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Comic Books & Graphic Novels DC Comics

JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA # 219 (1983 DC Comics)

Written by Roy Thomas & Gerry Conway

Art by Chuck Patton; Romeo Tanghal; John Costanza; & Gene D’Angelo

Cover Art by George Pérez

SUMMARY:

Published for October 1983 by DC Comics, it’s entitled “Crisis in the Thunderbolt Dimension, Part One.” The League line-up consists of Hal Jordan’s Green Lantern; Barry Allen’s Flash; Firestorm; Red Tornado; Zatanna Zatara; Elongated Man; and Black Canary.  The JSA guest stars are: Hourman; Jay Garrick’s Flash; Helena Wayne’s Huntress; Power Girl; and Starman. 

On Earth-One, the Flashes Barry Allen and Jay Garrick make predictably fast work of a rookie terrorist squad.  Yet, Johnny Thunder’s corrupted Thunderbolt genie intercepts and critically wounds Barry Allen.  Aboard the JLA satellite, another Thunderbolt attack decimates the JLA-JSA reunion party, which includes stranding the JSA on Earth-One.

Along with Black Canary & Red Tornado, the JSA ponders why the Thunderbolt genie has hospitalized five Justice Leaguers.  Black Canary poignantly remembers the tragic death of her husband, Larry Lance, during a JLA-JSA team-up in Justice League of America # 73-74.  She also recounts how the same cosmic incident evidently mutated her to gain the ‘canary cry’ super-power. 

With most of the League neutralized, the heroes set out to thwart crime sprees across Earth-One by rampaging super-crooks from both Earths.  Starman & the Canary secretly trace the Thunderbolt back to his otherworldly dimension.  With a familiar villain now revealed, Black Canary is stunned by an enigmatic sight.  

Note: This pre-Crisis on Infinite Earths storyline is one of the few JLA-JSA team-ups not yet collected in the Crisis on Multiple Earths trade paperback series.  Perhaps DC Comics will publish a future Volume 7 to someday resolve this matter.  

REVIEW:

Though their work starts a bit shaky, the art team’s visuals prove top-caliber (especially the spot-on cover image).  As a tag team, co-writers Roy Thomas & Gerry Conway deliver an intriguing opening round of a sequel to classic JLA-JSA team-ups.  By plausibly narrowing down the cast to a more manageable amalgam of both teams, Thomas & Conway imbue their Black Canary sub-plot with necessary depth. 

Celebrating their abundance of heroes, the co-writers even offer some fine quibbling bits, as well as another round of Firestorm’s crush on Power Girl.  Between the quality writing and its excellent artwork, Justice League of America # 219 is an exciting entertainment package for any Justice League fan.          

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Editor Dick Giordano contributes a full-page “Meanwhile …” column.  There is also a single-page “JLA Mail Room” letters-and-answers column.  A single half-page provides synopses on then-current DC issues for the week of July 7, 1983.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                8½ Stars

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Comic Books & Graphic Novels DC Comics

JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA # 217 (1983 DC Comics)

Written by Paul Kuppenberg

Art by Chuck Patton; Romeo Tanghal; John Costanza; & Tony Tollin

Cover Art by George Pérez

SUMMARY:

Entitled “All the Elements of Disaster,” it was published by DC Comics for August 1983.  This issue’s League line-up consists of Zatanna Zatara; Superman; Elongated Man; Firestorm; Wonder Woman; Aquaman; Red Tornado; & Hawkman.  A mysterious energy emanating from the ruins of Atlantis sends Aquaman to the League for help.  In Metropolis, a rancid bag lady is transformed into an Earth elemental.  A Los Angeles movie producer becomes a water creature elemental.  A Midway City construction worker is changed into an air elemental.

Dividing their forces, team leader Zatanna sends Hawkman & Red Tornado unsuccessfully to Midway City.  Elongated Man, Zatanna, & Firestorm fare no better against the Earth elemental, as do Superman, Aquaman,& Wonder Woman in the Pacific Ocean vs. the sea elemental.  While the League regroups, the ancient sorcerer, Daanuth, intends to restore Atlantis under his diabolical command.

