Month: December 2021

THE STRENGTH OF THE RIGHTEOUS – MAIN TITLE (by Ennio Morricone: The Untouchables movie soundtrack)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date December 10, 2021

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 2:26 Min.

Despite appearing out of order as Track # 8, this ominous Ennio Morricone instrumental foreshadows the showdown between Elliot Ness’ intrepid squad vs. Al Capone’s horde of Chicago mobsters. The orchestra isn’t identified.

REVIEW:

This superb track inflicts maximum impact in only two and a half minutes. Ennio Morricone delivers an ideally sinister preview of the dangers the Untouchables face, with Al Capone’s forces seemingly lurking at every corner. As a signature piece of cinematic scoring, “The Strength of the Righteous” deserves its place among the best-ever main titles.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 9 Stars

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

WHO WANTS TO LIVE FOREVER {1986’s Highlander} (by Queen: A Kind of Magic – 1991 re-release)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date December 10, 2021

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 5:15 Min.

Recorded by Queen as a pivotal theme narrating the 1986 Highlander film, this epic ballad later made its CD debut in 1991 upon A Kind of Magic’s re-release. The same album sports an instrumental remix entitled “Forever,” though it runs two minutes shorter.

REVIEW:

Other than “Princes of the Universe,” no other Queen track is more closely associated with Highlander. Wistfully defining Connor McLeod’s immortality, the ethereal “Who Wants to Live Forever” merits recognition as among Queen’s finest works. Freddie Mercury’s haunting vocals resonate long after the song ends. Even for non-Highlander fans, this poignant track is highly recommended.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 10 Stars

Note: There’s a digitally-remastered rendition of this song on Queen’s 2002 Platinum Collection — it’s about twenty seconds shorter.

Comic Books & Graphic Novels Marvel Comics MARVEL's Hardcovers & Paperbacks STAR WARS-Related

STAR WARS, VOLUME 2: SHOWDOWN ON THE SMUGGLER’S MOON (MARVEL Comics)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date December 10, 2021

Written by Jason Aaron

Art by Simone Bianchi (Issue # 7 only); Stuart Immonen; Wade Von Grawbadger; Justin Ponsor; & Chris Eliopoulos

Cover Art by Stuart Immonen; Wade Von Grawbadger; & Justin Ponsor

SUMMARY:

Released in 2016 by Marvel Comics, this 144-page compilation reprints Issues # 7-12, which is set months after Episode IV: A New Hope. Continuing plot threads from Volume 1: Skywalker Strikes, a flashback tale from Obi-Wan Kenobi’s journal reveals an incident years ago where he rescued a young Luke Skywalker on Tatooine from Jabba’s nocturnal moisture raiders.

In the present-day, Luke & Artoo-Detoo journey to the notorious world of Nar Shaddaa, known as ‘The Smuggler’s Moon,’ where finding covert passage to Coruscant is possible. It’s where the fabled Jedi Temple exists, as Luke desperately hopes to find answers there.

Captured by Nar Shaddaa’s resident Hutt, Grakkus, Luke discovers that his abductor possesses a vast collection of Jedi relics. A mysterious henchman dubbing himself the ‘Gamemaster’ trains the would-be Jedi for deadly slave-like combat inside Grakkus’ gladiatorial playpen. Aboard the Millennium Falcon, Chewbacca and See-Threepio go after Luke, but embittered bounty hunter Dengar intends to settle some old scores with Han Solo and his Wookie cohort first.

Elsewhere, in the Monsua Nebula, Princess Leia uneasily plays referee in the bickering between Solo and his allegedly long-estranged wife, mercenary Sana Starros. Forced into a tentative truce to escape the Empire, the trio sidetracks to Nar Shaddaa to try retrieving Luke.

Han & Sana separately reveal to Leia their versions of what precipitated Sana’s grudge. Ultimately, it’s desperation time, as the Empire descends upon Nar Shaddaa seeking to abduct the lone heir to the Jedi legacy.

REVIEW:

As with Volume 1, writer Jason Aaron‘s sense for conjuring up first-rate Star Wars adventures is impressive. Including an inspired homage to Arnold Schwarzenegger’s 1985 Commando film, Aaron devises fresh twists while staying faithful to the saga’s norms.

More specifically, it’s easy to imagine Carrie Fisher playing out Leia’s eye-rolling reactions to the feud between a befuddled Han and a snarky Sana. This subplot proves a gem, as Sana’s inferred ulterior motive is a fun complication to Han & Leia’s relationship. Similarly, Chewbacca’s ‘Odd Couple’ schtick with See-Threepio is a hoot, as they take the initiative to save Luke and Artoo-Detoo.

