Month: January 2021

Written by Gail Simone

Art by Ed Benes; Alex Lei; Hi-Fi Design; & Jared K. Fletcher

Cover Art by Greg Land; Jay Leisten; & Justin Ponsor

SUMMARY:

Published by DC Comics for May 2004, it’s entitled “Sensei & Student, Part Four: Power & Permanence.”  Mid-flight to Gotham City with Shiva & Cheshire, Dinah “Black Canary” Lance contemplates Shiva’s extraordinary offer.  In Gotham City, an imprisoned Barbara “Oracle” Gordon faces some violent retaliation, as she desperately makes a call for help. 

The Huntress battles Savant with Barbara’s fate as the prize.  Possessing Cheshire’s blackmail info, a suspicious Dinah confronts Senator Pullman’s family.  The sensei’s assassin is revealed, as the next victim may well be Shiva herself.

REVIEW:

Like the issue before, Birds of Prey # 65 is dynamite storytelling.  Continuing their exceptional run together, Gail Simone and Ed Benes’s teamwork persuasively argues they were DC’s finest writer/artist duo of that era.  Not only is the storyline one of Simone’s best in her career, but Benes is very much at the top of his game. 

This issue frankly makes intelligent action-adventure storytelling with top-caliber female characters seem easy to do.  The flashy cover image is also among the best-ever for this series.  Rewarding its fans, Birds of Prey # 65 combines action, suspense, and well-constructed dialogue for a sensational read.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

There is a full-page posthumous tribute to DC legend Julius Schwartz.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                      9 Stars

Written by Gail Simone

Art by Ed Benes; Alex Lei; Hi-Fi Design; & Jared K. Fletcher

Cover Art by Ed Benes; Alex Lei; & Hi-Fi Design

SUMMARY:

Published by DC Comics for April 2004, it’s entitled “Sensei & Student, Part Three: Mercy & Murder.”  In Hong Kong, Dinah “Black Canary” Lance’s uneasy alliance with Cheshire and Lady Shiva to avenge their sensei’s death continues.  The trio faces off in a slugfest rematch against heavily-armed local outlaws. Going undercover, Shiva & Cheshire accompany Dinah on a flight to Gotham City.  A temporarily-poisoned Dinah has an unlikely avenger, who extends her an astonishing offer. 

In Gotham City, with her covert ‘Oracle’ identity nearly exposed, a defiant Barbara Gordon is one of ten female captives held by federal agents at renegade Senator Pullman’s behest.  Savant confides to Barbara his intention to kill the real ‘Oracle.’  Out of viable options, an imprisoned Barbara may reach her breaking point.  A familiar intruder breaches the Birds’ secret base.         

REVIEW:

Birds of Prey # 64 delivers a near-flawless action-adventure package.  Between writer Gail Simone and artist Ed Benes, their storytelling teamwork is exceptional.  The dialogue and sharp plot twists present Simone at the top of her game, as both the Black Canary-Shiva-Cheshire storyline and Barbara’s predicament maximize reader interest. 

The issue’s dazzling asset list is completed by Benes, who possesses one of the industry’s best visual styles.  The cover image is an apt description of what readers will be getting.  For fans, Birds of Prey # 64 is a gem.    

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

An unidentified ‘mole’ pens the DC in Demand column.  Thumbnail cover reveals include: Birds of Prey # 65; Flash # 207; Aquaman # 15; Action Comics # 812; and Batman: Gotham Knights # 50.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                 9 Stars

Written by Marv Wolfman

Art by George Pérez; Romeo Tanghal; Todd Klein; & Adrienne Roy

Cover Art by George Pérez

SUMMARY:

Published for August 1983 by DC Comics, this issue is part of the vintage New Teen Titans storyline famously known as “The Judas Contract.”

Deathstroke the Terminator (aka Slade Wilson) has accepted a contract to destroy the Titans.  This issue is entitled “Endings … and Beginnings!”   Celebrating malcontent Terra’s 16^th birthday, the Titans are in a quandary as to whether or not they should trust her with their secret identities. 

While a troubled Kid Flash (Wally West) edges closer to early retirement, Wonder Girl (Donna Troy) contemplates Professor Terry Long’s marriage proposal. Cyborg (Victor Stone) simmers over his rejection by distressed ex-girlfriend Sarah Simms.  Robin (Dick Grayson) reconsiders aiding New York City’s District Attorney Adrian Chase (pre-Vigilante) on one of his mob-related cases. 

When Deathstroke publicly taunts a deadly trade, Terra impulsively races off to confront him.  Starfire, Changeling, Cyborg, & Kid Flash are unaware of the endgame that Deathstroke is playing.  The team’s mole is shockingly revealed. 

Note: This lead-in into New Teen Titans Annual # 2 would also help launch a spin-off: Vigilante, starring Adrian Chase as DC’s mid-80’s costumed anti-hero answer to Marvel Comics’ Punisher.   

REVIEW:

Writer Marv Wolfman & artist George Pérez certainly deserve kudos for this knock-out issue.  The aptly designed cover of a ruthless Deathstroke blasting through a seemingly blissful Titans group portrait proves true.  Holding up exceptionally well after more than thirty years, Wolfman’s sophisticated storytelling equals Pérez’s timeless visuals. 

Considering the spot-on Titans chemistry equals, if not surpasses, writer Chris Claremont’s X-Men of that era, this is the classic New Teen Titans!  The only oddity is Cyborg & Wonder Girl resemble and act far more like mid-twentysomethings instead of teenagers.  The same applies to Kid Flash, Starfire, & Robin.  Only Changeling & Terra even plausibly pass for teenagers, but let’s leave this discrepancy as Wolfman’s creative license.  

With the Wolfman/Pérez tag-team at the top of their game, New Teen Titans # 34 is a DC Comics gem. 

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

There is a Titans Tower letters-and-answers column and synopses of upcoming DC titles for mid-May 1983.  The one-page Meanwhile … column talks about current DC Comics news, including the company’s ongoing negotiations to acquire Charlton Comics’ Captain Atom; Blue Beetle; the Question; Nightshade; etc. 

Also included is a short obituary for DC inker Frank Chiaramonte.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                   10 Stars

Written by Paul Levitz & Keith Giffen

Art by Keith Giffen; Kurt Schaffenberger; John Costanza; & Carl Gafford

Cover Art by Keith Giffen & Larry Mahlstedt

SUMMARY:

Entitled “Violet’s Story,” it was published by DC Comics for November 1983.  In deep space, having discovered that a Durlan shape-shifter, Yera, has impersonated Shrinking Violet for months, the team (Braniac 5; Colossal Boy; Element Lad; and Chamelon Boy) strategize how they can rescue the real Violet, who is being probed by her captors. 

On Earth, Wildfire dominates a team work-out, as Star Boy is teased about his romance with team leader Dream Girl.  On planet Starhaven, Dawnstar’s parents send her off for her 18^th year ritual to seek out a soul-mate that evidently isn’t Wildfire. 

Year’s origin as an undercover terrorist pawn on Violet’s home world, Imsk, is revealed.  Colossal Boy settles a personal score with Element Lad.  While a new galactic threat emerges, the Legionnaires run a ‘sting’ on planet Imsk.  Backed by the Science Police, the Legionnaires rout the terrorist cell.  With Violet rescued, Colossal Boy & Yera discuss their secret marriage (as he had married her believing she was Violet).    

REVIEW:

Definitely well-played!  Supported by top-caliber visuals, co-writers Paul Levitz and Keith Giffen deliver a solid adventure spreading the wealth amongst a large cast.  The closing scene between Yera and Colossal Boy is an unexpected gem.  The same applies to Dawnstar’s contribution. 

Though an image of a tortured Violet in aquatic ‘sens-tank’ captivity might be unsettling for younger readers, the art team ensures that readers get their money’s worth.  Accordingly, Legion of Super-Heroes # 305 deserves re-discovery in terms of a complete DC storytelling package from that era.    

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

There is Dick Giordano’s single-page “Meanwhile …” column.  In addition to a single-page “Legion Outpost” letters-and-answers column, its extra is a full-page list of Legion of Super-Heroes appearances (including cameos and reprints) from April 1979 through September 1982.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                 8 Stars

Written by Gerry Conway

Art by Chris Batista; Dave Meikis; Mike Atiyeh; & Clem Robins

Cover Art by Brian Bolland

SUMMARY:

Published for October 2009 by DC Comics, the six-part mini-series continues with “Part Four: Despair.”  Set five years into the future (2014), a despondent Buddy “Animal Man” Baker impulsively kisses Starfire (aka Koriand’r) at the League of Titans headquarters.  Instantly coming to his senses, Buddy regrets his impulsiveness. 

