Month: March 2022

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

GRIMM FAIRY TALES # 48 (2010 ZENESCOPE Entertainment, Inc.)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date March 25, 2022

Written by Joe Brusha & Raven Gregory

Art by Shawn Van Brisen; Studio Cirque; Bernie Lee; & David Seidman

Cover Art ‘B’ by Franchesco

SUMMARY:

Entitled “The Good Witch,” Zenescope Entertainment, Inc. released this issue for June 2010. Samantha’s sorceress training with her mentor, Shang, is depicted. Following plot threads from Issues # 21 and 23-24, bewildered college Samantha’s efforts to return home after Sela’s seemingly fatal sacrifice is complicated by four mystical challenges.

Ultimately, Samantha’s imminent role is conveyed, as Sela, Shang, & Nissa must now depart for the fairy tale realm. It’s indicated that the young sorceress will appear in a new spin-off: Grimm Tales # 1.

REVIEW:

Though the visual quality is somewhat inconsistent, the art squad’s painting-like work is still good enough for an independent publisher. However, this issue’s pedestrian scripting seems implausibly shallow for a contemporary magical adventure. Case in point: protagonist Samantha is depicted as a somewhat snarky teenager, but her character simply has too little substance. Fans of Grimm Fairy Tales may enjoy this issue, but savvy newcomers will likely be unimpressed.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The inside cover features thumbnail reveals of all four covers. Later, there’s a nearly full-page cover reveals Sela’s new mission going into Issue # 49. Zenoscope, otherwise, plugs a multitude of self-promoting ads. Predictably, these ads push cheap sex appeal in its artwork (reminiscent of images like Cover Art ‘B’).

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 3 Stars

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

FATHOM, VOLUME 2 # 3A (2005 ASPEN Comics)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date March 25, 2022

Written by J.T. Krul & Michael Turner

Art by Koi Turnbull; Jason Gorder; Sal Regla; Christina Strain; & Dreamer Design

Cover Art ‘A’ by Michael Turner & Peter Stiegerwald

SUMMARY:

Released by Aspen Comics for September 2005, this issue is entitled “Chapter 3: Illumination.” Before the Council of the underwater city of Muria, Kiani & her allies plead their defense of Cannon Hawke’s controversial heroics. Their efforts prove unsuccessful. Kiani soon finds grim evidence suggesting that Cannon has a sinister agenda.

At sea, U.S. Navy pilot Chance Calloway infers that Admiral Maylander’s hard-nosed approach against The Blue is growing worse. Chance is also no closer to drawing a lead to help him find a missing Aspen.

In The Black’s mystical underwater realm, Aspen Matthews faces the enigmatic Rahger, who claims to be her true biological father. Imperiously, Rahger expects his daughter’s instant subservience to help further The Black’s agenda. Aspen’s defiance speaks for itself.

Note: Included on the inside front cover is a thumbnail glimpse of ‘Cover B,’ which is Turner’s Wizard World Chicago 2005 limited-edition variant.

REVIEW:

The art squad’s visuals are predictably high-caliber. While the in-progress plotting should appeal to Fathom’s fans, keeping newcomers tuned in is an iffy prospect. Still, this installment of Michael Turner’s aquatic epic presents a solid-enough read.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The inside front cover summarizes the series-to-date, as well as the previous issue’s events. Aside from Aspen’s glut of self-promoting ads (mostly for Fathom), there’s a single-page “Water Log’d” letters-and-answers column.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 6 Stars

Comic Books & Graphic Novels DC Comics

ELONGATED MAN: EUROPE ’92 # 1 (1992 DC Comics)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date March 25, 2022

SUMMARY:

Entitled “Europe ’92, Part One: Concorde to Discord!,” DC Comics released this four-issue mini-series opener for January 1992. Justice League representatives Ralph & Sue Dibny are in Paris as guests to a prestigious diplomatic banquet. Elongated Man’s nose starting twitching after his unexpected tussle with Copperhead is interrupted by the French super-villain, Warp.

At the banquet, Sue is embarrassed by her immature husband’s celebrity grandstanding. An initially flirtatious encounter with the arrogant Archduke of Modora soon sets off Sue’s own inner alarm. A comically macabre assassination at the banquet has Ralph sensing a conspiracy evidently targeting Europe’s unity movement. Yet, the shadowy culprits remain unknown.

Later that night, amidst the Dibnys’ marital friction, a downcast Sue makes a surprising request.

REVIEW:

Despite playing with an average plot, writer Gerard Jones enjoyably spotlights DC’s most underrated married couple. For instance, an injection of international flavor adds to Ralph & Sue’s fun style of amateur sleuthing. Blending his light-hearted adventure cocktail well enough, Jones further baits some upcoming plot twists worthy of a globe-trotting mystery. The art squad’s likably modest visuals are the other necessity making Elongated Man: Europe ’92 # 1 a welcome treat for Ralph & Sue’s fans.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

None.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 6 Stars

Movies & Television (Videos) Music Videos Online Videos Soundtracks (Digital)

CITY OF CRIME – DRAGNET RAP (by Dan Aykroyd & Tom Hanks: 1987 music video)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date March 25, 2022

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 3:44 Min.

Released in mid-1987, the big-screen buddy cop comedy/spoof, Dragnet, stars Dan Aykroyd (as LAPD Sgt. Joe Friday) & Tom Hanks (as LAPD Detective “Pep” Streebek). Heard over the closing credits is Aykroyd/Hanks’ rap parody duet entitled “City of Crime” that embellishes the movie’s plot. The song was included in the film’s official soundtrack.

To promote the film and soundtrack sales, Aykroyd & Hanks performed the song in a music video directed by Marty Callner — complete with Paula Abdul’s dance choreography.

REVIEW:

Being a huge fan of 1987’s Dragnet, not to mention this song, this reviewer eagerly spied City of Crime’s obligatory MTV music video online. Regrettably, there isn’t an internet return policy to try getting those precious few minutes back.

Wildly misguided, this campy eyesore gives the word ‘obligatory’ a bad name. Not only is the acting cringe-worthy, but the rudimentary dance choreography (including female back-up dancers predictably dressed as sexy squad room cops) never escapes a sense of clueless amateurism.

This assessment defines a foolish-looking Aykroyd & Hanks, as somebody conned them into simultaneously singing (most likely, lip-synching) and dancing. Instantly qualifying for their career-low lists, the actors and Paula Abdul (considering her high-profile choreography gigs of that era) should be mortified that this insipid music video actually still exists.

One might shrug off this mistake as the players merely goofing off with the wacky song. That defense, in a stretch, could even suggest “City of Crime” is a parody of mid-80’s rap videos. Even if such a claim were proven true, quality control still took the day off when this dreck was actually filmed.

Had the “City of Crime” video instead been a conventional Dragnet movie clip-fest (with Aykroyd & Hanks appearing in character for ‘live’ cameos), there shouldn’t have been a problem. Unfortunately, the misguided end result is one of the worst movie soundtrack videos ever concocted.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 1½ Stars

Comic Books & Graphic Novels DC Comics

DC BOMBSHELLS # 13 (2016 DC Comics)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date March 25, 2022

Written by Marguerite Bennett

Art by Mirka Andolfo; Pasquale Qualano; & Wendy Broome

Cover Art by Ant Lucia

SUMMARY:

Entitled “The Batgirls Swing Again,” DC Comics released this issue for July 2016. In an alternate-reality Gotham City of 1941, police officer Maggie Sawyer & three fellow cops help the Batgirl squad (Kathy Duquesne; Harper Row; Felicity Smoak; Alysia Yeoh; Cullen Row; & Bette Kane) while their inspiration – the original Batgirl, Kate Kane, is overseas.

Thwarting the Penguin’s acquisition of illicit merchandise, the girls abruptly recruit an energetic new ally: a Cuban-American Lois Lane. Later manipulated by the Penguin’s sinister forces, the Batgirls find themselves pitted against Gotham City Mayor Harvey Dent. A vengeful Lois and the Batgirls must soon make fateful decisions.

Kate Kane’s Batgirl briefly appears in a flashback.

Notes: Digitally, this would be DC Comics Bombshells Chapters # 37-39. Oddly, there isn’t a credits page.

REVIEW:

Predictably, the storyline is hampered by far too many Batgirls, as, creatively speaking, they cancel each other out. If anything, Bombshells’ debuting Lois Lane surpasses all the Batgirls. as far as making a welcome impression. Also, unlike other issues, writer Marguerite Bennett doesn’t excessively fixate on pushing lesbianism this time, as she resorts to a far subtler approach. This decision works for Issue # 13, as spelling out the characters’ private sexuality would be unnecessary for the story’s plot twists.

Bennett’s script is occasionally jumbled by so many characters jumping from scene to scene, but it is still coherent enough. More so, the art squad’s vibrant visuals add to Issue # 13’s appeal. For fans, DC Comics Bombshells # 13 is a fun ride, as some familiar DC characters enter this series’ wartime continuity with an unpredictable bang.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

For its DC Universe: Rebirth banner, DC’s single-page “All Access” column hypes Green Lanterns: Rebirth # 1 and Green Lanterns # 1. The column’s writer isn’t identified.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 6 Stars

Comic Books & Graphic Novels DC Comics

DC CHALLENGE! # 4 (1986 DC Comics)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date March 25, 2022

Written by Paul Levitz

Art by Gil Kane; Klaus Janson; John Costanza; & Carl Gafford

Cover Art by Gil Kane

SUMMARY:

Entitled “Atomic Nights,” DC Comics released the fourth issue of this 12-part series for February 1986. In Washington, D.C., the DSI’s director, Dr. Darwin Jones, & Bobo (Detective Chimp) contemplate the ongoing supernatural chaos. Conferring with Superman, Jones takes Bobo with him to Metropolis, which is now under alien attack. They then investigate a mysterious trans-dimensional portal. Jimmy Olsen, meanwhile, seeks out Dr. Thirteen in New York City for answers about celebrity ghosts he and his friend, Floyd Perkins, have recently witnessed.

In the Sahara Oasis, Justice Leaguers Zatanna Zatara, Martian Manhunter, & Aquaman face off vs. hostile alien marauders. Yet, they can’t thwart their adversaries from abducting J’onn J’onzz, as his captors enigmatically deem the Martian a ‘traitor.’ From the Peruvian Jungle, Batman & Hawkwoman escape danger upon being included in Adam Strange’s zeta-beam transporting them to the planet Rann. Joining Alanna Strange, the Viking Prince, and Hawkman, wild danger continues to threaten the group on Rann in spite of Superman’s arrival.

In New York City, captives Supergirl, Starfire, J’onn J’onzz, Jemm – Son of Saturn, & Superman are set for public execution by the militaristic aliens. Entering another trans-dimensional portal, Jimmy Olsen & Dr. Thirteen join Detective Chimp & Dr. Jones for a potentially grim fate upon being caught by one of these marauders. Yet, what does Deadman have to do with this strange plot?

Note: DC Challenge! utilizes a collaborative approach – a different writer is recruited for each issue in order to ‘challenge’ readers and the next issue’s writer, as to what happens next.

REVIEW:

Hampered by its obvious gimmickry, DC Challenge! # 4 is still a decent, kid-friendly read. In that sense, veteran scribe Paul Levitz doesn’t let all-age fans down. More so, the art squad’s visuals are better than expected – especially getting an opportunity to see Silver Age legend Gil Kane’s artwork firsthand. Hence, this issue delivers a sort of nostalgia joyride, no matter if the ongoing storyline is instantly forgettable.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Along with editor Robert “Bob” Greenberger, contributing writer Doug Moench offers a two-page perspective explaining how Len Wein convinced him to work on the DC Challenge! project. A cover reveal for Issue # 5 is also included.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 5½ Stars

Note: For anyone interested in literary murder-mysteries, Agatha Christie and thirteen other contemporaries once devised a similar collaborative writing challenge. Their 1931 whodunnit novel-by-committee is entitled “The Floating Admiral.”

Comic Books & Graphic Novels DC Comics

BATMAN: STREETS OF GOTHAM # 14 (2010 DC Comics)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date March 25, 2022

“House of Hush – Prelude” Written by Paul Dini. Art by Dustin Nguyen; Derek Fridolfs; John Kalisz; & Steve Wands.

“Two-Face: The Long Way Down” Written by Ivan Brandon. Art by Ramon Bachs; John Lucas; Nick Filardi; & Travis Lanham.

Cover Art by Dustin Nguyen.

SUMMARY:

DC Comics released this issue for September 2010. First up is the 12-page “House of Hush – Prelude.” Old-school Gotham gangster Mr. Pierce is chauffeured by two thugs (one of whom is Mr. ZZZ) out of Blackgate Prison after serving a thirty-seven year sentence. Pierce bears a deadly grudge against Bruce Wayne.

Still impersonating ‘Bruce Wayne,’ Dr. Tommy “Hush” Elliot fantasizes about killing his super-powered captors (among them, Zatanna Zatara & Katana). Elliott contemplates his late mother’s journal describing an awkward date night decades ago where his snobbish parents encountered Bruce’s future parents and John Zatara. Escorted by an undercover Katana, Elliot’s ‘Wayne’ intends to argue for parole to free a straight-jacketed Jane Doe from Arkham Asylum.

In the 16-page “Two Face: The Long Way Down,” Dick Grayson’s Batman & Harvey Dent/Two-Face disrupt a mob summit at a posh Gotham City restaurant prior to a FBI raid. Taking a hostage, Dent escapes the bloody stand-off. In a decrepit warehouse shootout, Dent’s recruits challenge Mario Falcone’s goon squad. An uncertain fate awaits Dent’s desperate associate after an eavesdropped phone call.

REVIEW:

Bolstered by a terrific art squad, writer Paul Dini’s plotting teases a potentially tantalizing twist in Hush’s masquerade as ‘Bruce Wayne.’ Seeing a young, idealistic Martha Kane and an unexpected side of future Dr. Thomas “Tommy” Wayne, along with their friend, John Zatara, adds some welcome backstory to their characters. It’s almost sufficient compensation for an unpleasant Two-Face thriller co-starring Dick Grayson’s oddly ineffective Batman.

Two-Face’s storyline benefits from excellent visual quality, but the ultra-violent plot depicting Gotham’s rival mob warfare isn’t appealing whatsoever. Hence, Batman: Streets of Gotham # 14 is definitely a mixed-bag read.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

There’s a five-page preview of Green Lantern: Emerald Warriors # 1 entitled “Last Will,” starring Guy Gardner. In the “DC Nation” column, DC Senior Story Editor Ian Sattler hypes a cryptic Brightest Day black-and-white image The same promo image earlier appears in vivid color as a two-page ad.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 5½ Stars

BATDANCE (by Prince: 1989 music video)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date March 25, 2022

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 6:14 Min.

In the spring/summer of relentless ‘Bat-hype,’ Prince released MTV’s Batdance music video to promote both the 1989 film, Batman, and his own accompanying soundtrack.

Playing dual roles as himself in a ‘Batcave’ and as his nefarious Joker-like counterpart, Prince exuberantly performs the upbeat pop/dance/funk fusion track. Back-up singer-dancers clad as Batman (or really more man-sized bats), the Joker, & Vicki Vale are incorporated. Also interspersed in the video are audio clips of Michael Keaton, Jack Nicholson, & Kim Basinger in character from Batman.

Notably, this music video has appeared as an extra on the film’s DVD and Blu-Ray releases.

REVIEW:

Though the song risks overstaying its welcome, Prince’s visual creativity conjures up one of the most original soundtrack music videos ever produced. Designed for teens and above, Prince’s video also cleverly succeeds in baiting viewers into wanting to see the film.

Still, there are two glaring parental caveats. First, on his hands and knees, Prince’s lascivious smirk up at the cameras while smugly crawling, tunnel-like, between the legs of his Vicki Vale impersonators comes off as both vulgar and just plain creepy. Then there is Prince’s unnecessary profanity just prior to the end of the song, which makes no sense. In either instance, the inevitability of young kids viewing Prince’s suggestive video makes such optics an irresponsible choice.

Assuming Prince was given full creative control, that might explain why Warner Bros., and/or DC Comics let him get away with over-sexualizing the song. Then again, selling movie tickets and Bat-merchandise probably meant the video’s corporate sponsors couldn’t have cared less.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 5½ Stars

Comic Books & Graphic Novels Marvel Comics

THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN # 515 (2005 MARVEL Comics)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date March 25, 2022

Written by J. Michael Straczynski

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

Flashback Art by Mark Brooks; Jaime Mendoza; & Brian Reber

Cover Art by Gary Frank & Richard Isanove

SUMMARY:

Entitled “Skin Deep, Part 1 of 4,” Marvel Comics released this issue for February 2005. High school teacher Peter Parker briefly advises scientist/inventor Charlie Weiderman in his former classmate’s efforts obtaining a sizable grant from Tony Stark. After Charlie awkwardly exaggerates to Stark the level of Peter’s involvement, Stark trusts Peter’s friend at his word.

Peter recalls how his new high school classmate, Charlie, was mercilessly bullied and was likely abused at home. Worse yet, young Peter was grateful that the hapless Charlie became the favored target of the same bullies who had previously tormented him. Despite their personality similarities, Peter regrets even joining at times to his lonely classmate’s detriment.

In the present-day, Peter is instantly suspicious when Stark Enterprises contacts him for a project update. Specifically, Stark’s company erroneously believes he is supervising Charlie’s liquid body armor experiments. Realizing that Charlie’s deceptions include testing vibranium without proper safety measures, Peter angrily gives his ambitious friend an ultimatum. Yet, it may be too late.

REVIEW:

Reminiscent of Stan Lee-Steve Ditko’s Spider-Man plot playbook, writer J. Michael Straczynski solidly updates the concept. Specifically, one can sense what’s coming from the get-go: how young Peter’s friend secretly displays a darker, more ruthless side before later succumbing to a bizarre science-related disaster.

Still, Straczynski’s choice to devise the plot from an adult Peter’s remorseful perspective is well-played. Clearly, Straczynski excels at making Peter’s down-to-earth personality relatable to fans — i.e. his own shame re: poorly treating Charlie years before. Such attention to plausible personality traits makes it easier to forgive this storyline’s general unoriginality.

Furthermore, including the use of actor Jason Priestley‘s likeness to model Peter’s facial features, this issue’s art squad does excellent work. Despite all its formulaic elements, The Amazing Spider-Man # 515 still delivers a terrific read.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Marvel’s Joe Quesada offers a brief “Cupo’ Joe” column.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 Stars

Comic Books & Graphic Novels Marvel Comics

THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN # 280 & MARVEL TALES # 288 (1986 & 1994 MARVEL Comics)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date March 25, 2022

Written by Tom DeFalco

Art by Ron Frenz; Brett Breeding; Jose Rosen; & Paul J. Becton

Original Cover Art by Ron Frenz & Brett Breeding

Marvel Tales Cover Art by Scott Kolins

SUMMARY:

Entitled “Introducing the Sinister Syndicate!,” Marvel Comics released this issue for September 1986. At Coney Island, mercenaries Spider-Man & Silver Sable must face the combined onslaught of the Beetle, Rhino, Boomerang, Speed Demon, and Hydro Man dubbing themselves ‘The Sinister Syndicate.’ Amidst the fight, a cash-hungry Spidey has a flashback explaining why he agreed to take freelance work partnering with Sable – specifically, capturing Jack O’Lantern for a bounty.

Upon his initial refusal, Peter Parker changes his mind to help with Flash Thompson’s increasing legal defense woes. Another of Flash’s woes is Betty Leeds, who must decide between an incarcerated Flash and her estranged husband, Ned. Elsewhere, other players such the Kingpin, Mary Jane Watson, Roderick Kingsley, the masked Rose, and the mysterious Hobgoblin make appearances in interwoven sub-plots.

With an injured Spider-Man and Silver Sable wearing down, the overpowering Syndicate moves in for the kill. As an unmasked Jack O’Lantern gloats, another wildcard may be entering Coney Island’s battle royale: the Sandman!

This issue was subsequently reprinted as Marvel Tales # 288 for August 1994.

REVIEW:

Deftly working multiple sub-plots, writer Tom DeFalco spins a thrill-packed Spidey adventure. Further bolstered by the art squad’s solid visuals (minus Mary Jane’s hideous 80’s hairdo), The Amazing Spider-Man # 280 is a welcome gem for Spider-nostalgia fans. Definitely recommended!

Visually, its Marvel Tales # 288 reprint appears freshly re-inked, as compared to the faded Issue # 280.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The original issue has a “Bullpen Bulletins/Checklist,” and a single-page “The Spider’s Web” letters-and-answers column. Its Marvel Tales counterpart has its own “Bullpen Bulletins/Checklist,” and a full-page reprint of the Frenz/Breeding cover.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars