Month: October 2021

STAR WARS: HAN SOLO (MARVEL Comics)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date October 13, 2021

Written by Marjorie Liu

Art by Mark Brooks; Dexter Vines; Sonia Oback; Matt Milla; & VC’s Joe Caramagna

Compilation Cover Art by Lee Bermejo

SUMMARY:

Released by Marvel Comics in 2017, this 120-page paperback compiles 2016’s five-issue Han Solo limited series. Shortly after A New Hope, Han Solo & Chewbacca are cajoled by Princess Leia into taking an undercover job during the legendary (and highly illegal) Dragon Void racing tournament. Only the galaxy’s most formidable fliers are even eligible, as the Rebellion pays the Millennium Falcon’s entry fee.

Amidst this intergalactic ‘Cannonball Run,’ all Han & Chewbacca have to do is discreetly extract some Rebel spies from remote worlds used as fuel stops, not to mention avoid any dreaded Imperial entanglements. Their predicament is exacerbated by a murderous traitor lurking among them.

REVIEW:

Though the storyline is undemanding, writer Marjorie Liu still delivers a racing caper that exudes everything Han Solo fans should expect. Along with Liu’s entertaining plot, the art squad’s visuals are generally high-octane. For Star Wars buffs, this Han Solo & Chewbacca showcase delivers a reliably fun read.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The covers and variants are included in full-page format. The artists are: # 1 (Lee Bermejo; plus two variants: John Cassady & Paul Mounts and Mike Allred & Laura Allred); # 2 (Tula Lotay); # 3 (Lee Bermejo); # 4 (Olivier Coipel; plus a variant: Stephanie Hans); & # 5 (Kahome Shirahama).

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars

Note: Another worthwhile top-secret Han Solo & Chewbacca mission is the novel, Star Wars: Honor Among Thieves.

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

SCOOBY-DOO! TEAM-UP, VOLUME 7: DOOMED! (DC Comics)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date October 13, 2021

Written by Sholly Fisch.

Art by Dario Briezula; Walter Carzon; Horacio Ottolini; Scott Jeralds; Franco Riesco; Silvana Brys; & Saida Temofonte.

Compilation Cover Art & Original Cover Art by Dario Brizuela & Franco Riesco.

SUMMARY:

Released by DC Comics in 2019, this 152-page compilation reprints Scooby-Doo! Team-Up # 37-43 from 2018. The seven adventures are:

“Nasty Tricks.” The Mystery Inc. gang are called to Midvale to help Supergirl, who is being haunted by ghosts from her native Argo City. It’s up to Scooby and Streaky the Super-Cat to help unmask the truth.
“It Was a Dark and Gritty Knight.” In homage to their prior animated TV team-ups, Mystery Inc. returns to Big City to aid Dyno-Mutt probe why Blue Falcon has suddenly become so intense. Of course, all isn’t what it appears. There’s several Batman wink-wink gags, as this story is dedicated to Adam West’s memory.
“Victory Through Scare Power.” In present-day Washington, D.C., the accidental opening of Pandora’s Box unleashes a horde of ghostly winged demons. Doctor Fate then brings Mystery Inc. to 1942’s Justice Society of America (Alan Scott’s Green Lantern; Jay Garrick’s Flash; Wildcat; Ma Hunkel’s Red Tornado; Doctor Mid-Nite I; Johnny Thunder; Sandman I; the first Atom; Queen Hippolyta/Wonder Woman; and the original Black Canary). In classic JSA fashion, everyone divides into squads to battle Vandal Savage’s Nazi and demonic forces before reuniting for the big showdown.
How’s Bayou?” In the Swamp Thing’s bayou, Mystery Inc. faces the nefarious Voodoo Queen and her zombie slaves. Abby Arcane and Solomon Grundy also make appearances.
“Perils Before Swine.” Representing TV’s Wacky Races, the Ant Hill Mob needs Mystery Inc. to help protect Penelope Pitstop from the scheming Hooded Claw’s forces.
“Gorilla Warfare.” Mystery Inc. finds that there’s plenty of monkey business afoot in Pleasantville – villainous guest stars include Gorilla Grodd; Monsieur Mallah; a Nazi vampire gorilla; & the Ultra-Humanite. Turnaround is fair play in the form of Sam Simeon; Detective Chimp; Titano the Super-Ape; Congo Bill & Congorilla; and maybe even Beppo the Super-Monkey.
“Doomed!” Set after the ‘High-Rise Horror’ case, Mystery Inc. meets the classic Doom Patrol (Robotman, Elasti-Girl, Negative Man, & The Chief), along with some weird new recruits: the Animal-Vegetable-Mineral Man, Flex Mentallo, Crazy Jane, & Danny the Street. Even with this much firepower, will it be enough against the original Brotherhood of Evil?

Continuity Notes: As implied in these stories, Scooby’s gang already met Supergirl, Diana/Wonder Woman (twice), Elasti-Girl’s adopted son — Beast Boy, & the Legion of Doom’s Solomon Grundy in Volume 1. They also met the present-day Black Canary in Volume 6.

A prior DC Comics crossover between Blue Falcon and Batman is also available. Though unrelated to this Mystery, Inc. tale, DC/Hanna-Barbera did pair up the Super-Sons (Damian Wayne & Jonathan Kent) with Dyno-Mutt. It’s revealed that continuity’s Blue Falcon belongs to Batman Inc.; not to mention, he’s a childhood prep school pal of Bruce Wayne. This one-shot is available in the DC/Hanna-Barbera team-ups’ second volume, along with, i.e., a Black Lightning/Hong Kong Phooey kung-fu caper set in the 1970’s.

REVIEW:

After six prior volumes, the Scooby team-up magic has clearly diminished, i.e. some of Shaggy and Fred’s clichéd dialogue bits are tiresome. Still, these lightweight stories should hold up okay with the elementary school crowd. Both Sholly Fisch’s kid-friendly plotting and the art squad’s visuals are consistently on their game, but there ought to be two parental caveats.

First, “Victory Through Scare Power” and, to a lesser degree, “Gorilla Warfare” reference the Nazis, which is inappropriate for Scooby-Doo storytelling. Secondly, Fisch has Dyno-Mutt briefly comparing his duo with Blue Falcon to other legendary ‘pairs.’ Harmlessly, he mentions peanut butter and jelly, … rhythm and blues, … and then inexplicably, of all things, ‘Sacco and Vanzetti.’ Meant as a historical quip for adults, it’s a tasteless throwaway at humor far above the intended audience’s pay grade. Considering the various DC kiddie titles he has written, Fisch ought to have known better.

Scooby-Doo! Team-Up, Volume 7: Doomed!, based on its overall content, continues a terrific series concept. Once again, DC’s production values are commendable – they’re not skimping. Parents, however, may find the earlier volumes (especially the Bat-friendly Volume 1) are more enjoyable reads for their kids.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Full-page reproductions of the covers are included.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 6 Stars

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

TEEN TITANS, VOLUME 4: THE FUTURE IS NOW (DC Comics)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date October 13, 2021

Written by Geoff Johns

Co-Writers (for the crossover): Geoff Johns & Mark Waid

Art by (See Below)

Teen Titans/Legion Special & Issue # 16: Mike McKone; Ivan Reis; Joe Prado; Marlo Alquiza; Mark Campos; Comicraft; Rob Leigh; Jeromy Cox; & Snow Cone. Cover Artists: Mike McKone & Marlo Alquisa (Issue # 16) and Phil Jimenez & Andy Lanning [Teen Titans/Legion Special)
Issues # 17-19 – “Titans Tomorrow: “ Mike McKone; Marlo Alquiza; Comicraft & Jeromy Cox. Cover Artists: McKone & Alquiza.
Issues # 20-21 – “Hiding:” Tom Grummett; Nelson Conrad; Comicraft; & Jeromy Cox. Cover Artists: Duncan Rouleau (Issue # 20) and McKone & Alquiza (Issue # 21).
Issues # 22-23 – “Lights Out:” Mike McKone; Marlo Alquiza; Comicraft; & Jeromy Cox. Cover Artists: McKone & Alquiza.

