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Individual Tracks (CD's) Music & Radio Shows Soundtracks (CD's) STAR TREK-Related

STAR TREK: THE MOTION PICTURE (MAIN TITLE) {Cover} (by Erich Kunzel & The Cincinnati Pops Orchestra: Symphonic Star Trek)

SUMMARY:                                         RUNNING TIME: 3:51 Min.

Composed and conducted by Jerry Goldsmith for 1979’s Star Trek: The Motion Picture, this instrumental celebrated Star Trek’s long-awaited film debut.  Versions of Goldsmith’s 1979 theme have regularly appeared on compilation projects over the years.  Among them is this cover by The Cincinnati Pops Orchestra for its 1996’s Symphonic Star Trek album.   

REVIEW:

Impressively, this cover is a virtual replica of Goldsmith’s work. Suffering from an excessive sense of majesty (including its initial electronica twist), this theme tries too hard to live up to Star Trek: TMP’s would-be epic tone.  Unsurprisingly, the tune sounds outdated some four decades later. 

One also can’t help comparing Goldsmith’s work to John Williams’ iconic Star Wars theme, not to mention  James Horner’s nautical-flavored Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan themes.  In either instance, Goldsmith’s grandiose instrumental would surely lose out, though it possessed an unique sound for that time.  That is … until Goldsmith twice plundered TMP: first, in 1987, as Star Trek: The Next Generation’s TV theme, and then, regrettably, for 1989’s Star Trek V: The Final Frontier.  Of Goldsmith’s ‘three’ versions, The Next Generation frankly holds up best. 

Even so, along with the movie’s equally overblown FX, Goldsmith’s anthem is among the few enjoyable elements arising from Star Trek: TMP.  Admirably executed by Erich Kunzel & the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, this particular cover is a nostalgic keepsake for any Star Trek fan’s playlist. 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                          6 Stars

Note: There’s a rendition of Goldsmith’s Star Trek: The Next Generation tune on this same album.

Categories
Individual Tracks (CD's) Music & Radio Shows Soundtracks (CD's) STAR TREK-Related

STAR TREK III : THE SEARCH FOR SPOCK (MAIN TITLE) {Cover} (by Erich Kunzel & The Cincinnati Pops Orchestra: Symphonic Star Trek)

SUMMARY:                                RUNNING TIME: 6:09 Min.

As Track # 25, Erich Kunzel & The Cincinnati Pops Orchestra revisit James Horner’s theme for their 1996 Symphonic Star Trek instrumental album.

REVIEW:

It’s a virtual replica of the original 1984 theme.  The drawback is Horner’s own unimaginative recycling.  Though Star Trek III’s primary theme is still good, too often it sounds like a lukewarm suite left over from his Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan score.  Including elements of Alexander Courage’s signature Trek theme, this track offers some welcome nostalgia for Trekkers.    

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                        6½ Stars

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Comic Books & Graphic Novels DC Comics

TEEN TITANS # 83 (2010 DC Comics)

Written by Felicia D. Henderson  

Main Feature Art by José Luís; Mariah Benes; Marcelo Maiolo;

& Travis Lanham

Back-Up Feature Written by Rex Ogle

Back-Up Feature Art by Ted Naifeh; Jose Villarrubia; & Sal Cipriano

Cover Art by Joe Bennett; Jack Jadson; & Rod Reis

SUMMARY:

Released by DC Comics for July 2010, this issue is entitled “A Rift in the Haystack.”  The team roll call includes: Wonder Girl; Superboy; Kid Flash; Beast Boy; Static Shock; Aquagirl; Bombshell; Miss Martian; Blue Beetle; Raven; & Cyborg.        

After Raven’s abduction into The Wyld, the team scrambles to find a way of retrieving her.  Married Cadmus scientists, Drs. Vincent and Rochelle Barnes, uses their technical know-how to conduct the search.  The team’s downtime goes in different directions. 

