Month: January 2021

Written by Doug Moench

Art by Cam Kennedy; Agustin Mas; & Michele Wolfman

Cover Art by Mike Mignola

SUMMARY:

Entitled “Armed Against Evil,” it concludes a two-parter guest-starring Zatanna Zatara published by DC Comics for November 1987.  Nefariously swiping Zatanna’s appendages (one by one), Wotan plans to sacrifice her living form, piece-meal, to escape his prison-like limbo.  With Wotan possessing a depleted Zatanna, she attacks a surprised Madame Xanadu, only for the Spectre to intervene.  Elsewhere, Jim Corrigan and homicide cop Pete Quarral escape from two demons attacking them on Wotan’s command.

Deducing that Zatanna’s late father, Zatara, is involved, the Spectre captures the two limb-stealing demons.  Tracing Zatanna’s bizarre homicide-in-progress to Wotan, the Spectre confirms his foe’s mystical manipulations to steal her body and cross back into the mortal dimension. 

Forced into a devil’s bargain with Wotan, the Spectre enables Zatara’s brief return amidst saving the legendary magician’s daughter.  The question is: who reneges first – Wotan or the Spectre?                   

REVIEW:

The basic gist of writer Doug Moench’s Vertigo-ish macabre tale make some sense (i.e. when Wotan explains his nefarious scheme).  Yet, too much mystical nonsense clutters Spectre # 8 to make it a worthwhile read.  Initiating a template for Zatanna’s clichéd future storylines (i.e. emotional vulnerability re: her father’s demise), this intriguing twist is nearly ruined by a muddled script.  Leaving a pivotal family reunion to the last few pages, Moench doesn’t capitalize on this poignant conclusion. 

Even worse is that a nearly-disembodied Zatanna’s dubious contribution is her nude mannequin-like limbs being repeatedly displayed.  This visual is more a tawdry distraction than a legitimate effort to incorporate Zatanna’s ghastly ordeal into the storyline.

Another plot element that gets lost is the Spectre’s moral ambiguity re: releasing Wotan back to Earth.  For that matter, how Jim Corrigan’s personality affects the Spectre suggests an intriguing sub-plot, but Moench doesn’t do much with this idea.  As for the visuals, the art team does fairly well (including the cover image).  All the creative elements are at best lukewarm in the confusing Spectre # 8.     

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

There’s a two-page “Speculations” correspondence column.  Dick Giordano’s “Meanwhile …” column appears on the inside front cover, along with a Millennium saga issue checklist.    

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                   4½ Stars

Written by Doug Moench

Art by Gene Colan; Steve Mitchell; Agustin Mas; & Adrienne Roy

Cover Art by José Luis García-López

SUMMARY:

Entitled “Murder of My Mystery,” it was published by DC Comics for September 1987.  Recently resurrected Jim Corrigan (now, a noir-ish private detective) investigates his own homicide, as it’s linked to his last case as a NYPD detective. 

Rescued by the Spectre from demonic forces below the subway, Corrigan pieces together the hazy chain-of-events surrounding his killing of murderous thief Enrique Armas; the disappearance of mysterious Eric Zendiah; and his own murder, possibly by sultry blonde socialite Gina Belmont.  Despite neglecting his secretary/girlfriend Kim Liang, Corrigan senses that he must reunite with a captive Spectre before their mystic bond is vanquished. 

Deducing who (or what) truly killed him, the reunited Spectre-Corrigan duo confronts a demonic entity who has returned from the grave to settle an old score.     

Note: Despite her prominence on the cover, Madame Xanadu appears only in a single-panel cameo.   

REVIEW:

Putting a mystical bent on film noir, this story would have worked better had it actually been depicted in enigmatic black-and-white.  Smartly book-ending the story with summaries (per Corrigan’s point-of-view), writer Doug Moench concocts a decent mystery where readers get a satisfying conclusion. 

One oddity Moench includes is an unnecessary revamp of Corrigan’s younger (hipper) persona (i.e. repeatedly referring to the Spectre as “Moonface”).  With the possible exception of Kim Liang, the other supporting characters make little impact.  Even though this issue’s cast is minimally interesting, the art team’s top-tier efforts make up much of the difference.      

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Editor Dick Giordano has a full-page “Meanwhile …” column.  Carrying over to the inside back cover, there is a two-page “Speculations” letters-and-answers column.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                      6½ Stars

Written by Doug Moench

Art by Cam Kennedy; Agustin Mas; & Michele Wolfman

Cover Art by Mike Mignola

SUMMARY:

Published by DC Comics for October 1987, this first half of a two-parter is entitled “Pieces of Zatanna.”  During Zatanna Zatara’s stage performance in Greenwich Village, the sultry sorceress struggles to protect her audience from demons attacking from an unknown vortex.  Worse yet, she has inexplicably lost her right arm.  Zatanna discovers that her lover, Adam, has been decapitated before later dissolving into dust.  With the help of demons Rath and Ghast, it’s revealed that the diabolical Wotan is pilfering Zatanna’s Homi Magi-enhanced limbs — one by one.

Zatanna consults Madame Xanadu, as her stolen limbs strangely return hours or even days later.  The Maiden of Magic suspects her returned limbs are alien-like counterfeits to transform her into something unknown.  Further, she believes that her late father is telepathically communicating with her.  They recruit Jim Corrigan, Kim Liang, and the Spectre.  With help from the Phantom Stranger, the Spectre confirms that the late Zatara’s soul has been displaced. 

As Zatanna’s condition worsens, Corrigan deduces why she has been targeted as Wotan’s expendable pawn.     

Note: Zatanna’s guest spot is her return to DC storylines after her departure from the soon-to-be-canceled Detroit phase of Justice League of America.

REVIEW:

Though this ghoulish fantasy-horror storyline isn’t for kids, it conjures up a welcome aura of unpredictability.  Supported by solid artwork (frankly, the cover image is superior to the interior visuals), writer Doug Moench excels in revitalizing guest star Zatanna’s solo presence. 

Though Corrigan minimally contributes, the dialogue between the Spectre and Phantom Stranger, as well as that of Zatanna & Madame Xanadu, makes for an intriguing read.  At a minimum, Moench leaves off this issue with a neat cliffhanger.  If given a sufficient chance, The Spectre # 7 is a terrific Vertigo Comics-style read.   

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

There is a two-page “Speculations” letters-and-answers column.  Dick Giordano’s “Meanwhile …” column appears on the front inside cover, as he discusses the comic awards season.    

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                             8 Stars

Written by Gail Simone

Art by Nicola Scott; Doug Hazelwood; Hi-Fi Design; & Travis Lanham

Cover Art by Stephane Roux

SUMMARY:

Published for February 2007 by DC Comics, this issue is entitled “Blood and Circuits, Part Two: Broken Wing.”   Fleeing Mexican airspace, the new Birds (Big Barda; Katana; Huntress; and “Lady Blackhawk” Zinda Blake) squad is escorting a mobster and his fugitive daughter, Tabby Brennan, back to U.S. airspace following a prison break. Despite Barda’s face-off with the U.S. military pursuing them, the Birds are forced to improvise their escape. 

At the U.S. Department of Defense, Katarina “Spy Smasher” Armstrong personally coordinates efforts to bring down Oracle’s team. Lois Lane’s unexpected arrival further hints to Barbara that her ‘Oracle’ persona may be irreparably exposed. 

Meanwhile, the female Manhunter (Kate Spencer) is working the team’s secondary mission to disrupt another foreign prison’s transfer of other captives the Birds seek to rescue. As the primary team encounters an unpleasant surprise, a new teenage recruit may be their sole hope of a last-ditch save.  

REVIEW:

Including Stephane Roux’s Manhunter cover image, this is an impressive creative team!  Ably supported by artist Nicola Scott’s top-notch work, writer Gail Simone pens a solidly entertaining story that has some cool and unpredictable twists. 

Simone once more has conjured up a number of finely-tuned sequences that make Barbara and Manhunter’s predicaments seem just as intriguing as the makeshift team’s reliance on some desperate escape tactics.  Despite missing Black Canary’s reliable presence, Birds of Prey # 101 still proves a mighty good read.   

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The single-page “DC Nation” column has Art Director Mark Ciarello offer a contest to fans to select DC Comics’ all-time best cover.  Next issue’s cover is revealed along with covers for 52 # 33; Flash #7 and Spirit # 1.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                 8 Stars

IMAGE NOT AVAILABLE

Lead Story Written by Gail Simone. Art by Nicola Scott;  Doug Hazlewood; Hi-Fi Design; & Travis Lanham.

Back-Up Story Written by Tony Bedard. Back-Up Art by Paulo Sequiera; Robin Riggs; Hi-Fi; Travis Lanham.

Cover Art by Jerry Ordway.

SUMMARY:

Entitled “Blood & Circuits, Part One: A Chance to Do Good,” this 56-page issue was released by DC Comics for January 2007.  In the 34-page lead segment, Barbara “Oracle” Gordon and Zinda “Lady Blackhawk” Blake extend invitations to a potential new flock of Birds after Black Canary’s departure. 

Once assembled, the undercover Birds (now including Manhunter; Big Barda; Judomaster; and Huntress) controversially cross the U.S. border to retrieve a mobster’s captive daughter from a Mexican penitentiary in exchange for his insider testimony against a West Coast syndicate.  Further complicating their clandestine operation is Katarina “Spy Smasher” Armstrong’s government-sanctioned intent to shoot down the Birds. 

In a 21-page tale entitled “Keepsakes,” it’s moving day out of Metropolis for Dinah “Black Canary” Lance and her young surrogate daughter, Sin.  To satisfy her daughter’s curiosity, Dinah sentimentally describes what her life (from age fourteen on) was like before she met Sin, particularly the parallels with her late mother.

REVIEW:

It’s no surprise that writer Gail Simone concocts a terrific opener for this new generation of Birds.  Giving the team a fresh and possibly rotating influx of talent/muscle makes good storytelling sense, as does the onset of a feud with Oracle’s rival, Spy Smasher. 

As solid as this lead story is, Tony Bedard complements the Birds’ milestone issue with an endearing Dinah & Sin tale furthering Dinah’s embrace of instant motherhood.  While it doesn’t necessarily make sense, continuity-wise, that the original Black Canary would still be full-time active in Dinah’s early teens, Bedard’s take on Dinah & Sin’s new civilian life is well-played. 

Speaking of well-played, the interior visuals are consistently high-caliber making an ideal match to both Simone and Bedard.  As the fine cover image implies, Birds of Prey # 100 is a treat for fans, and DC Comics doesn’t skimp on celebrating it.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

DC Coordinating Editor Jann Jones pens a “DC Nation” column.  Included are thumbnail cover reveals for Checkmate # 8; Shadowpact # 7; and Birds of Prey # 101.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                              8 Stars

Written by Gail Simone

Art by Joe Prado; Dick Giordano; Hi-Fi Design; & Pat Brosseau

Cover Art by Brian Hurtt & Brian Miller

SUMMARY:

Entitled “Progeny – Finale: A Cup of Kindness Yet,” DC Comics published this issue for August 2006.  The Crime Doctor’s murderous origin is briefly seen in flashback.  With the lives of the homicidal ex-surgeon and his young daughter, Bethany, at risk, the outmatched Birds (Huntress; Zinda; Gypsy; & a downed Lady Shiva) face off vs. Prometheus. 

In Southeast Asia, a troubled Dinah’s brutal training regime is impacted by a young girl, Sin.  While Oracle’s effort to sabotage Prometheus’ electronics backfires, the Crime Doctor shocks the Birds.  With discreet help from Oliver Queen, Dinah & Shiva’s lifestyle swap ends.  As the Birds pack up their wrecked base, Dinah reveals the team’s newest addition.  An ominously ironic twist awaits the Crime Doctor’s daughter. 

REVIEW:

It’s definitely well-played!  Consistently supported by the art team’s visuals, writer Gail Simone delivers a knockout tale.  Beyond the Birds vs. Prometheus slugfest, the Crime Doctor’s fate ensures that this tale isn’t for kids.  More so, Simone ingeniously parallels the eye-for-an-eye concept in multiple ways amidst both the Dinah/Shiva sub-plot and the Crime Doctor’s rift from the nefarious Secret Society. 

Tinged with the right elements of poignancy offsetting its considerable violence quotient, Birds of Prey # 95 is a high-caliber read for fans.      

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Besides a plug for the Superman Returns movie, Dan DiDio’s “DC Nation” column advises that fan pressure ensured the Manhunter title a temporary reprieve from cancellation.  Thumbnail cover reveals are for: Birds of Prey # 96; Superman/Batman # 27; Manhunter # 23;  and Flash: The Fastest Man Alive # 1.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                   9 Stars