Month: January 2021

Written by Paul Dini

Art by Jesus Saiz; Pat Brosseau; & John Kalisz

Cover Art by Stephane Roux & Karine Boccanfuso

SUMMARY:

Entitled “Married in Vegas,” this issue was published for December 2010.  Frustrated that his older cousin, Zatanna Zatara, no-showed his own stage show, the jealous Zachary Zatara seeks her out.  A suspicious Zach stumbles upon Zatanna’s nightmarish shotgun wedding in Los Vegas to casino tycoon Benjamin “Sonny” Raymond. 

It’s up to Zach to help open his mesmerized cousin’s eyes that a psychotic Raymond chillingly sacrifices his brides to the demonic Mammon as a means of extending his immortality.  Once the Zataras present the greedy Mammon with a fitting prize, Zatanna expects a rematch with Mammon another day.  Thanking her flattered cousin, Zatanna gladly honors a familiar promise.        

Note: Artist Brian Bolland created a variant cover.

REVIEW:

Supported by the art team’s high-caliber visuals (including the cover image), writer Paul Dini does great work with this issue.  Despite lacking surprises, Dini’s spot-on storytelling enables Zatanna to help rescue herself that reinforces the Mistress of Magic’s formidable reputation.  Dini also notably makes Zatanna’s conceited cousin actually seem likable for once. 

The splendid chemistry between these Zatara cousins is epitomized by in-battle banter re: Zach’s jealousy of his far more successful cousin’s career.  This type of casual dialogue nicely hits home that Zatanna is wealthier than she modestly lets on.  Accordingly, the enchanting Zatanna # 6 is an underrated gem well worth the read.       

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

From DC Senior Story Editor Ian Sattler, three ambiguous panels from Action Comics # 894 depict Lex Luthor meeting Vertigo Comics’ Death.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                       8 Stars

Written by Paul Dini

Art by Stephane Roux; Karl Story; Pat Brosseau; & John Kalisz

Cover Art by Stephane Roux

SUMMARY:

Entitled “Night on Devil’s Mountain,” this issue was published for September 2010. Arriving for her latest stage performance, Zatanna Zatara discovers that her support team has been abducted by the demonic Brother Night.  Arriving at isolated Diablo Mountain, Zatanna battles Brother Night’s demons to free her four employees. 

In one-on-one combat, Zatanna battles the ghoulish mobster, only to find that Brother Night intends to corrupt her late father’s ghost.  Hence, this issue is a mini-sequel to the Reign in Hell limited series.  It’s time for Zatanna to ingeniously pull a demonic imp out of her top hat for an evasive counter-strike. 

Note: Artist Brian Bolland created a variant cover.

REVIEW:

Supported by the art team’s terrific visuals (including the cover image), writer Paul Dini satisfyingly concludes Zatanna’s initial solo storyline with a few well-played twists.  Although this issue has some material inappropriate for younger readers, Zatanna # 3 proves an underrated gem well worth the read.       

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

From DC Senior Story Editor Ian Sattler, the single-page “DC Nation” column features an ambiguous black-and-white image hyping the Brightest Day saga.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                             8 Stars

Written by Paul Dini

Art by Stephane Roux; Karl Story; Pat Brosseau; & John Kalisz

Cover Art by Stephane Roux

SUMMARY:

Entitled “Fuseli’s Nightmare,” this issue was published for August 2010.  After battling demonic hyenas with Black Canary & Vixen in New Orleans, a weary Zatanna Zatara returns home for well-deserved sleep.  While the ghoulish Brother Night tries bribing San Francisco police detective Dale Colton, the nightmarish imp, Fuseli, harasses Zatanna’s dreams.  Even if Fuseli fails, Brother Night still has a ghastly ace up his sleeve.     

Note: Artist Brian Bolland created a variant cover.

REVIEW:

Capably supported by the art team’s visuals (including the cover image), writer Paul Dini delivers a solid Zatanna adventure that balances some dark plot elements with its well-played hocus pocus.  Though the PG-13 content is a bit surprising, Dini accomplishes his task of making Zatanna a viable solo act.  Zatanna # 2, as a result, proves a terrific read.     

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

There’s a five-page color preview of Action Comics # 890.  In the single-page “DC Nation” column, DC Editor Adam Schlagman promotes the launch of a new monthly Green Arrow series linked to the Brightest Day saga.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                             8 Stars

Written by John Ostrander

Art by Tom Mandrake; Todd Klein; Carla Feeny; & Digital Chameleon

Cover Art by Tom Mandrake

SUMMARY:

Published for May 1994 by DC Comics, a four-issue arc concludes with “Final Judgments.”  Ramban, Madame Xanadu, and Father Craemer free Jim Corrigan’s soul from the Eclipso-corrupted Spectre, but now they must free Corrigan himself.  In battle, an infuriated Phantom Stranger realizes what has occurred.  He urges his allies (Zatanna Zatara; Etrigan the Demon; and Inza Nelson’s Dr. Fate) to re-double their efforts to fixate the Spectre’s wrath on them instead of obliterating Earth.

Father Craemer urges a depressed Corrigan to regain his faith in God.  The Stranger saves Inza Nelson from Eclipso, but it may be too late for Zatanna & Etrigan.  Facing their now-corrupted allies and Eclipso, the Stranger and Dr. Fate need their own rescue.

Corrigan’s willpower to reclaim the Spectre’s mantle saves Zatanna and Etrigan before expelling Eclipso.  The Spectre then unleashes his full power against Eclipso.  Confessing his conscience-driven frustrations, Corrigan’s Spectre realizes (after fifty years) that he must confront and comprehend evil to better grasp the darkness within his own soul. 

REVIEW:

To writer John Ostrander’s credit, he keeps his story’s metaphysical and religious elements dramatically comprehensible without the climax becoming a cop-out.  Guest stars Zatanna; Etrigan; Inza Nelson’s Dr. Fate; Ramban; and the Phantom Stranger make valuable contributions, as Eclipso’s threat is satisfyingly resolved. 

Capably supporting Ostrander is a competent art team, whose low-key visuals deliver exactly what is necessary.  The Spectre # 18 sets up the character’s insightful new weapon: human empathy, making this issue a potent read.           

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

There is a page-length tribute honoring late artist Jack Kirby.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                    8½ Stars

Written by John Ostrander

Art by Tom Mandrake; Todd Klein; Carla Feeny; & Digital Chameleon

Cover Art by Tristan Shane

SUMMARY:

Published by DC Comics for April 1994, it’s entitled “Into the Dark Side.”  A raging Spectre decides that humanity’s fate is ominously sealed by his grudge re-match with Eclipso.  Phantom Stranger’s failed recruitment of Madame Xanadu reveals that he intends to wait out the Spectre vs. Eclipso battle, so his assembled strike force faces the winner.  At Eclipso’s moon base, the vulnerable Spectre merges with Eclipso.  Phantom Stranger’s team senses their worst possible fear has occurred.

Madame Xanadu conspires with the mystic Ramban and Father Craemer to summon Jim Corrigan’s spirit.  In Central Park, the trio is interrupted by street thugs.  Attempting to protect the Eclipso gem from destruction, Phantom Stranger’s strike team (Zatanna Zatara; Inza Nelson’s Doctor Fate; and Etrigan the Demon) defiantly wage a losing battle vs. the corrupted Spectre.  Madame Xandau’s allies free Jim Corrigan, dreading that Eclipso now fully inhabits the Spectre.                 

REVIEW:

Ingeniously setting up a climatic Issue # 18, writer John Ostrander delivers a knockout in conjunction with Tom Mandrake’s spot-on artwork.  Setting up rival approaches to thwart the Spectre, Ostrander creates a sense of unpredictability as to how this storyline will ultimately play out.  Madame Xanadu’s scenes, in particular, are certainly worth reading.     

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

There is a two-page letter-and-answers column.  Also, a single-page list of current DC Comics releases (including Green Lantern # 50) are displayed in a TV Guide-style format.    

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                      8 Stars

Written by John Ostrander

Art by Jim Aparo; Kelley Jones; Todd Klein; Carla Feeny; & Digital Chameleon

Cover Art by George Pratt

SUMMARY:

Published by DC Comics for March 1994, it’s entitled “Call to Blood.”  In Northern Ireland, an explosive terrorist act sparks a rainy night confrontation in a pub between cousins-in-law, Michael and Eamus. 

In a nearby cemetery, Jim Corrigan converses with one of its ghosts.  Michael confronts the culprit of his wife and young child’s tragic murders: his brother-in-law, Dennis.  Dennis wishes to murder Michael, too, until the Spectre intervenes.  The cemetery’s spirits torment the Spectre with Corrigan’s own personal demons. 

In San Francisco, Zatanna Zatara (fresh from her recent Come Together mini-series) joins the Phantom Stranger; Etrigan the Demon; and Inza Nelson’s Doctor Fate to face the Spectre. 

In the Irish cemetery, the Spectre destroys Dennis.  Furious that the Spectre usurped his own vengeance, Michael retaliates by cursing the Spectre, with the fury of all the Corrigans long-buried there.  In Jerusalem, the mystic Ramban is consulted by Father Richard Craemer re: the Spectre.         

