Month: September 2021

Categories
Comic Books & Graphic Novels Independent Hardcovers & Trade Paperbacks Independent Publishers (Comic Books & Graphic Novels)

THE MAGIC OF SABRINA THE TEENAGE WITCH

Written by Bill Golliher; Holly G!; Abby Denson; & George Gladir

Art by Holly G!; Al Nickerson; Vickie Williams; & Jason Jensen

Cover Art by Holly G! & Rosario “Tito” Peña

SUMMARY:

Released by Archie Comics in 2011, this 128-page compilation are reprints taken from issues first published in 2003-2004 (the source issues aren’t specified).  The fifteen stories are:

“Internet Threat, Parts 1-2”  Written by: Bill Golliher, with Art by: Holly G!; Al Nickerson; Vickie Williams; & Jason Jensen.  Grounded for a week, Sabrina & Salem still get into some internet mischief.

“Spell Trouble, Parts 1-2” Written by: Holly G!, with Art by: Holly G!; Al Nickerson; Vickie Williams; & Jason Jensen.  A slumping Sabrina is enrolled by her aunts in an after-school spelling tutorial class.  Sabrina soon meets fellow teen magician, Shinji, who may become Harvey’s romantic rival. 

“All’s Fairy” Written by Bill Golliher  with Art by Holly G! & Al Nickerson.  Aunt Hilda’s good-natured generosity causes the house to be overrun by pesky faeries.

“Purr Pals” Written by Bill Golliher, with Art by: Golightly (Holly G!?) & Al Nickerson.  Josie & The Pussycats make a cameo appearance, as Salem seeks out some new feline friends. 

“Between a Rock and a Hard Place!” Written by Holly G!, with Art by Holly G! & Al Nickerson.  Egged into claiming she has a rock band, Sabrina tries thwarting arch-rival Amy at the school talent show to impress Harvey.

“Sabrina Who?, Parts 1-2”  Written by Bill Golliher, with Art by: Holly G!; Al Nickerson; Vickie Williams; & Jason Jensen.  Enchantra spitefully casts a spell on Sabrina’s family to no longer remember her.  It’s up to Sabrina and a talking squirrel, with her own secret, to confront Enchantra at Salem’s transformation hearing.

“Model Witch” Written by Holly G!, with Art by: Holly G! & Al Nickerson.  Sabrina is interviewed by two fellow witches about life as a half-mortal teen sorceress.

“Danger from the Deep, Parts 1-3”  Written by: Bill Golliher, with Art by: Holly G!; Al Nickerson; Vickie Williams; & Jason Jensen.  Sabrina tangles with a nefarious mermaid over an oblivious Harvey.    

“A Haunting We Will Go, Parts 1-2” Written by: Bill Golliher, with Art by: Holly G!; Al Nickerson; Vickie Williams; & Jason Jensen.  Sabrina and her pals attempt a sleepover at haunted Lakewood Manor for a school newspaper story.  Then, the manor’s resident ghosts follow Sabrina home.

“Charm School, Parts 1-2”  Written by: Bill Golliher, with Art by: Holly G!; Al Nickerson; Vickie Williams; & Jason Jensen.  Required to attend Charm School, Sabrina reunites with her friend, Llandra.  They encounters a new rival: Enchantra’s daughter, Lilith.

“Bikini Babes”  Written by Abby Denson, with Art by: Holly G! & Al Nickerson.  Sabrina & Julie hit the beach where a self-esteem spell on Julie has unexpected complications.

“It’s My Party”  Written by Bill Golliher, with Art by: Holly G! & Al Nickerson.  With her aunts out of town, Sabrina’s Charm School classmates (including Shinji) descend on her house for a party, along with Harvey and his friends. 

“It’s in the Cards, Parts 1 & 2”  Written by: Abby Denson, with Art by: Holly G!; Al Nickerson; Vickie Williams; & Jason Jensen.  Going inside the Magical Monsters card game, Sabrina & Shinji have a friendly face-off.

