Month: June 2023

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GIRL TAKING OVER: A LOIS LANE STORY (DC Comics)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date June 30, 2023

Written by Sarah Kuhn.

Art by Arielle Jovellanos; Olivia Pecini; Melanie Ujimori; & Sam Lotfi.

Cover Art by Arielle Jovellanos; Olivia Pecini; & Melanie Ujimori.

SUMMARY:

Released by DC Comics in 2023, this 185-page Young Adult graphic novel re-imagines Lois Lane as an ultra-ambitious 18-year-old first-generation Asian American high school graduate seeking her first big break.

For the summer prior to pursuing a journalism degree at the University of Metropolis, Lois (or “Lo-chan,” as her doting mother calls her) embraces a promising internship with Cat Grant’s urban website in National City. If anything, she is at least far away from her quaint and excessively dull hometown of Macville – evidently located somewhere on the West Coast.

Lois considers this big city gig a precursor to phenomenal career accomplishments awaiting her back East at The Daily Planet someday. Yet, first she finds out that her mother has secretly arranged for Miki Mahara (Lois’ long-estranged, ex-best friend) as a summer roommate. Suffice to say, there is instant friction between Lois & Miki’s vibrant yet seemingly dissimilar personalities.

Note: It isn’t clarified if Lois & Miki are in fact cousins, as they evidently share an ‘Uncle Ronnie.’

Lois’ ‘epic’ life plan further unravels the next day as her professional idol, Cat Grant, is summarily dismissed due to corporate chicanery leaving Lois reduced to a coffee gofer. Later defending an artistic Miki’s principles to avant-garde actor/theater owner Dante Alexander, Lois smells a rat.

Having confirmed Alexander’s fraudulent scheme, Lois is dismayed that her snide boss, Bradley Beauregard Belmont (aka Triple B), has suppressed her exposé and threatens revoking her internship. With help from their shared friends, an emboldened Miki convinces Lois to collaborate on an anonymous website, “Novice Nooz!,” geared towards honest journalism for their generation.

Success and potential romances quietly blossom for both Lois and Miki. Impacting the young journalist’s newfound momentum is a spirit-crushing encounter with a downcast Cat Grant. Even worse is vengeful repercussions threatened by Belmont and Alexander once they realize how Lois & Miki have blatantly defied them. With public exposure meant to ruin their promising futures, the two friends must make a pivotal stand, regardless of the consequences.

Notes: This title is also available digitally. As a parental advisory, there are sporadic profanities, including one f-word.

REVIEW:

With unabashed exuberance, writer Sarah Kuhn’s storyline explores a bevy of contemporary themes, including racism, both gender and workplace discrimination, ethical journalism, and youthful yet non-violent rebellion. More so, Kuhn packages her plot twists to embolden girls with resiliency and a belief that dreams can come true … even if they necessitate some occasional tweaking/reality checks.

In that sense, the down-to-earth title character doesn’t really need Lois Lane’s name value for this book’s upbeat content to succeed. The ‘Lois Lane’ element, however, only further enhances Girl Taking Over’s innate charm by living up to the comic book icon’s reputation. The same applies to this art squad’s colorful visuals, which prove an ideal fit for Kuhn’s effervescent storytelling.

There is one caveat: Kuhn’s two stock villains are strictly one-dimensional egomaniacs. It isn’t necessary that either one ‘magically’ reforms by the story’s end (a cookie-cutter cliché that Kuhn doesn’t resort to). Had either Alexander or Belmont exhibited one unexpected hint of compassion, then Girl Taking Over would be a more complete story where all ethnicities deserve a level playing field.

Aside from some unnecessary profanities, Girl Taking Over: A Lois Lane Story is a treat to read. More so, Kuhn and her collaborators supply convincing evidence that terrific Lois Lane stories don’t require a Man of Steel.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Collaborators Kuhn and Jovellanos each have a photo and biography page. Exploring their re-imagining of Cassandra Cain, there is a thirteen-page preview of Kuhn & artist Nicole Goux’s Shadow of the Batgirl graphic novel.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars

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NWA CLASH OF THE CHAMPIONS IV: SEASON’S BEATINGS (Aired: 12-7-1988)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date June 30, 2023

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: Approx. 1 Hour, 52 Min.

During the 1988 holiday season in the rough-and-tumble NWA (National Wrestling Alliance), it’s not about merely getting lumps of coal in your stocking – it’s just about getting lumps. From Chattanooga, TN at the UTC (University of Tennessee-Chattanooga) Arena, TBS aired the NWA’s Clash of the Champions IV: Season’s Beatings live on December 7, 1988.

The event’s ringside commentators are Jim Ross & Bob Caudle. After each match, Tony Schiavone and his guest, “The Total Package” Lex Luger, also briefly contribute supplemental commentary. Magnum T.A., meanwhile, conducts some of the interviews. Teenage actor Jason Hervey (of ABC-TV’s “The Wonder Years”) is present at ringside – he is referenced as the opening match’s ring announcer. This Clash is a prelude for that’s month’s NWA Pay-Per-View, Starrcade ’88: True Gritt.

Notes: It is repeatedly announced that these matches are alotted a half-hour time limit. With this show, the NWA also experimented with glimpses of an above-the ring camera angle. Let’s just say it doesn’t bolster the show’s viewing quality.

Match 1: “Hot Stuff” Eddie Gilbert & Ron Simmons vs. The Fantastics (Tommy Rogers & Bobby Fulton) – U.S. Tag Team Championship Tournament Final (27:04). Approaching the time limit, both fan favorite duos contribute an excellent effort. Gilbert is valiant selling his injured arm during the bout’s latter half. Suffice to say, whoever chose this tournament final to lead off the show made a smart call. Rating: 7½ Stars.

Ross interviews NWA World Television Champion Mike Rotunda and Kevin Sullivan. The ultra-snide villains ridicule Rotunda’s Starrcade ’88 challenger (and their ex-Varsity Club stablemate), Rick Steiner.

Match 2: The Varsity Club’s “Dr. Death” Steve Williams (with Kevin Sullivan) vs. The Italian Stallion (15:17). Instead of a predictable squash, The Italian Stallion somehow stays competitive against the now-heel Williams. While the finish is exactly what viewers expect, the bout is watchable TV filler. Rating: 6 Stars.

With Luger looking on, Schiavone interviews Jason Hervey.
Magnum T.A. interviews The Junkyard Dog (JYD). JYD has been recruited as Nikita Koloff’s replacement for a tag match with Ivan Koloff against Paul Jones’ Russian Assassins at Starrcade ’88.
There’s a second replay of The Road Warriors’ recent bloody attack on Dusty Rhodes from an episode of World Championship Wrestling. The first replay was included in the pre-title segment.

Note: Nikita Koloff had recently departed the NWA on a personal sabbatical and would not return until early 1991.

Match 3: Ivan Koloff (with the stipulation of having one arm tied behind his back) vs. Paul Jones (8:21). Given these players, their bout is as near-unwatchable as it sounds. It’s no shocker that the masked Russian Assassins and JYD intervene to hype their upcoming tag bout. Rating 3½ Stars.

Ross briefly interviews Sting, who is in at ringside in support of Rhodes (his tag partner at Starrcade ’88).
Per Rhodes’ late arrival (planned or not), Magnum T.A. interviews “The Dog-Faced Gremlin” Rick Steiner, who is in full goofy mode.

Match 4: “The American Dream” Dusty Rhodes (with Sting) vs. NWA World Tag Team Champion Road Warrior Animal (with Paul Ellering & Road Warrior Hawk (2:54). With the winner gaining control of the NWA World Six-Man Tag Team Championship, an eye-patched Rhodes seeks vengeance upon his ex-partners: The Road Warriors. In only a few minutes, it is the show’s most sadistic content and does little to justify its airtime. Rating: 3 Stars.

Notes: The NWA subsequently retired its World Six-Man Tag Team Championship in February1989. This bout (aside from Starrcade ’88) was evidently Rhodes’ last NWA TV match before jumping to the WWF in early 1990.

Match 5: The Midnight Express -“Beautiful” Bobby Eaton & “Sweet” Stan Lane (with Jim Cornette) vs. NWA World Champion “Nature Boy” Ric Flair & NWA U.S. Champion Barry Windham (with J.J. Dillon) (17:41). While the winners’ chicanery isn’t a surprise, the pre-match hype is justifiable. Specifically, this bout is tag team dynamite. With the Express mostly dominating the Two Horsemen, a reeling Flair & Windham play up this scenario for all it’s worth.

Considering Cornette’s now-popular Express three months before became the sole NWA team to simultaneously hold the U.S. and World Tag Team Championships, their star power now appears equitable to the remaining Horsemen. Including Cornette and Dillon’s wily contributions, this tag team showdown absolutely merits re-discovery. Rating: 8½ Stars.

Note: Having jumped to the WWF, then-NWA World Tag Team Champions Tully Blanchard & Arn Anderson (the other half of The Four Horsemen) dropped the titles to fellow heels The Midnight Express on 9/10/88. In a bloody rout, Eaton & Lane subsequently lost the championship to the rampaging Road Warriors on 10/29/88.

Schiavone interviews an irate Cornette.
Ross & Caudle review some of the Clash’s highlights.
Schiavone & Luger review the main event’s finish before closing out the show. Luger deems himself ready to claim Flair’s NWA World Heavyweight Championship at Starrcade ’88.

REVIEW:

Predictably, the NWA’s video quality isn’t as slickly-produced as the rival WWF, but the overall content is still more than sufficient. Ross and Caudle are an excellent ringside tandem that easily surpasses Schiavone & Luger’s bland screen time – which is mere filler by comparison.

With two outstanding bouts book-ending the show, the other three matches are skippable. That said, the rare Midnight Express vs. Flair & Windham bout is a welcome blast of Late ‘80s NWA nostalgia. If one should have extra time, the Simmons/Gilbert vs. The Fantastics title bout delivers a minor gem. Everything else in between often requires a fast-forward button.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 6½ Stars

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NWA WORLD CHAMPION “NATURE BOY” RIC FLAIR VS. “THE MAN WITH THE HANDS OF STONE” RONNIE GARVIN {Steel Cage Match} (NWA World Wide Wrestling: Taped 9-25-1987)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date June 30, 2023

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 42:19 Min.

Later airing on NWA World Wide Wrestling, this NWA World Championship steel cage match occurred on September 25, 1987, at Detroit’s Joe Louis Arena. At the time, “Nature Boy” Ric Flair was feuding with both Ronnie Garvin and his on-screen ‘brother,’ “Gorgeous” Jimmy Gavin (who is Ronnie’s real-life step-son).

Without his Four Horsemen cronies (including manager J.J. Dillon), Flair is on his own defending his World Heavyweight Title against the so-called “The Man With The Hands of Stone.” Apart from a classic top rope finish (including a rare high-flying move from Garvin), this slugfest is dominated by Garvin’s pounding ground game. Flair appears in vintage mid-80’s form, even as he slowly wilts under Garvin’s barrage.

The post-match reaction includes NWA promoters Jim & David Crockett; Dusty Rhodes; Nikita Koloff; Sting; Barry Windham; Michael “P.S.” Hayes; The Rock ‘N’ Roll Express (Ricky Morton & Robert Gibson); Shane Douglas; and The Lightning Express (Brad Armstrong & Tim Horner). Approximately five minutes replaying the bout’s climax and finish are included. As seen on screen, David Crockett provides the solo ringside commentary.

Note: Including commercial breakaways, the match (as shown in progress) is approximately thirty-two minutes. The subsequent ten minutes is the post-match celebration/recap.

REVIEW:

Keeping in mind that, at the time, Garvin was 42 and Flair himself was 38, their veteran in-ring conditioning is astounding. Specifically, neither one resorts to rest holds or cheap stalling to catch a breath amidst grueling ‘combat.’ Even more so, Garvin’s gritty, no-nonsense style might seem boring after 10-15 minutes; that is not the case here. This gutsy display is likely one of the best, if not the best, of Garvin’s career.

Between a bloodied yet resilient Flair and a relentless Garvin, fans absolutely get their money’s worth. The shame is that this no-nonsense showdown was soon overshadowed (and basically forgotten) upon the obligatory Starrcade ’87 title rematch (in a cage, of course) … where the predictable happens. Still, to Flair’s credit, he illuminates Garvin’s star power in this bout’s closing seconds.

Suffice to say, it’s an immortal coronation of a reliable yet perennial mid-carder finally getting his due.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8½ Stars

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ICW WORLD CHAMPION “MACHO MAN” RANDY SAVAGE VS. “ONE MAN GANG” RONNIE GARVIN {Steel Cage Match} (International Championship Wrestling: Filmed Possibly 1982 or 1983)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date June 30, 2023

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 26:17 Min.

It is unknown exactly when ICW World Champion “Macho Man” Randy Savage faced “One Man Gang” Ronnie Garvin in this early-80’s steel cage slugfest. A best guess would either 1982 or 1983. The same enigma applies to the arena, but this title defense likely occurred in proximity to ICW’s base in Lexington, KY.

Somewhat foreshadowing their future WWF co-existence, Savage is the flamboyantly popular champion while Garvin (in villainous mode) conveys an icy thug. The footage begins with quick summary profiles of these two combatants, in terms of their comparable sizes. Of note, Garvin’s flat brown hair makes him near-unrecognizable (he resembles Dino Bravo at the time), as opposed to his spiky peroxide blonde look later that decade. Savage’s glitzy ring appearance, meanwhile, is accompanied by the Fame movie theme. Notably, neither wrestler is accompanied by any manager/valet or entourage.

With this title bout captured on film (like 1970’s pro boxing), Savage’s unseen brother, Lanny Poffo, supplies voiceover commentary. For instance, Poffo identifies George Weingeroff as the referee. As to the post-match shenanigans, Pez Whatley, “Speed” Manson, and even Poffo himself make appearances.

Note: Considering their father, Angelo Poffo, owned International Championship Wrestling (ICW), it’s no surprise that Randy Savage & Lanny Poffo were his promotion’s undisputed stars.

REVIEW:

Given this match is at least forty years old, its footage is well-produced and appears in surprisingly pristine condition. Another terrific asset is Poffo’s low-key, articulate narration, which is reminiscent of an impartial TV news anchor.

Garvin’s brutally effective ground game limits Savage’s patented aerial tactics to one missed flying elbow drop. Forced to play mostly defense, a bloodied “Macho Man” is unexpectedly dominated by Garvin. Sporadic local cheers invariably favoring the champion help convey that Savage is the underdog against this formidable rival. Ultimately, the winning maneuver: a makeshift piledriver off the second turnbuckle (presumably, a planned spot) is well-played.

As opposed to their eventual WWF tenure – where their family connection isn’t acknowledged, Poffo’s commentary briefly (if not reluctantly) mentions at the end that he and Savage are brothers. It is a nice set-up explaining his intervention to end a 2-on-1 beatdown against a defenseless “Macho Man.” From a supposedly low-rent regional promotion, this no-nonsense title showdown is impressive work.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7½ Stars

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NWA WORLD CHAMPION RICKY “THE DRAGON” STEAMBOAT VS. RON SIMMONS (NWA World Championship Wrestling: Aired 4-15-1989)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date June 6, 2023

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 8:15 Min.

Aired April 15, 1989, on TBS, this episode of the NWA’s World Championship Wrestling was presumably filmed at its Atlanta, GA studio. Months before officially turning heel as half of the masked Doom tag team (with Butch Reed), Ron Simmons challenges NWA World Champion Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat. It isn’t spelled out whether or not this face vs. face bout is a non-title match, but it mostly likely is.

The ringside commentators are Jim Ross and The Fabulous Freebirds’ Michael “P.S.” Hayes.

REVIEW:

Even if this rare Steamboat vs. Simmons encounter isn’t a classic, seeing “The Dragon” battle a future WCW World Champion still offers some first-class pro wrestling. In just over eight minutes, they deliver a satisfying performance by the NWA’s TV main event standards for that era.

For nostalgia purposes, this entertaining relic reminds fans of an era where NWA bouts typically preferred in-ring substance over the rival WWF’s cartoony style. Nicely played!

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 6½ Stars

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HARLEY QUINN SERIES – POISON IVY (aka IVY): SEEDLING (Episode 201)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date June 6, 2023

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 9:37 Min.

Through his production company, Imagination Upgraded!, Brandon Champ Robinson co-wrote the script (with Samantha Briggs) and directed this live-action fan film/webisode. It was evidently released in 2020. Inspired by DC Comics’ Poison Ivy, this fan film depicts Ivy/’Ms. P’ (Biosah) as an enigmatic African American woman who possesses telepathic powers with all plants. The city where she lives isn’t identified.

At her suburban home, Ivy’s use of a cannabis-like smoking device is interrupted by two teens, Chris & TK (Brown & Curtis), who playfully pose as burglars. She senses their presence through her home’s array of plants. After a round of shooting foam bullets back and forth with the kids, she agrees to help TK with a project. Ivy then returns to her private relaxation.

Leaving Ivy’s home, the teens are approached by a neighborhood drug dealer, Vic (Walker). While much preferring Ivy’s mysterious substance, Vic prods a reluctant TK into pushing a new designer drug. Vic claims these pills have five times the potency of Ivy’s personal concoction.

At home with TK, Chris naively stumbles upon Vic’s pills in TK’s backpack. Leading into a cliffhanger, plants in proximity to Chris send a dire alert to Ivy – that her friend is imminent danger just as the naive teenager is about to sample one of Vic’s illicit pills.

Pamela/Poison Ivy aka ‘Ms. P:’ Justina Biosah

TK: Charles Curtis

Chris: Kaitlyn Brown

Vic: Nathan Walker.

Notes: George Ross Bridgman and Jon Finfera’s names appear in the cast’s opening credits, but their roles aren’t identified. There’s two possibilities: either A. they are the voice actors for Ivy’s telepathic plants, or B. perhaps their footage was edited out of the finalized episode.

For clarification, DC Comics isn’t acknowledged in the credits. Also, despite the series title, there isn’t a Harley Quinn referenced in this film. One may infer that “Ivy: Seedling (Episode 201)” is meant to be a ‘spin-off’ of a Harley Quinn fan film.

REVIEW:

Despite the drug-related plot, this low-budget film’s visual vibe demonstrates some welcome potential. Case in point: combined with nature sounds, the opening credits sequence’s cinematography is stylish. As to the acting, Justina Biosah makes Pamela Isley/Poison Ivy an intriguing heroine, in what little is seen of her sultry character. By comparison, her castmates’ performances come off as somewhat amateurish, but this TV-caliber mini-film is nonetheless watchable.

Fans of DC’s Poison Ivy might want to check this neat little production out, at least for curiosity’s sake. If Brandon Champ Robinson devised this project as a work sample for DC Entertainment to contemplate hiring him, then he makes a reasonably convincing case. The same applies to Biosah for potential TV/film roles in the DC Universe.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 6 Stars

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WWF SUMMERSLAM FEVER 1990 (WWF Prime Time Wrestling: Aired 8-19-1990)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date June 5, 2023

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: Approx. 1 Hour, 34 Min.

Taped at Memorial Auditorium in Utica, NY, on August 15, 1990, this episode of WWF Prime Time Wrestling is entitled SummerSlam Fever. The USA Network subsequently aired this special on August 19, 1990. Vince McMahon and Bobby “The Brain” Heenan host this arena show hyping SummerSlam 1990 set for August 27, 1990, on Pay-Per-View (PPV).

The contents are as follows:

Match # 1: The Hart Foundation’s Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart vs. WWF World Tag Team Champion Smash of Demolition. Running Time: 6:08.

Quick Review: 6/10. Given these two players, their match is surprisingly watchable. A nimble Neidhart looks remarkably good in what is likely the show’s second-best bout.

Notes: A flashback clip from a recent Saturday Night’s Main Event tag team title defense between Demolition and The Rockers is included. Both the Hart Foundation and the Legion of Doom enter this fracas. As for the Neidhart/Smash showdown, the other two-thirds of Demolition: Ax and Crush make a post-match appearance.

“Mean” Gene Okerlund interviews the gloating Demolition trio.

Match # 2: “Texas Tornado” Kerry Von Erich vs. Black Bart. Running Time: 2:40.

Quick Review: 4/10. Von Erich looks sharp easily dispatching an old World Class Championship Wrestling adversary.

Okerlund interviews Von Erich’s upcoming foe: WWF Intercontinental Champion “Mr. Perfect” Curt Hennig (with Bobby Heenan).

Match # 3: “Pistol” Pez Whatley vs. The Warlord (with Slick). Running Time: 2:53.

Quick Review: 4/10. Despite the veteran Whatley’s best Junkyard Dog imitation, the Warlord crushes him.

With a sweaty Heenan, “Ravishing” Rick Rude delivers a Rocky-style training promo hyping his steel cage title challenge of WWF World Champion The Ultimate Warrior.
Okerlund interviews The Ultimate Warrior (who wears minimal facial makeup).
A “Brother Love Show” flashback depicts “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan befriending Nicolai Volkoff. A second clip depicts an in-ring Boy Scouts medal ceremony awarding Volkoff, which is then followed by the group’s Pledge of Allegiance.

Match # 4: Boris Zhukov vs. Nikolai Volkoff. Running Time: 2:37.

Quick Review: 2/10. To no one’s surprise, this mercifully brief ‘Battle of the Bolsheviks’ falls far short of watchable.

Okerlund interviews “Macho King” Randy Savage and “Sensational Queen” Sherri (wearing Cats-style facial makeup).
Flashback clip: Dino Bravo and then Earthquake (with Jimmy Hart) ambush Tugboat mid-match. Big Boss Man also make an appearance.
“Brother Love Show:” Earthquake ‘no-shows,’ so fellow guest Hulk Hogan eventually punts a taunting Jimmy Hart out of the ring. The Hulkster’s solo promo, suffice to say, is lackluster at best.

Match # 5: Power & Glory: Hercules & Paul Roma, with Slick vs. Mark Thomas & Mike Williams. Running Time: 2:35.

Quick Review: 3½/10. Against two hapless jobbers, Power & Glory are solid.

Okerlund interviews Dusty Rhodes’ valet, Sapphire, broadly hinting at an imminent SummerSlam plot twist.

Match # 6: Jake “The Snake” Roberts (with Damian) vs. “Iron” Mike Sharpe. Running Time: 2:37.

Quick Review: 5/10. With a game Sharpe delivering some competitive blows, this one proves entertaining – no matter the squash finish.

“Bad News” Brown’s promo shows him selecting ‘Harlem sewer rats’ for his upcoming showdown with Roberts.

Match # 7: WWF Intercontinental Champion “Mr. Perfect” Curt Hennig (with Bobby Heenan) vs. “Rugged” Ronnie Garvin. Running Time: 5:56.

Quick Review: 6 ½/10. As the sole commentator, McMahon doesn’t clarify if Garvin is actually challenging for the I-C title or not. Even so, despite its short length, Hennig and Garvin reliably supply the night’s best effort.

Okerlund interviews Dino Bravo and Jimmy Hart.

Match # 8: Mr. Fuji’s Orient Express; Pat Tanaka & Sato vs. Shane Douglas & Sonny Blaze. Running Time: 2:08.

Quick Review: 3/10. Though Douglas briefly exhibits his future star power, the bout is an instantly forgettable squash.

Match # 9: “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan vs. Earthquake (with Jimmy Hart & Dino Bravo). Running Time: 6:20.

Quick Review: 4½/10. Hulk Hogan’s ‘heroic’ save fails to salvage a lumbering brawl that predictably goes nowhere.

