Month: January 2021

Written by Gail Simone

Art by Adriana Melo; Will Conrad; Bruce Timm; David Lopez; Fernando Blanco; Hi-Fi Design; & Jared K. Fletcher

Cover Art by Adriana Melo & Will Conrad

SUMMARY:

Published by DC Comics for November 2005, this stand-alone issue divides into three segments entitled “A Wakeful Time.”  The Birds are moving into their new Metropolis digs.  Dinah “Black Canary” Lance and Zinda host a ‘Get Well Soon’ party for a recuperating Barbara.  The guests include Helena “Huntress” Bertinelli; Dick Grayson; Renee Montoya; Creote; Savant; and her doting father, Commissioner Gordon. 

Zinda reveals the Birds’ newest aerial acquisition (plus some Blackhawk-style black leather jackets).  Dinah decides she needs to do some last-minute shopping. Later that night, Black Canary substitutes for Superman thwarting the Prankster’s murderous, ‘Aztec-themed’ media ploy in Metropolis.  Barbara proudly senses that ‘The Birds’ are officially back in business. 

In Gotham City, despite her efforts to protect young student Corey Campbell and his family from local thugs, Huntress realizes that she needs Barbara’s Oracle-style advice.  Contemplating a return to the Birds, Helena pulls an ingenious power play on mobster boss Don Sigiorello.     

REVIEW:

Well-played!  Displaying impressive versatility, writer Gail Simone pens a three-part tale that inspires three different artistic styles that adeptly match each segment’s tone.  Capably supported by Adriana Melo & Will Conrad’s party sequence, Simone smartly conveys the Birds’ in-flux status moving to Metropolis. 

Part 1’s varying character interactions are absolutely spot-on.  Zinda’s likably buoyant personality, for instance, seems reminiscent of bubbly blonde drummer Melody from Josie & the Pussycats.  Also, Simone nicely portrays a low-key moment re: Barbara’s history with Dick.  Dinah and Barbara’s gal-pal banter is also wonderful.    

Part 2’s sitcom is a welcome treat, as Black Canary (with artist Bruce Timm’s cartoony help) trounces the Prankster’s sacrificial-burning scheme.  It’s a hilarious sequence, as Simone’s dialogue delights in playing up the Prankster and his henchwomen’s clueless stupidity.  Notably, Dinah doesn’t even need to resort to her sonic powers to prevail.  The only thing missing is perhaps a quick Lois Lane cameo. 

The somber Part 3 (courtesy of David Lopez & Fernando Blanco) is a vintage look at Helena Bertinelli’s Huntress, as she exploits her mob-related history.  The compassion she displays for her young students and their welfare solidly blends with Helena’s methods for pursuing justice.  Though there aren’t surprises, Simone spells out Helena’s personality well. 

The cover image hardly makes sense, but it’s still a fun way to advertise the Birds’ currently chaotic situation.  Ultimately, Birds of Prey # 86 is really an underrated gem worth reading.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The single-page “DC in Demand” column hypes current DC projects, as well as a cover reveal for Birds of Prey # 87.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                   8 Stars

Written by Gail Simone

Art by Ron Adrian; Rob Lea; Eric Battle; Rodney Ramos; Hi-Fi Design; & Jared K. Fletcher

Cover Art by Mark Texiera

SUMMARY:

Entitled “Between Dark and Dawn, Part Five: Blood and Circuits,” it was published by DC Comics for November 2004.  Against the villainous Brusaw’s mind-controlled cult, Huntress & Vixen face Geo-Force, Bumblebee, Airwave, Flamebird, Agent Liberty, Plastique, Plasmus, and a swordsman dubbed ‘Claw.’  Vixen must prevent Huntress from committing a vengeful homicide. 

Elsewhere, Black Canary is brutally attacked by Brainiac’s corrupted Oracle.  It’s up to a wounded Canary to spark Barbara Gordon’s resistance to Brainiac.  Huntress seeks retaliation for an earlier betrayal.  A cliffhanger pertains to lingering effects from Barbara’s face-off vs. Brainiac.               

REVIEW:

Well-played!  There is a logical gaffe, however, to writer Gail Simone’s script conveniently glossing over that Black Canary’s beatdown (and blood loss) should necessitate medical attention. 

Still, Simone does excellent work pairing guest star Vixen with Huntress, as well as her mastery working Black Canary & Oracle’s sequences.  Oracle’s confrontation against Brainiac is also terrific.  Another asset is the high-caliber visuals by penciller Ron Adrian and the rest of the art squad.  Packing action and potent dialogue, Birds of Prey # 73 makes a dynamite read for fans.    