“Frost Bite”  Written by: Holly G!, with Art by: Holly G!; & Al Nickerson.  Suffering from a cold, a literally blue Sabrina meets Jack Frost.

“Zap Flap”  Written by George Gladir, with Art by: Holly G! & Al Nickerson.  Going back to beach, Sabrina’s magical powers go awry due to a shifting planetary alignment.     

REVIEW:

It’s a nice, modern assortment for Sabrina fans of any age.  Both the stories and their accompanying artwork are consistently compatible for an easygoing read.  Even if these tales aren’t must-haves, The Magic of Sabrina the Teenage Witch is still reasonably well-played.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

There’s a full-page pin-up of Aunt Hilda brewing hot chocolate for Sabrina and Salem.  It’s actually a cover reprint of Issue # 52.  However, it’s only the cover reprint in the book.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                              6½ Stars

Categories
Comic Books & Graphic Novels DC Comics

WONDER WOMAN # 6 (2007 DC Comics)

Written by Jodi Piccoult

Art by Drew Johnson; Ray Snyder; Travis Lanham; & Alex Sinclair

Cover Art by Terry Dodson; Rachel Dodson; & Alex Sinclair

SUMMARY:

Entitled “Love & Murder, Part 1,” DC Comics released this issue for May 2007.  Department of Metahuman Affairs Special Agents Diana Prince & Tom “Nemesis” Tresser are assigned a thankless detail bodyguarding the new Maxi Man’s (a D-List actor) autograph session at a gaudy super-hero theme park.  Despite her fugitive status, Wonder Woman makes emergency rescues at the park and later against an armed mugger. 

While Tresser bemoans his present assignment (including this mysterious rookie assigned as his partner), a somewhat aloof Diana is still acclimating to customs of everyday mortal life to keep her secret identity intact. Ironically, Diana & Tom are soon assigned by their gruff supervisor, Sarge Steel, to capture Wonder Woman re: the unresolved murder of Maxwell Lord. 

Diana wearily ponders how she must work around this charade without giving up her secret.  After Tresser is abducted by a devious old foe posing as Wonder Woman, it’s up to Diana to save her new partner.

REVIEW:

Including an amusing self-promotional plug for DC Direct’s Wonder Woman action figure line, novelist Jodi Piccoult’s opener for “Love & Murder” is well-played.  Though why Diana is now just learning simple daily concepts like credit cards and pumping gas isn’t clear, Piccoult still makes a sighing Wonder Woman’s perspective entertaining to read. 

As seen with the likable cover image, the art squad’s excellent visuals deliver the necessary goods.  However, some of the artwork unnecessarily plays innuendoes re: Wonder Woman and Circe’s sex appeal (i.e. the semi-kinky last page).  In that regard, parents should be aware that some panels in Issue # 6 aren’t appropriate for young fans. 

Otherwise, Wonder Woman # 6 should satisfy all other expectations.  Case in point: the intriguingly modern, X-Files-style twist on Wonder Woman’s classic secret identity continues to impress.  Much like the Superman-Clark Kent dynamic, Piccoult’s further exploration of Diana’s efforts to better assimilate herself among ordinary humans makes for a fun read. 

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

DC’s VP-of-Sales, Bob Wayne, pens a “DC Nation” column.  Thumbnail cover reveals included are for Catwoman # 65; Green Lantern # 18, 52 # 47, and Wonder Woman # 7.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                         7½ Stars

Categories
Comic Books & Graphic Novels Marvel Comics MARVEL's Hardcovers & Paperbacks

AVENGERS: ABOVE AND BEYOND (MARVEL Comics)

Written by Kurt Busiek.

Art by Steve Epting; Alan Davis; Ian Churchill; Yanick Paquette; Al Vey; Mark Farmer; Norm Rapmund; Ray Snyder; Tom Smith; Rick Starkings; & Comicraft’s Albert’s Deschene and Saida Temofonte.