Note: Despite their presence on the cover, Black Canary, Green Arrow, and the Atom don’t appear in this issue.

REVIEW:

Playing out a JLA storytelling cliché (i.e. separating the team into smaller squads), writer Paul Kuppenberg works some magic with this issue.  Not only does the spot-on artwork anchor the story well, Kuppenberg’s script is an excellent tool to showcase the League’s teamwork.  The last page even delivers an amusing last panel.  Though Justice League of America # 217 isn’t memorable, the issue is still an entertaining read that should satisfy any JLA fan.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

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

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                 8 Stars

Categories
Comic Books & Graphic Novels DC Comics

JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA # 212 (1983 DC Comics)

Written by Gerry Conway

Art by Rich Buckler; Paris Cullins; Romeo Tanghal; Adam Kubert; & Carl Gafford

Cover Art by George Pérez

SUMMARY:

Published by DC Comics for March 1983, this issue’s packed League line-up consists of: Superman; Wonder Woman; Flash; Green Lantern; Elongated Man; Black Canary; Phantom Stranger; Green Arrow; Aquaman; Red Tornado; Batman; the Atom; and, in a cameo, Hawkman. 

Repelling an alien invasion by the lizard-like War-Kohns, the team divides its forces.  As the War-Kohns mutate innocent humans into soldiers and slaves, Batman & Flash barely hold their own at a secret Air Force bunker in Nebraska.  In the South Pacific Ocean, Aquaman witnesses the War-Kohns’ attack on a nuclear submarine.  Wonder Woman & Phantom Stranger are in similar dire straits in Siberia.

Superman, Green Lantern, Atom, Green Arrow, & Black Canary strike back against the War-Kohns’ allies, the Treasurers.  Releasing the Treasurers’ alien captives, the Atom gives the League much-needed back-up.  Aboard the JLA satellite, Elongated Man & Red Tornado devise a new strategy.  The League discovers the stunning genetic reason why one particular human was targeted for captivity by the invaders.     

REVIEW:

Despite its relatively solid artwork, this untitled one-shot story is strictly run-of-the-mill.  Artist George Pérez’s nice cover has some intriguing possibilities, had ‘the most important guy in the universe’ been revealed as, say, an unsatisfied DC Comics editor. 

Were this issue really a Silver Age homage, one can imagine the potential in-jokes, with the ‘editor’ amusingly breaking the ‘fourth wall,’ by chaotically re-arranging plot elements to pit the League against increasingly ridiculous odds.  Unfortunately, this comic doesn’t possess that sort of outside-the-box creativity.  Instead, Justice League of America # 212 is slightly more than an adequate read.  Writer Gerry Conway copies several pages from this series’ clichéd playbook, so there aren’t really any surprises.      

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

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

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:              6½ Stars

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Digital Songs & Albums Individual Tracks (Digital Albums & Singles) Music & Radio Shows Rock & Symphonic/Metal

POISON APPLE (by Dark Sarah: Behind the Black Veil)

SUMMARY:                               RUNNING TIME: 4:16 Min.

For their 2015 album, Behind the Black Veil, Finnish metal band Dark Sarah recorded this upbeat track (Track # 2).  Heidi Parviainen is the soprano lead vocalist.   