Ambushed by the psychotic Bloodrage and Prismatik, Starfire and a virtually powerless Animal Man are viciously battered.  Knowing that his super-heroics have always been a choice, Buddy’s psyche urges him on to protect his loved ones. Defending a wounded Starfire, Buddy retreats to safety with his family. 

REVIEW:

Including its spot-on cover image, the art team’s visuals are top-caliber.  Veteran writer Gerry Conway works some poignant storytelling magic with this issue.  Facing an irreversible diagnosis, Buddy’s middle-aged plight of losing his powers and perhaps his neglected family’s love demonstrates how underrated Animal Man’s character really is. 

Courtesy of terrific scripting and excellent artwork, Last Days of Animal Man # 4 is definitely a worthwhile read for adult fans.    

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The single-page “DC Nation” column takes a ‘vacation.’    

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                   8 Stars

Written by Gerry Conway

Art by Chris Batista; Dave Meikis; Mike Atiyeh; & Clem Robins

Cover Art by Brian Bolland

SUMMARY:

Published for September 2009 by DC Comics, this third issue of the six-part mini-series is entitled “Part Three: Bargain.”  Set five years into the future (2014), a despondent Buddy “Animal Man” Baker is rapidly losing his superhuman powers.  Even the super-science of the League of Titans (including Superman; Starfire; Red Tornado; Nightwing; Power Girl; and a new Flash) can’t halt Buddy’s crisis. 

Optimistic about gene therapy, Buddy seeks DNA samples submitted by his two kids.  He also tries reconnecting with his neglected wife, Ellen, and later, with their children: attorney Cliff and high school basketball player Maxine.  Ellen addresses Buddy’s long-standing selfishness, Buddy’s recent foe, Prismatik, seeks to escape a maximum security prison’s hospital ward. 

Rebuffed by his kids, Buddy finds his super-power dilemma is irreversible.  Could he find emotional solace with his long-time friend, Starfire?

REVIEW:

Including its spot-on cover image (although Superman doesn’t sport gray temples), the art team’s visuals are stellar.  On top of his game, writer Gerry Conway poignantly depicts a middle-aged Buddy’s personal crises (especially, his long-standing neglect of his own family) with well-written dialogue.  More significantly, Conway’s scripting imbues a welcome sense of realistic depth re: Buddy’s epiphany about the long-term consequences of playing super-hero. 

Between Conway’s ace storytelling and the exquisite artwork, Last Days of Animal Man # 3 is definitely a worthwhile read for adult fans.    

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The single-page “DC Nation” column by Dan DiDio pitches upcoming Blackest Night spin-offs in the form of individual mini-series for Superman; Dick Grayson’s Batman; and the Titans.  There is also a five-page preview of the new Adventure Comics # 1 (starring Conner Kent’s Superboy). 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                   8 Stars

Written by Grant Morrison

Art by & Cover Art by J.G. Jones

SUMMARY:

Published by DC Comics for July 2008, this 32-page one-shot reveals notated character designs and cover sketches for Final Crisis.  The initial segment entitled “Kirby Krackle” explains updated designs for Darkseid; Granny Goodness; DeSaad; Black Racer; Dan Turpin; Reverend G. Godfrey Goode (aka “Glorious Godfrey); Orion; Metron; Lightray; Kamandi; Shiloh Norman’s Mr. Miracle; and The Forever People.  The short “Beyond” section glimpses the villainous Libra; the Multiverse Machine; and Nix Uotan.

Two Japanese super-teams each get their own segments: Big Science Action (with members Ultimon, Cosmo Racer, Boss Bosozuko, Hammersuit Zero-X, and Junior Waveman) and Super Young Team (with members Most Excellent Superbat, Big Atomic Lantern Boy, Shy Crazy Lolita Canary, Shiny Happy Aquazon, and Well-Spoken Sonic Lightning Flash).  The concluding two-page spread reveals the development behind the covers for Final Crisis # 1-3.    

REVIEW:

Adopting a similar advertising approach as Dynamite Entertainment’s Project Superpowers, this slickly-produced issue is a treasure trove for Final Crisis fans.  At a minimum, it boosts interest in what Grant Morrison and J.G. Jones intend to do as far as reinvigorating the Apokolips/New Gods corner of DC Comics.  Perhaps the word ‘intriguing’ is an understatement as to the two Japanese super-teams, as developing these complex characters may necessitate a mini-series in itself.     

Despite the familiar cover image associated with Final Crisis, it’s deceptive that the silhouetted Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, Hawkman, & Flash aren’t involved in this promo.  Readers will briefly see Green Lantern, Flash, and Supergirl in the last segment, but that’s the extent of the Justice League’s presence. 

As an enticing teaser for Final Crisis, this issue is worth perusing, even if nothing is revealed of the storyline’s actual plot.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The first page is a helpful table-of-contents.  The last page is a “DC Nation” column by Matt Idelson, with thumbnail cover reveals for Final Crisis # 1; Huntress: Year One # 1; and Titans # 2.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                7 Stars

Written by (See Credits Below)

Art by (See Credits Below)

Cover Art by Terry Dodson; Rachel Dodson; John Kalisz; & Digital Chameleon

SUMMARY:

Published by DC Comics for July 2000, this 64-page one-shot consists of a JLA feature story; a four-page Dial ‘H’ for Hero tale; a five-page, ‘lost’ Hawk & Dove team-up with the Creeper; and several miscellaneous articles and character profiles are interspersed.  All colors are provided by artist Tom McCraw.

Page 3: “The Silver Age.”  Written by D. Curtis Johnson.  Art by Michael Collins; Vince Russell; and Kurt Hathaway. The Justice League (Superman; Green Arrow; Batman; Aquaman; Black Canary; Green Lantern; Flash; Atom; and the Martian Manhunter) must face the off-world menace of conqueror Agamemno.  First, the League must dispose of Despero.  

Page 32: Justice League Secret Sanctuary Schematic. Art by Claude St. John.

Page 33: Flash Facts!  Written by Brian Augustyn.  Art by Norm Breyfogle & Kurt Hathaway.

Page 37: “Moonshine Encounter.” Written by Jason Hernandez-Rosenblatt.  Art by Christopher Jones; Walden Wong; & John Costanza. Hank & Don Hall discover Hank’s friend, Chet, murdered.  A note Chet left leads Hawk & Dove to Keates Airfield where the Creeper aids them in busting a Communist spy ring.

Page 42: Metal Men Facts and Fancies. Written by Brian Augustyn.  Art by Kevin Maguire; David Meikis; & Kurt Hathaway.

Page 44: Silver Age Sketch Gallery. Classic sketches from Carmine Infantino, Nick Cardy, Jim Mooney, Murphy Anderson, Jim Aparo, and Gil Kane are provided.  Also included are Mark Farmer’s inked version of Infantino’s Flash sketch; Dave Gibbons’ inking of Cardy’s Teen Titans sketch; Ty Templeton’s finished version of Anderson’s Justice League of America cover sketch; and Kevin Nowlan’s inked version of Kane’s Green Lantern cover sketch.   

Page 51: “Secret of the H-Dial.”  Written by Mark Waid.  Art by Jim Mooney; George Freeman; & Jack Morelli. Suzy Shoemaker’s threatened exposé of Robby Reed’s magical dial leads to an unexpected partnership.

Page 57: “Super-Turtle” comic strip.  Written by Brian Augustyn.  Art by Ty Templeton.

Page 61: Metamorpho’s Chemical Curiosities.  Written by Brian Augustyn.  Art by Ramona Fradon; Karl Kessel; & Jack Morelli.

Page 63: Cosmic Treadmill Schematic.  Art by Claude St. John.

REVIEW:

Though the JLA’s tale isn’t hot stuff, it’s ideal as to the type of innocent storytelling that DC Comics pursued in that era.  If only for curiosity’s sake, the various other features are at least worth perusing.  The individual profiles may be the best of the bunch.  The sole detriment is that, despite being a mere five pages, the Hawk/Dove/Creeper team-up is heavy-handed re: Hawk & Creeper’s anti-Communist bias.  Still, Silver Age Secret Files & Origins # 1 proves a nostalgic treat for old-school DC Comics fans!