Avengers: The Ultron Imperative – Written by Kurt Busiek; Roy Thomas; Roger Stern; & Steve Englehart.

Avengers: The Ultron Imperative – Art by John Paul Leon; Paul Smith; Tom Grummett; Karl Kesel; John McCrea; James Hodgekins; Jim Starlin; Al Milgrom; Pat Oliffe; Livesay; Jorge Lucas; Mike Royer; Klaus Janson; Don Heck; Jerry Ordway; Barry Windsor-Smith; Jim Cheung; Cam Smith; Kieron Dwyer; Rick Remender; John Estes; Paul Smith; Hi-Fi Design; & Comicraft.

Compilation Cover Art by Alan Davis; Mark Farmer; & Tom Smith.

SUMMARY:

Released by Marvel Comics in 2005, this 232-page compilation consists of Avengers # 36-40, Issue # 56, Annual 2001; and Avengers: The Ultron Imperative (all from 2001-2002).

  • # 36 (“No Rest for the Weary”): Ms. Marvel, Iron Man, & the Vision are summoned from their assignment rounding up alien fugitives.  Ex-3D Man Hal Chandler’s wife comes to Avengers Mansion to confront Triathlon.  Hank Pym is mysteriously abducted.  Pagan and Lord Templar attack Avengers Mansion.  Captain America needs emergency help against Bloodwrath in Slorenia. 
  • # 37 (“Scorched Earth”): The team (Cap, Iron Man, Captain Marvel {Monica Rambeau}, Wonder Man, & Scarlet Witch) must take drastic measures vs. Bloodwrath.  The team’s other half (Ms. Marvel, Jack of Hearts, Triathlon, Wasp, & the Vision) face off vs. Pagan and Lord Templar.  The question is: who is impersonating Hank Pym/Goliath?
  • # 38 (“Above & Beyond”): Guest appearances include Thor, Quicksilver, Firebird, & Black Knight.  Including a cameo from the nefarious Taskmaster, the team has multiple ongoing assignments.  Ms. Marvel & the Vision enjoy a date night.  The Avengers’ next crisis is evident: Kalkhimthia, Greece is now overrun by an army of Hulks. 
  • # 39 (“Condition Green”): In New York City, Silverclaw tangles with Diablo.  In Greece, the outmatched Avengers could desperately use Bruce Banner’s intervention to end the threat of multiple rampaging Hulks. 
  • # 40 (“Thoom”): Including a Doc Samson cameo, the dual battles from Issue # 39 continue.  As Silverclaw’s fight vs. Diablo rages on, the Avengers face a skyscraper-sized Hulk.  It’s time for Bruce Banner’s Hulk to enter the fray.  Two more villains make their latest appearance. 
  • The Ultron Imperative: The team (including Pym’s Yellowjacket & Hawkeye) faces a double-threat in Ultron and Alkhema’s metallic armies.  Hawkeye faces a heartbreaking ultimatum. 
  • 2001 Annual: Full-page artwork includes homages to Cap’s ‘Kooky Quartet;’ Giant Man, Thor, & Iron Man vs. the Vision; the Avengers ‘Heroes Reborn’ era; a double-page battle scene; and the Silver Age Avengers vs. the Hulk.  “House Cleaning” has Jarvis e-mailing the team’s government liaison, Duane Freeman, on the team’s latest extraordinary complications. 
  • # 56 (“Lo, There Shall Come … An Accounting!”): It’s Audit Day!  Facing a Stark Foundation audit with potential I.R.S. complications, team members are interrogated re: questionable invoices, especially for public property damage.  Guest Avengers include She-Hulk, the Beast, Thor, and U.S. Agent.  

