Month: March 2021

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Comic Books & Graphic Novels Marvel Comics

MARVEL TALES # 290 (1994 MARVEL Comics)

Written by Tom DeFalco

Art by Rick Leonardi; Bob Layton; Jose Rosen; & Nel Yomton

Cover Art by M.C. Wyman & Bill Anderson

SUMMARY:

Reprinting 1986’s Amazing Spider-Man # 282, Marvel Comics released this issue for October 1994.  It’s entitled “The Fury of X-Factor!”  New York City is abuzz re: fugitive Flash Thompson’s overnight forced jailbreak.  Yet, The Daily Bugle’s Robbie Robertson is skeptical that an unmasked Flash is really the nefarious Hobgoblin. 

Having suffered a lingering concussion vs. the Rhino, Spider-Man is found unconscious at home by a worried Mary Jane Watson.  Despite her efforts, a woozy Peter Parker suits up again to track down Flash, as he’s convinced of his old classmate’s innocence.  Robbie also persistently does what he can for Flash’s defense. 

Meanwhile, J. Jonah Jameson hires the mutant-hunting X-Factor (secretly Cyclops, Jean Grey, Iceman, Angel, and, restored to his Silver Age look, the Beast) to neutralize Spider-Man.  Trying to protect their fellow hero, the original X-Men inadvertently tangle with a delirious and confused Spider-Man, who, nonetheless, recognizes them.  While X-Factor settles accounts with Jameson, Robbie plays a different game of hardball vs. his ethically-challenged boss.  After conferring with a familiar Spider-Friend, Spider-Man continues his quest to find Flash.

Note: Marvel notes that this installment is the second-to-last issue of their long-running Spidey reprint series.

REVIEW:

It’s like a mid-80’s Marvel nostalgia festival.  In that sense, Spider-Man’s high-profile, new black-and-white costume meets the original X-Men, now rebooted as the controversial X-Factor.  Every creative element is well-played, in terms of both the writing and the visual components.  Pitching a formulaic Marvel hero vs. hero misunderstanding, writer Tom DeFalco makes the fight sequence plausible that Spider-Man would desperately hold his own against five veteran X-Men. 

Also meshed into DeFalco’s scripting are five well-played sub-plots: Mary Jane, Robbie, Flash (he’s off-screen), the X-Factor crossover, and J. Jonah all make vital contributions.  Of course, an added bonus is a welcome scene between two old Spider-Friends; it doesn’t even matter that their animated TV series friendship is left unacknowledged. 

Beyond DeFalco’s inspired writing, the art squad’s visuals are excellent, even as a reprint.  The inking, for instance, looks terrific.  Impressively, the new cover image (which is far more exciting than the original for Amazing Spider-Man # 282 ) overcomes the stigma of reselling a Spidey tale from nearly a decade before.  For all practical reasons, Marvel Tales # 290’s back-issue entertainment value is definitely worth re-discovery!   

Note: An odd visual is seeing an iced-up Iceman driving a van (that’s an unique talent!)

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The full-page “Bullpen Bulletins” includes a quick profile on artist Andy Kubert.  In full-page format, the cover of Amazing Spider-Man # 282 is reprinted.      

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                      8½ Stars

Categories
Comic Books & Graphic Novels Marvel Comics

MARVEL TALES # 154 (1983 MARVEL Comics)

Written by Stan Lee

Art by Steve Ditko & Sam Rosen

Cover Art by Steve Ditko

SUMMARY:

Released for August 1983, Marvel Comics reprints The Amazing Spider-Man # 16 (September 1964).  Entitled “Duel With Daredevil,” Spider-Man meets Daredevil for the first time … in combat, no less.  Initially, Spidey encounters Matt Murdock upon ‘rescuing’ him from a hapless gang of thieves.  In a hint of history still to come, Peter Parker dodges Aunt May’s latest effort to set him up on a blind date with the unseen Mary Jane Watson.  Peter is also busily juggling two other potential girlfriends: Daily Bugle receptionist Betty Brant and classmate Liz Allan.

Meanwhile, the Ringmaster’s Circus of Crime intends to mesmerize and rob their captive audience with a circus act supposedly headlined by Spider-Man himself.  With Matt Murdock, Karen Page, and Foggy Nelson in attendance, Spidey naïvely crashes this party to give the circus fans their money’s worth.  Yet, the Ringmaster’s hypnotic top hat pits hero vs. hero, as Daredevil is the only one left to thwart this heist under the Big Top.  Then again, the Ringmaster might think twice crossing an irritated 17-year old Spider-Man.   

Note: The cover is the same as the original. 

REVIEW:

Keeping in mind the artistic style of the mid-60’s, it’s first-class Marvel entertainment.  This reprint is more evidence why the wisecracking magic of Lee & Ditko’s Spider-Man makes for a dynamite read.  Catching Daredevil in his original yellow-black-and-red Silver Age costume is an extra crossover treat. 

What’s most amazing (pardon the expression) is taking time to appreciate how Lee & Ditko conjured up these original Spider-stories, plus new villains, seemingly on the fly month after month.  Unlike DC Comics infinitely rebooting its universe to no end, the basics of Lee & Ditko’s continuity, in comparison, has mostly held steady for almost sixty years.  By all means, Marvel Tales # 154 is definitely well-played!

Note: To see the Amazing Spider-Man # 11-19,  full-page covers, and Annual # 1 reprinted in full color, there is Marvel Masterworks Present The Amazing Spider-Man, Volume 2.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Series editor Tom DeFalco manages a full-page “Marvel Mails” letters-and-answers column.  Also included is Jim Shooter’s “….Bullpen Bulletins” column, with a rundown of Marvel issues distributed for August 1983.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                            8 Stars

Categories
Comic Books & Graphic Novels Marvel Comics

MARVEL TALES # 152 (1983 MARVEL Comics)

Written by Stan Lee

Art by Steve Ditko; Art Simek, & Andy Yanchus

Cover Art by Steve Ditko

SUMMARY:

Released for June 1983, Marvel Comics reprints The Amazing Spider-Man # 14 (July 1964).  Notably, it features the Green Goblin’s first appearance.  Entitled “The Grotesque Adventure of the Green Goblin,” the initial Spidey-Goblin showdown guest-stars The Hulk and the original Enforcers: Ox, Montana, & Fancy Dan.  The Goblin seeks instant infamy by conning witless Hollywood movie producer B.J. Cosmos and a naïve Spider-Man into making a live-action blockbuster starring the real Spider-Man. 

On location in New Mexico, an outnumbered Spidey finally realizes that the enthusiastic Goblin and the three Enforcer look-a-likes aren’t just actors fresh from the wardrobe department.  Even worse yet, a still-rookie Spider-Man is also about to have his first close encounter with The Incredible Hulk.     

Notes: 1. The cover mostly replicates the original version.  Curiously, Marvel Tales reverses the Spidey-Goblin image and removes the Hulk.  2. On page 2, Lee goofs: Green Goblin miscounts the Enforcers as four.  The Goblin is the actual fourth villain in that panel.  3.  Marvel Tales inserts one contemporary change: a misspelled ‘Tom Sellick’ is substituted in from the original comic’s “Tony Curtis or maybe one of the Beatles” as B.J. Cosmos’ casting choice for playing Spider-Man.

REVIEW:

Though the ink has faded, this can’t-miss dose of 60’s Marvel magic hasn’t lost its witty charm.  Reading this entertaining issue, one could make a convincing argument why DC’s Silver Age heroes might seem stale in comparison.  For Spidey fans of any age, Marvel Tales # 152 is an ideal package of action, witty humor, and two Marvel milestones: the Goblin’s debut and the first Spider-Man/Hulk encounter.  Consider this reprint definitely well-played!

Note: To see the Amazing Spider-Man # 11-19,  full-page covers, and Annual # 1 reprinted in full color, there is Marvel Masterworks Present The Amazing Spider-Man, Volume 2.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

A full-page “Marvel Mails” letters-and-answers column reveals the cover for Marvel Tales # 153: reprinting Kraven the Hunter’s debut.  Also in a full-page format is Jim Shooter’s “….Bullpen Bulletins” column.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                      8½ Stars

Categories
Comic Books & Graphic Novels Marvel Comics TV Series (Specific Episodes)

MARVEL ACTION UNIVERSE # 1 (1989 MARVEL Comics)

Written by Tom DeFalco (based upon Dennis Marks’ script)

Art by Dan Spiegle; Vincent Colletta; Jim Novak; & Bob Sharen

Cover Art by Ron Frenz & Al Milgrom

SUMMARY:

This January 1989 issue reprints 1981’s Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends one-shot that Marvel Comics released to hype NBC’s same-named 1981-83 Saturday morning animated series.  Specifically, it adapts the first episode: “Triumph of the Green Goblin!”  Some peripheral details are changed (i.e. Empire State University is now Eastern State University; Aunt May operates an official boarding house), and some scenes are consolidated or even deleted (i.e. the opening jewel heist segment). 

Replacing the original one-shot’s John Romita cover, the Ron Frenz-Al Milgrom cover is meant to hype Marvel Action Universe as a “new” syndicated 1989-91 TV cartoon re-run package, including Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends. However, it appears no further issues were produced to promote the syndicated re-runs. 

Following the animated storyline, best friends/roommates Spider-Man (Peter Parker), Firestar (Angelica Jones), and Iceman (Bobby Drake) attend a Marvel costume party at their university, along with Norman Osborn’s namesake niece, Norma (note: her name is ‘Mona Osborn’ in the animated version).  Meanwhile, having abruptly left his sanitarium, Osborn inadvertently becomes the Green Goblin again.  Retrieving his Goblin formula for mass dispersal, Osborn’s sinister alter ego soon faces his old nemesis: Spider-Man, and his two new friends. 

REVIEW:

For nostalgic Spider-Friend fans, “The Triumph of the Green Goblin!” remains a nifty 22-minute cartoon even forty years later.  Consistently impressive, the Amazing Friends series likely sported the best network TV animation for its time.  The voice acting (not to mention, the characters’ on-screen chemistry) was also above-average most of the time.    

This half-hearted comic book counterpart, however, falls far short of such fun memories.  Despite staying semi-faithful to the TV script (including Angelica’s Spider-Woman costume), this comic’s production values are shamefully cheap.  It’s likely that Marvel farmed out the original 1981 one-shot as a low-priority project — suffice to say, veteran Marvel writer Tom DeFalco calls collect phoning in his weak adaptation.    

Still, this issue is hardly worse than DC’s own cheesy Super-Friends comic book tie-in series back in the 1970’s.  While the original 1981 one-shot’s rarity (including Romita’s cover art) might sport collector’s value, this blah reprint is strictly an expendable kiddie read.

Notes: For more Spider-Friends reading, here’s additional options.  2006’s Spider-Man Family Featuring Amazing Friends Issue # 1 one-shot amusingly homages the animated show’s 25th anniversary – a happily-married Spider-Man plays matchmaker for pals Angelica & Bobby.  It’s a comically hot-and-cold romance — literally. 

In 2008, Ultimate Spider-Man # 118 presents an alternate take on the TV series, with Liz Allan as its Firestar.  This storyline is available in the Ultimate Spider-Man, Volume 20: And His Amazing Friends trade paperback.  In his 2018-2019 five-issue solo mini-series, Iceman # 3 is yet another Spider-Friend reunion – told from Iceman’s perspective. 

In a miniature Spider-Friends nostalgia reunion, Marvel Legends released several years ago an Amazing Friends action figure three-pack in 3¾-inch form.  Lastly, as of 2021, Marvel Legends at last released Firestar (in her TV series costume and with a Ms. Lion extra), so now all three Spider-Friends exist as 6-inch Marvel Legends action figures.  

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

There’s a half-page Bullpen Bulletins column.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                              3 Stars

Categories
Individual Tracks (CD's) Jazz & Blues Music & Radio Shows

LOFTY’S ROACH SOUFFLÉ (by The Harry Connick, Jr. Trio: Lofty’s Roach Soufflé)

SUMMARY:                                     RUNNING TIME: 5:22 Min.

Appearing fifth in order, it’s the title track off The Harry Connick, Jr. Trio’s 1990 instrumental album.  With Connick, Jr. on piano, the trio consists of Benjamin Wolfe (bass) and Shannon Powell (drums).  Connick, Jr. composed this tune. 

In his liner notes, Connick, Jr. explains the source of the tune’s peculiar title being inspired by a behind-the-scenes experience during preparations for filming the 1990 wartime movie, Memphis Belle. 

REVIEW:

Reminiscent of edgy 1950’s jazz (i.e. the Peter Gunn TV series), “Lofty’s Roach Souffle” has a timeless sound.  Much like the previous track: “Mr. Spill,” this toe-tapping tune merits a shot at re-discovery by jazz enthusiasts.       

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                               8 Stars

Categories
Country, Folk, & Bluegrass Individual Tracks (CD's) Music & Radio Shows

LOCOMOTIVE (by Sawyer Brown: The Boys Are Back)

SUMMARY:                                RUNNING TIME: 3:34 Min.

This rollicking country tune appears seventh on Star Search alum Sawyer Brown’s 1989 album, The Boys Are Back.  Lead vocalist Mark Miller wrote the track.

REVIEW:

It’s the kind of entertaining upbeat sound Sawyer Brown is known for.  Sticking to reliable country basics, Sawyer Brown ensures that anybody will have fun riding this “Locomotive.”  In addition to their long-time fans, newcomers should get a kick out of hearing Sawyer Brown in vintage form.        

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                         7½ Stars

Categories
Individual Tracks (CD's) Music & Radio Shows Rock, R&B, Pop, Soul, & Metal/Symphonic Soundtracks (CD's)

KNOWING ME, KNOWING YOU {Cover} (by Lily James, Jeremy Irvine, Amanda Seyfried, & Pierce Brosnan: Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again movie soundtrack)

SUMMARY:                                      RUNNING TIME: 3:45 Min.

For the 2018 sequel, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, actors Jeremy Irvine & Pierce Brosnan contribute past and present-day vocals as ‘Sam Carmichael.’  Covering the classic ABBA tune, the quartet is completed by Lily James (as a young Donna Sheridan) and Amanda Seyfried (as her adult daughter, Sophie).

REVIEW:

It’s not a gem like the original ABBA tune is.  Still, this cover-by-committee is good enough, considering it’s hard to miss with such a wonderful melody.  Jeremy Irvine keeps up relatively well with Lily James and Amanda Seyfried after he leads off this tune with an appealing solo.  Suffice to say, Irvine’s amateur vocals readily surpass this cover’s glaring weakness: Pierce Brosnan’s mercifully brief solo, which is heard later on.   

Yet, it’s no shocker that the song’s co-MVP’s are James and Seyfried.  Make no mistake: the two actresses share splendid vocal chemistry worthy of ABBA’s version. 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                         7½ Stars

Categories
Digital Songs & Albums Individual Tracks (Digital Albums & Singles) Music & Radio Shows Pop, R&B, Soul, & Dance Soundtracks (Digital)

I’M ALRIGHT (by Kenny Loggins: Caddyshack movie soundtrack)

SUMMARY:                                   RUNNING TIME: 3:46 Min.

Originally released by Kenny Loggins as the theme opening and closing out 1980’s Caddyshack film, this tune appears on the soundtrack’s 2010 CD release.  Identifying the song’s association with Caddyshack is a lyric referencing an amusing Zen-related golf strategy held by Chevy Chase’s Ty Webb re: how one must “learn to be the ball.”   

Note: Loggins’ song, “Nobody’s Fool,” is a ‘sequel’ of sorts to “I’m Alright,” as it accompanies 1988’s Caddyshack II film.   

REVIEW:

Loggins is in vintage form in an undeniably catchy ode to carefree slackers just wanting to chill out and be left alone.  Reminiscent of the movie’s hip-swiveling gopher (and his infectious boogie before the film’s closing credits), the laid-back charm powering “I’m Alright” should help put anybody in a good mood.  Offering a welcome antidote from the workday, this track is definitely recommended for a home or workout playlist.   

Note: For more fun with this song, an animatronic Caddyshack plush gopher (aka ‘Mr. Gopher’) on a pedestal was released several years ago that would swivel its hips to an included audio clip of Loggins’ song. Suffice to say, it’s a hoot to enjoy.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                       8 Stars

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Categories
Individual Tracks (CD's) Music & Radio Shows Rock, R&B, Pop, Soul, & Metal/Symphonic Soundtracks (CD's)

AS LONG AS WE GOT EACH OTHER {Theme for GROWING PAINS} (by B.J. Thomas & Dusty Springfield: Tube Tunes, Volume 3 – The 80’s)

SUMMARY:                                         RUNNING TIME: 4:23 Min.

By original artists B.J. Thomas and Dusty Springfield, this radio-length version is the theme song of ABC’s 1985-92 sitcom, Growing Pains.  The track is # 14 on Rhino Records’ 1995 compilation album: Tube Tunes, Volume 3 – The 80’s. 

REVIEW:

Even if one isn’t a fan of Growing Pains, this upbeat pop tune retains its sunny brand of charm.  Aside from the saccharine melody, “As Long as We Got Each Other” delivers a solid duet from B.J. Thomas & Dusty Springfield that won’t likely bore listeners.   

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                         7 Stars

Categories
Digital Songs & Albums Individual Tracks (Digital Albums & Singles) Music & Radio Shows Pop, R&B, Soul, & Dance

FLETCH, GET OUTTA TOWN (by Dan Hartman: Fletch movie soundtrack)

SUMMARY:                                      RUNNING TIME: 4:11 Min.

Recorded by Dan Hartman, this upbeat pop/R&B-style tune is Track # 2 on 1985’s Fletch film soundtrack.  The tune memorably narrates the sequence where elusive investigative reporter Fletch (Chevy Chase) enjoys turns a police hot pursuit into fun-and-games on the L.A. freeway. 

REVIEW:

It’s still such a catchy tune!  Not only is Dan Hartman in top vocal form, the fun melody should put a chuckle on anybody’s face.  “Fletch, Get Outta Town” is recommended for any soundtrack playlist. Better yet, it’s really a LOL option for road trips.        

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                      7½ Stars

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