Month: December 2020

Written by Dan Jolley

Art by Jamal Igle; Rob Stull; Chris Sotomayor; & Phil Balsman

Cover Art by Matt Haley

SUMMARY:

Published by DC Comics for February 2005, the issue is entitled “Heroes.”   In Detroit, after a brief flashback to Rusch family bliss a decade before, the constant present-day friction between father and son has teenager Jason Rusch being told to move out.  Stunned that the Justice League knows where to find him, Jason meets ex-Firehawk Lorraine Reilly, who is seeking answers for Ronnie Raymond’s grieving father. 

Despondently, Jason recruits a downtown vagrant that night to join him as Firestorm.  In a Good Samaritan gesture, Firestorm attempts to help a suicidal cancer victim calling herself ‘Laura.’  Trailing the naïve Firestorm, Lorraine intervenes too late upon realizing in horror who this woman really is.

REVIEW:

While the artwork (consistent thus far with this series) is well above-average, the only detriment is writer Dan Jolley’s too-realistic interpretation of Jason Rusch.  While it’s easy to imagine a likable Jason resembling a younger Michael B. Jordan, Jolley doesn’t do enough to actually endear Jason’s world to readers.  Sympathizing with his character re: an abusive and neglectful father makes sense, as it provides this Firestorm reboot an original foundation to build off from. Yet, imparting Jason with some good judgment and tidbits of humor would boost the storytelling.  Case in point: having Jason unwisely choose an unknown vagrant/drug abuser to merge as Firestorm, with seemingly little or no consequence, impacts this story’s plausibility — not to mention Jason’s apparent lack of maturity.

Ironically, what makes this Firestorm reboot fun is re-introducing the best players from Ronnie Raymond & Professor Stein’s supporting cast (as they’ve matured since the original series).  For instance, Jason’s awkward first encounter with Lorraine “Firehawk” Reilly is sold well, as it’s a nice opener to help set up their eventual merger as Firestorm later in the series.  The same praise applies to bringing back a 80’s villainess from Lorraine & Ronnie’s past, though Jolley fails to explain how Lorraine intuitively senses her old foe’s presence. 

The bottom line is that the promising Firestorm # 8 doesn’t suffer from visual problems – it’s only some minor tweaking of Jason Rusch that holds back a promising sequel to DC’s original Firestorm. If done right, Jason’s Firestorm would equal Wally West’s Flash as a viable next-generation DC icon.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The “DC in Demand” column includes thumbnail cover reveals for Seven Soldiers # 0; Deadshot # 1;  Superman/Batman # 15; Detective Comics # 801; Superman/Batman # 15; and Firestorm # 9.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:            7½ Stars

Written by (See Credits Below)

Art by (See Credits Below)

Cover Art by John Cassady; Laura Martin; & Randy Mayor

SUMMARY:

Published for February 2011 by WildStorm Productions, this 100-page cross-over one-shot collects 2000’s Planetary/Authority: Ruling the World and 2002’s Planetary/JLA: Terra Occulta (each tale is approximately fifty pages, including its full-page cover). 

Planetary/Authority: Ruling The World – Written by Warren Ellis, with art by Phil Jimenez; Andy Lanning; Laura Depuy Martin; and Ryan Cline, with the cover image by Phil Jimenez & David Baron.

The Authority narrowly averts a near-catastrophe in Judgement, Rhode Island, by destroying a massive alien-like octopus and its legion of flying aquatic monsters. Following up similar leads without actually encountering one another, the Planetary team (Jakita Wagner; Elijah Snow; and the Drummer) and the Authority descend on a secret research lab located in the Adirondacks.  Both squads separately face formidable tasks saving Earth from an extradimensional invasion force.   

Planetary/JLA: Terra Occulta – Written by Warren Ellis, with art by Jerry Ordway; David Baron; and Mike Heisler, with the cover image by Jerry Ordway & David Baron.

In an alternate reality, the Planetary Organization ominously dominates world society after having amassed and controlling all advanced technology, including Green Lantern rings and a Kryptonian shuttle prototype.  Bruce Wayne recruits Earth’s last Amazon, Diana Prince, as well as the mysterious Mr. Kent, to launch a last-ditch counter-strike.  Taking the battle to The Planetary’s moon base, a lethal showdown ensues. 