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

An unidentified ‘mole’ pens the DC in Demand column.  Cover reveals are for: Birds of Prey # 74; JLA: Classified # 1; Detective Comics # 798; Majestic # 2; and Justice League Elite # 3.  An insert is collectible poster # 4 of 6 entitled ‘Chapter Four: Who is the Mysterious Woman?’ hyping the Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow film.   

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                    8 Stars

Written by Scott Beatty & Christos Gage

Art by Wes Craig; Johnny Rench; & Wes Abbott

Cover Art by Ivan Reis; Richard Friend; & Jonny Rench

SUMMARY:

Published by WildStorm Productions in May 2008, the penultimate issue of this six-part mini-series is entitled “Truth or Consequences … or Things Fall Apart …”  A rooftop stand-off with Zealot & Grifter leads Nemesis, Backlash, and Savant leads to reveal the backstory for their covert mission to save Earth.  Nemesis & Zealot’s mutual animosity pushes Nemesis to taunt her knowledge of Savant’s true mother.  Grifter’s shootout with Director Slayton (Backlash’s father) and his commandos force the ladies to retreat, briefly bringing Grifter & Zealot with them.        

Nemesis (aka Lady Charis) find her home trashed by the Authority.  Over the Sea of Japan, the ladies halo-jump to infiltrate the island of Gamorra to reach mystical gangster Kaizen’s palace.  Scantily-clad, the team go undercover to try hacking Kaizen’s computer data.  Their stealthy actions lead to disaster, as one of them (or all three) may be doomed as Kaizen’s intended replacement concubine/harem. 

REVIEW:

For WildCats fans, writers Scott Beatty and Christos Gage deliver an entertaining read.  Its best moment is likely the joke (twice) of a nearby college party obliviously cheering on the rooftop fight scenes.  The spot-on Charlie’s Angels-style chemistry between Nemesis, Savant, and Backlash also enjoys some great banter. 

The same can be said of the simmering rivalry between old foes Zealot and Nemesis.  Including a great cover image, the art team’s stylish efforts capably support the storyline.  WildStorm: Revelations # 5 does a solid job enticing fans to seek out the complete six-part series. 

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Jim Lee’s single-page “Storm Front” column also offers some cover reveals, including the concluding WildStorm: Revelations: # 6.  There is also a four-page (including cover) preview of the prequel Supernatural: Rising Son mini-series, as inspired by the television series.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                    7½ Stars

Written by Scott Beatty & Christos Gage

Art by Wes Craig; Jonny Rench; & Wes Abbott

Cover Art by Ivan Reis; Richard Friend; & Randy Mayor

SUMMARY:

Entitled “Generation Gap,” this fourth issue of the six-part mini-series was published by WildStorm Productions for April 2008.  Jodi Lyn (aka Backlash) dresses up for a dinner reunion with her estranged father, Director Marc Slayton.  Abducted by the three girls, Slayton’s cybernetic leg and his PSI tracking chip are swiped for their use.  A teleporting Savant gleefully uses the stolen cybernetic limb to aid her diversion. 

By luring Slayton’s PSI troops on a merry pursuit around the globe, Savant gives Nemesis her own opening.  Searching for answers, Nemesis learns of the mysterious “Number of the Beast” files in Department PSI’s ‘smart room.’  Slayton’s escape can only be added to the trio’s immediate worry list, as an unamused Grifter & Zealot await them.      

REVIEW:

Capably supported by the art team’s visuals, writers Scott Beatty and Christos Gage deliver another dynamite issue that is WildStorm’s well-played answer to DC’s Gotham City Sirens.  The developing chemistry between Nemesis and her new associates: Backlash and Savant continues to impress.  Including some good-natured humor during Savant’s chase sequence, WildStorm: Revelations # 4 certainly proves an entertaining read.   

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Jim Lee’s single-page “Storm Front” column welcomes back artists J.J. Kirby and Michael Lopez.  Thumbnail cover reveals include WildStorm: Revelations # 5.  A seven-page preview of the Number of the Beast mini-series is also included.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                     8 Stars

Written by Scott Beatty & Christos Gage

Art by Wes Craig; Jonny Rench; & Wes Abbott

Cover Art by Ivan Reis & Richard Friend

SUMMARY:

Published by WildStorm Productions for April 2008, the third issue of this six-part mini-series is entitled “Part Three: Blast from the Past!”  Relying on a list of hero names they have swiped from Majestic’s database, the trio of Nemesis, Backlash, and Savant road-trip to the town of Tranquility.  They discover it’s a designated retirement community for forgotten super-heroes and their offspring.  After the girls humorously score a speeding ticket, they soon meet the polite Captain Marvel/Shazam-like hero, Maximum Man, who has promised an old friend to watch after them. 

Maximum Man magically reveals his elderly true self as diminutive and good-natured ‘Kevin.’  He then discusses the grim Hiroshima-related fate of the ‘lost generation’ of heroes (excluding the High) that the girls are seeking data about.  The girls sense an ominous governmental conspiracy dating back to World War II that likely implicates Department PSI. 

Knowing who Backlash’s controversial father is, Nemesis (aka Lady Charis) prods Backlash (aka Jodi-Lyn) into setting up her estranged dad for a reunion.

REVIEW:

With another round of excellent visuals by the art team, this third outing delivers more likable sparks among Nemesis, Savant, and Backlash as WildStorm’s well-chosen answer to DC Comics’ Gotham City Sirens.  In this instance, the poignancy of a grim wartime flashback is carefully supported by the ladies’ low-key yet often humorous banter. 

Above all, the guest presence of the Tranquility series offers some welcome levity to this series’ ‘preventing doomsday’ storyline.  As WildStorm: Revelations continues, it’s an impressively entertaining read for adult fans who appreciate this company cross-over among its various super-hero franchises.  

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Publisher Jim Lee’s single-page “Storm Front” column promotes two of his company’s returning alums: J.J. Kirby and Michael Lopez, as well as newcomer Michael Costa.  There’s a thumbnail cover reveal for WildStorm: Revelations # 4.    

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                   8 Stars

Written by Scott Beatty & Christos Gage

Art by Wes Craig; Jonny Rench; & Wes Abbott

Cover Art by Ivan Reis & Richard Friend

SUMMARY:

Published by WildStorm Productions for March 2008, the second issue of this six-part mini-series is entitled “Bleeding Hearts or … I Fight the Authority and the Authority Always Wins.”  Aboard the Authority’s carrier vessel in the extradimensional Bleed, the sword-wielding Nemesis and ninja-like Backlash are a diversion for Savant to hack the team’s computer data files. 

A flashback reveals why a green slime-covered Midnighter is infuriated over a gooey bomb the ladies detonated at Denver International Airport minutes earlier.  In the trio’s frenzied escape, Nemesis causes a hull breach in the Authority’s ship.  In Brazil, Nemesis (aka Lady Charis) seeks out ex-boyfriend Majestic (aka Lord Majestros) for a private chat. 

While Nemesis sexually distracts Majestic, her two allies hack his secret Mount Rushmore database.  Per some newly discovered info, the ladies head off on a road trip to investigate their next lead in Tranquility. 

REVIEW:

With excellent visuals by the art team, this second issue does a solid job continuing the likable chemistry between Nemesis, Savant, and Backlash.  As the ladies outwit them, the Authority’s sequences provide solid entertainment.  The sequence between Nemesis and Majestic is also well-played, particularly when their implied sex scene avoids gratuity by depicting their tryst in the dark. 

Overall, WildStorm: Revelations # 2 proves a terrific read for adult fans re: WildStorm’s heroes intersecting in this intriguing cross-over storyline.     

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Publisher Jim Lee’s single-page “Storm Front” column promotes some of his company’s current projects.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                   8 Stars

Written by Scott Beatty & Christos Gage

Art by Wes Craig; Jonny Rench; & Wes Abbott

Cover Art by Ivan Reis & Richard Friend

SUMMARY:

Published by WildStorm Productions for March 2008, the 23-page opener for this six-part mini-series is entitled “The Coming Storm.”  Briefly summarizing the WildStorm: Armageddon mini-series, the first page explains Nemesis’s intent on saving Earth from an imminent apocalypse.  Relaxing after a hard night’s work infiltrating Stormwatch Plaza, Backlash and Savant are caught off-guard by Nemesis. 

Taken captive, the two friends reluctantly join forces with Nemesis for a covert mission.  Utilizing a diversion, their first task means breaking into The Bleed and a likely confrontation with The Authority.      