REVIEW:

If judged solely on the impressive page count, this collection is a reliable option for Avengers fans.  Outside that perspective, there isn’t necessarily a must-have among these reprints.  It’s really a matter of just enjoying the solid Avengers plotting with terrific production values (including consistently good visuals). One just has to keep in mind this book is clearly meant for Marvel loyalists. 

For instance, various sub-plots, like the Hank Pym abduction, aren’t resolved here before shifting to The Ultron Imperative.  Keeping track of the roster’s revolving door might also throw off some casual fans.  Even so, these compiled stories aren’t boring, as they are at least provided in chronological order.   

The closest approximation to a storytelling gem is saved for last.  Suffice to say, an audit, Avengers-style, is at least worth checking out.  With that in mind, Avengers: Above and Beyond is appropriate for middle schoolers and up.    

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Full-page reproductions of the various covers are included.  A four-page Avengers roster lists all members up to the addition of then-Captain Britain (Kelsey Leigh) in 2004.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                     7 Stars

Categories
Comic Books & Graphic Novels Marvel Comics

THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN # 528 (2006 MARVEL Comics)

Written by J. Michael Straczynski

Art by Mike Deodato; Joe Pimentel; Matt Milla; & VC’s Cory Petit

Cover Art by Mike Deodato

SUMMARY:

Entitled “The Other: Evolve or Die, Part 12: Post-Mortem,” Marvel Comics released this issue for March 2006.  At Stark Tower, Tony Stark conducts high-tech physiological testing on Peter after his recent resurrection.  Upon leaving the shirt half of his costume for repair at his tailor, Spider-Man investigates an apartment building’s implosion.  He soon discovers new extensions of his powers while performing some emergency rescues.  It’s also hinted that Stark is constructing Peter’s ‘Iron Spider’ costume.             

Notes: Featuring Spider-Ham (this image isn’t included), the variant cover artist is Rain Beredo.  This issue’s credits curiously appear twice: at the beginning and at the story’s end.

REVIEW:

Every creative element is well-played.  J. Michael Straczynski admirably pens a low-key finish to “The Other,” which helps segue into a pre-Civil War arc: “Mr. Parker Goes to Washington.”  Even better is the first-class artwork, as Mike Deodato again relies on Jason Priestley (Peter), Liv Tyler (Mary Jane), and Timothy Dalton (Stark) for facial inspirations.  The cover image is further proof re: how stellar the visuals are.  Even if one isn’t interested so much in “The Other,” Straczynski and Deodato’s impressive teamwork still makes The Amazing Spider-Man # 528 a definite keeper.     

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Including a cover image, the plot summary of Marvel Knights Spider-Man # 22 sets up this arc’s finale.  Marvel’s Editor-in-Chief, Joe Quesada concludes this issue with a memo to fans (which includes a cover reveal for a future Spider-issue).   Also included is a double-page listing for current Marvel issues posing as The Pulse’s headline news.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                      8 Stars

Categories
Comic Books & Graphic Novels Marvel Comics

FRIENDLY NEIGHBORHOOD SPIDER-MAN # 13 (2006 MARVEL Comics)

Written by Peter David

Art by Todd Nauck; Robert Campanella; Lee Loughhridge;

& VC’s Cory Petit

Cover Art by Mike Wieringo; Mike Manley; & Paul Mounts

SUMMARY:

Concluding “I Hate a Mystery, Part 3 of 3,” Marvel Comics released this Spider-Man Unmasked issue for December 2006.  Flash Thompson takes command to lead his students safely out of a booby-trapped Midtown High School.  He then returns to find the endangered school nurse, Miss Arrow.  Perusing a newspaper upside down, Spider-Man gladly steps aside to allow these two rival Mysterio impersonators battle amongst themselves. The lucky winner inevitably gets to take on Spider-Man. 

Revealing his demonic existence, the third Mysterio hints at Miss Arrow’s own dark secret that she may not even be aware of.  Spider-Man & Flash tangle with the victorious Mysterio impostor, whose mind-bending powers can even mesmerize victims into committing suicide.  Striking out at a hiding adversary, Miss Arrow reveals a glimpse of her true nature.

REVIEW:

As with the previous issue, this storyline finds writer Peter David in an inspired mood.  Action, ghoulish surprises, and patented Spider-humor are all on full display.  In that sense, Issue # 13 is a terrific Halloween-themed update on Stan Lee’s brand of entertainment. 

Case in point: David smartly plays up colleagues Peter & Flash’s uneasy alliance in the same high school where they were once the worst of rivals.  Hence, their chemistry is reminiscent of a Marvel Team-Up where the character depth for both of them gets equal service, including some poignant maturity expressing past regrets.

As seen in the cover image, the art team’s visuals are again pitch perfect.  Best of all, Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man # 13 is a gem for fans (particularly adults) in search of some surefire Spider-Man magic. 

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Including an image of Issue # 12’s cover, the first page is a handy summary-to-date of this Mysterio storyline.  The last page is a “Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Mail” letters-and-answers column, with a thumbnail cover reveal of the next issue.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                           8 Stars

Categories
Comic Books & Graphic Novels Marvel Comics

FRIENDLY NEIGHBORHOOD SPIDER-MAN # 12 (2006 MARVEL Comics)

Written by Peter David

Art by Todd Nauck; Robert Campanella; Lee Loughhridge; & VC’s Cory Petit

Cover Art by Mike Wieringo; Mike Manley; & Paul Mounts

SUMMARY:

Entitled “I Hate a Mystery, Part 2 of 3,” Marvel Comics released this Spider-Man Unmasked issue for November 2006.  Trapped inside a booby-trapped Midtown High School, the New Avengers’ Peter Parker/Spider-Man is separated from Flash Thompson, school nurse Ms. Arrow, and a group of students by a villain claiming to be Mysterio. 

Also claiming to be the original villain, another Mysterio enters the school to confront the supposed impersonator.  While Flash & Ms. Arrow struggle leading the frightened kids outside to safety, Spider-Man finds uneasily himself caught between these rival Mysterios — both insisting that he’s the one and only.  Ms. Arrow is stunned to face another ghoulish surprise: a third Mysterio.        

REVIEW:

Writer Peter David is on his game, as he pitches some unpredictable curveballs in this wildly entertaining Spider-caper.  Impressively, he conjures up the right measures of action, mystery, and wacky humor in a polished update on Stan Lee’s brand of Silver Age storytelling.   Including the cover image, the art team’s visuals are pitch perfect.  Best of all, Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man # 12 is the kind of treat to read where adults can rediscover the Spider-Man magic.     

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Including an image of Issue # 11’s cover, the first page is a helpful summary-to-date of this Mysterio storyline.  The single-page “Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Mail” letters-and-answers column offers a thumbnail cover reveal of the next issue.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                         8 Stars

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

PRINCES OF THE UNIVERSE {1986’s Highlander} (by Queen: A Kind of Magic, 1991 re-release)

SUMMARY:                                 RUNNING TIME: 3:31 Min.

Recorded by Queen, it’s the main anthem for the 1986 Highlander film starring Christopher Lambert & Sean Connery.  In 1991, this upbeat pop-rock track made its CD debut upon A Kind of Magic’s re-release.  A shortened version would be utilized as both the opening and closing theme for Adrian Paul’s Highlander TV series. 

REVIEW:

Queen’s exuberance is hard to surpass, especially with Freddie Mercury’s charismatic vocals cranking out the song’s mantra.   Along with “A Kind of Magic” and “Who Wants to Live Forever,” this song ideally defines Highlander.  “Princes of the Universe” is recommended for any number of playlists, i.e. soundtracks, workouts, & ‘80s rock.   

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                             8 Stars

Note: There’s a digitally-remastered rendition of this song on Queen’s 2002 Platinum Collection.