REVIEW:

The pulsating “Poison Apple” serves up an epic metal homage to a suspenseful scene re: the conniving villainess of Snow White.  It’s a well-played track that Heidi Parviainen’s operatic voice ominously brings to life  — in this instance, she sounds remarkably like fellow songstress Leah McHenry.  For metal afficionados, this “Poison Apple” is certainly worth consideration as a download option.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                    8 Stars

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Comic Books & Graphic Novels Marvel Comics

NEW AVENGERS # 62 (2010 MARVEL Comics)

Written by Brian Michael Bendis

Art by Stuart Immonen; Daniel Acuña; Wade Von Grawbadger; Dave McCaig; and RS & Comicraft’s Albert Deschesne

Cover Art by Stuart Immonen; Wade Von Grawberger; & Dave McCaig

SUMMARY:

Published for April 2010 by Marvel Comics, this standard-length Siege-related issue is untitled. Mind-controlled by the Mandrill and the Griffin, Spider-Woman unwillingly battles Spider-Man for the villains’ amusement.  Two luckless H.A.M.M.E.R. soldiers are caught in a battle pitting Steve Rogers, Bucky Barnes’ Captain America, & Luke Cage vs. the Living Laser. 

Steve Rogers’ return is revealed to the reunited New Avengers.  Joining forces with Nick Fury’s Secret Warriors, the dismayed team finds out that taking down Thor is Norman Osborn’s latest triumph.  As the original Captain America resumes command, a desperate last stand now becomes imminent.    

Parental Note: One soldier’s head is obliterated (at least, the imagery isn’t excessively gory).  There’s also a significant profanity, uttered by Steve Rogers, no less. 

REVIEW:

Sporting writer Brian Michael Bendis at the top of his game and superb visuals (i.e. Daniel Acuña’s lush watercolor imagery), New Avengers # 62 is Marvel dynamite.  Including its exciting Spider-battle, every component of this issue is terrific.  Most definitely recommended!

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Many thanks to the first-page storyline recap to any fans now jumping in.  The last page pitches cover reveals for Thunderbolts # 141; Avengers: The Initiative # 33;  the concluding Spider-Woman # 7; and New Avengers # 63.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                   9 Stars

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Comic Books & Graphic Novels Marvel Comics

NEW AVENGERS # 58 (2009 MARVEL Comics)

Written by Brian Michael Bendis

Art by Stuart Immonen; Wade Von Grawbadger; Dave McCaig; and RS & Comicraft’s Albert Deschesne

Cover Art by Stuart Immonen; Wade Von Grawberger; & Dave McCaig

SUMMARY:

Published for December 2009 by Marvel Comics, this standard-length issue is untitled. Stricken by a heart ailment, a critically-ill Luke Cage is arrested by Norman Osborn’s Dark Avengers. He and Night Nurse provide this sacrifice to help his fugitive teammates escape.  Ms. Marvel confronts Osborn’s Iron Patriot high above New York City. 

The retreating New Avengers (Spider-Man, Mockingbird, Ronin/Hawkeye, Spider-Woman, & Bucky Barnes’ Captain America) plays defense in the sewers against Osborn’s pursuing forces.  The criminal Hood is incensed by recent developments. Already given parenting grief by her mother, Jessica Jones is distraught learning of Luke’s predicament.  On a surgical table, Luke faces an unknown medical fate. 

REVIEW:

Supported by strong visual support, writer Brian Michael Bendis delivers the storytelling dynamite.  Nothing is telegraphed, as this issue’s twists all make senseThe only deception is how the cover image implies a showdown vs. the Hood, which doesn’t happen here.  Otherwise, New Avengers # 58 is a stellar read.  

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Many thanks to the first-page storyline recap to fans now jumping in.  The last page pitches cover reveals for Thunderbolts # 137; Doctor Voodoo # 2;  the Spider-Woman mini-series # 2; and New Avengers # 59.  Another page hypes a Ms. Marvel/Spider-Man crossover in Ms. Marvel # 47.  A 1985 “Bullpen Bulletins” column is reprinted.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                  9 Stars

Categories
Comic Books & Graphic Novels Marvel Comics

NEW AVENGERS # 8 (2011 MARVEL Comics)

Written by Brian Michael Bendis

Art by Daniel Acuña and VC’s Joe Caramagna

Cover Art by Mike Deodato & Rain Beredo

SUMMARY:

Published by Marvel Comics for March 2011, this untitled issue focuses on married couple Luke Cage & Jessica Jones’ date night at a downtown New York restaurant.  Their casual bickering re: Jessica’s super-hero future is interrupted by a Doom-bot’s explosive attack. 

