Month: December 2020

Written by Tom Taylor

Art by Bruno Redondo; Mike S. Miller; Xermanico; Juan Albarran; Rex Lokus; & Wes Abbott

Cover Art by Mike S. Miller & Rex Lokus

SUMMARY:

Entitled “Secret Weapon,” this comic was published by DC Comics for February 2015.  Inside their Tower of Fate sanctuary, Constantine briefs Batman’s surviving resistance force (including Catwoman; Detective Chimp; Huntress; Zatanna Zatara;  and Renee Montoya) on Madame Xanadu’s cryptic predictions.

Declining Zatanna’s offer to face the corrupted Man of Steel (as she is now the guardian/godmother of Constantine’s young daughter, Rose), Constantine conjures up a mystical scheme once Batman agrees to risk sacrificing himself.  On one of Saturn’s moons, the Phantom Stranger and the Spectre’s face-off becomes a lethal attack. 

At the Hall of Justice, Sinestro, Yellow Lantern Hal Jordan, & Superman are startled by the Demon’s fiery assault.  While Jordan tends to an injured Sinestro, Superman battles Etrigan the Demon (or is he someone else?).  Outside the ruined Hall of Justice, the Dark Knight reveals his desperation failsafe of thwarting Superman.           

REVIEW:

Further bolstered by high-caliber artwork, this well-written comic carries a sense of ominous unpredictability.  To writer Tom Taylor’s credit, some of his ingenious plot twists are wisely left unexplained (at least, for this issue).  This sixth issue is certainly worth the read!     

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The single-page “DC All Access” column promotes the Infinite Crisis multi-player on-line game.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:            8 Stars

Written by Tom Taylor

Art by Bruno Redondo; Juan Albarran; Mike S. Miller; Rex Lokus; J. Nanjan; & Wes Abbott

Cover Art by Neil Googe & Rex Lokus

SUMMARY:

Simply entitled “Dead Man,” this issue was published by DC Comics for February 2015.  With John Constantine outmatched by Superman; Captain Marvel/Shazam; Sinestro; Yellow Lantern Hal Jordan; and the Spectre, it’s up to Zatanna Zatara & Deadman to make the necessary save. 

Forcibly taking Captain Marvel/Shazam’s form, Deadman is ejected by an uncooperative Billy Batson.  Against the Spectre’s magical blade, Deadman is critically injured.  He also senses that some malevolent entity possesses the Spectre.  Regrouping at the extradimensional Tower of Fate, Constantine reveals to Batman & Zatanna that it’s time to seek out the Swamp Thing.

A disintegrating Deadman retreats to Nanda Parbat where he seek a successor.  In the swamp, Zatanna stays behind as Batman & Constantine seek the Swamp Thing’s mystical aid.  With the Swamp Thing evidently backing Superman’s forces, a simmering Constantine acknowledges to Batman that their former ally must be exterminated.  The fate of Boston Brand’s Deadman is revealed.      

REVIEW:

As nihilistic as this ongoing storyline is, this issue projects an oddly compelling sense of unpredictability.  Reinforcing the stellar chemistry amongst Batman’s band of renegades, this issue has it in two-fold between Deadman’s poignant last stand and Constantine’s begrudging alliance with the Dark Knight. 

Additionally, the enigma of who this ghoulish Spectre really is under the cowl makes for yet another intriguing sub-plot.  Further enhanced by top-flight visuals, Injustice: Gods Among Us (Year Three) # 5 proves another gem in this saga to read.      

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The single-page “DC All Access” column hypes Secret Six # 1.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                    8 Stars

Written by Tom Taylor

Art by Mike S. Miller; Bruno Redondo; ‘Xermanico;’ Juan Albarran; J. Nanjan of NS Studios;  Rex Lokus; & Wes Abbott

Cover Art by Neil Googe & Rex Lokus

SUMMARY:

Entitled “Xanadu,” this issue was published by DC Comics for January 2015.  Inside the extradimensional Tower of Fate, Harley Quinn chastises Doctor Fate’s lack of help, as she feverishly works with Zatanna Zatara and Alfred Pennyworth to save a mortally-wounded Detective Chimp.  John Constantine angrily refutes Fate’s observation that Constantine’s young daughter, Rose, is exhibiting magical talents. 

Batman & Constantine investigate one of three potential options to stop Superman.  At the Hall of Justice, Superman reluctantly doesn’t halt Sinestro’s brutal interrogation of a defenseless Officer Sprague, who might divulge info re: Batman’s whereabouts.  The Spectre warns Superman and his allies of a new powerful threat against them.  Batman accompanies Constantine to recruit Madame Xanadu, who angrily blames him for the death of her lover, Jason Blood.  Xanadu’s fortune-telling cryptically foresees six prophecies.        

Note: Despite Swamp Thing’s looming presence on the cover, this issue has nothing to do with him.

REVIEW:

Though nothing is remotely resolved, writer Tom Taylor’s dark storyline continues to impress.  Between Constantine’s tense scene with Doctor Fate re: Rose, Harley Quinn’s medical efforts to save Detective Chimp, and the Xanadu-Constantine sequences, this issue packs plenty of dramatic tension in an alternate DC reality. 