REVIEW:

Unquestionably, the top-caliber visuals in both stories are this comic’s primary asset.  The problem lies in grasping writer Warren Ellis’ style of mind-blowing (and kid-unfriendly) storytelling.  Far too often, Ellis makes the misassumption that the entire audience knows exactly who’s who’s and what they’re talking about.  Rather noticeably, Ellis doesn’t resort to inserting profanities as cheap dialogue, but he does rely on a bloody violence quotient that seems excessive. 

In the adults-only Ruling The World, for those unfamiliar with either of these super-teams, the storyline is only vaguely comprehensible.  As Ellis throws in multiple doses of technobabble, deciphering the plot from the dialogue alone proves more exasperating than rewarding.  The characters also do little to endear themselves to new readers.  Above all, be advised of some bloody violence late in the game.  Ruling The World is written near-exclusively for Ellis’ fan base, so it may not prove too entertaining for casual fans.

Terra Occulta is far easier to fathom, as the sci-fi/horror plot is Justice League-focused.  Impressively, these ‘realistic’ counterparts of Bruce Wayne; Diana Prince; and Clark Kent make for an intriguing read.  In that sense, this tale’s spirit belongs to DC Comics’ Elseworlds and Vertigo imprints, especially as the fates of would-be Justice Leaguers are revealed. 

Again, there is a fair amount of technobabble, but it doesn’t impact the story’s narrative flow too much.  Also, Ellis throws in bloody mayhem for the finale, even when it doesn’t really make sense (i.e. an impaled character somehow survives in spite of what should be a fatal wound).  For that matter, Diana’s ultra-violent clash with Jakita Wagner isn’t satisfactorily resolved, but perhaps leaving its exact outcome to the imagination is for the best.

Overcoming its minor weaknesses, Terra Occulta far surpasses Ruling The World as a comprehensible and mostly enjoyable read.  Yet, as a combined package read, these two tales offer some insights into exploring WildStorm’s blend of traditional super-heroics with edgy Vertigo Comics-style storytelling.               

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

None.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:             7 Stars

Written by James Tynion IV

Art by Alvaro Martinez; Raul Fernandez; Brad Anderson; & Sal Cipriano

Cover Art by Yasmine Putri

SUMMARY:

Entitled “Intelligence, Part 4: Ghost in the Shell,” it was published under DC Comics’ Rebirth banner for September 2017.  A flashback at the Zataras’ ancestral home, Shadowcrest, shows teenage Bruce Wayne learn of fellow teen Zatanna and her father/Bruce’s mentor, Giovanni “John” Zatara’s true magical powers. 

In the present-day, Zatanna Zatara confesses her regrets to Bruce, particularly as she sensed that they wouldn’t share a romantic future.  In a dream-like ‘Heavenscape,’ Jean-Paul (aka Azrael) defies the malevolent Ascalon.  Azrael’s physical form battles Batwoman & Cassandra Cain while a costume-less Luke Fox (aka Batwing) seeks armored assistance.  With Batman, Zatanna helps subdue Azrael and tends to an injured Batwoman.  The team’s Belfry is ominously surrounded.  Luke Fox reveals a means to save Jean-Paul from Ascalon.

Note: Though the image isn’t included, artist Rafael Albuquerque created a variant cover.

REVIEW:

As writer James Tynion IV’s terrific storyline sets up its climax, Batman & Zatanna’s intriguing friendship explores some fresh depth to a backstory that Paul Dini had devised several years before.  A short dialogue exchange between Zatanna and a semi-delirious Batwoman is also a nice gem.  Yet, what’s truly impressive is the high-caliber visuals delivered by the art team for the entire five-part “Intelligence” saga.  Detective Comics # 961 is another excellent read, particularly as Zatanna blends into the Bat-Family’s chemistry.    

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The single-page “DC All Access” column promotes a release date checklist for DC’s Dark Nights: Metal saga.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:            8½ Stars

Written by James Tynion IV

Art by Alvaro Martinez; Raul Fernandez; Brad Anderson; & Sal Cipriano

Cover Art by Yasmine Putri

SUMMARY:

Entitled “Intelligence, Part 2: Transcendence,” it was published under DC Comics’ Rebirth banner for August 2017.  A flashback reveals teenagers Bruce Wayne and Zatanna Zatara’s private scene on a Las Vegas casino rooftop years ago.  In the present-day, at Gotham City’s wrecked Iceberg Lounge, they reunite to confront the armored Ascalon robot. 