Joined by Ms. Marvel (Carol Danvers), the three Avengers thwart the Doom replica before their back-ups (Spider-Man; Wolverine; Iron First; the Thing; and Dr. Strange) arrive.  The team is debriefed by liaison Victoria Hand.  Luke & Jessica squabble over her potential new code-name.    

REVIEW:

Sporting an outstanding cover image, New Avengers # 8 is a great showcase for the Cages.  Courtesy of writer Brian Michael Bendis, the chemistry between Jessica & Luke is a joy to read (though Bendis does use some PG-13 dialogue).  The Doom-bot action sequence is also well-played.  Another impressive asset is that artist Daniel Acuña’s trademark painting-like visuals work like magic in this issue.  Delivering a really fun read, New Avengers # 8 is worth adding to any Avengers collection.      

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Bendis provides a six-page, continuing Chapter 13 ‘transcript’ of Avengers: Assemble: The Oral History of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes.  A stellar two-page art portrait by David Mack remembering Scarlet Witch and Vision’s romance interrupts the text.  Cover reveals include New Avengers # 9; Incredible Hulk # 623; Avengers Academy # 8; Widowmaker # 2; and Avengers Prime # 5

Lastly, there is a seven-page preview entitled Iron Man 2.0 Prelude, which sets up a new series re: James Rhodes’ latest Iron Man armor upgrade.    

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                    8 Stars

Categories
Comic Books & Graphic Novels Marvel Comics

INVINCIBLE IRON MAN # 30 (2010 MARVEL Comics)

Written by Matt Fraction

Art by Salvador Larroca; Frank; O’Armata; & VC’s Joe Caramagna

Cover Art by Salvador Larrocca & Frank D’Armata

SUMMARY:

Published by Marvel Comics for November 2010, Part 6 of the Stark Resilient storyline is entitled “Tony, We Don’t Want to Destroy You.”  On the Seattle freeway, in his high-speed convertible, Tony Stark and sultry Sasha Hammer egg each other on re: the Hammers’ scheme to ruin Tony’s reputation.  Revealing her own internal armor tech, Sasha challenges Iron Man in a fiery battle. 

Donning her Rescue Mark II armor, Pepper Potts races to intercept them.  With help from a Stark company mole, Sasha and her mother mobilize a retaliatory attack using a seemingly innocuous online gaming app.  As Pepper watches on in horror, the Hammers’ explosive sabotage takes place.         

REVIEW:

Sporting glossy, high-caliber artwork, Invincible Iron Man # 30 is a relatively solid read.  Though the exaggerated 21st Century technology is exciting, pitting Tony in yet another grudge match with an old rival (this time, Justin Hammer’s embittered female relatives) is too much a cliché.  One might also find the seductive Sasha vs. Tony’s driving banter a bit much, but the inclusion of Pepper Potts is well-played. 

As Iron Man’s latest nemesis, the devious Sasha Hammer exhibits some potential, particularly should there be an armored showdown vs. Pepper Potts.  That would be an interesting scenario, as compared to Sasha inevitably losing out to Tony’s all-too-superior presence as Iron Man.  

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The first page provides a four-paragraph summary of this storyline thus far.  There’s also a full-page cover reveal for the next issue.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                   7 Stars

Categories
Comic Books & Graphic Novels Marvel Comics

INVINCIBLE IRON MAN # 29 (2010 MARVEL Comics)

Written by Matt Fraction

Art by Salvador Larroca; Frank D’Armata; & VC’s Joe Caramagna

Cover Art by Salvador Larroca

SUMMARY:

Published by Marvel Comics for October 2010, the issue is entitled “Stark Resilient, Part 5: Predators and Prey in Their Natural Environments.” Tony Stark awkwardly squabbles with Maria Hill re: his recent problems before he and James “Rhodey” Rhodes collect Pepper Potts from her stay at an Oklahoma hospital. 