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

With text by Scott Beatty and colors by Tom McCraw, there are eleven profiles:

• Page: 30 Justice League of America (art by John Workman);
• Page 34: Barry Allen’s Flash (art by Carmine Infantino & Paul Neary);
• Page 35: Hal Jordan’s Green Lantern (art by Claude St. Aubin);
• Page 43: Metal Men (art by Ty Templeton);
• Page 49: Challengers of the Unknown (art by Tom Grummet & Karl Kesel);
• Page 50: Dial “H” for Hero (art by Jim Mooney & David Meikis);

• Page 55: Injustice League (art by Kevin Maguire & Randy Elliott);
• Page 56: Doom Patrol (art by Ramona Fradon & Dave Gibbons);
• Page 58: Seven Soldiers of Victory (art by Dick Giordano);
• Page 60: Teen Titans (art by Nick Cardy); and
• Page 62: Agamemno (art by Terry Dodson & Rachel Dodson).

Note: The Seven Soldiers (in this instance) are: Batgirl; Adam Strange; Mento; Deadman; Metamorpho; Shining Knight II; & the first Blackhawk.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                    7 Stars

Written by Geoff Johns; James Robinson; & Sterling Gates

Art by Gary Frank; Pete Woods; Renato Guedes; Jon Sibal; Wilson Magalháes; Hi-Fi; & Steve Woods

Cover Art by Gary Frank; Brad Anderson; & Renato Guedes

SUMMARY:

Published by DC Comics for December 2008, this 48-page one-shot consists of: .

Segment 1: (9 pages)

Among others, Clark, Lois, Martha, Perry White, and Jimmy Olsen attend Jonathan Kent’s funeral in Smallville.  A devastated Clark is haunted by his recent battle vs. Brainiac.  Lois consoles her husband echoing not to forget what Jonathan had taught him.  Alone inside the family barn, Clark silently reflects on Jonathan’s last words of advice (as depicted in Action Comics # 867). 

Segment 2, Part I: (7 pages)

At an undisclosed military site, General Sam Lane (Lois’ father) and the masked Agent Assassin ponder the implications of 100,000 New Kryptonians now released on Earth.  They further observe a captive Brainiac.  In Smallville, Clark & Martha discuss what Clark must do for his fellow Kryptonians. 

Segment 3, Part I: (9 pages)

Superman visits Supergirl’s parents at New Krypton.  Supergirl makes a cameo appearance.        

Segment 2, Part II: (3 pages)

At their father’s supposed grave in Washington D.C., the Lane sisters bicker over Lucy’s motive to join the military. 

Segment 3, Part II: (6 pages)

At New Krypton, Superman & Supergirl’s family watch their fellow Kryptonians exhibit their new powers, including a ‘self-defense’ killing of a blue whale.  Despite assurances from his uncle that these New Kryptonians will be Earth’s friends, a skeptical Superman tells Supergirl that he isn’t so sure. 

Segment 2, Part III: (1 page)

At the Kent farm, during a rainstorm, Martha silently eats dinner alone.

Segment 4: (5 pages)

At The Daily Planet, amidst a late night rainstorm, Jimmy reveals to Lois the bare details of his dangerous encounter with a para-military group known as ‘Warpath.’  Clearly, Warpath’s arsenal of kryptonite and magic-based weapons are meant to exterminate Superman.  At Stryker’s Island Prison, Lex Luthor is sprung from solitary confinement.  ex gladly accepts General Lane’s “drafting” of him into military service to thwart a Kryptonian invasion.  This storyline continues in Superman # 681.

Note: Also out there is a variant cover and a textless version of the main cover.

REVIEW:

Geoff Johns & Gary Frank’s opener is superb — especially, the silent montage throughout most of its nine pages.  Per the cover art, Frank’s expertise re: drawing Christopher Reeve’s nostalgic likeness makes Clark far more relatable, even for non-fans.  This segment also offers a neat opportunity to witness Superman’s believable emotional depth.  Kudos to Johns & Frank for conjuring up a touching send-off for Jonathan Kent by reminding readers of his character’s importance in the Superman mythos.  Johns smartly allows Frank’s visuals to tell the story. 

As for the back-and-forth segments, they are just extended teasers.  Still, a few individual scenes are minor gems: specifically, the sequences for Martha & Clark; the Lane sisters; and Martha’s solo scene combine excellent artwork with plenty of character depth.  The other scenes seem ordinary in comparison. 

Predictably, the repetitive shifting in artistic styles varies widely in quality.  Depending upon the scene, it also becomes a distraction when the visual style jarringly changes.  For Superman fans, though, this comic still proves a worthwhile reading experience. 

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Rex Ogle’s “DC Nation” segment offers the battle bracket for the ‘Dark Side Club Tournament’ for the upcoming Terror Titans mini-series. 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                    7 Stars