Even Batman’s team (including Batwoman; Batwing; and Clayface) fails to capture him.  While Nomoz, a mystical survivor of the Order of St. Dumas, is under the Bat-team’s medical care, another potential lead dies.  Batwing & Batwoman analyze Azrael’s Suit of Sorrows, as they try to decipher Ascalon’s true target.  In a rainstorm, on a Gotham City rooftop, Batman confides the real reason to Zatanna for seeking her help.  Jean-Paul’s (aka Azrael) meditation is interrupted by a monstrous sight.      

Note: Though the image isn’t included here, artist Rafael Albuquerque created a variant cover.

REVIEW:

Reviving the reliable chemistry between platonic old friends Batman and Zatanna is a gem for writer James Tynion IV’s storyline.  It’s a worthy successor to the retroactive Bruce & Zatanna back-story Paul Dini devised years before. Even better is that the art team supplies strong, high-caliber visuals.  Detective Comics # 959 is definitely a great read, even if the surplus of Bat-allies may be hard to keep track of.    

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The single-page “DC All Access” column promotes DC’s line of alternative Young Animal imprint graphic novels.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:            8½ Stars

Written by Greg Rucka

Art by J.H. Williams III; Dave Stewart; Todd Klein; Cully Hamner; Laura Martin; & Jared K. Fletcher

Cover Art by J.H. Williams III

SUMMARY:

Published for September 2009, this Batman Reborn issue stars Batwoman in the 22-page lead feature and Renee Montoya’s Question in an eight-page, ongoing back-up feature.  Entitled “Elegy, Part 2: Misterioso,” Kate Kane’s poisoned Batwoman must flee the psychotic Alice and her ghoulish disciples.  A cliffhanger later pits a wounded Batwoman in a rematch vs. Alice’s gun-wielding forces, as well as a trio of monster-like creatures.

In “Pipeline (Chapter One, Part Two),” Renee Montoya’s Question battles a trio of Latino thugs in her ominous search for a missing girl named Louisa.  Making progress, the Question stumbles into a stun gun ambush at a shipping company’s corporate office.             

REVIEW:

Without the Dynamic Duo in sight, writer Greg Rucka impressively pens both of the issue’s features.  While this Question back-up segment doesn’t accomplish much, it still has decent art and a believable cliffhanger to keep readers tuned in.  However, Rucka and artist J.H. Williams III conjure up a mini-masterpiece with their Kate Kane adventure. 

Not only is the perverse Alice now a fearsome Bat-adversary, Rucka continues his creepy “Elegy” storyline with a slew of welcome twists.  Among them is ensuring that a mortal Kate Kane, even with Bat-technology, is by no means indestructible. Rucka’s work is commendable on this installment, but the stand-out is Williams’ lush painting-like imagery (i.e. the cover image).  It imbues the macabre “Elegy” with an unique visual look that tends to overshadow Rucka’s work. 

Detective Comics # 855 is a superb journey to Gotham City where Batwoman and the Question hold their own as the city’s newest guardians. 

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Dan DiDio hypes the Blackest Night saga in his single-page “DC Nation” column.  Also, a five-page preview helps launch the Superboy-headlining Adventure Comics # 1 reboot.    

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                8½ Stars

Written by Paul Dini

Art by Dustin Nguyen; Derek Fridolfs; John Kalisz; & Jared K. Fletcher

Cover Art by Andrew Robinson

SUMMARY:

Published by DC Comics for March 2009, this issue is entitled as ‘Faces of Evil featuring Hush’ in “Reconstruction.” In Gotham City, a despondent Dr. Tommy “Hush” Elliot survives a wintry suicide attempt.  Elliot soon realizes that impersonating Bruce Wayne could reap huge dividends, as long as he doesn’t move in Wayne’s inner circle.  On a worldwide crime spree, a predatory Elliot relishes that the presumed dead Wayne’s Batman can’t stop him this time. 