Wonder Girl’s leadership duties is complicated by her cooling romance with Superboy (including a possible triangle with Aquagirl).  Bombshell is suspicious of a hospitalized Miss Martian’s potentially compromised telepathy.  Blue Beetle leaves the team to spend with his mother.  Wonder Girl opts to divide the team for their imminent underwater mission to reach The Wyld’s dimension.

The Demons Three’s nine-page back-up feature is entitled “Coven of Three: Dark Harvest, Chapter 1.”  Scheming to escape Hell and go back to Earth, the immortal Demons Three (Abnegazar, Ghast, & Rath) viciously kill one of Satanus’ young daughters to access her mystical blood.  Targeting magical teenagers Traci Thirteen, Black Alice, and Zachary Zatara, the nefarious trio intends to acquire their vulnerable young souls via deception. 

REVIEW:

Once again, a Teen Titans squad must seek out a missing Raven.  Aside from this concept becoming a franchise cliché, writer Felicia Henderson still distributes the necessary screen time among eleven Titans.  Her plotting is clearly much more designed for loyal fans vs. accommodating casual readers, who wouldn’t know, off-hand, i.e — Who exactly is this new Aquagirl?  Or when did Static Shock join the team? 

As a result, this issue’s over-abundance of Titans doesn’t necessarily make for a more enjoyable adventure.  Still, Henderson’s storytelling is enhanced by the art squad’s first-class visuals.  Their artwork helps makes up for the less-than-engaging storyline.

Re: the back-up tale, some terrific art outweighs an underwhelming plot (i.e. the icky nature of the demonic child’s abduction and murder).  At least, the intriguing presence of Traci Thirteen, Zachary Zatara, and Black Alice suggests this Demons Three tale might improve in later installments.  Teen Titans # 8, overall, is okay for ages 12 and up, but even plenty of great artwork doesn’t necessarily make it a keeper.    

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Blogger Alex Segura’s “DC Nation” column plugs a wave of upcoming DC ‘special’ variant covers.  There’s a five-page, black-and-white (no dialogue) preview of the upcoming Batman: Odyssey mini-series.    

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                             6 Stars

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Digital Songs & Albums Individual Tracks (Digital Albums & Singles) MARVEL-Related Music & Radio Shows Soundtracks (Digital)

SMOTE & MIRRORS (by Michael Giacchino: Doctor Strange movie soundtrack)

SUMMARY:                                    RUNNING TIME: 6:29 Min.

This track by composer/conductor Michael Giacchino appears on 2016’s Doctor Strange film soundtrack.   

REVIEW:

Simultaneously ominous and grandiose, “Smote and Mirrors” is a delight.  There isn’t anything distinctive about this darkly heroic track (including its back-up choral vocals), the track could fit any number of medieval fantasy-adventure films.  Yet, Michael Giacchino’s classical scoring instincts are admirable.  “Smote and Mirrors” is an ideal option for any epic instrumental playlists.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                    7½ Stars

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INDEPENDENT-Related (Comic Books & Graphic Novels) Individual Tracks (CD's) Music & Radio Shows Soundtracks (CD's)

THE SHADOW: MAIN TITLE {Cover: 1994 Movie} (by The City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra: Comic Strip Heroes – Music from Gotham City and Beyond)

SUMMARY:                              RUNNING TIME: 2:37 Min.

For its 2006 instrumental cover album, Comic Strip Heroes, The City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra performs Jerry Goldsmith’s main title piece from 1994’s The Shadow film starring Alec Baldwin.  

Note: It’s the album’s shortest track.

REVIEW:

This cover is just as good, if not better than Jerry Goldsmith’s pulpy, old-fashioned original.  Certainly well-played! 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                     7½ Stars

Categories
Comic Books & Graphic Novels Marvel Comics

THE PULSE # 3 (2004 MARVEL Comics)

Written by Brian Michael Bendis

Art by Mark Bagley; Scott Hanna; Pete Pantazis; & Virtual Calligraphy’s Cory Petit

Cover Art by Mike Mayhew & Andy Troy

SUMMARY:

Released by Marvel Comics for July 2004, it’s the third chapter of “Thin Air.”  The Daily Bugle mourns the death of its new investigative reporter, Terri Kidder, as an outraged J. Jonah Jameson wants immediate answers.  Jessica Jones and Luke Cage contemplate her new ongoing gig at The Bugle

Teaming with fellow reporters Ben Urich and Kat Farrell, Jessica probes Kidder’s brutal homicide, despite resentment from the local police.  After comparing notes with Jessica & Kat, Urich makes a horrific deduction upon checking Kidder’s office voice mail.  His next move necessitates reluctantly contacting an ex-colleague: Peter Parker.   