These plot threads offset Luke’s foolish behavior, as the consequences logically ought to get him killed multiple times during this adventure. Still, what are loyal friends for? – especially, when they don’t reprimand a Jedi Knight-in-training for making them jet across the galaxy and risk their lives saving his naïve skin. Aaron makes the best of this wild scenario, as Luke’s friends must even resort to using lightsabers to defend themselves. The way this intriguing sequence unfolds is something George Lucas himself might have devised. In that sense, Aaron confidently plays these characters like a first-rate guitar solo (pardon the expression).

Joining Aaron is a high-caliber art squad, as their visuals are exciting to keep up with. The teamwork this creative team shares with Aaron is definitely well-played. For fans ages 12 and up, Star Wars, Volume 2: Showdown on the Smuggler’s Moon consistently delivers Marvel entertainment worthy of John Williams’ iconic music.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

A Star Wars movie-like scrawl sets up the ongoing plot. Each cover is reproduced in a full-page format preceding its story. The cover artists are: John Cassady & Laura Martin (Issue # 7), and, for Issues # 8-12, it’s the trio of Immonen, Von Grawbadger, & Ponsor.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars

Comic Books & Graphic Novels DC Comics

WILDCATS – NEMESIS # 4 (2006 DC-WILDSTORM Comics)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date December 10, 2021

Written by Robbie Morrison

Art by Talent Caldwell; Matt “Batt” Banning; Horacio Domingues; Carrie Strachan; & Travis Lanham

Cover Art by Talent Caldwell; Matt “Batt” Banning; & Carrie Strachan

SUMMARY:

Released by DC Comics’ Wildstorm imprint for February 2006, this issue of the nine-part series is entitled “The Dark Side of the Blade.” Held prisoner at New York City’s Halo Corporation, a sarcastic Charis (aka Nemesis) faces four WildCATS: Mr. Majestic, Zealot, Savant, & Grifter. As a ‘captive’ audience, she soon has long-overdue face-to-face confrontations with Zannah (aka Zealot) and then Lord Majesteros (aka Mr. Majestic).

Expressing concern for young Kara, Charis feels compelled to disclose in flashback the circumstances re: her alleged treason on Greece’s Isle of Lesbos in 995 B.C. Including Kara’s own unwitting role, the team ominously accept the truth of Charis’ dark revelations. The issue ends on a cliffhanger.

Note: Though it isn’t explained, only can only infer that Charis (clad in only her bra and panties) is being restrained by some type of high-tech power nullification apparatus. Then again, also unexplained is why the WildCATS leave Charis scantily clad during her incarceration.

REVIEW:

Including plot depth inspired by Greek mythology, writer Robbie Morrison’s sophisticated storytelling shouldn’t disappoint adult WildCATS fans. Enhanced by top-caliber artwork (i.e. the cover image), Issue # 4 is well-played!

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The “Stormfront” page offers cover glimpses for WildCATS: Nemesis # 5; Planetary # 24; and ABC A-Z: Terra Obscura and Splash Brannigan.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7½ Stars

Comic Books & Graphic Novels DC Comics

WILDCATS – NEMESIS # 1 (2005 DC-WILDSTORM Comics)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date December 10, 2021

Written by Robbie Morrison

Art by Talent Caldwell; Matt “Batt” Banning; Horacio Domingues; Carrie Strachan; & Travis Lanham

Cover Art by Talent Caldwell; Matt “Batt” Banning; & Carrie Strachan

SUMMARY:

Released by DC Comics’ Wildstorm imprint for November 2005, the opener of this nine-part series is entitled “The Art of Living Dangerously.” On a night in New York City, the WildCATS (Mr. Majestic, Zealot, Savant, & Grifter) intervene when Charis/Nemesis single-handedly attacks a heavily-armed convoy in brutal fashion. Holding the convoy’s passenger, a young girl named Kara, as her hostage, Charis schemes a fast getaway to end her standoff vs. the WildCATS.

In flashback, via the ‘Planetary Guide, 1925,’ the distant past re: the Kherans and Daemonites’ shared existence on Earth is revealed. At Southern Italty’s Mount Vesuvios in 995 B.C., the origin of double-agent Charis comes to light. Included is the beginning of her ancient Coda feud with Zealot, who believes that Charis is a traitor.

Note: Though the cover indicates that it’s a six-issue mini-series, this series ultimately goes nine issues.

REVIEW:

Writer Robbie Morrison’s scripting is ideally matched by the art squad’s high caliber visuals (i.e. the cover image). The result is excellent WildCats entertainment. Suffice to say, this spin-off heavy on the WildCats’ backstory displays impressive potential from the get-go.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The “Stormfront” page offers cover glimpses for WildCATS: Nemesis # 2; Captain Atom: Armageddon # 1; and Robotech: Prelude to The Shadow Chronicles.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars

Comic Books & Graphic Novels DC Comics

WONDER WOMAN # 12 (2007 DC Comics)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date December 10, 2021

Written by J. Torres

Art by Paco Diaz; Vicente Cifuentes; Rob Leigh; Peter Pantazis; & Nachie Castro

Cover Art by Terry Dodson & Rachel Dodson

SUMMARY:

This Amazons Attack: Aftermath tie-in is entitled “Hubris, Part 2 of 2.” DC Comics released the issue for October 2007. Returned to Washington, D.C.’s smoldering battlefield after a scolding from Athena, Wonder Woman rejoins Batman. Diana contemplates the sins incurred during the recent Amazonian invasion. At the Department of Metahuman Affairs, Special Agent Diana Prince ponders Sarge Steel’s abduction and subsequent impersonation by Everyman.

Forcing his release from the hospital, a recuperating Tom “Nemesis” Tresser tag-teams with Wonder Woman against the shape-shifting Everyman and possibly Circe herself. Once an explosion sidelines Wonder Woman, Sarge Steel’s fate may well rest with Tresser pitting his own impersonator skills vs. the psychotic Everyman.

REVIEW:

While writer J. Torres’ script glosses over some plot holes (i.e. Sarge Steel’s air supply – where is it?; how is Diana Prince and Wonder Woman seemingly in two places at once?), the story itself is certainly entertaining. Even better is the art squad’s high-caliber visuals (including the cover image). Impressively, Wonder Woman # 12 delivers some well-played DC entertainment.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

A half-page “DC Nation” column has DC staffer Eddie Berganza hyping the issue list for the concluding half of The Sinestro Corps War saga. Thumbnail cover reveals plug The Four Horsemen # 1 (starring Wonder Woman, Batman, & Superman); Amazons Attack # 6; Teen Titans # 50; and Wonder Woman Annual # 1.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7½ Stars

Comic Books & Graphic Novels Marvel Comics

MARVEL KNIGHTS SPIDER-MAN # 17 (2005 MARVEL Comics)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date December 10, 2021

Written by Reginald Hudlin

Art by Billy Tan; Jon Sibal; Avalon’s Ian Hannin; & VC’s Cory Petit

Cover Art by Steve McNiven

SUMMARY:

Entitled “Wild Blue Yonder, Part V of VI,” Marvel Comics released this issue for October 2005. At The Daily Bugle, Peter Parker is advised by Reed “Mr. Fantastic” Richards the truth re: Ethan Edwards’ vast super-powers. Confronting a confused Ethan, Spider-Man is no position to pursue him, let alone subdue someone reminiscent of a certain red-caped Kryptonian. Fleeing to his adoptive home of Hicksville, Iowa, an emotionally distraught Ethan faces off vs. the Fantastic Four.

Meanwhile, Spidey must contain super-powered drug users experiencing the illicit concoction the Owl is now peddling. This designer street drug is in fact the Absorbing Man’s own residue. Seeking vengeance on his opportunistic ex-boss, “Crusher” Creel (aka Absorbing Man) is yet another bloodthirsty threat on the loose. The question is: who finds the Owl and his razor-sharp claws first?

REVIEW:

Aside from the loathsome Absorbing Man drug-related angle, writer Reginald Hudlin’s scripting is still remarkably good. Not only does he coherently juggle a Superman homage, a solid Fantastic Four guest spot, and two feuding villains, Hudlin keeps Spider-Man squarely in the middle of “Wild Blue Yonder.”