REVIEW:

Capped by a well-played plot twist, Spectre # 16 is a minor gem.  Not only does writer John Ostrander carefully continue the build-up to the Spectre’s meltdown, but this issue is compelling in its own right.  Jim Aparo & Kelley Jones’ artwork provides capable support, as a re-invigorated Zatanna’s sequence is a standout.  With all its cast’s intriguing viewpoints of morality, this issue definitely proves worth the read.     

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

There’s a two-page letter-and-answers column.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                 8 Stars

Written by John Ostrander

Art by Tom Mandrake; Carla Feeny; Digital Chameleon; & Todd Klein

Cover Art by Timothy Truman

SUMMARY:

Published by DC Comics for February 1994, it’s entitled “Old Blood.”  On the Sinai Peninsula, the Phantom Stranger warns the infuriated Spectre re: his desire to destroy Earth for its evil.  In Cairo, the Hayoth (mystic Ramban; swordswoman Judith; & Golem) reluctantly stands to protect ex-terrorist Kemal Saad during Israeli-Palestine diplomatic discussions. 

Though he fails to enlist Constantine, the Phantom Stranger recruits Inza Nelson’s Doctor Fate and Etrigan the Demon to face the Spectre.  In Cairo, in order to kill Saad, the Spectre dispatches Golem & Ramban in battle.  Judith is betrayed by her boss: Colonel Hacohen, who is possessed by Eclipso.  Ramban joins the Spectre vs. Eclipso; yet, the Spectre himself may be the next corrupted by Eclipso.          

REVIEW:

Capably supported by Tom Mandrake’s art team, writer John Ostrander pens an intriguing look at the Spectre’s gradual descent into madness.  Curiously, one scene makes little sense: early on, it’s implied that Jim Corrigan/Spectre is temporarily possessing Colonel Hachohen in the presence of the Hayoth.  Yet, it’s later revealed that Hacohen is Eclipso’s pawn.  Unless he meant it as deliberately ambiguous, Orstrander doesn’t clarify this plot twist. 

Also, in his cameo, an inebriated Constantine is depicted face down in booze and/or vomit; yet, on the next page, the liquid appears to be blood.  Ostrander doesn’t explain this oddity, either (unless it’s a coloring gaffe). 

Otherwise, this issue has some top-flight scenes, including Ramban vs. the Spectre (twice!) and the Phantom Stranger’s recruitment efforts.  For those reasons alone, Spectre # 15 is definitely worth the read.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

There is a two-page letters-and-answers column.  Also, a single-page Justice League public service announcement for the National AIDS Hotline features Fire, Blue Beetle, and Booster Gold.    

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                8 Stars

Written by Greg Rucka

Art by Drew Johnson; Ray Snyder; Richard Horie; Tanya Horie; & Todd Klein

Cover Art by Phil Noto

SUMMARY:

Published by DC Comics for January 2004, it’s the third segment of the five-part Down to Earth storyline.  While Themyscira’s leaders (Artemis, among them) disagree re: the outside world’s access to their island, trouble is brewing on Mount Olympus and at Themyscira’s New York embassy.  Wonder Woman’s controversial book re: her Amazonian ideals and heavily spliced videotaped comments have spawn varying degrees of public criticism.  It leads to one of her most trusted representatives cleverly debating Diana’ s most visible detractor on national television.  

Meanwhile, Diana travels to Buenos Aires to visit a recuperating Vanessa Kapatelis (aka the Silver Swan), only to discover that her physician reluctantly allowed her abduction three months earlier.  Already fuming, Wonder Woman is also alerted by Artemis that Ares may have returned. 

At a jungle compound in Argentina, scientific genius Sebastian Ballesteros contemplates a devious multi-million dollar bribe to sell his captive Silver Swan to Veronica Cale.   

REVIEW:

Writer Greg Rucka musters a fairly realistic take on Wonder Woman’s distractions amidst the media firestorm over her recent memoirs. 

Curiously, Rucka’s version of the Olympians are shown conversing in contemporary slang, which makes for a mildly amusing scene.  One fun bit is Eros snidely counting aloud the number of Diana’s references to particular Olympians, much like how egotistical actors stereotypically count their script lines.  Rucka smartly adds some depth with spot-on TV cable talk show debating and an ominous final scene re: Silver Swan’s predicament. 