Capably supported by the art team, the visuals are often excellent.  The only rub is the cover’s deceptive advertisement that the Swamp Thing participates when he isn’t even actually mentioned (or, for that matter, Superman doesn’t return to the red, blue, and yellow, either).  For fans, Injustice (Gods Among Us): Year Three # 3 is a great and unpredictable read that justifies wanting to grab the next issue.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The single-page “DC All Access” column plugs the LEGO Batman 3: Beyond Gotham video game.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:               8 Stars

Written by Jim Krueger & Alex Ross

Art by Doug Braithwaite; Alex Ross; & Todd Klein

Cover Art by Alex Ross

SUMMARY:

Published for August 2007 by DC Comics, this year-long series concludes with “Chapter 12.”  Locating the Toyman, Superman coordinates the Justice League’s efforts to thwart Brainiac’s scheme.  Batman, the Atom, & Martian Manhunter force a captive Lex Luthor and Gorilla Grodd into cooperation.  Aquaman infiltrates Atlantis to rescue his infant son from Black Manta’s forces.  With her life force running out, a decaying Wonder Woman seeks one last showdown with Cheetah. 

Green Lantern Hal Jordan risks imminent death by pushing his power ring beyond its 24-hour recharge.  Superman, Zatanna Zatara, and Red Tornado must make a desperate a gambit in Earth’s orbit.  Wonder Woman’s fate is revealed.  In an unusually optimistic and talkative mood, Batman acknowledges to Alfred how the League’s recent experiences have ensured a chance for a far greater future.

REVIEW:

Co-writers Jim Krueger and Alex Ross concoct a glorious final chapter to satisfyingly resolve a number of sub-plots.  Epitomizing this star-studded series’ ambitious reach, their storytelling teamwork is most impressive.  Even more so, the art team’s visuals (including the Alex Ross cover image) are absolutely stellar.  By assembling such a complete creative package, Justice # 12 proves itself as flawless DC entertainment.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

From the Batcomputer’s private files, single-page profiles of Zatanna Zatara and the Joker includes Batman’s insights of them.  In the single-page “DC Nation” column, DC editor Matt Idelson reveals the three options comic book companies have when a series is running behind schedule.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:              10 Stars

Written by (See Credits Below)

Art by (See Credits Below)

Cover Art by Stanley Lau

SUMMARY:

Published by DC Comics for June 2011, this ‘giant-sized’ one-shot is broken into ten chapters.  Divided into duos, eighteen members of the Justice League are mysteriously dispersed (and consigned) among nine levels of Hell.  Dark forces angle the League’s own personal demons to heroes vs. one another.

• Fraud: Batman & Plastic Man.  Writer: Adam Glass & Art Team: Dennis Calero; Hi-Fi Design; & Jared K. Fletcher. 

• Anger: Green Arrow & Ragman.  Writer: Adam Glass & Art Team: Mikel Janín; Hi-Fi Design; Jared K. Fletcher. 

• Heresy: Donna Troy & Bulleteer.  Writer: Steve Yockey & Art Team: Marco Castiello; Vincenzo Acunzo; Barbara Ciardo; & Pat Brosseau. 

• Limbo: Superman & Red Tornado.  Writer: Pepe Caldelas & Art Team: Emanuela Lupacchino; Guillermo Ortego; Stefani Rennee; Dezi Sienty; & Diego Garcia. 

• Violence: Hawkman & Etrigan the Demon / Jason Blood.  Writer/Artist: Joe Prado, with Rod Reis & Travis Lanham. 

• Greed: Fire & Lobo.  Writer: David Macho & Art Team: Miguel Munera; Javier Mena; & Travis Lanham. 

• Gluttony: Oracle (Barbara Gordon) & Booster Gold.  Writer: Marc Bernardin & Art Team: IG Guara; Rodney Ramos; Marcelo Maiolo; & John J. Hill.

• Treachery: Zatanna Zatara & Green Lantern John Stewart.  Writer: Roberto Cruz & Art Team: Rodney Buchemi; Jose Marzan; Nathan Eyring; & Dave Sharpe. 

• Lust: Wonder Woman & Supergirl.  Writer: Frank Mastromaro; & Art Team: Vicente Cifuentes; Kyle Ritter; & Carlos M. Mangual. 

• Ruins: The Justice League.  Writer: Adam Glass; & Art Team: Scott McDaniel; Hi-Fi Design; & Travis Lanham. 

The final chapter reunites the League, as someone may make an ultimate sacrifice to thwart the end game of nefarious Lord Satanus, in a bid to get even with his meddling sister. 

Notes: Despite his cover appearance, the Martian Manhunter isn’t in this storyline.  Also, the last page erroneously depicts Power Girl instead of Supergirl.

REVIEW:

As a sequel to the Reign in Hell mini-series, this special’s best asset is the art squad’s frequently impressive visuals, including an excellent cover image.  Another intriguing element explores the various League tag-teams that wouldn’t normally pair up.  Some of these duos (i.e. Hawkman & Etrigan; Zatanna & John Stewart) have some neat writing while others (i.e. Fire & Lobo; Batman & Plastic Man) prove better than expected. 

Perhaps the best duo is Green Arrow and Ragman facing off, as writer Adam Glass does some inspired work with these two guys.  The other duos are relatively conventional, though a hero (in two different versions) to whom Wonder Woman and Supergirl are both attracted may prove a surprise.

However, this grim storyline’s plodding may prove tiresome to casual fans.  To consolidate a more compelling tale and focus on individual depth, nine Leaguers would have sufficed in exploring the various levels of Hell.  This storyline also might have made more sense in smaller doses as a cliffhanger serial where the chapters could be a back-up feature for ten months in the Justice League’s monthly title. 

Still, Justice League 80-Page Giant 2011 delivers superb art and enough story to make it an engaging read.          

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

There’s a six-page Batman: Arkham City # 1 preview entitled “Ruins.”  The single-page “DC Nation” column honors the late Dwayne McDuffie.    

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                    8 Stars

Written by (See Credits Below)

Art by (See Credits Below)

Cover Art by Andy Smith; Ernie Colon; & Carlos Badilla

SUMMARY:

Published by DC Comics for September 2011, this 56-page one-shot celebrates DC’s Earth-Prime with a ‘lost’ 1970s-style Justice League adventure.  The League roll call consists of Wonder Woman; Green Lantern; Flash; Zatanna Zatara; Green Arrow; Hawkman; and Red Tornado.  Also included is a reprint of 1975’s original Justice League of America # 123, which is the first half of a JLA-JSA team-up.  Its six-member JLA consists of Black Canary; Batman; Hawkman; Green Arrow; Flash; and Aquaman.  The JSA representatives of Earth-Two are Dr. Mid-Nite; Hourman; Wonder Woman; Johnny Thunder; Wildcat; and the adult Robin.

“Enter Justice League Prime” (33 pages): Writer: Cary Bates, with art by Gordon Purcell; José Marzán Jr.; Andy Smith; Carlos Badilla; & Wes Abbott.

The League intervenes upon discovering that Kanjar Ro has intercepted Adam Strange’s Zeta-beam.  Reaching Earth, the beam splits by sending Strange off to Earth-Prime and Ro to Earth-One’s surface.  While Green Lantern & Hawkman search for Kanjar Ro, Flash leads an undercover retrieval team to retrieve Strange from Earth-Prime.  The League’s best hope lies with the Flash’s most trusted associate in that dimension.  To thwart Ro’s power grab, the League must reunite to stop him.

“Where on Earth am I?” (22 pages): Writers: Cary Bates & Elliot S! Maggin, with art by Dick Dillin; Frank McLaughlin; and Ben Oda. 

On Earth-Prime, DC Comics writers Cary Bates and Elliott Maggin unwisely bumble with a cosmic treadmill left behind by Barry Allen’s Flash during a prior visit.  Bates inadvertently lands on Earth-Two where he becomes a reality-warping super-villain bedeviling the Justice Society.  Attempting to retrieve Bates, Maggin teams with Earth-One’s Justice League.  A stunning plot twist on Earth-Two awaits them.  

Note: The reprint’s cover image by artist Ernie Chua and credits have been omitted.  The credits above are cited from 2006’s Crisis on Multiple Earths, Vol. 4 trade paperback.  

REVIEW:

Veteran writer Cary Bates is on his game on the lead feature, as this joint homage to the Justice League and Adam Strange is pure nostalgia.  Bates ingeniously sets up his retro-storyline that it doesn’t seem remotely dated (short of recreating Zatanna’s hokey sorceress outfit).  Speaking of dubious fashion choices, there is even an amusing gag re: one of Wonder Woman’s costume updates from that era.  Perhaps another gag is the art team’s choice to depict Barry Allen’s blond hair as reddish-orange, which makes him look more like Wally West. 

As a parental advisory, a mental institution’s controversial use of electroshock treatment is the plot’s explanation for a character’s amnesia.  How Bates’ League cures temporary amnesia can only be described as comic book logic.  Including the delightfully low-key visuals, the lead feature otherwise delivers a kid-friendly gem well worth reading. 

As for the reprint, readers can interpret this crossover one of two ways: either it’s ridiculously self-indulgent of the writers, or just enjoy Bates & Elliot Maggin spoofing themselves.  Although the story is an intriguing JLA-JSA team-up, the writing duo allot themselves too much screen time. 

Also, it’s a shame that this one-shot doesn’t go the extra mile as an 80-page special by including this story’s conclusion: Justice League of America # 124.  As compared to contemporary mainstream comics glorifying bloody violence and profanity-spewing dialogue, Retroactive 1970’s: Justice League of America # 1 is still a welcome gem to read.  

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Ian Sattler’s single-page DC Nation column hypes the 2011 San Diego Comic-Con.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                8 Stars