Now possessing a surgically-implanted, chest repulsor electromagnet like Tony’s, Pepper exuberantly returns to the skies taking her upgraded Rescue armor for a test flight.  While Tony meets up with his new support team in Seattle, Rhodey takes a humiliating dressing-down directed at both of them at the Pentagon.  Justine Hammer and her sultry daughter, Sasha, continue their nefarious self-promotional tactics boosting Detroit Steel’s alleged superiority over Iron Man. 

At a Seattle gala celebrating Stark Resilient’s launch, a startled Pepper watches Tony flirtatiously play himself into the hands of the two Hammers.

Note: There are three variant covers, with one a textless version of the image below.  The others depict Rescue in its “Women of Marvel” promotion (one of these two Rescue covers is textless). 

REVIEW:

Opting to forego action scenes, writer Matt Fraction packs in a lot of story detail – if the “Stark Resilient” storyline were a giant machine, then this issue is spinning all its sub-plot cogs at once.  In that sense, Fraction coherently leaps his readers from one plot thread to the next.  Yet, rather noticeably, the only armor action is Pepper’s all-too-brief sequence as Rescue, along with some revelations of what the manipulative Hammers are up to.  Although Fraction’s intricate plotting works, it won’t likely engage casual readers just tuning in, as this story is geared towards the franchise’s long-time fans. 

As for the visuals, the art squad puts forth an inspired effort.  In particular, using the likenesses of Terence Howard and Nicole Kidman as visual references for Rhodey & Pepper makes great creative sense.  The detriment, however, is that all this polished imagery can’t hide the story’s self-involved antics (i.e. Tony Stark’s playboy ego) and, even more so, a lack of action hampering Invincible Iron Man # 29.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Up front is a very helpful summary-to-date of this current storyline.  There’s also a full-page cover reveal for Invincible Iron Man # 30.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:              6 Stars

Categories
Comic Books & Graphic Novels Marvel Comics

INVINCIBLE IRON MAN # 9 (1998 MARVEL Comics)

Written by Kurt Busiek & Sean Chen  

Art by Eric Cannon; Sean Parsons; Steve Oliff; & RS / Comicraft / DL

Cover Art by Sean Chen; “Caddod;” & “Licqhid!”

SUMMARY:

Entitled “Field of Honor,” this October 1998 issue for Iron Man’s  third series was published by Marvel Comics.  Near death in Paris, a battered Tony Stark receives Black Widow’s electrified version of CPR.  Yet, he desperately needs her to retrieve his armor at the bottom of a nearby river.  Tony realizes now that the Mandarin and the Spymaster were in cahoots setting up his near-assassination. 

While a chastised Black Widow seeks help from the Avengers, Iron Man pursues a lead on the Mandarin (during a montage of their long-time feud) into Russia.  Briefly interacting with Russia’s Winter Guard, a depleted Iron Man goes solo against Mandarin’s flying dragon-shaped battle station. 

REVIEW:

Combining solid artwork with a cliffhanger storyline, Invincible Iron Man # 9 is a vintage Marvel adventure from co-writers Kurt Busiek and Sean Chen.  Tony’s grittiness declining hospitalization in favor of playing Iron Man makes for a compelling read.  The plot is further aided by guest star Black Widow, as well as effective assists from Jim Rhodes, Pepper Potts, and Happy Hogan.  For Iron Man fans, this terrific issue merits a chance for re-discovery.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

There is a single-page “Bullpen Bulletins” news-and-notes column, as well as a single-page “Iron Filings” letters-and-answers column.  A two-page fold-out cover spells out the Iron Man series synopsis and offers single paragraphs re: “Pepper” Potts; “Happy” Hogan; Natasha “Black Widow” Romanoff; and the Mandarin.  The previous issue is also summarized re: Black Widow’s rescue of Tony Stark from a mercenary gang beating in Paris.    

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                   8 Stars