Month: April 2022

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

PRETTY IN PINK {1986’s Pretty in Pink} (by The Psychedelic Furs: VH1 – The Big 80’s — The Big Movies)

SUMMARY:                                    RUNNING TIME: 4:41 Min.

Recorded by British New Wave band, The Psychedelic Furs, this tune headlines the soundtrack for the 1986 same-named Molly Ringwald film.  Among other collections, the song would subsequently resurface on 1998’s VH1: The Big 80’s – The Big Movies compilation album.

REVIEW:

It’s a fun throwback to 80’s New Wave pop.  “Pretty in Pink” is an upbeat treat to hear anytime on ‘80s New Wave/nostalgia pop and/or soundtrack playlists.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                7 Stars

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

MY HEART WILL GO ON (by Celine Dion: Titanic movie soundtrack)

SUMMARY:                         RUNNING TIME: 5:10 Min.

As the love song narrating the end credits of James Cameron’s 1997 Oscar-winning film, this poignant track was recorded by Celine Dion.  Among its numerous accolades are wins at the 1998 Golden Globes, the 1998 Oscars, and the 1999 Grammys.

Note: The song was simultaneously recorded for inclusion on Dion’s 1997 album, Let’s Talk About Love.

REVIEW:

In the context of the film’s closing credits, Celine Dion’s track is superb.  Unabashedly romantic (or sentimentally mushy, if you will), it’s up to the individual listener how well Dion’s signature hit has aged. 

Just hearing actress Kate Winslet’s public comments — suffice to say, she has allegedly has been subjected to this track far, far too often.  This dilemma stems not only from its overwhelming radio overexposure (much like Bryan Adams’ 1991 smash hit “Everything I Do (I Do It For You)” for Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves), but also perhaps from Dion’s own grandiose performance. 

To her credit, Dion’s voice gracefully ignites composer Will Jennings’ lyrics and James Horner’s gorgeous melody.  Its wistful spirit harkens back to the kind of heartfelt romanticism that powers Helen Reddy’s “Candle on the Water,” from the original Pete’s Dragon.  In that sense, hearing this track for the first time can be stunning.     

Even if Dion’s performance over-extends itself, “My Heart Will Go On” is still terrific when heard every once so often.  Much like Reddy’s timeless “Candle on the Water,” it’s an undeniable showstopper.          

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                     8 Stars

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

WONDER WOMAN (DC UNIVERSE REBIRTH), VOLUME 2: YEAR ONE (DC Comics)

Written by Greg Rucka

Art by Nicola Scott; Bilquis Evely (for “Interlude” only); Romulo Fajardo Jr.; & Jodi Wynne

Covers & Collection Covert Art by Nicola Scott & Romulo Fajardo Jr.

SUMMARY:

Released by DC Comics in 2017, this 168-page trade paperback compiles Wonder Woman # 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, & 14 (all from 2016-2017).  Initially paralleling their lives, glimpses of Diana, Princess of the Amazons, and U.S. Navy SEAL Lt. Steve Trevor are seen.  Soon after Diana recovers from a viper’s poisonous bite, she and her fellow Amazons witness the mid-air explosion of Trevor’s military jet before its remnants surface on Themyscira’s beach. 

To battle the world’s evils far beyond its shores, an Amazonian tournament decrees its lone champion accompany Trevor (the tragedy’s lone survivor) back to modern civilization.  Leaving her homeland, Diana willingly sacrifices enchanted immortality, as well as the option of someday returning to Themyscira. 

Despite her noble intentions, Diana finds herself overwhelmed, confused, and, for a lack of any better idea by the U.S. military, unjustly incarcerated.  Only the help of archaeologist Dr. Barbara Ann Minerva, as her translator, helps Diana start to slowly acclimate.  Gaining vast new gifts from the disguised gods, Diana displays enhanced physical powers to accompany her impervious silver bracelets and mystical golden lasso. 

Minerva ominously deduces the anagram of the SEAR terrorist group once Diana, Steve, & Etta Candy partially thwart an insidious attack upon a San Diego mall. It’s soon up to Diana to face her most formidable adversary defending humanity from chaotic and deadly violence fueled by pure hate.  Ultimately, the world concocts the legendary alternate name for which Diana becomes synonymous with.     

In “Interlude,” long before her transformation into the Cheetah, Dr. Barbara Ann Minerva’s origin is revealed.  Dating back to her childhood, Minerva’s fascination with myth becomes an adult obsession to find the present location of the Amazons.  Hence, will Steve Trevor be the first mortal to discover Themyscira? 

Note: This title has been subsequently released as an expanded, hardcover ‘deluxe’ edition.

REVIEW:

Retreading iconic turf, Writer Greg Rucka’s plotting is consistently solid, as are the art team’s painting-like visuals.  Despite Rucka’s depiction of Steve Trevor as more of a dim-witted hunk than a savvy Navy SEAL, the storyline delivers solid entertainment. 

Of particular note is a naïve Diana’s plausible exploration of 21st Century cultural nuances amidst her own sense of awe and wonder.  Her obligatory battle against the same godly nemesis Gal Gadot’s live-action incarnation faces isn’t action-packed like the film, but it is satisfying enough.  The same applies to Diana’s initial friendship with another future enemy.  Dr. Minerva’s slow-brewing envy (and eventual betrayal) of Wonder Woman now makes more sense from the get-go.  

Believably presenting her as alien to the mortal world, Wonder Woman, Volume 2: Year One is a welcome read setting up Diana’s DC Universe Rebirth continuity.     

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

In a full-page format, Nicola Scott & Romulo Fajardo Jr.’s original cover precedes each issue in color followed by a sketch-like, black-and-white version).  There’s a variant cover gallery (all in a full-page format): artist Frank Cho for Issues # 2, 4, & 6; and then artist Jenny Frison for Issues # 8, 10, 12, & 14.   

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                      7 Stars

Categories
Classical Digital Songs & Albums Individual Tracks (Digital Albums & Singles) Music & Radio Shows Soundtracks (Digital)

PSYCHO – SUITE FOR STRINGS III. THE SWAMP {Cover} (by Jura Margulis: The Most Frightening Music in the Universe)

SUMMARY:                         RUNNING TIME: 2:33 Min.

In homage to composer Bernard Hermann’s score for 1960’s Psycho film, Russian pianist Jura Margulis contributes this orchestral track.  This instrumental cover appears on the 2009 classical compilation album: The Most Frightening Music in the Universe.

REVIEW:

Despite the instantly ominous undertone, this track quickly becomes too quiet.  Listeners will have to crank up the volume just to capture the instrumental’s full effect.  Possessing a remarkably authentic sound, this cover succeeds in conjuring up one’s imagination of Anthony Perkins as the original Norman Bates. 

Yet, the track is likely too short to leave enough of a lasting impression, as far as being a solo download option.      

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                             4 Stars

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Digital Movies & TV DVD Movies & Television (Videos) TV Series WWF/WWE (Pro Wrestling)

“MACHO MAN” RANDY SAVAGE, “ROWDY” RODDY PIPER, & “HACKSAW” JIM DUGGAN VS. “NATURE BOY” RIC FLAIR, JAKE “THE SNAKE” ROBERTS, & WWF WORLD CHAMPION THE UNDERTAKER (WWF Wrestling Challenge: Broadcast December 2, 1991)

SUMMARY:                      RUNNING TIME: 14:36 Min.

It’s unclear if this six-man tag match was recorded or broadcast on December 2, 1991, as the main event of a syndicated WWF Wrestling Challenge TV taping.  Either way,  the bout ‘occurs’ in the aftermath of the controversial 1991 Survivor Series on the day before the WWF’s next Pay-Per-View: This Tuesday in Texas. 

On one side is the preening, self-proclaimed ‘Real World’s Champion’ -“Nature Boy” Ric Flair (with his sidekick, “Mr. Perfect” Curt Hennig), Jake “The Snake” Roberts, and the controversial WWF World Champion: The Undertaker (with his handler, Paul Bearer).  Their charismatic opposition is “Rowdy” Roddy Piper, “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan, and a newly reinstated “Macho Man” Randy Savage (appearing without his then-wife, Elizabeth). Noticeably, Savage isn’t as lithe as he previously was. 

This rare TV grudge match is included on 2018’s three-disc Randy Savage Unreleased: The Unseen Matches of the Macho Man.    

REVIEW:

Including excellent picture quality, this fun six-man showdown is a nostalgic throwback to the waning days of WWF/WWE’s best star-studded era.  The match’s actual length is deceptively short considering how much time is eaten up by each star’s solo entrance.  It’s also hardly a shocker that the Undertaker dominates most of his in-ring time, though it’s cool to see Hacksaw (as compared to Hulk Hogan) get in a few good licks. 

Though the individual scoring the victory is practically a given, what’s remarkable is really more who takes the clean fall, given his ultra-obnoxious push (as seemingly unbeatable) at the time.  Suffice to say, one gets a satisfying sneak peek of what’s coming months later at WrestleMania VIII in April 1992.    

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                    6½ Stars

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Digital Movies & TV Movies & Television (Videos) TV Episodes & Movies TV Series TV Series (Specific Episodes)

MURDER, SHE WROTE: UNFINISHED BUSINESS (Season 3: Episode 3)

SUMMARY:                            RUNNING TIME: 47:00 Min.

First broadcast by CBS-TV, on October 12, 1986, Walter Grauman directed this episode off a script from Jackson Gillis. 

Newly retired (for the third time), cantankerous police Lt. Detective Barney Kale (Hingle) postpones a trip-around-the-world going-away present from a grateful mayor.  Instead, Kale publicly announces his intent to privately sleuth a controversial accidental drowning of city attorney Lowell Dixon years before at secluded Juniper Lake.  Kale vehemently believes that Dixon was eliminated to head off investigating a shady property development deal in progress at the lake. 

Blatantly re-opening personal wounds, Kale baits several of his ‘old’ suspects back to the lake’s cabin retreat property, including Dr. Seth Hazlitt (Windom).  Worried about Seth’s emotional state, Jessica Fletcher & Sheriff Amos Tupper’s (Bosley) search for their friend takes them to the lake, too. 

Shortly thereafter, an overnight homicide occurs, as well as an attempted murder of Kale himself.  When a disheveled Seth finally turns up, he is again among Juniper Lake’s suspects.  Yet, Jessica deduces that something else potentially sinister is brewing.

Jessica Fletcher: Angela Lansbury

Sheriff Amos Tupper: Tom Bosley

Dr. Seth Hazlitt: William Windom

Cynthia Tate: Hayley Mills

Maggie Roberts: Erin Moran

Gary Roberts: Erich Anderson

Dr. Terence Mayhew: Lloyd Bochner

Lt. Detective Barney Kale: Pat Hingle

Jake Sanford: Don DeFore

Sheriff McCoy: J.D. Cannon

Deputies: James Bartz & Phillip Clark

Ethel: Connie Sawyer

Mayor: William Mims

REVIEW:

Aside from Bosley & Moran’s mini-Happy Days reunion, this early Murder, She Wrote exudes an intriguingly ominous tinge.  Supported by a veteran guest cast, Angela Lansbury keeps viewers mostly tuned into the ‘mystery’ of Juniper Lake, past and present.  Clues are fair enough, though the more tantalizing mystery (Lowell Dixon’s death) is left unresolved, if only to avoid an ultra-convenient, cookie-cutter finish.  Speaking of the finish, it’s surprisingly abrupt, as there’s no epilogue or even a sufficient last bit of dialogue – a rarity for this series. 

“Unfinished Business,” overall, is a good episode worth catching.  Still, one wishes it could have gone a few minutes longer to better wrap up what should have been a satisfying whodunnit.     

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                     6 Stars

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Digital Movies & TV Movies & Television (Videos) TV Episodes & Movies TV Series TV Series (Specific Episodes)

MURDER, SHE WROTE: PAINT ME A MURDER (Season 1: Episode 15)

SUMMARY:                     APPROX. RUNNING TIME: 47:00 Min.

First broadcast by CBS-TV, on February 17, 1985, John Llewellyn Moxey directed this episode off the show’s co-creator/executive producer Peter S. Fischer’s script. 

Celebrated painter Diego Santana’s (Romero) family is hosting several friends, including Jessica Fletcher (Lansbury), on his secluded Mediterranean island.  After evading one attempted homicide disguised as a mere accident, Diego confides in Jessica that he believes one of his guests intends to kill him. 

Besides the invitees, there’s also an artist-in-residence (Keats) that Diego sponsors who evidently intends to sleep with Diego’s far-younger wife (Raines).  Another wild card is Diego’s roguish adult son (Allende), who might not hesitate to expedite a potential windfall of an inheritance, if the opportunity arises.       

After one guest falls mysteriously ill, Jessica teams with a British police inspector (Moody) to bodyguard their charitable friend.  Yet, tragedy later ensues, as homicide and arson leaves Jessica trapped on this remote island with a greedy killer.

Jessica Fletcher: Angela Lansbury

Diego Santana: Cesar Romero

Margo Santana: Cristina Raines

Belle Chaney: Capucine

Stefan Conrad: Steven Keats

Inspector Henry Kyle: Ron Moody

Miguel Santana: Fernando Allende

Elaine McComber: Judy Geeson

Willard Kaufmann: Robert Goulet

Sir John Landry: Stewart Granger

Antonio: Pepe Hern

REVIEW:

Reminiscent in its glamorous style to Agatha Christie’s storytelling, “Paint Me a Murder” is mostly well-played.  Terrific chemistry amongst the cast and leisurely imagery ably compensates for some late telegraphing hints of the culprit’s identity.  For instance, Jessica’s unlikely deductions rely on art world backroom info that she shouldn’t have been able to confirm, given the episode’s secluded (and pre-internet) circumstances. 

Still, this early Murder, She Wrote proves a channel surfing treat to watch.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:               6 Stars

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Categories
DVD Movies & Television (Videos) TV Episodes & Movies TV Series

MORK & MINDY: THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON

SUMMARY:                 RUNNING TIME: 10 Hours, 35 Min.

Released by Paramount Television in 2004, the Complete First Season from 1978-79 consists of twenty-four episodes (in standard-screen).  The first of which is the double-length ‘pilot episode,’ guest-starring Henry Winkler (as The Fonz) and Penny Marshall (as Laverne DeFazio). Specifically, Mork relates to his new friend, Mindy, an extended flashback of his previously-unrevealed follow-up visit to Happy Days’ Milwaukee of the 1950’s. 

Per his long-suffering superior, Orson, Mork, from the distant planet, Ork, is assigned to covertly observe Earthlings; in other words, it’s a conveniently indefinite means of exiling the rebellious young alien. Mork’s egg-like starship lands outside Boulder, Colorado of 1978.  Taken in by good-natured college student/music store employee, Mindy McConnell, the ultra-eccentric Mork finds himself awkwardly acclimating to present-day Earth’s cultural norms.  Meanwhile, Mindy’s compassionate friendship becomes increasingly important to him. 

Contemplating the strange and sometimes senseless behaviors humans demonstrate, Mork reports back his findings to Orson telepathically. Most episodes conclude with Mork inferring a poignant thought as a parting gift to viewers.  

The regular cast is: Robin Williams (as Mork); Pam Dawber (as Mindy McConnell); Conrad Janis (as Mindy’s dad, Fred McConnell); and Elizabeth Kerr (as Cora, Mindy’s grandmother/Fred’s mother-in-law).  Other notable guest stars include Tom Poston (as grumpy Mr. Bickley), Morgan Fairchild, Don Galloway, and David Letterman.  

Disc: 1

  1. The Mork & Mindy Special
  2. Mork Moves In
  3. Mork Runs Away
  4. Mork in Love
  5. Mork’s Seduction
  6. Mork Goes Public

Disc: 2

  • To Tell the Truth
  • Mork the Gullible
  • A Mommy for Morky
  • Mork’s Greatest Hits (note: It’s not a clip show)
  • Old Fears
  • Mork’s First Christmas

Disc: 3

  1. Mork and the Immigrant
  2. Mork the Tolerant
  3. Young Love
  4. Sky Flakes Keep Falling on My Head
  5. Mork Goes Erk
  6. Yes Sir, That’s My Baby

Disc: 2

  1. Mork’s Mixed Emotions (note: TV Guide rated it as ‘One of the Greatest Episodes in TV History’)
  2. Mork’s Night Out
  3. In Mork We Trust
  4. Mork Runs Down
  5. It’s a Wonderful Mork
  6. Mork’s Best Friend

Note: All four seasons are also available as a Complete Series DVD set.

REVIEW:

It’s generally accepted that Mork & Mindy’s wild and wacky first season is the program’s best due to its outrageously fresh yet clean gags and arguably the best cast chemistry.  In that sense, though the show was absolutely a Robin Williams showcase, the reactive performances of Pam Dawber, Conrad Janis, Elizabeth Kerr, & Tom Poston were also invaluable to its success.  Without their talents selling relatable bewilderment, Williams’ energetic, off-the-wall improvisations (plus the necessary special effects) wouldn’t be nearly as hilarious. 