Though faltering a bit from prior issues in this storyline, the art squad’s visuals are still sufficient. Hence, Marvel Knight Spider-Man # 17 delivers a satisfying read for adult fans.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Including the last issue’s cover image, the first page summarizes “Wild Blue Yonder” to date. Included are cover reveals for both Black Panther # 7 and Marvel Knights Spider-Man # 18.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 Stars

Comic Books & Graphic Novels Marvel Comics

MARVEL KNIGHTS SPIDER-MAN # 14 (2005 MARVEL Comics)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date December 10, 2021

Written by Reginald Hudlin

Art by Billy Tan; Jon Sibal; Avalon’s Ian Hannin; & VC’s Cory Petit

Cover Art by Steve McNiven; Mark Morales; & Molly Hollowell

SUMMARY:

Entitled “Wild Blue Yonder, Part II of VI,” Marvel Comics released this issue for July 2005. With his conniving female accomplice, “Crusher” Creel (aka Absorbing Man) intends to collect the bounty The Owl has issued on Spider Man. Elsewhere, at Avengers Tower, a wounded Spider-Man angrily confronts Wolverine after he is gut-stabbed during a New Avengers (Spider-Woman; Luke Cage; Iron Man; & Captain America) workout session. Spider-Man accuses his teammate that this petty attack is retaliation for Peter witnessing Wolverine hitting on his wife, Mary Jane. Peter is later consoled by Mary Jane & Aunt May.

Later, a still-recuperating Peter and his mild-mannered Daily Bugle colleague, Ethan Edwards, stumble upon one of Creel’s ruthless mob raids that The Owl sends him on. Battling Absorbing Man, Spider-Man witnesses a masked Ethan’s stunning super-powers in action. Peter ominously realizes that his own secret identity has been compromised.

REVIEW:

Well-scripted by Reginald Hudlin, this issue coherently juggles multiple sub-plots that take some interesting twists. The art squad’s terrific visuals complete a satisfying read. Though its mob violence quotient and some drug inferences aren’t kid-friendly, Marvel Knights Spider-Man # 14 is a welcome catch for adult Spider-fans.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Including Issue # 13’s cover image, the first page summarizes “Wild Blue Yonder” to date. Cover reveals are provided for Black Panther # 4; X-23 # 6; and Marvel Knights Spider-Man # 15.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7½ Stars

Books & Novels Mystery & Suspense Radio Shows (Digital & CD) Sherlock Holmes-Related

THE LOST ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date December 10, 2021

Written by Ken Greenwald

Adapted from the original radio plays by Denis Green & Anthony Boucher

Illustrations by Alfredo Alcala

SUMMARY:

First published in 1989, Barnes & Noble Books issued this 200-page hardcover reprint in 1993. Transcribing the original dialogue from thirteen long-lost radio plays that Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce had recorded between 1945-46, Ken Greenwald fleshes them out into short story form. Starting with an introduction from ‘Dr. John H. Watson,’ the mysteries (presented in non-chronological order) are the following:

The Adventure of the Second Generation. Dr. Watson and a retired Holmes encounter Irene Adler’s daughter.
The April Fool’s Adventure. Watson is persuaded to help prank his new roommate, Holmes, but the joke soon goes too far. Note: This ‘prequel’ reveals Holmes & Watson’s first meeting with a familiar nemesis.
The Case of the Amateur Mendicants. In 1887, Watson’s late-night emergency house call precipitates a dangerous predicament within a bizarre charity organization.
The Adventure of the Out-of-Date Murder. During a much-needed vacation, in late 1900, the detective duo makes a grisly discovery deep inside an underground cave.
The Case of the Demon Barber. In the winter of 1896, Holmes & Watson aid a desperate actor worried that he is unconsciously living out his stage role as razor-wielding serial killer Sweeney Todd.
Murder Beyond the Mountains. Holmes confides in Watson details of an international incident that occurred in Tibet during his mysterious three-year sabbatical.
The Case of the Uneasy Easy Chair. Holmes, Watson, and Inspector Lestrade investigate a wealthy tycoon’s death, as a most unusual murder weapon is deployed.
The Case of the Baconian Cipher. In 1889, Holmes & Watson, along with a visiting French colleague, probe a dire message coded within a newspaper’s personals column.
The Adventure of the Headless Monk. In late 1896, the detective duo teams up with an occult expert to investigate sightings of a legendary headless ghost.
The Case of the Camberwall Poisoners. In 1887, the watch from a victim of a brutal homicide may be Holmes’ only chance of determining who the culprit is.
The Adventure of the Iron Box. On the New Year’s Eve leading into 1900, Watson’s elderly friend needs Holmes to help him collect his long-delayed family inheritance.
The Case of the Girl With the Gazelle. In late 1887, Holmes possibly tangles with Professor Moriarty again during an excursion into the world of fine art.
The Case of the Notorious Canary Trainer. Watson conveys to his literary agent, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, details of an odd homicide case that a retired Holmes dealt with in 1908. Note: The story’s last two pages reveal a secret Watson hints at in his introduction.