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

MAGIC (by Mick Smiley: Ghostbusters {1984} movie soundtrack)

SUMMARY:                                   RUNNING TIME: 4:21 Min.

This pop tune was recorded by Mick Smiley for 1984’s Ghostbusters film soundtrack. 

REVIEW:

This song’s most appealing asset is its original melody.  Despite the instrumentals outshining him, Mick Smiley’s vocal performance fits this moody tune well.  In particular, Smiley’s low-key tone comes vibrantly to life in the song’s second half.  While “Magic” is overshadowed by bigger names on the Ghostbusters album, it’s an under-the-radar option for bolstering ‘80s pop-rock home and workout playlists.    

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                         6½ Stars

IMAGE NOT AVAILABLE

Categories
Comic Books & Graphic Novels DC Comics DC's Hardcovers & Trade Paperbacks

SUPERMAN ADVENTURES, VOLUME 1 (DC Comics)

Written by Scott McCloud & Paul Dini

Art by Rick Burchett; Bret Blevins; Mike Manley; Terry Austin &

Marie Severin 

Collection Cover Art by Bruce Timm

SUMMARY:

From 1996 to 2002, DC Comics’ Superman Adventures ran for sixty-six issues as a comic book companion to Superman: The Animated Series.  Replicating the cartoon series’ tone and visual style, these original tales could be construed as occurring ‘off-screen’ between episodes.  Released by DC Comics in 2015, this 240-page compilation consists of Superman Adventures # 1-10, which were first published in 1996-97.  Paul Dini wrote the debut issue before passing the scripting chores to Scott McCloud.

Issue # 1: Men of Steel.  A few days after his debut, Superman’s has just dispatched John Corben (the future Metallo) in command of a Lex-Skel 5000 armored robot.  Sore loser Lex Luthor seeks payback by unleashing his own Superman robot/impostor to target the Man of Steel.

Issue # 2: Be Careful What You Wish For …  Kelly, an ardent female fan of Superman, implies to a local Metropolis vendor, that she is secretly his girlfriend.  With Lois & Clark closing in on his latest scheme, Metallo takes the Man of Steel’s favorite girl (so he believes) as a hostage.  Parental Note: In one sequence, a furious Metallo is implied to have slapped Kelly in the face.

Issue # 3: Distant Thunder.  A high-tech Kryptonian orb allows Superman to see wistfully view imagery of his lost home world.  A reconstructed Brainiac forces a fateful rematch in front of The Daily Planet to gain the orb.

Issue # 4: Eye to Eye.  Pursuing Luthor’s mercenary thieves, Superman is blasted by a stolen gravity-altering device that increases his mass to dangerous levels.  The destructive chase continues through Metropolis, with Lois & Jimmy among the potential casualties. 

Issue # 5: Balance of Power.  After an incensed Livewire escapes custody, she declares an electronic war on male chauvinism.  The Man of Steel reluctantly seeks an alliance with Luthor to thwart her rampage. 

Issue # 6: Seonimod.  To stop a catastrophic chain of events, Mxyzptlk leads Superman through a gauntlet of chaotic rescues.

Issues # 7 & 8: All Creatures Great and Small, Parts 1 & 2.  Temporarily rendered to miniature size, Superman must contend with escaped Phantom Zone terrorists, Jax-Ur, and Mala, taking over Metropolis.          

Issue # 9: Return of the Hero.  A troubled teenage boy’s allegiance is split between Superman and Luthor, as a personal tragedy may impact his immediate future. 

Issue # 10: Don’t Try This At Home! Toyman’s new Superman action figures create havoc in Metropolis.

Note: Since 1998, issues of Superman Adventures have sporadically been reprinted in trade paperback and digest form.  As of this writing, the furthest DC Comics has gotten so far in reprinting the complete run is Issue # 39.

REVIEW:

From an adult’s perspective, it’s no shocker that these pedestrian stories are as consistently bland as the artwork.  Even so, devotees of Superman: The Animated Series won’t likely find this first volume a disappointment.  Led by Scott McCloud, the creative team makes a concerted effort at continuing the show’s kid-friendliness. 

The emphasis is strictly on decent, no-strings-attached storytelling vs. any progress towards character depth.  Hence, one of the book’s best scenes (from Issue # 2) where a snarky Lois hints at suspecting Clark’s secret after she catches him stuttering is left at that vs. actually exploring this intriguing notion further.  Another fun bit (in Issue # 9) is a gag where Lois & Clark simultaneously express the exact same sentiment whether Luthor would ever possess a good-hearted ulterior motive.

The individual stories aren’t remarkable, but some of them have welcome moments.  One of them is on the last page, as Clark makes an insightful compliment re: Lois.  Let’s just say this final panel is well-played.  As far as the best story among Issues # 1-10 goes, any of them might have made a decent TV episode.  Still, despite its preachiness, the nod goes to Issue # 9 for a poignant message about choosing wisely one’s heroes, let alone learning from others’ mistakes.  Part of this issue’s quality is revealing a different side of Luthor’s ethical code that, for a change, makes him less one-dimensional.  

Like DC’s comic book counterparts for Justice League, Justice League Unlimited, and Batman: The Animated Series, Superman Adventures utilizes a loose TV series timeline instead of its own internal continuity.  Case in point: John Corben’s cameo in Issue # 1 proves that he isn’t Metallo yet, but Issue # 2 indicates that he has been Metallo now for at least awhile. 

Issues, like # 3 and # 5, further imply that these particular tales are sequels to previous TV episodes.  Younger kids shouldn’t have trouble following along, as there aren’t ongoing sub-plots to keep track of.  A rare carryover has Issue # 10 briefly mention the teenage boy, Francisco, in the previous issue.  Otherwise, this collection can be read in practically any order a fan prefers.       

Ultimately, considering its page count, Superman Adventures, Volume 1 gives parents their money’s worth with excellent production values.  Children should be entertained reading it a few times before moving on to something else more challenging.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The original covers are nicely reproduced in a full-page format preceding each issue.  The cover artists, however, aren’t credited.   

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                          7 Stars

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

YOU ONLY LIVE TWICE (by Nancy Sinatra: Best of Bond … James Bond, 2008 edition)

SUMMARY:                                  RUNNING TIME: 2:46 Min.

From the soundtrack of 1967’s You Only Live Twice starring Sean Connery, this James Bond tune was recorded by Nancy Sinatra.  This song has since been re-released on compilation albums — for instance, multiple updates of the Best of Bond … James Bond  (which includes the franchise’s theme songs to date).   

Note: Best of Bond .. James Bond includes a 40th anniversary edition in 2002 and a subsequent update in 2008 for Chris Cornell’s “You Know My Name” from Casino Royale.

REVIEW:

In comparison to other 1960’s Bond tunes, Nancy Sinatra’s low-key effort is overshadowed –primarily by Shirley Bassey’s “Goldfinger.”  Yet, this dreamy tune serves as a precursor for Bassey’s own 1979 “Moonraker” and Rita Coolidge’s leisurely 1983 “All Time High.”  Of its creative components: Sinatra’s alluring vocals, endearing lyrics, and the gentle melody — all are solidly executed, but they’re not particularly memorable. 

If anything, “You Only Live Twice” is a welcome change of pace on Best of Bond, particularly after bombastic themes like Tom Jones’ “Thunderball.”      

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                        6 Stars

Note: For an instrumental cover, one might try finding Lifestyles’ 2001 Night at the Movies 2-disc set.  Emphasizing more the film’s Japanese setting, its orchestral rendition of “You Only Live Twice” (on Disc 2) makes a great addition to relaxation/sleep-aid playlists.  

IMAGE NOT AVAILABLE