Note: Spider-Man doesn’t actually appear in this story.  At most, he has an off-screen cameo.

REVIEW:

For a murder-mystery (that really isn’t a mystery), writer Brian Michael Bendis plays “Thin Air” relatively well.  The only sequence that falters is Jessica’s ineffectiveness comparing notes with Urich and Farrell.  She comes off as a meek rookie offering some lame input vs. the experienced private detective her character already is.  Otherwise, Bendis’ scripting holds up well.  The same distinction applies to the likable visuals, which are consistently solid.   The Pulse # 3 isn’t a must-have read, but it won’t likely disappoint Marvel fans.    

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The first page summarizes The Pulse and “Thin Air” to date.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                        7 Stars

Categories
Comic Books & Graphic Novels Marvel Comics

THE PULSE # 1 (2004 MARVEL Comics)

Written by Brian Michael Bendis

Art by Mark Bagley; Scott Hanna; Frank D’Armata; Brian Reber; & Virtual Calligraphy’s Cory Petit

Cover Art by Mike Mayhew & Avalon’s Andy Troy

SUMMARY:

Released for April 2004 by Marvel Comics, this premiere is a sequel to Bendis’ Jessica Jones solo series: Alias.  The initial multi-issue arc is entitled “Thin Air.”  World-weary Daily Bugle reporter Ben Urich contemplates the latest anti-Spider Man headline, as his own investigative work is now relegated deep inside the newspaper.  Pregnant with Luke Cage’s child, Jessica Jones is compelled to accept a steady gig from J. Jonah Jameson as his on-staff super-hero consultant.  She will now team with Urich for the Bugle’s ongoing super-hero exposé: The Pulse

Meanwhile, a homicide victim grimly discovered in the Central Park pond will soon haunt the Bugle’s staff. 

Notes: Despite his cover presence, Spider-Man only appears as a “Daily Bugle” headline.  The Pulse itself would prove short-lived, as this series was discontinued in mid-2006.

REVIEW:

If construed as Marvel’s answer to DC’s Gotham Central, it’s a smart move.  Presenting The Daily Bugle’s major players an opportunity to shine outside Spider-Man’s shadow, writer Brian Michael Bendis launches this series with a solid murder-mystery opener.  Evolving past her foul-mouthed private detective phase, this matured Jessica Jones is both likable and relatable in her new role anchoring The Pulse.  As an ex-super-hero herself, Jessica’s detective insights appear to be a nice fit for the series’ premise.    

The same applies to Urich re: his past alliances with Spider-Man and Daredevil.  The presence of Luke Cage, Robbie Robertson, and J. Jonah Jameson indicates The Pulse has the potential for terrific depth exploring the effects of super-heroes on New York City.  This issue’s dialogue, suffice to say, is well-played.

While the visuals aren’t spectacular, this issue’s art squad still delivers all that is necessary.  Including the cover image, the artwork is at least B-caliber.  Overall, The Pulse offers a satisfying stopgap prior to the first New Avengers series, which recruits Spider-Man, Cage, and  Jessica Jones to the team.      