These two dozen episodes best represent why a previously-unknown Williams skyrocketed to stardom, even if some of the show’s plots resorted to formulaic sitcom premises.  Still, ABC-TV insisted on numerous creative tweaks after Season 1 that ultimately led to the show’s likely merciful cancellation in 1982 (after four seasons of Mork’s ongoing mission).

The more relevant issue becomes: how well does Mork & Mindy’s best season age forty-four years later?  The answer is ironic considering that Dawber and the supporting cast remain very watchable.  Yet, Williams’ extraordinary surplus of gonzo antics means that a little Mork goes a long way.  Hence, the show’s incessant silliness may prove hard for contemporary adults to sit still through full episodes. 

If anything, Mork & Mindy’s nostalgic first season best serves as reliable entertainment for kids who haven’t yet experienced Robin Williams in his exuberant PG-friendly prime.

BONUS FEATURES:

None.

PACKAGING:

Each disc possesses its own plastic case.  The case’s exterior identifies the disc’s six episodes.  The case interior provides episode summaries and initial airdates.    

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                      7 Stars

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

MARVEL KNIGHTS 4 (FANTASTIC FOUR), VOLUME 3: DIVINE TIME (MARVEL Comics)

Written by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa

Art by Jim Muniz; Scott Hanna; Jim Royal; Derek Fridolfs; Brian Reber; & Dave Sharpe

Collection Cover Art by Greg Land; Mark Morales; & Justin Ponsor

SUMMARY:

Released by Marvel Comics in 2005, this 144-page paperback compiles Marvel Knights 4 # 13-18 (from 2004-2005).  Although the initial two-parter appears untitled, it’s evidently named after the French horror movie it homages: “Eyes Without a Face.”  With the Fantastic Four now back to its normal business, Mr. Fantastic takes the Thing and Human Torch on an interdimensional mission exploring a possible distress signal. Unbeknownst to the team, the psychotic Puppet Master has become obsessed with restoring the eyesight of his blind niece, Alicia Masters. 

After multiple horrific failures, the Puppet Master abducts a mesmerized Invisible Woman to forcibly acquire her cosmically-enhanced eyes for surgical transplant into Alicia.  Both drugged by her uncle’s hypnotic clay, Alicia and a powerless Susan Storm Richards are on their own to fend off an axe-wielding Puppet Master.  Daredevil, Captain America, & Iron Man make cameo appearances. 

Next up is the four-part “Divine Time,” as eight minutes of reality have gone missing. With their celebration of young Franklin’s Little League team victory interrupted, the team accepts an enigmatic mission correcting chronal anomalies.  With Reed, Sue, & Ben Grimm trapped in pre-Ancient Egypt, their best chance to return to the present-day lies with the last person Mr. & Mrs. Richards expect to see. 

Meanwhile, Johnny Storm finds himself in a parallel Earth’s alternate future where Dr. Doom is its ultimate despot.  Encountering someone eerily familiar, Johnny realizes the Richards family’s youngest child has become this world’s last hope. 

In the present-day, Franklin and H.E.R.B.I.E. are being held captive by the vindictive Ramades the Pharoah (and one-upping son of Kang).  Once reassembled, the Fantastic Four realizes that it’ll take three resourceful generations of the Richards clan to thwart the power-hungry Ramades … that is, if there’s still time.     

Note: Issues # 13-14 closely mirrors the 1976 horror movie, “Mansion of the Doomed,” as it’s titled in the U.S.  More significantly, both plots date back to the 1960 French horror film, “Les Veux Sans Visage” (aka “Eyes Without a Face”). 

REVIEW:

Solidly illustrated and competently plotted, Marvel Knights 4, Volume 3: Divine Time is a relatively good read.  Though unlikely to attract new readers to the franchise, the unrelated storylines split the difference between fantasy-horror and an all-ages time-travel adventure.  Though instances of obvious gore are only implied, the initial two-parter has enough chilling moments that excludes “Eyes Without a Face” as a kid-friendly read.

Exploring “Divine Time,” younger readers may find its time-traveling ramifications confusing, or, even to some degree, boring.  Still, writer Roberto Aguirre-Sacassa (no matter how improbably) incorporates Franklin’s sub-plot well enough that kids should be able to relate to its visuals.  Also, each of the Fantastic Four (plus the unofficial fifth member, whether or not it’s son Franklin, daughter Valeria, or H.E.R.B.I.E.) receive welcome opportunities to shine.

Overall, this volume isn’t necessarily a long-term keeper, but Fantastic Four buffs should still be pleased.    

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

A half-page briefly summarizes prior Marvel Knights 4 storylines.  Each full-page cover precedes its story.  The  cover artists are: # 13 (Frank Cho & Chris Sotomayor);  # 14 (as seen above); # 15 (Steve McNiven, Mark Morales, & Morry “MO!” Hollowell); # 16 (Tony Harris); # 17 (McNiven, Morales, & Hollowell); and # 18 (Mike Deodato Jr.).

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                        6 Stars

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

MARVEL KNIGHTS 4 (FANTASTIC FOUR), VOLUME 1: WOLF AT THE DOOR (MARVEL Comics)

Written by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa

Art by Steve McNiven; Mark Morales; “Morry “MO!” Hollowell; & Virtual Calligraphy’s Randy Gentile

Collection Cover Art by Steve McNiven

SUMMARY:

Released by Marvel Comics in 2004, this 168-page paperback compiles Marvel Knights 4 # 1-7 (also from 2004).  The first arc is the four-part “Wolf at the Door,” as the team unexpectedly faces a financial nightmare.  With their government funding revoked combined with a crooked accountant’s machinations, the Fantastic Four is imperiled by sudden bankruptcy, as well as eviction from The Baxter Building. 

Struggling with a new status quo (including the need for blue-collar jobs), it’s up to level-headed Sue Richards to lead and protect her family’s fracturing unity, as even her genius husband can’t resolve this predicament fast enough.  Ultimately, the Fantastic Four is forced to swallow its pride, along with multiple humility pills. i.e. how to best explain the matter to a very confused young Franklin Richards on his eighth birthday. 

While his family adjusts to new jobs and moving into a cramped apartment, Reed finds himself contemplating how he can be a better Mr. Fantastic for his family’s sake.  Last to take the initiative of helping his family stay afloat, 25-year old Johnny Storm takes a potentially major step towards maturity. Quick cameos include Tony Stark, She-Hulk, and Captain America. 

As chronicled in the three-part “Pine Barrens,” Sue, Reed, and Ben Grimm supervise Franklin and four of his friends on a camping trip into the remote New Jersey Pine Barrens.  Amidst peculiar interaction with locals and two publicity-thirsty filmmakers, the Richards/Grimm party soon encounters the horrific truth behind the local legend long dubbed ‘The Jersey Devil.’ 

Forced to protect Franklin and his defenseless buddies without her family, Sue alone faces a bloodthirsty alien horde.  Even Reed & Ben are hard-pressed to fend off the aliens, as their last hope may be the team’s most powerful and indomitable asset. 

Notes: One of Reed’s subplots poignantly concludes in Marvel Knights 4, Volume 5: The Resurrection of Nicholas Scratch.  Dialogue establishes that the Fantastic Four has been established for approximately a decade.  Hence, that timeline puts Sue at 29-31 now and that Johnny was only about 15-16 when he became the Human Torch.

REVIEW:

This volume’s creative team is definitely on their game.  Justifying the art squad’s superb visuals, Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa’s scripting ensures that every plot twist scores – even down to Johnny’s shallow love life with an equally self-absorbed supermodel. 

Thought it would have made logical sense, story-wise, to depict the team seeking legal consultation from Jennifer Walters’ She-Hulk, Aguirre-Sacasa’s decision to have the Fantastic Four fending for itself comes off as very plausible.  The scene of Reed politely declining Tony Stark’s offer of financial aid/housing speaks for itself.

The nightmarish camping trip arc proves another winner, though Reed’s new shape-shifting power is far too convenient, given the story’s dire circumstances.  If anything, Aguirre-Sacasa’s consistent storytelling spells out why Susan Storm Richards is the team’s heart, and soul, not to mention Volume 1’s MVP.  Hence, Marvel Knights 4, Volume 1: Wolf at the Door is a gem for Fantastic Four fans, as well as adults who appreciates a satisfying and well-produced graphic novel.  

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

In a full-page format, each cover precedes its story.  The cover artists are: Steve McNiven (Issues # 1-2, and 6-7); and McNiven, Mark Morales, & Morry “MO!” Hollowell (Issues # 3-5).  The four-page “Evolution of a Page” goes from script to Issue # 4’s fourth page.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                      8½ Stars