REVIEW:

Impressively, this series is WildStorm’s credible answer to DC Comics’ Gotham City Sirens.  The likable chemistry that Backlash & Savant establish with a hard-nosed Nemesis hints that this unlikely trio has potential together.  A parental advisory applies to some implied nudity (and briefly, partial nudity), as Nemesis ambushes her unsuspecting new partners coming out of their bathtubs. 

Provided one is already familiar with WildStorm’s universe, WildStorm: Revelations # 1 is a relatively fun read.      

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

None.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                  7 Stars

Written by Adam Beechen

Art by Victor Ibáñez; ‘Ego;’ & Dave Sharpe

Cover Art by Adam Hughes

SUMMARY:

Published for October 2011, Zatanna Zatara’s first solo series concludes with the one-shot “The Sorceress’ Apprentice.”  An exhausted Zatanna’s slumber is rudely interrupted late at night by the rascally witch boy, Uriah, from Limbo Town.  Forcing Zatanna to inter-dimensionally pursue him, Uriah swipes a magical book from her private Shadowcrest library to enable his takeover scheme of Limbo Town.  All Zatanna wants to do is thwart this insufferable little brat and mercifully get back to sleep.        

REVIEW:

Abruptly canceled due to the New 52 reboot, DC Comics ends this short-lived series with a stop-gap tale instead of an actual finale.  A sense of closure is left to Zatanna’s elegant bow on the cover. 

Supported by the art team’s solid visuals (especially the top-caliber cover image), writer Adam Beechen conjures up a well-played romp.  To Beechen’s credit, he ensures that Zatanna’s sleepless night is just as good, style-wise, as any Zatanna tale from Paul Dini.  Though her series deserved a more inspired creative effort, Zatanna # 16 is still a pretty enjoyable read (i.e. the amusing revelation of her celebrity fantasy crush).             

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Co-Publishers Jim Lee & Dan DiDio hype a two-page spread of cover reveals for New 52 titles launching in September 2011.  DiDio’s single-page “DC Nation” column also hypes New 52, in conjunction with San Diego’s Comic-Con.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOOM RATING:                      8 Stars

Note: A supposed storyline of Zatanna being ‘prosecuted’ by the Spectre for crimes against magic was replaced by this single-issue finale.

Written by Paul Dini (lead feature) & Adam Beechen (back-up feature)

Art by Cliff Chiang; Pat Brosseau; & John Kalisz (lead feature); and Jamal Igle; Robin Riggs; John Kalisz; & Pat Brosseau (back-up feature)

Cover Art by Stephane Roux

SUMMARY:

Entitled “Stringleshanks,” this issue was published by DC Comics for March 2011.  An infuriated Zatanna Zatara is held captive in her hotel room by a psychotic living marionette that has escaped from a magic museum.  Breaking free, Zatanna knows that ex-puppeteer Oscar Hampel had been transformed into a marionette by her late father, John Zatara, after killing a man and holding her hostage years ago. 

Reluctantly, she considers Hampel’s version of these past events.  Haunted by her own poor judgment (and that of her father’s), Zatanna sympathetically escorts Hampel to her Shadowcrest manor home to break her father’s curse upon him. Yet, is all what it seems?

In an eight-page flashback entitled “Brace Yourself,” a teenage Zatanna is mortified leaving the dentist’s office wearing braces.  Waiting at a nearby mall, Zatanna tries to stop a gun-wielding hood who has already shot someone.  Unable to speak magic, it’s up to her ingenuity to improvise another way of snaring the fleeing crook.  Her incredulous father might be willing to grant Zatanna a ‘last request’ before a two-year sentence commences of wearing braces.                 

REVIEW:

Somewhat improbably, Zatanna’s compassion (and latent guilt over her own mind-wipes of villains) overrides her well-founded suspicions re: this vengeful marionette stalker.  After being held captive by a knife-wielding puppet, could Zatanna really be that gullible? 

To writer Paul Dini’s credit, he leaves enough ambiguity to make it worthwhile for readers to see this peculiar storyline play out.  The art team does commendable work supporting Dini. 

The back-up tale from writer Adam Beechen is an amusing treat re:  young Zatanna’s magic being hampered by braces.  Both well-played and well-illustrated, this tale suggests that these flashbacks would be a promising bonus to her solo series.  Artist Stephane Roux’s spot-on cover image adds an extra asset to the enchanting Zatanna # 9.   

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Including a potential cover, there’s a six-page preview of DC Universe Online Legends # 1. Accompanied by a posed photo with DC cosplay actors, DC Comics Co-Publisher Dan DiDio pens a note to fans in the single-page “DC Nation” column.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                      8 Stars