A chance encounter in Sydney, Australia, with an ex-Justice Leaguer spooks Elliot enough to take his illicit masquerade somewhere far more discreet.  In Vietnam, Elliot unexpectedly encounters an old foe seeking to settle a very personal score, clearly knowing that he isn’t Bruce Wayne.

REVIEW:

Reminiscent of The Talented Mr. Ripley, writer Paul Dini and artist Dustin Nguyen conjure up an intriguing, well-played tale spotlighting Hush.  Bearing Nguyen’s distinctive visual style, Dini’s narration through Hush’s opportunistic point-of-view is spot-on depicting his conscience-free, international crime spree.  The last page is a terrific cliffhanger urging readers to stay tuned re: Hush’s potential comeuppance.  It’s a solid choice for fans of crime fiction noir. 

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Senior DC Comics Vice President & Executive Editor Dan DiDio pens a short “DC Nation” column promoting the checklist of January 2009’s twenty-three Faces of Evil issues.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:             8 Stars

IMAGE NOT AVAILABLE

Written by Steve Vance

Art by Jim Aparo; Rick Burchett; Kurt Hathaway; Tom McCraw; & Digital Chameleon

Cover Art by Jose Luis Garcia López; Kevin Nowlan; & Dave Stewart

SUMMARY:

Entitled “Dead Loss,” the second issue of this five-part mini-series was released by DC Comics for October 2001.  Decrepit sorcerer Darius Caldera’s pact with a demonic entity in Hell continues.  Having failed to save Barry Allen’s Flash from Caldera’s scheme, Boston “Deadman” Brand tries to save a doomed Jason Todd’s Robin and Todd’s mother from a fatal explosion during the Death in the Family storyline.  Briefly inhabiting a critically-injured Todd’s body, Deadman spurns the Boy Wonder into desperate action.

Deadman fails to alter history, as he blames Batman for not arriving ten minutes sooner.  Todd’s Robin maturely accepts responsibility for his own fateful decisions, as his spirit eavesdrops a final exchange between Batman and his dying mother.  Upon losing Todd’s spirit to Caldera, Deadman is left behind to witness a pivotal DC moment… again.   

REVIEW:

Supported by solid visuals, this ‘secret’ sequel to Batman’s A Death in the Family (December 1988 – January 1989) is an excellent homage to Jason Todd’s underrated Robin.  Like the first issue, this comic’s most valuable asset is how writer Steve Vance and the art team faithfully recreate iconic scenes (in this instance, from the Batman series) while enhancing them with poignant ‘unseen footage.’  Though this story has likely been erased due to DC’s ever-shifting continuity, Deadman: Dead Again # 2 merits re-discovery.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

In addition to a cover reveal for Deadman: Dead Again # 3, the last page pays homage to Jason Todd.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                8 Stars

Written by Steve Vance

Art by Leonard Kirk; Rick Burchett; Kurt Hathaway; Tom McCraw; & Digital Chameleon

Cover Art by Jose Luis Garcia López; Kevin Nowlan; & Dave Stewart

SUMMARY:

Entitled “Book One: The Quick and the Dead,” the opener for this five-part mini-series was released by DC Comics for October 2001.  Decrepit sorcerer Darius Caldera’s black magic ceremony to fend off his demise meets an unknown cosmic fate.  A time-traveling Boston “Deadman” Brand arrives on Earth during Crisis on Infinite Earths # 7 and # 8.  Expanding upon a quick scene in Crisis # 7, Phantom Stranger and the Spectre admonish Deadman that even their formidable magic can’t survive the anti-matter universe.  The cosmic entity Rama Kushna also instructs Deadman that he has a mission to complete somewhere in the anti-matter universe.

On Earth, a ghostly Barry Allen’s Flash seeks help once more, but Deadman returns with him to his fate in the anti-matter universe.  Witnessing the climax of Crisis # 8, Deadman’s origin is recapped.  Battling Deadman and the Flash, Darius Caldera’s mystical power grab scheme is revealed.   

REVIEW:

Supported by excellent visuals, this solid Crisis team-up homage overcomes its morbid elements to make a compelling read.  Though Caldera’s use of a ‘soul cage’ looks silly, writer Steve Vance revisits Boston Brand’s past to help set up the feud between Caldera and Deadman.  This comic’s best asset is how Vance and the art team faithfully recreate scenes from the Crisis series and enhance them with pivotal ‘unseen footage.’  Though this story has likely been erased from DC’s ever-shifting continuity, Deadman: Dead Again # 1 is a mostly satisfying read.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

In addition to a cover reveal for Deadman: Dead Again # 2, the last page pays homage to Barry Allen’s supposedly last bow in 1985’s Crisis on Infinite Earths # 8.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:            7½ Stars

Written by (See Credits Below)

Art by (See Credits Below)

Cover Art by Gene Ha & John J. Hill

SUMMARY:

Released by DC Comics for December 2007, this 71-page anthology includes thirteen short Halloween horror tales starring a diverse array of DC stars, each by a different creative team.  Narrated by Arkham Asylum inmates awaiting a Halloween Night prison break at midnight, this comic’s book-end segments conclude with an appropriate twist.  However, make no mistake: this comic is for adult readers only.    The stories and their creative teams are:

• Halloween at Arkham Opening: pages 2-3

Writers: Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning         Pencils: Trevor Hairsine

Inks: Kevin Conrad                                     Colors: Rod Reis

Killer Croc finishes telling a ghastly tale.  The Joker initiates at random another round of spooky, did-it-really-happen? Halloween stories with his imprisoned cronies.  

• Kcirt Ro Taert (Trick Or Treat): pages 4-8

Writer: Paul Dini                                  Art: Dustin Nguyen

According to the Scarecrow, a depraved gang of drug punks deliberately poisoned an unsuspecting, young trick-or-treater with a hallucinogenic drug causing a terrifying catatonic state.  An infuriated Zatanna Zatara ensures that the gang’s fitting payback is demonic hell on Halloween Night.    

• The Watchdogs: pages 9-16

Writers: David Arquette & Cliff Dorfman                Art: Bernard Chang

Per Two-Face, on a full moon Gotham night, Robin traces a bloody homicide case to a pack of vigilante werewolves preying upon Gotham’s “evil wolves.”  Arquette inserts himself as an unnamed Gotham City police detective     

• Red Rain: Blood Lust: pages 17-23

Writers: Peter Johnson & Matt Cherness Art & Colors: Kelley Jones & Mark Chiarello

The Mad Hatter tells of Elseworlds’ Red Rain vampire, Bruce Wayne, experiencing a gruesome nightmare.  Or is it really a horrific déjà vu that the Batman vampire is inflicting on a defenseless family?  Answers evidently might be found in the Search for Ray Palmer: Red Rain special.    

• What Can Scare the Main Man?: pages 24-27

Writers: Marc Bernadin & Adam Freeman          Pencils: Eric Battle

Inks: Sandra Hope                                            Colors: Pete Pantazis

The female fear-monger, Phobia, reveals her encounter with Lobo when he thwarted her gang’s ‘shopping’ raid at STAR Labs.  Who would have guessed what utterly terrifies Lobo?  

• Children of the Deep: pages 28-33

Writers: Tony Bedard        Art & Colors: Sebastian Fumara & Edgar Delgado

Dr. Destiny relates how a young Aquaman once tangled with three bloodthirsty witches known as The Morgan Sisters in the coastal village of Portsmouth.

• … In Stitches: pages 34-35

Writer: Peter J. Tomasi     Art & Colors: Peter Snejberg & Lee Loughridge

Mr. Zsasz reveals how Young Frankenstein gruesomely rebuilt himself after being ripped apart by Black Adam.

• World’s Shoddiest: The Light Kday Returns!: pages 36-38

Writer: Kal-El Bogdanove         Art & Colors: Jon Bogdanove & Pete Pantazis

The Riddler recounts his hilarious Metropolis misadventure the previous Halloween Night where he and his gang run into Lois Lane, Bat-zarro, and Bizarro during a warehouse heist on the docks.

• Strange Cargo: pages 39-44

Writer: Steve Niles                      Art: Dean Ormston

According to Poison Ivy, even Superman gets scared, especially after he must rescue Lois & Jimmy from bloodthirsty zombies they meet on the Metropolis docks.

