Month: April 2022

Written by Peter J. Tomasi

Art by Doug Mahnke; Christian Alamy; Rodney Ramos; Nei Ruffino; & John J. Hill

Cover Art ‘Silver’ by J. G. Jones

Cover Art ‘Variant’ by Doug Mahnke; Christian Alamy; & David Baron

SUMMARY:

Entitled “Caretakers of Mars,” DC Comics released this Final Crisis one-shot for September 2008.  As previously depicted in Final Crisis, an abducted J’onn J’onzz – the Martian Manhunter is seen systemically tortured, and then sadistically murdered by Libra’s forces. 

Including a memorial service and later a funeral on Mars, the extended Justice League family grieves (and privately rages) over their longtime friend’s still-to-be-avenged death.  Including Batman, Hal Jordan’s Green Lantern, & Black Canary, selected Leaguers experience and recite J’onn’s telepathic epitaph reflecting upon what he held important in his life.  His legacy, in essence, now belongs to Mars and at last rejoining his long-dead family.   

REVIEW:

Unquestionably, the visuals are of stellar quality.  Peter Tomasi’s poignant scripting of the Justice League both before and after J’onn J’onzz’s funeral is befitting of the character’s iconic status.  However, Tomasi’s prolonged torture and execution scenes (expanding upon what is seen in Final Crisis) are still an ugly excuse for entertainment. 

For DC’s hardcore fans, Requiem is likely a keeper, but its plotting is decidedly a mixed bag.     

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

DC’s Senior Story Editor, Ian Sattler, pens a “DC Nation” column, which includes thumbnail cover reveals for Joker’s Asylum: Penguin #1; Booster Gold # 1,000,000; & Final Crisis # 3.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                          6 Stars

‘SILVER’

VARIANT

Written by Brad Meltzer

Art by Adam Kubert; John Dell; Joe Kubert; Alex Sinclair; & Rob Leigh

Cover Art ‘A’ by Adam Kubert; Joe Kubert; & Nei Rufino

Cover Art ‘B’ by Adam Kubert; John Dell; & Laura Martin

SUMMARY:

Released by DC Comics for October 2008, this one-shot occurs amidst ominous events seen in Final Crisis.  DC’s heroes on Earth sense that the end is indeed coming.  As briefly depicted in various scenes, heroes (including Batman & Robin, Starfire, Wally West’s Flash, Grace Choi, and Clark Kent, among others) seek peace and solace in their personal lives. 

Though his old friend, Black Lightning, and the Challengers’ Rocky Davis try dissuading him, Geo-Force decides it’s time to seek personal vengeance against Deathstroke.  In grisly fashion, Geo-Force’s showdown with his sister’s killer takes some unexpected turns.   

REVIEW:

As excellent as the visual quality and dialogue both are, Brad Meltzer’s storyline is still an excessively depressing read.  The evident resolution to the Geo-Force vs. Deathstroke feud, in particular, will be intriguing to some, but it sure isn’t satisfying entertainment. 

For hardcore DC Universe fans, this one-shot may be worthwhile.  For casual readers (and especially elementary school kids), however, DC Universe: Last Will and Testament # 1 should be considered a pass.   

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Penned by Dan DiDio’s purported executive assistant, Simona, the “DC Nation” column features thumbnail covers for Ambush Bug: Year None # 2; Teen Titans # 62; and Trinity # 13.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                             5 Stars

A

B

Written by Devin Grayson

Art by Jim Balent; John Stanisci; Roberta Tewes; & Albert De Guzman

Cover Art by Jim Balent; Sheri Van Valkenburgh; & Mada Design

SUMMARY:

Entitled “Bank on It,” DC Comics released this issue for September 1998.  At a Gotham City bank, Selina “Catwoman” Kyle is chagrined that her overnight diamond heist is rudely interrupted by armed robbers.  Playing the role of a hostage, Catwoman must outwit the would-be thieves to rescue the captive bank employees. 

Still, the question remains: can she still pull off her own heist under the noses of the bank, the bumbling thieves, and the trigger-happy Gotham City police?    

REVIEW:

Bolstered by upper-tier visuals (including the cover image), Devin Grayson’s bank heist tale is an enjoyable Cat-caper, no matter how routine it really is.  Grayson’s depiction of an undercover Selina savvily playing up both sides of a hostage crisis, for instance, is vintage Catwoman.  Reminiscent of Bill Murray’s 1990 comedy, “Quick Change,” Catwoman # 61 delivers a welcome trifle for Selina’s fans. 

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Along with a “Watch This Space” column, there’s a two-page “Copy Cats” letters-and-answers column.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                   6 Stars

Written by Doug Moench

Art by Jim Balent; Ray McCarthy; Buzz Setzer; & Albert De Guzman

Cover Art by Jim Balent; Sheri Van Valkenburgh; & Tasty Fried Color

SUMMARY:

Entitled “Stolen Yesterdays,” DC Comics released this issue for January 1997.  Selina “Catwoman” Kyle is bored during some much-needed downtime.  Irked by a federal wiping of Selina’s criminal record, Commissioner Gordon assigns GCPD Detective Moreland McShane to track down Catwoman for outstanding local crimes.  Perpetually recording his ongoing analysis of Selina’s known history and criminal habits, McShane tries baiting her through the press.

Realizing a favorite piece of loot with her incriminating fingerprints on it was left in an old hideout, Selina races McShane to the site.  The hideout’s contents is now buried beneath a demolished building’s rubble in a ravaged neighborhood dubbed  ‘The City of the Dead.’  Both Selina and McFarland encounter rival scavenging gangs: the masked Zombies and, reminiscent of the Star Wars Tusken Raiders, the Reapers. 

Even if Selina beats McFarland to the prized golden relic, he may well stumble upon something even more invaluable.

REVIEW:

Though Commissioner Gordon’s vendetta against Selina is intriguing, Doug Moench’s script is otherwise plagued by contrived twists.  For instance, though implied as an ex-U.S. Marine, the hunky McShane doesn’t come off as a believable cop – he resembles a generic action movie star playing a macho cop.  Had Moench chosen either Harvey Bullock or Renee Montoya to pursue Selina, that would have been a much better read.    

Later, between McFarland digging through a building’s rubble with a mere shovel and two preposterous street gangs, Selina’s reliable presence only disguises such eye-rolling scenes so much.  While the art squad’s visuals are generally excellent (i.e. the cover image), the plotting of Catwoman # 41 is forgettable.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

There’s a single-page “Copy Cats” letters-and-answers column.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                    4½ Stars