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

None.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                     7 Stars

Categories
Comic Books & Graphic Novels Independent Publishers (Comic Books & Graphic Novels)

MICHAEL TURNER’S FATHOM: PRIMER (2011 ASPEN Comics)

Written by Michael Turner & Bill O’Neil  

Art by Michael Turner; Scott Lobdell; Joe Weems V; Jason Gordner; Jonathan Sibal; John Livesay; Danny Mimi; Victor Llamas; Jonathan D. Smith; Peter Steigerwald; Josh Reed; Dennis Heisler; & Dreamer Design

Cover ‘A’ Art by Michael Turner; Jonathan Sibal; & Peter Steigerwald

SUMMARY:

Released by Aspen Comics for June 2011, this 28-page promo revisits mid-twentysomething Aspen Matthews’ origin.  Recruited from San Diego as a marine biologist for a top-secret undersea research project, Aspen gradually discovers her secret destiny.  It’s up to her to bridge the mystical realms beneath the water and their perceived enemy: the surface world.  Wielding her vast sorceress-like aquatic powers, the compassionate Aspen heads into the imminent Volume 4 on a journey of self-discovery. 

Evidently, the origin tale is meant to spell out Volume One’s events.  Separate two-page spreads (including select art panels) summarize Volume Two – “Into the Deep” and Volume 3 – “World at War.” 

Note: There are two variant covers. Cover B’s (retailer incentive) artists are Turner & Jonathan Sibal.  Cover C’s (AspenStore.com) artists are Turner & Peter Steigerwald.  Both alternate covers are thumbnail images on the inside cover.

REVIEW:

One element is a given: like most Fathom projects, there’s a surplus of images depicting Aspen Matthews in skimpy bikinis.  Still, this first-rate ‘Primer’ is a masterclass in self-promotion.  Exquisitely produced, Aspen Comics celebrates its Fathom franchise in impressive style (i.e. the $1.00 price tag).  The origin tale exudes lush Michael Turner artwork, along with a narrative framework partially told through Aspen’s POV.  

For newcomers, what’s even better is the pair of summaries that effectively brings everyone up to date re: Fathom’s ongoing saga.  For a glorified ad that doesn’t skimp on content, Michael Turner’s Fathom: Primer is well-played!

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Naturally, the last page hypes the release of Volume 4’s first issue.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                           8 Stars

Categories
Comic Books & Graphic Novels DC Comics

DC UNIVERSE: REBIRTH # 1 (2016 DC Comics)

Written by Geoff Johns

Art by (See Below)

  • Chapter 1: Gary Frank; Ethan Van Sciver; Brad Anderson; & Jason Wright
  • Chapter 2: Gary Frank & Brad Anderson
  • Chapter 3: Ivan Reis; Joe Prado; & Hi-Fi
  • Chapter 4: Phil Jimenez; Gary Frank; Matt Santorelli; Gabe Eltaeb; & Brad Anderson
  • Epilogue: Gary Frank; Ivan Reis; Joe Prado; Brad Anderson; & Hi-Fi

Wraparound Cover Art by Gary Frank & Brad Anderson

SUMMARY:

Released for July 2016 by DC Comics, this 80-page one-shot heralded DC Comics’ exit strategy from its controversial New 52 era.  Set after Justice League # 50 and the death of the New 52’s Superman (circa Superman # 52), a major thunderstorm descends on DC’s Earth. 

Chapter 1 is entitled “Lost.” Initially heard as a mysterious voice, the original Wally West desperately seeks to escape the Speed Force by reaching out to Batman in the Batcave.  Wally’s heroic past and his dire predicament are spelled out.  Ten years of DC history have been ominously erased, as Wally (whom no one remembers) has been aged back to his look as Kid Flash.

Chapter 2 is “Legacy.”  Wally’s next reach-out is the JSA’s elderly Johnny Thunder, who has long since lost his magical Thunderbolt.  Held in police custody, a visitor from the Legion of Super-Heroes seeks Superman.  College student Ryan Choi finds himself Professor Ray Palmer’s chosen rescuer to help him return from the micro-verse.  Doctor Fate visits Ted Kord, who now advises Jaime Reyes’ Blue Beetle.  Jessica Cruz’s Green Lantern and the new Aqualad are briefly seen.  Pandora’s fate is revealed.

“Love” dominates Chapter 3.  A new foe for Wonder Woman is revealed, as DC’s New 52  heroes mourn the loss of its Superman.  Wally realizes the time shift’s discrepancies — i.e. why the current Green Arrow & Black Canary have only a faint inkling of their past history together.  The pre-Flashpoint Superman discovers that his family’s secret presence on this Earth has been discovered.  Aquaman seeks his destiny with Mera.  Wally is devastated that his Speed Force tethering to a now far-younger Linda Park has been severed.

Chapter 4 is “Life.”  On the verge of oblivion, a dissipating Wally’s last chance is his uncle, Barry Allen.  In the Batcave, Batman finds shocking proof that the DC Universe is under surveillance by an unknown entity.  The epilogue further hints towards the Doomsday Clock crossover saga with Watchmen that begins in late 2017.         

Note: Though the image isn’t provided here, the variant cover artists are Ivan Reis; Joe Prado; & Alex Sinclair.

REVIEW:

DC Universe: Rebirth # 1 implies that DC Comics seeks to rebuild bridges with long-time fans that the New 52 era had gladly torched.  Instead of prompting yet another convenient Crisis, Geoff Johns deserves credit for a more unpredictable approach.  In that sense, this issue serves up a tantalizing multitude of teasers meant to start playing out in a blitz of new # 1 issues (an obligatory tactic in DC’s reboot playbook). 

While this approach is obviously self-serving and less-than-apologetic, it’s at least an effective shift in the right direction.  Specifically, Rebirth # 1 proves a ‘best of both worlds’ pre-Flashpoint/New 52 blueprint makes sense moving forward.  Led by Gary Frank, the art squad’s top-caliber visuals deliver a most welcome gift to DC fans. 

Even if the Rebirth concept wouldn’t accomplish all it sought to do, this one-shot should be deemed a must-have in any DC Comics collection.    

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Unsurprisingly, there are several full-page ads for the DC Universe: Rebirth saga.  The back inside cover further lists upcoming premiere issues under DC’s Rebirth banner.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                             9 Stars

Categories
Comic Books & Graphic Novels DC Comics

CONVERGENCE: TITANS # 1 (2015 DC Comics)

Written by Fabian Nicieza

Art by Ron Wagner; José Marzan Jr.; Chris Sotomayor; & Carlos M. Mangual

Cover Art by Emanuela Lupacchino & Chris Sotomayor

SUMMARY:

Released by DC Comics for June 2015, this first half of a two-part tale is entitled “Try for Justice.”  Trapped for the past year in Gotham City within the impenetrable dome, the powerless Koriand’r/Starfire and Donna Troy quietly work in Donna’s photography studio.  A grieving Roy Harper/Arsenal still copes with young Lian’s tragic death and the necessity of a prosthetic arm.  Both of these events had previously occurred in the Justice League: Cry for Justice mini-series. 

Roy has now set up a successful community center through a Wayne Foundation grant.  There’s also a secret underground bunker – just in case, of course.  Once the dome’s mysterious creator speaks, Kory & Donna exuberantly regain their super-powers.  Outmatched against the nefarious Extremists from another reality, Roy’s two friends desperately need his help. 

In battle, Roy’s firepower makes the difference.  Setting up Issue # 2, Roy faces a shocking ultimatum: kill a defenseless Kory & Donna in exchange for regaining his daughter suddenly plucked from a time warp.

Note: Though an image isn’t included, the variant cover artists are Chip Kidd, Angel Unzueta, Wayne Faucher, & Hi-Fi.

REVIEW:

While Starfire and Donna Troy get sufficient screen time, writer Fabian Nicieza smartly focuses on Roy Harper’s viewpoint vs. rotating possible sub-plots.  Both Nicieza’s plotting and, as evidenced by the cover image, the art squad’s visuals are ideal for this storyline.  For Titans fans of the pre-Flashpoint era, this first issue is a welcome read! 

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

There’s a two-page summary-to-date of Roy’s pre-Flashpoint character arc.  Heralding the Convergence saga, the “DC All Access” column re-introduces Tangent Comics and Captain Carrot’s Amazing Zoo Crew.    

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                                8 Stars