As for this issue’s artwork, it’s relatively solid and bolstered by artist Phil Noto’s top-caliber cover image.  However, the issue suffers one amateurish-looking small frame of Diana & Artemis during their discussion — maybe it was a last-minute insert, but this panel’s drawing is inadequate, as compared to the rest of the issue.  All factors considered, Wonder Woman # 198 proves a decent read.  It’s just that Diana/Wonder Woman doesn’t accomplish anything memorable.  

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

An unidentified “mole” hypes various upcoming issues for DC Comics in the single-page DC Nation column.  A cover reveal for the next issue is included, as are brief peeks at Batman: Detective #27; JLA: Liberty and Justice; Catwoman # 25; and “Superman: The Kansas Sighting # 1.     

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                 6½ Stars

IMAGE NOT AVAILABLE

Written by Phil Jimenez

Art by Phil Jimenez; Andy Lanning; Lary Stucker; Trish Mulvihill; Wildstorm FX; & Comicraft

Cover Art by Adam Hughes

SUMMARY:

Entitled “Her Daughter’s Mother,” this issue was published by DC Comics for November 2002.  In a dinosaur-occupied Virginia forest, Diana’s friend, Trevor, contends with Giganta and three other miniaturized villainesses.  He is also attacked by one of Diana’s Nazi foes. 

Undercover in late 1943, Diana is impersonating the masked Miss America (Joan Dale) to team up with her mother, Hippolyta, who is the Wonder Woman of this era.  The two Wonder Women must reclaim the stolen Trident of Poseidon and Neptune’s Trumpet, as these mystical artifacts are in Nazi hands.  Diana meets Hippolyta’s roommate and her own namesake: nurse Diana Prince. 

In Georgetown, a tip from Wildcat leads the Wonder Women to face the masked Nazi dubbed ‘Armageddon,’ who intends to wield his stolen artifacts for Hitler.  In battle against Armageddon’s forces, Diana is wounded while Hippolyta defeats Armageddon. 

Having succeeded, Diana returns to the present-day, as Tempest’s magic helps restore the wonky space-time continuum.  In 1943, Hippolyta continues her casual romance with Wildcat.  Yet, Diana is unaware that the insightful Hippolyta has confirmed her lingering suspicions re: who impersonated Miss America.       

REVIEW:

To writer-artist Phil Jimenez’s credit, it’s a splendid showcase for Diana & Hippolyta.  Not only is the artwork top-tier, Jimenez’s storyline conveys an underlying sense of poignancy, as Diana observes similarities she shares with her mother.  For instance, Jimenez depicts Hippolyta’s gentle, ‘down-to-earth’ repartee with her blue collar neighbors, which seems so reminiscent of Diana. 

The only weak spot is Trevor’s zany sub-plot re: the four miniaturized villains, which doesn’t make much sense without at least perusing the previous issue first.  Still, Wonder Woman # 185 is an entertaining wartime adventure, as these two Wonder Women stomp the Nazis.             

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

None.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                   8 Stars

Written by Shea Fontana  

Art by David Messina; Romulo Fajardo Jr.; & Saida Temofonte

Cover Art by Jesus Merino & Alex Sinclair

SUMMARY:

Simply entitled “Heart of the Amazon, Part Three,” it was released by DC Comics under its Rebirth imprint for October 2017.  Before reporting to Arlington General Hospital, Diana pays her respects to the late Dr. Shannon Crawford.  Diana accepts supervision care of a recuperating Commander Etta Candy for six weeks. 

Having temporarily moved into Etta’s Georgetown apartment, Diana confides her worries of not being able to sufficiently protect Etta or Steve Trevor at a critical time.  An assassin forces Wonder Woman into a rooftop rumble.  With Etta as back-up, Diana learns that an unknown source has placed a high-priced bounty literally on her body.  A crow’s appearance mystically forewarns Diana & Etta that the worst is yet to come. 

Note: A variant cover was produced by artist Jenny Frison.

REVIEW:

Capably supported by the art team’s glossy visuals (including a great cover image), writer Shea Fontana delivers an action-packed episode.  Part of this issue’s success is that Fontana ensures that the easygoing chemistry between Wonder Woman and Rebirth’s rebooted Etta Candy is well-played. 

For that matter, re-imagining Etta Candy as a hard-nosed combat veteran who gladly joins a gunfight makes her far more intriguing than traditional light comedy relief.  The extended sequence depicting Diana’s fisticuffs with the assassin is worthy of a live-action film’s choreography.  Sporting a complete package of creative elements, Wonder Woman # 28 delivers a solidly entertaining read.         

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The single-page “DC All Access” column plugs artist Greg Capullo’s sketch work for Dark Nights: Metal # 1.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                       8 Stars