REVIEW:

Keeping in mind that Basil Rathbone & Nigel Bruce recorded 220 radio episodes together, these thirteen tales represent a hodge-podge: the good, the bad, and the middling. Bolstered by excellent publication values and some terrific premises, author Ken Greenwald makes it easy to imagine Rathbone & Bruce acting out each tale. Yet, without their voices persuasively selling these mysteries, a recurring problem is how weak the plotting actually is.

For instance, tales like “Murder Beyond the Mountains,” “The Case of the Baconian Cipher,” and “The Adventure of the Headless Monk” are particularly contrived. Specifically, there isn’t enough plot to establish actual clues, let alone time for readers to make fair deductions of their own. It isn’t Greenwald’s fault, as he is faithfully retelling the stories that Denis Green & Anthony Boucher had devised decades before. Rather, one is reminded of the necessity in radio show plots where entertainment must supersede plausible depth. Despite this handicap, Green & Boucher’s creativity still often lived up to Conan Doyle’s standards, even if this particular collection isn’t sufficient proof.

Aside from some inauthentic details (i.e. as a British citizen, Watson wouldn’t be celebrating Thanksgiving), the tales are, at a minimum, committed to delivering nostalgic fun. Greenwald, in that sense, ensures that this book is a welcome homage to Conan Doyle’s legacy. All that’s really missing are the old radio show’s frequent plugs for its various sponsors, i.e. Petri Wine … and the campy organ music the show relied upon to stoke its suspense cues. As a gift option for old-school Holmes buffs, The Lost Adventures of Sherlock Holmes may prove a welcome treat.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES:

Along with a table-of-contents, both the original radio airdate and whatever Conan Doyle tale that inspired each new story are identified. From September 1988, Greenwald’s sentimental foreword explains why the discovery of these lost radio shows inspired him to take on this project.

Drawn by artist Alfredo Alcala in 1989, a black-and-white illustration depicting an upcoming scene leads off most of the stories. Alcala, for his part, renders the likenesses of Rathbone & Bruce relatively well. The last page consist of brief author synopses.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 Stars

Comic Books & Graphic Novels Marvel Comics

HAWKEYE & MOCKINGBIRD # 2 (2010 MARVEL Comics)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date December 10, 2021

Written by Jim McCann

Art by David Lopez; Alvaro López; Nathan Fairbairn; & VC’s Cory Petit

Cover Art by Paul Renaud

SUMMARY:

Released by Marvel Comics for September 2010, this issue is entitled “Ghosts, Part 2: Rumors of Death.” Elements of Bobbi Morse/Mockingbird’s murky past are revealed. Eight years before, a flashback depicts the future West Coast Avenger and S.H.I.E.L.D.’s Nick Fury discussing the logistics of faking her death to protect her mother and brother.

In the present-day, ex-husband Clint Barton/Hawkeye’s well-intentioned efforts to surprise Bobbi with a family reunion initially proves a poignant disaster. Unbeknownst to Bobbi and Clint, the Phantom Rider’s vengeful ghost now inhabits his female descendant Jaime Slade’s soul. Worse yet, Ms. Slade is in league with their old foe: assassin William Cross/Crossfire. With the W.C.A. providing tactical support, Hawkeye is intent on taking down Crossfire that same night

Hawkeye desperately tries to reach Bobbi during a heavily-armed raid she thwarts with Dominic Fortune. In a cliffhanger, Bobbi’s mother (who possesses her own family secrets) may be the next victim in a very personal grudge.

REVIEW:

Issue # 2 delivers well-played Marvel entertainment. Revisiting a pivotal ‘80s West Coast Avengers storyline that initiated Mockingbird and Hawkeye’s eventual divorce, writer Jim McCann has concocted an appealing storyline thus far. More specifically, McCann smartly integrates Bobbi’s unexplored past and the Phantom Rider vendetta in plausible fashion (vengeful ghosts, aside).

Equaling and possibly surpassing McCann’s scripting is the art squad’s high-caliber artwork. For fans of Hawkeye & Mockingbird, the second issue of their shared title is a ‘can’t miss’ prospect.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

From the top-secret ‘W.C.A. Files,’ there’s a single-page roster of character synopses for Hawkeye; Mockingbird; the current Dominic Fortune; Crossfire; and Jaime Slade. A single-page letters-and-answers column overs a cover glimpse for Issue # 3. Including a cover page, the New Avengers guest-star in a six-page preview of Shadowland # 1.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars