Bill Oakley; & Marc Siry.  In the Savage Land, renegade Avengers Mockingbird, Tigra, & Moon Knight briefly encounter Ka-Zar and Shanna the She-Devil.  Facing off vs. the High Evolutionary in combat, Mockingbird realize that she and her teammates need a giant-sized miracle 

The Final Frontier (Chapter Nine).  Writer: Mark Gruenwald; & Art by Ron Lim; Tony DeZuniga; Ken Lopez; & Gregory Wright. In a back-up tale, the High Evolutionary’s deep space journey continues.  The Incredible Hulk appears, along with cameos from Thor, Jane Foster, and a young Jessica Drew.  This story continues in Spectacular Spider-Man Annual # 6.

REVIEW:

Writer Steve Englehart’s scripting is serviceable here — his best material comes in the battle scenes.  Of it, the Wakanda sequence is cool, especially Black Panther’s guest spot.  However, Englehart’s take on an embittered Mockingbird (after separating from Hawkeye) isn’t endearing and noticeably lessens her character.  While Mockingbird scores a solo battle sequence worth catching, what’s notable about this two-parter is the welcome return of Giant Man II.  In addition to recapping Bill Foster’s past, it’s neat as to how he might have to rescue the Avengers (instead of the other way around). 

What handicaps these stories, unfortunately, is the faded and uninspired artwork.  Case in point: the less-than-enticing cover image speaks for itself.  As for the back-up tale, it’s for High Evolutionary die-hards only – while the artwork is above-average, the story itself is a snore.  If fans spots this annual in a bargain bin, it’s an okay find.  However, West Coast Avengers Annual # 3 isn’t likely to inspire multiple reads.   

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

There are full-page pin-ups of: Hawkeye, Wonder Man, Vision & Scarlet Witch, Tigra, a snotty Mockingbird, Mantis, Doctor Pym, Moon Knight, and their recurring nemesis: Master Pandemonium (each with an eye-rolling dialogue balloon).  Also included is a full-page cover image guest-starring Hellstorm & Hellcat that wasn’t used for West Coast Avengers # 14. 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                    5 Stars

Written by John Byrne

Art by John Byrne; Mike Machlan; Bill Oakley; & Paul Becton

Cover Art by John Byrne

SUMMARY:

Published for May 1989 by Marvel Comics, this Vision Quest-related issue is entitled “Better a Widow …”  Along with the team (Wonder Man, Dr. Pym, Tigra, Hawkeye, Wasp, and a renegade Mockingbird), a devastated Scarlet Witch discovers her husband’s dismantled fate per an international government conspiracy.  A pivotal figure from Vision’s past may or may not still be alive. 

Hank Pym expresses limited optimism that he can restore the Vision.  In suspicious fashion, Wanda & Vision’s twin boys seemingly vanish, according to their nanny, before they instantly return in Wanda’s presence.  As Wonder Man tries to comfort a distraught Wanda several hours later, the team is assaulted by a partially-rebuilt Vision.   Making matters even worse, the team is stunned by the presence of a new government-appointed team captain.

Note: Vision Quest occurs during West Coast Avengers # 42-50.

REVIEW:

Aside from its thirty-year old art having faded, West Coast Avengers # 44 is an excellent read.  Everything clicks in first-class fashion thanks to John Byrne being on his A-game (case in point: a spot-on cover image).  With this storyline and Byrne working the creative controls, the series finally boasts a significant upgrade (in both visuals and scripting) after its promising early issues. 

In particular, Byrne devises an intriguing anti-Vision plot (which a deceived Mockingbird soon repents for), as multiple story threads begin taking effect: i.e. Scarlet Witch’s emotional/mental breakdowns; Hawkeye’s demotion; and the team’s dissension re: the U.S. Agent’s forced entry.  While previous stretches of West Coast Avengers (due to bouts of humdrum writing and/or sloppy visuals, varying upon the issue) haven’t aged well, WCA # 44 signals far better adventures for this team are still to come.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

There is a single-page ‘Bullpen Bulletins’ column, which includes a brief profile on Marvel assistant editor Marc Siry.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:             8 Stars

Written by Steve Englehart

Art by Al Milgrom; Mike Machlan; Bill Oakley; & Paul Becton

Cover Art by Al Milgrom & Mike Machlan

SUMMARY:

Published by Marvel Comics for June 1988, this issue is entitled “Tales to Astonish, Part 1: The Man in the Ant Hill.”  With Moon Knight established as Iron Man’s replacement, the West Coast Avengers learn of Hank Pym’s hacking of an Eastern European computer network. 

As his long-dead first wife, Maria Trovaya, might still be alive, a flashback reveals Hank’s romance with Maria.  Another flashback depicts Janet Van Dyne’s relationship with future husband Hank, including their pairing as Ant-Man & the Wasp.  Meanwhile, Mockingbird ponders if Moon Knight is taunting her re: Phantom Rider’s haunting vengeance. 

At a Hungarian military base,  the West Coast Avengers battle the country’s belligerent military, including several mutated gorillas.  Wonder Man & Hawkeye face a dilemma to save their poisoned teammates.  Suspecting a ruse, Hank and the Wasp flee to nearby Budapest.  Inside the heavily-secured Bratislava Prison, they are stunned to find two old friends unexpectedly locked up.     

REVIEW:

Though hampered by mostly pedestrian artwork, this kid-friendly issue is still a solid read that explores an intriguing Cold War angle to Hank Pym’s backstory as the original Ant-Man.  The last-page cameos by two Avengers adds another twist element that makes finding the next issue a temptation.    

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

With both getting single pages, there is a “West Coast-Lines” letters-and-answers column and a “Bullpen Bulletins” column (including a profile on Editor Jim Salicrup).  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                 5½ Stars

Written by Steve Englehart

Art by Al Milgrom; Dave Hunt; Bill Oakley; & Sharen E. Wright

Cover Art by Al Milgrom & Mike Machlan

SUMMARY:

Released by Marvel Comics for February 1988, the issue is entitled “Dead Run!”  Set up by the Shroud, a fugitive Cornelius Van Lunt/Taurus (of the Zodiac cartel) is relentlessly pursued by Moon Knight (and his own multiple personalities) across Los Angeles.  As the team (Wonder Man, Mockingbird, Tigra, Iron Man, & an irate Hawkeye) finds out about Moon Knight’s unauthorized solo play, Van Lunt’s desperate escape sets up an extended skirmish aboard a hijacked airplane.  It’s also hinted that Mockingbird’s dark secret may be coming back to haunt her. 

REVIEW:

It’s far more like an issue of Moon Knight than WCA, but sidelining the team for most of Steve Englehart’s script makes good creative sense.  Extra kudos goes to the Shroud’s happy-hunting signal to Moon Knight.  Marc Spector/Moon Knight’s personal vendetta against the deplorable Van Lunt comes off well-played – it’s very reminiscent of a Batman-style adventure. 

An even better asset comes with the art squad’s generally above-average visuals that haven’t yet faded with time — only their generic depiction of Wonder Man is a disappointment.  As a surprisingly good read (especially for Moon Knight’s fans), West Coast Avengers # 29 smartly explores his possibly poor fit as a team player.  

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

There’s a single-page “West Coast Lines” letters-and-answers column.  A full-page ‘Bullpen Bulletins’ column is also included, with a brief profile on Marvel editor Bob Budiansky.   

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                 7 Stars

Written by Steve Englehart

Art by Al Milgrom; Dave Hunt; Bill Oakley; & Phil DeWalt

Cover Art by Al Milgrom & Mike Machlan

SUMMARY:

Released by Marvel Comics for January 1988, the issue is entitled “Star Double-Crossed!”  Seeking to rescue a captive Hawkeye, the team (Mockingbird, Iron Man, Wonder Man, Dr. Pym, Moon Knight, and a Tigra impostor) descend upon the Denver Mint for a showdown against the Zodiac cartel.  Their battle re-commences in Death Valley. 

After conning the team, an opportunistic Cornelius Van Lunt (aka the cartel’s Taurus) tries escaping from Avengers custody.  Except for Van Lunt, the Zodiac Key mystically sends everyone into the dimension of Zodiac’s allies: the monk-like Brotherhood, for more fun and games.  The WCA must thwart the Zodiacs and reunite with Hawkeye & the real Tigra if there’s any chance of them all returning home.   

REVIEW:

It’s kid-friendly Marvel hokum of the time, as the unremarkable artwork has clearly faded.  Most of the characters are  illustrated fairly well, except for Wonder Man in a number of panels.  His black crewcut mullet is often badly inked, and, of the WCA, his character is depicted the most cartoonishly.  The plotting makes for an undemanding read, but the West Coast Avengers # 28 proves quickly forgettable. 

For somewhat better use of one’s down time, there’s Issue # 29 where Moon Knight pursues a fugitive Zodiac for a final grudge match.  With fight scenes worthy of DC’s Batman, that issue gets a thumbs-up, as compared to a clearly lackluster WCA # 28.   

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

There’s a single-page “West Coast Lines” letters-and-answers column.  A full-page ‘Bullpen Bulletins’ column is also included, with a brief profile of Marvel editor Ann Nocenti.   

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:            5 Stars

Written by Steve Englehart

Art by Al Milgrom; Joe Sinnott; Christie Scheele; & Tom Orzechowski

Cover Art by Al Milgrom

SUMMARY:

Entitled “Dive,” Marvel Comics published this issue for January 1987.  Briefly seen, most of the WCA (Hawkeye, Mockingbird; Iron Man/Tony Stark; and Wonder Man) chill out together in downtime and contemplate offering Firebird a spot on the roster. 

In San Francisco, while visiting the Hellstroms, Hank Pym observes a reinvigorated Tigra’s dive off the Golden Gate Bridge confirming she no longer fears water.  As their significant others watch on, Tigra & Hellcat reel in the catch-of-the-day: Tiger Shark, before the villain can escape to the Pacific Ocean.  Still adjusting to her new persona, Tigra gently halts her romance with Hank.   

Under Hank’s command, the two feline heroines also tag-team vs. Tiger Shark’s cohort (and Hank’s old foe), Whirlwind.  Taunted by Whirlwind, Hank’s brewing despondency implies a fateful decision.

REVIEW:

It’s definitely a rebound following Issue # 15’s less-than-stellar adventure in the Cat Realm.  Ironically, by sidelining much of the team, writer Steve Englehart does well with the Hellstorms/Tigra-and-Hank double-date (as it’s also an epilogue to the Cat Realm escapade).  Most welcome is the Tigra/Hellcat team-up, which delivers on its intriguing prospects – they’re a relatively formidable duo without much firepower. 

As a result, tag-teaming with Hellcat makes Tigra far more likable than several previous WCA issues.  Also well-played is Hank’s up-and-down personality, as his confrontation with Whirlwind reflects the ex-Avenger’s complicated past.  While the artwork has faded, there’s still enough visual magic to make this story work.  That said, West Coast Avengers # 16 is worth checking out for a solid Mid-to-Late 80’s Marvel adventure. 

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

There’s a single-page ‘Bullpen Bulletins/Checklist’ column.  A West Coast-Lines letters-and-answers column is dedicated to Wonder Man’s green, read, and yellow eyesore of a costume.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:            7 Stars

Written by Steve Englehart

Art by Al Milgrom; Joe Sinnott; Janice Chiang; & Ken Feduniewicz

Cover Art by Al Milgrom & Joe Sinnott

SUMMARY:

Entitled “The Lady or the Tigra,” Marvel Comics published this issue for December 1986.  Adrift on a vessel on the River of Death in Hades, the WCA (Hawkeye; Mockingbird; Tigra; Wonder Man; Iron Man/Tony Stark; Henry Pym; & guest stars Hellcat and her husband, Daimon Hellstrom) must babysit a freeloading Master Pandemonium.  More is revealed re: Hellcat’s costume that Tigra had also previously worn as The Cat. 

Landing in the realm of the Cat People, the team learns of Tigra’s bargain to relinquish the cat portion of her soul to be human again in exchange for killing Master Pandemonium.  The evil sorcerer’s origin is completed in flashback.  Against demonic cats in an arena, the West Coast Avengers are present when Greer Grant Nelson/Tigra’s destiny is at last determined.

REVIEW:

The eye-rolling yet spot-on cover image spells out a blah read.  In terms of the dubious plotting, suffice to say, it’s at best forgettable.  Considering the tiresome platitudes the team expresses here about zero killing, one practically yearns for Gardner Fox’s cardboard JLA dialogue from the 1960’s. As to the serviceable but faded artwork, what stands out in its few glimpses is Wonder Man’s ridiculous costume. 

Please note there’s also two minor inking gaffes on the last page: Patsy Walker/Hellcat’s red hair is inked black (which is actually Greer Grant Nelson’s hair color).  Otherwise, this whole package gives off a tired vibe — not a good sign in this early stage for an ongoing monthly.  West Coast Avengers # 15 offers a few okay moments (courtesy of the visiting Hellstroms), but this issue struggles its way into the one-and-done pile.  It’s indicative of West Coast Avengers not being on Marvel’s priority list at the time. 

Parental Note: Though it’s done as innocently as possible, in addition to Tigra’s barely-there bikini, Hellcat strips down to her bra & panties in a plot twist re: the Cat/Hellcat costume.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

There’s a single-page ‘Bullpen Bulletins/Checklist’ column, as well as a West Coast-Lines letters-and-answers column.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                    4 Stars

Written by Gerard Jones

Art by Tim Hamilton; Brad Vancatta; Pat Brosseau; & Joe Rosas

Cover Art by ‘FN,’ ‘JJ,’ & ‘Oursin’

SUMMARY:

Entitled “The Cutting Room,” it was released by Marvel Comics for April 1993.  With Simon “Wonder Man” Williams out of town on a movie shoot, two ruthless anti-Hollywood assassins, Splice and Rampage, break into his apartment building.  Powered by the mysterious Lotus’ advanced technology, they are opposed by the unpredictable Crazy Eight super-team.  Yet, the Eight is rapidly falling, among them is a critically-wounded Alex.  Her teenage daughter, Jamie, must desperately summon her dream-form to seek out Wonder Man’s help in time.    

REVIEW:

To writer Gerard Jones’ credit, he sets up an appealing cliffhanger for the next issue, re: whether or not Wonder Man will rescue the Crazy Eight (including his friend, Alex) in time.  Considering Simon Williams appears for only two pages, that’s a relatively good story device.  Another asset is that one of the guest villains: the embittered Splice (a nefarious ex-actor) hints at some intriguing potential.  This character could be worthy of opposing a hero like Spider-Man or Daredevil. 

As for the issue’s artwork, it holds up surprisingly well, particularly the well-played cover image.  Though Wonder Man # 20 isn’t memorable, it’s still a fun read.       

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

There are two single-page columns: one for “Bullpen Bulletins,” and the other is the “Simon Says” letters-and-answers.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:         6½ Stars