• Small Evil: pages 45-49

Writer: Steve Seagle         Art & Colors: John Paul Leon & Trish Mulvihill

One decrepit inmate tells of a Smallville horror story where teenagers Clark Kent, Lana Lang, and Pete Ross encounter a pranking youngster whose increasingly gross jokes may prove a fatal mistake.  

• Speed of Life: pages 50-54

Writer: Mark Waid        Art & Colors: Ryan Sook & Dave McCaig

An unidentified female inmate relates how the Flash (Wally West), wife Linda, and their two young children encounter his late grandfather’s apparent ghost. 

• The Pumpkin Sinister: pages 55-62

Writer: Dan DiDio                     Pencils: Ian Churchill

Inks: Norm Rapmund                Colors: Rod Reis

Another unidentified villain tells of Shadowpact’s Halloween Night where Blue Devil/Dan Cassidy & a bored Enchantress/June Moone are at home greeting trick-or-treaters.  Cassidy’s psychotic childhood rival and a dim-witted friend conjure up the demonic Pumpkin Sinister to sic the ghoul on Blue Devil.

• Sometimes They Come Back!: pages 2-3

Writers: Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning             Pencils: Tony S. Daniel

Inks: Jonathan Glapion                                   Colors: Pete Pantazis

Killer Croc relates his South Carolina swamp encounter a few months earlier with an ominous, white-haired drifter who refuses to die. 

• Halloween at Arkham Ending: pages 69-70

Writers: Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning               Pencils: Trevor Hairsine

Inks: Kevin Conrad                                           Colors: Rod Reis

Halloween Night’s last cackle may belong to the Joker … or does it? 

REVIEW:

This DCU Infinite Halloween Special is a stark reminder of how DC Comics’ kid-friendly status quo drastically shifted with 2004’s Identity Crisis murder mystery and 2005’s ultra-violent Infinite Crisis.  Of this comic’s thirteen stories, a mere three (What Can Scare the Main Man?; World’s Shoddiest; and Speed of Life) are safely pre-teen appropriate, not to mention terrific stories with top-flight artwork. 

Speed of Life is uniquely welcome, as it’s the comic’s sole non-violent story, with a redemptive theme that both kids and adults can likely relate to.  For mature horror fans, there really isn’t a single dud to be found.  Among this comic’s other gems are “Kcirt Ro Taert;” and “The Pumpkin Sinister.”  Despite some startlingly vile content, DCU Infinite Halloween Special’s mix of macabre storytelling and superb art proves astonishingly good.        

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

There is a single-page, cartoony Halloween greeting from the DCU Editorial Staff. 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:             9 Stars

Written by Keith Giffen & Tony Bedard

Art by Dexter Soy; Derlis Santacruz; Andre Ponce; Veronica Candini; & Deron Bennett

Cover Art by Ed Benes; Alejandro Sicat; & Randy Mayor

SUMMARY:

Published for January 2014 by DC Comics, the third issue of this New 52 crossover mini-series is entitled “Dark Orko.”  At Wayne Manor, the Justice League is stunned by a mind-controlled Superman’s murder by He-Man.  Despite Prince Adam’s honorable self-surrender, Evil-Lyn mystically transports Teela, Adam, and herself away to temporary safety.    Knowing better, Batman can’t convince the League to pursue Skeletor instead of Superman’s supposed killer.  At the House of Mystery, John Constantine faces similar skepticism from the Justice League Dark.    

From Eternia, Man-at-Arms’ retrieval squad (including Battle Cat & Stratos) is forced into battle against an infuriated Justice League.  Seeking to steal Earth’s magic before destroying the planet, Skeletor’s demonic new boss is ominously revealed.    

REVIEW:

Impressively, this issue delivers a complete entertainment package of a compelling storyline and stellar artwork (including its cover image).  Though the bewildered Justice League makes little impact, they are an intriguing contrast on the defensive against He-Man and his allies.  Suggesting more surprises to come, the last-page twist reveal is definitely well-played!  For fans of either the Justice League or Masters of the Universe, this terrific comic justifies the price of admission.    

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Including two cover images, the single-page “DC Comics All Access” promotes the new Harley Quinn # 1.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                    8 Stars