Compilation Cover Art by Mike McKone & Marlo Alquiza

SUMMARY:

Released by DC Comics in 2005, this 224-page compilation consists of: the Teen Titans/Legion of Super-Heroes Special and Teen Titans # 16-23 (all from 2004-2005). The roster consists of: team veterans Starfire; Cyborg; Raven; and Beast Boy, along with Tim Drake’s Robin; Cassie Sandsmark’s Wonder Girl; Conner Kent’s Superboy; Bart Allen’s Kid Flash; and eventually Mia Dearden’s Speedy (replacing Starfire). Guest stars include this alternate future’s Titans East, and a reunion of virtually all the present-day Titan alumni.

Conner & Cassie’s awkward dinner date at the San Francisco pier is interrupted by a temporal flux from the 31^st Century. Instantly returning (though five months older), Conner recruits the team to aid the Legion of Super-Heroes in the far future. Awaiting them is a Fatal Five now multiplied one hundred-fold into the Fatal Five-Hundred.

Returning to the 21^st Century leaves the Legion to an unknown fate, as the Titans face an alternate future ten years after their initial departure. Alluding to a fateful ‘crisis,’ their fascistic Titans West counterparts (Batman; Superman; Wonder Woman; Animal Man; Flash; & Raven; plus Aquawoman) have declared war on their perceived enemies. Even with a double-agent’s help and the rival Titans East, a showdown between the Titans’ present and future selves climaxes in the Batcave. It’s ambiguous, if this alternate future will be revisited.

Back at their own Titans Tower, the next two storylines are unofficial Identity Crisis crossovers. Mia Dearden joins the squad soon after Starfire departs for Nightwing’s Outsiders. Tracking down Lex Luthor’s stolen power-suit, the Titans face the mercenary Electrocutioner. A grieving Tim reveals to his teammates the recent homicide of his father.

Holding an abducted Green Arrow hostage, a demented Doctor Light demands an epic showdown in Philadelphia vs. the Titans. Ultimately, the Titans appear in force to stand any chance against the ultra-powerful Light. As the JLA’s dark secrets surface from Identity Crisis, a twist finish is still coming.

REVIEW:

After the first few pages, don’t expect any charm exploring The Future is Now. Considering its recurring themes (i.e. mass murder, torture, and mayhem), Volume 4 isn’t a particularly fun read. Still, a combination of capable storytelling and top-caliber visuals delivers plenty for fans, ages 15 and up. The franchise’s die-hards should further appreciate the presence of nearly every Titan, as well as the terrific Legion crossover, in this book’s impressive page count.

Geoff Johns’ plotting bridges numerous sub-plots remarkably well, as he begins shifting the team towards its imminent role in Infinite Crisis. To his credit, Johns also tantalizingly baits readers into possibly seeking out Brad Meltzer’s Identity Crisis and the Nightwing-led Outsiders, let alone his own underrated masterpiece: JLA: Crisis of Conscience.

The grim Teen Titans, Volume 4: The Future is Now, by comparison, isn’t a must-have read. Yet, it’s still easily superior to the ultra-muddled and gratuitously violent trash Johns peddles in the disappointing Infinite Crisis.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

There’s a two-page synopsis describing the current Teen Titans roster (including mentors Cyborg & Starfire). The covers appear in a full-page gallery format. A two-page black-and-white gallery displays costume sketches for some of the alternate-future Titans.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7½ Stars

Individual Tracks (CD's) Music & Radio Shows Soundtracks (CD's)

THE EQUALIZER BUSY EQUALIZING (by Stewart Copeland: Tube Tunes, Volume 3 – The ’80s)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date October 13, 2021

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 3:19 Min.

From composer (and The Police’s drummer) Stewart Copeland, it’s the extended instrumental theme for the opening credits from the CBS 1985-89 crime drama, The Equalizer, starring Edward Woodward. The track appears as # 13 on Rhino Records’ 1995 compilation album: Tube Tunes, Volume 3 – The 80’s.

REVIEW:

Copeland’s ominously pulsating Equalizer theme still sounds terrific today. Among TV crime drama instrumentals, this one (right up there with Mike Post’s themes for Wiseguy and Law & Order) is timeless. Recommended!

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 Stars

Comic Books & Graphic Novels Marvel Comics

WEB OF SPIDER-MAN # 37 (1988 MARVEL Comics)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date October 13, 2021

Written by James Owsley

Art by Steve Geiber; Rick Parker; Keith Williams; & Gregory Wright

Cover Art by Al Milgrom

SUMMARY:

Entitled “When Strikes the Slasher!,” Marvel Comics released this issue for April 1988. Preying upon fashion models with a razor blade, an unknown serial killer dubbed ‘The Slasher’ is leaving a grisly trail of mutilated corpses. Glamorous private detective Dakota North is hired by a group of panicked modeling firms to track down the culprit. Meanwhile, Peter Parker’s ego is bruised finding out his wife Mary Jane had already paid his quarterly taxes with her earnings as a model.

Secretly skipping an out-of-town Daily Bugle assignment, Peter opts to shadow Mary Jane and her colleague, Elyse, at Five Flags Grand Adventure theme park during a fashion expo. Elyse’s obsessive fan resorts to an increasingly desperate ploy to win her romantic attentions. Due to a prior scare, Peter and Dakota North now suspect that Mary Jane and Elyse are the killer’s next targets. With Mary Jane’s life at stake, it’s up to Spider-Man and Dakota North to thwart the Slasher’s rampage.

REVIEW:

There’s a gag where Peter and two suspects (all sporting black sunglasses) exit a bus musing the same two thoughts: “I’m not going to blow it this time,” and “(Hah), she’ll never recognize me with these shades!” Beyond that one chuckle, writer James Owsley’s unimpressive script lacks substance; instead, it merely reeks of cheapo ‘80s slasher film schlock. Resembling an amalgam of Mary Jane and TV private eye Honey West, the less said about Dakota North’s implausibility the better. Even reliable Spider-action in the vintage black-and-costume only mitigates this derivative plot’s reliance on sleaze so much.

To Marvel’s credit, the implied gore at least appears off-screen. The artwork, otherwise, delivers only a few good panels. Far too often the visuals are underwhelming: i.e. Mary Jane’s ridiculous, Peg Bundy-style hair. Worse yet, the curse of mediocre inking reduces Web of Spider-Man # 37 to looking as cheap as the plot it’s oozing. Even for faithful Spider-fans, unfortunately, this disappointing issue is worthy of the trash bin.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The back inside cover is the “Bullpen Bulletins” column, including a profile on Marvel editor Bob Harras.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 3 Stars

Agatha Christie-Related Books & Novels Mystery & Suspense

THE PALE HORSE

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date October 13, 2021

Written by Agatha Christie

SUMMARY:

First released in 1961, this 259-page HarperCollins/William Morrow paperback reprint was issued in 2011. On a foggy London night, Father Gorman is summoned for a dying woman’s confession in a blue-collar neighborhood. Soon after scribbling a list of enigmatic surnames she told him, Gorman is fatally bludgeoned in a dark alleyway. Scotland Yard’s investigation is assigned to Divisional Detective-Inspector Lejeune and police surgeon Jim Corrigan.

By chance, historian Mark Easterbrook becomes involved in their homicide case when he senses a potentially ominous link among names on Gorman’s list. Despite skepticism from both Jim Corrigan and his would-be girlfriend, Hermia Redcliffe, Mark reluctantly finds himself playing amateur sleuth. Is this list really proof of a shadowy murder-for-hire racket somehow using black magic, he wonders.

At the core of his macabre theory is a rural old pub called The Pale Horse, now inhabited by three reputed witches, in the quiet village of Much Deeping. Only adventurous Katherine “Ginger” Corrigan and possibly Lejeune himself share Mark’s suspicions that all isn’t what it seems. The enigma becomes: to safeguard The Pale Horse’s dark secret, will one of them become a diabolical killer’s next victim?

Notes: 1. Appearing for the only time without either Hercule Poirot or Parker Pyne, Ariadne Oliver contributes a minor role. Her involvement in 1956’s (Poirot) Dead Man’s Folly, for instance, is referenced. 2. Much Deeping’s vicar and his wife are Mr. & Mrs. Dane Calthorp, from 1942’s (Marple) The Moving Finger.

3. Mark’s likable cousin, Rhoda (whose maiden name isn’t revealed), and her husband, Col. Despard, are presumably the same pair from 1936’s (Poirot) Cards on the Table.

Yet, some inferences suggest that Christie is merely recycling their names. One might notice that Major John Despard is now ‘Col. Hugh Despard.’ More significantly, neither Mrs. Oliver nor these Despards acknowledge they’ve already been acquainted for several years, let alone stemming from Cards’ scandalous Shaitana murder investigation. From what little readers are told, it’s indeed plausible that Mrs. Oliver first meets the Despards in The Pale Horse. One element is undeniable — The Pale Horse refrains from directly referencing either Jane Marple or Hercule Poirot.

REVIEW:

Though it isn’t among Agatha Christie’s best-known works, The Pale Horse is still a satisfying standalone whodunnit for the Halloween season. Her plotting makes reasonably good sense, as Mark & Ginger become an endearing tandem. Christie’s potentially silly reliance on black magic/voodoo (like she later would with A Caribbean Mystery) is played with enough straightforward realism to keep even skeptical readers tuned in. At a minimum, there’s enough clues inferred that the culprit’s identity is definitely fair game. Even better that is the mystery’s eerie plot twists swerve at the right moments.

No one is likely to be awed by the climax, but Christie’s storytelling magic won’t disappoint readers, either. Suffice to say, The Pale Horse’s loose TV adaptations inexplicably fall short of this novel’s originality — it already works best as is.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES:

The first page is a brief Christie bio.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 Stars

CD's Music & Radio Shows Rock, R&B, Pop, Soul, & Metal/Symphonic

TONI BRAXTON (by Toni Braxton)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date October 13, 2021

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 53:00 Min.

For her 1993 solo debut album, Toni Braxton looked to Antonio Reid, Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, & Daryl Simmons to co-compose ten of her eleven original tunes. Track # 9: “How Many Ways” is attributed to Vincent Herbert. For this album, Braxton went on to score three Grammys: 1994’s Best New Artist and two Female R&B Vocal Performances (1994 for “Another Sad Love Song” and 1995 for “Breathe Again”). The dozen tracks are:

“Just Another Sad Love Song” (5:01)
“Breathe Again” (4:29)
“Seven Whole Days” (6:20)
“Love Affair” (4:28)
“Candlelight” (4:39)
“Spending My Time With You” (4:11)
“Love Shoulda Brought You Home” (4:58)
“I Belong to You” (3:58)
“How Many Ways” (4:47)
“You Mean the World to Me” (4:56)
“Best Friend” (4:27)
“Breathe Again” (1:16 reprise)

REVIEW:

Reminiscent of Whitney Houston’s dazzling 1985 debut, Toni Braxton blows the doors off one’s expectations for a rookie R&B/pop album. Embracing consistently edgier melodies than Houston, Braxton’s smoky vocals prove equally endearing. Including first-class songwriting, the album’s production values doesn’t skimp on anything (i.e. its 50-minute plus run time). This early-90’s gem is absolutely worth re-discovery.

PACKAGING:

The credits are included. The CD casing is well-manufactured.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 9 Stars

Comic Books & Graphic Novels DC Comics

WHO’S WHO: THE DEFINITIVE DIRECTORY OF THE DC UNIVERSE # 11 (1986 DC Comics)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date October 13, 2021

Written by Len Wein; Mike W. Barr; Gary Cohn; Paul Levitz; E. Nelson Bridwell; Peter Sanderson; with help from Marv Wolfman & Robert Greenberger.

Art by (See Below), plus Anthony Tollin; Lein Wein; Tatjana Wood; Tom Ziuko; Todd Klein; & Al Aiola.

Wraparound Cover Art by Paris Cullins & Dick Giordano.

SUMMARY:

Released for January 1986 by DC Comics, this 32-page issue consists of the following biographical profiles (with the assigned artists):

Earth-Two’s Icicle (artists: Paris Cullens & Karl Kessel).
Immortal Man (artists: Denys Cowan & Eduardo Barreto).
The Inferior Five (artist: Joe Orlando)
Infinite Man (artists: Greg LaRoque & Larry Mahlstedt).
Infinity, Inc. (artist: Jerry Ordway).
Infinite, Inc. headquarters (artist: Todd McFarlane).
Infinity Man (artists: Jack Kirby & Greg Theakston).
Earth-One’s Injustice Gang of the World (artists: Luke McDonnell & Dick Giordano).
Earth-Two’s Injustice Society of the World (artist: Joe Staton, though he isn’t officially credited).
Earth-Two & Earth-One’s Insect Queen {Lana Lang} (artists: Howard Bander & Kurt Schaffenberger).
Invisible Destroyer (artists: Jerome Moore & Karl Kessel).
Invisible Kid I (artists: Curt Swan & Al Gordon).
Invisible Kid II (artist: Arthur Adams).
I … Vampire {Andrew Bennett} (artists: Tom Sutton & Dick Giordano).
I.Q. (artist: Murphy Anderson).
Iron Major (artist: Joe Kubert).
Iron Wolf (artist: Howard Chaykin).
Jade (artist: Jerry Ordway).
Jason Bard (artist: Don Heck).
Javelin (artist: Dave Gibbons).
Jemm, Son of Saturn (artists: Gene Colan & Bob McLeod).
Jennifer Morgan (artists: Dan Jurgens & Mike DeCarlo).
Jericho (artist: George Pérez).
Golden Age Jester (artist: Karl Steacy).
Jinx (artists: Chuck Patton & Bob Smith).
Johnny Cloud (artists: Joe Brozowski & Sal Amendola).
Earth-Two’s Johnny Quick (artists: Kerry Gammill & Bruce Patterson).
Johnny Peril (artists: Trevor VonEeden & Dick Giordano).
Earth-Two’s Johnny Thunder (artist: Steve Leilaloha).
Earth-One’s Johnny Thunder {John Tane} (artist: Gil Kane).
Joker (artist: Marshall Rogers).
Jonni Thunder A.K.A. Thunderbolt (artist: Dick Giordano).

Notes: Joker’s Earth-One and Earth-Two profiles are consolidated, as only his Earth-One image is used. Also, the Crime Syndicate’s version of Flash/Johnny Quick instead appears in their entry earlier in the series.

REVIEW:

Perhaps this reviewer has a subpar copy, but age, to some extent, has deteriorated this issue’s visual quality. Otherwise, the writing is up to this series’ usual standards. It’s a decent read, but there’s nothing special about Issue # 11.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The front inside cover has Len Wein responding to some fan feedback. The back inside cover advises where most of these characters will next appear.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 6 Stars

Comic Books & Graphic Novels DC Comics

WONDER WOMAN 80th ANNIVERSARY 100-PAGE SUPER SPECTACULAR (2021 DC Comics)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date October 13, 2021

Written by (See Below)

Art by (See Below)

Golden Age Variant Cover Art by Amy Reeder

SUMMARY:

Released by DC Comics for December 2021, this milestone celebration consists of nine short stories. They are:

“In Memoriam” (16 pages). Writers: Michael W. Conrad & Becky Cloonan, with Art by: Jim Cheung; Marcelo; Maiolo; & Pat Brosseau. Attempting to move on with his life, a grieving Steve Trevor gives Etta Candy a sneak preview of a Wonder Woman retrospective documentary he is compiling. The tale is a lead-in for Issue # 780, as the world currently believes Wonder Woman is dead. Cameos include Lois Lane; Superman; Booster Gold; Shazam; & Animal Man.

“Dreamers” (8 pages). Writer: Jordie Bellaire; with Art by: Paulina Ganucheau; Kendall Goode; & Becca Carey. As a young girl, Diana goes underwater to explore Themyscira’s passage to Doom’s Doorway. Diana has a poignant discussion with her older sister, Nubia.

“Fresh Catch” (8 pages). Writer/Artist: Amy Reeder, with Further Art by: Marissa Louise & Carlos Mangual. In homage to the Golden Age, a captive Wonder Woman summons sorority leader Etta Candy’s help to tangle with a horde of slimeball fishermen.

“Dear Diana …” (8 pages). Writer: Mark Waid, with Art by: José Luis Garcia-López; Joe Prado; Trish Mulvhill; & Clem Robins. In homage to the Silver Age’s Justice League, Wonder Woman is perplexed why her teammates constantly ask her for sage advice. Appearances include: Green Lantern; Flash; Hawkwoman; and Superman, with cameos from Green Arrow, along with Batman & Robin.

“Dated” (8 pages). Writer: Tom King; with Art by: Evan “Doc” Shaner & Clayton Cowles. Representing the ultra-groovy Bronze Age, Lois Lane sets up colleague Clark Kent on a blind date. He’s stunned to find out it’s a powerless yet amused boutique owner, Diana Prince.

“Better Angels” (8 pages). Writer: Vita Ayala; with Art by: Isaac Goodhart; Jeremy Lawson; & John Workman. Perpetual adversaries Wonder Woman & Cheetah must aside their rivalry if they’re going to save a teacher and her young students from a crumbling building.

“Saturn Rising” (8 pages). Writer: Steve Orlando; with Art by: Laura Braga; Romulo Fajardo Jr.; & Becca Carey. Over bread & wine on Themyscira, Diana & Nubia listen to Artemis, & their mother, Hippolyta, describe their own prior battles as Wonder Woman against Saturn’s invasion forces.

“Immortal Mysteries” (8 pages). Writer: Stephanie Phillips; with Art by: Marcio Takara; Marcelo Mailolo; & Rob Leigh. In 2015, Wonder Woman and her archaeologist friend, Professor Barnes, face ancient supernatural forces at Eleusis, Greece.

“Low Orbit” (8 pages). Writer: G. Willow Wilson; with Art by: Meghan Hetrick; Marissa Louise; & Pat Brosseau. In 2109, with a decaying Earth below, a space station’s solar-powered orbit is suddenly threatened. As a young girl observes, the station’s fate resides with an Amazonian angel from Earth.

Note: Although images aren’t included, the primary cover’s artists are Yanick Paquette & Nathan Fairbairn. The other seven variant covers are by: Michael Cho {Silver Age}; Travis Moore & Adriano Lucas {Bronze Age}; Cliff Chiang {Modern Age}; Will Murai [film-inspired}; Cat Staggs {television-inspired}; Bruce Timm {animation-inspired}; & Jen Bartel {costume celebration-inspired}.

REVIEW:

Reminiscent of her 2014-2016 Sensation Comics anthology series, Wonder Woman typically excels in short story form, in terms of both scripting and visual storytelling. This commemorative one-shot is no exception, as it proves why DC Comics should be proud of their icon’s achievements in both pop culture and as an inspirational role model.

The only near-misfire is “Dated,” as writer Tom King’s excessive use of hippie lingo nearly ruins Diana & Clark’s intriguing blind date. Aside from this annoyance, the gorgeously-produced Wonder Woman 80^th Anniversary special is top-caliber!

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Of stellar quality, there are eight full-page pin-ups. The individual artists are: 1. Nick Robles {a Wonder Woman playing card}; 2. Brittney Williams {Nubia}; 3. David Marquez {Nubia & Hippolyta’s sparring session}; 4. Gabriel Picolo {Wonder Girls Donna & Cassie as high school track stars}; 5. Nicola Scott & Annette Kwok {Wonder Women of the DC Multiverse}; 6. Daniel Warren Johnson {black-and-white villains}; 7. Dani {Artemis}; & 8. Janaina Medeiros {Yara}. Several ads hype upcoming Nubia-related spin-off projects.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 10 Stars