In the locker room, Okerlund interviews Earthquake, Bravo, and Jimmy Hart.
McMahon & Heenan sign off.
Okerlund and ‘Brother Love’ trade off on SummerSlam match predictions.

SUMMARY REVIEW:

Given it is a glorified WWF infomercial, unsurprisingly, the interview segments tend to surpass the middling in-ring content. Yet, the whole kid-friendly package is relatively entertaining for die-hard fans. If anything, a single viewing is more than sufficient.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 5 Stars

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BATMAN/SUPERMAN: WORLD’S FINEST, VOLUME 1: THE DEVIL NEZHA

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date June 3, 2023

Written by Mark Waid.

Art by Dan Mora; Tamra Bonvillain; & Aditya Bidikar.

Collection Cover Art by Dan Mora.

SUMMARY:

Released by DC Comics in 2023, this 160-page hardcover reprints 2022’s Batman/Superman: World’s Finest # 1-5 and material from Detective Comics # 1050 (its cover isn’t included).

Though the exact DC continuity is murky, this ‘flashback’ tale is set in the early days of the World’s Finest team-ups. With Poison Ivy & Metallo attacking The Daily Planet, Batman & Dick Grayson’s Robin are unable to stop Metallo from poisoning a defenseless Man of Steel with a syringe containing multiple different pieces of red kryptonite.

Teaming with Lois Lane, Jimmy Olsen, and the original Doom Patrol, the Dynamic Duo are able to contain a gravely injured and ultra-volatile Superman. Emergency intervention by Dr. Niles Caulder and Negative Man at the Doom Patrol’s mansion is subsequently necessary to save Superman’s life.

Batman and Superman are then advised by Caulder’s Doom Patrol that they have been targeted by an ancient immortal sorcerer, Nezha, who has somehow escaped eternal imprisonment. Between Elasti-Girl, Negative Man, and Robotman, they reveal Nezha’s purported origin from more than a millennium ago, which involves his cursed blade. Afterwards, the heroes split into teams.

The Doom Patrol seeks out word on Nezha’s lost Tomb in Mont Blanc, Switzlerand, where their perennial foe, General Immortus, may (or may not) have the necessary answers. Amidst a time-traveling mission to China of 1579 B.C., teenagers Supergirl & Robin allude to an awkward first date they had shared. Consisting of a team of magical Chinese super-heroes, Nezha’s ancient enemies might reveal the only possible means of thwarting the sorcerer a second time.

Near Philadelphia, Superman & Batman must save a terrorized Billy Batson from Felix Faust. It becomes readily apparent that Nezha is amplifying the heroes’ current foes as pawns to try and destroy them. Nezha’s corruption expands, as he resorts to mind-controlling Justice Leaguers and Teen Titans as well. Appearances include: Hal Jordan’s Green Lantern; Wonder Woman; Barry Allen’s Flash; Black Canary; Martian Manhunter; Firestorm; Wally West’s Kid Flash; Donna Troy’s Wonder Girl; and Red Tornado.

Already bearing mixed news, Supergirl is unable to save Robin from plummeting somewhere into the timestream amidst their return to the present-day. It is now desperation time against Nezha, as the combined firepower of Superman, Supergirl (guilt-ridden over losing Robin), Batman, and the Doom Patrol is no match against this magical adversary’s onslaught. An ultimate sacrifice is seemingly the last option, but the question is: who will do so? Cliffhangers further linger, as to the unresolved fates of Robin and Wonder Woman.

Notes: This title is also available digitally. Presumably, DC Comics will release it in trade paperback form in the future. Despite their presence on the collection’s cover, the following do not appear in this book: Catwoman; Commissioner Gordon; Bane; Scarecrow; the Joker; Brainiac; and Darkseid. Lex Luthor only makes a brief cameo in a hallucination.

REVIEW:

Writer Mark Waid conjures up a timeless and entertaining ode to Silver Age DC nostalgia. Not only is Waid absolutely on his storytelling game, his unpredictable plot twists should keep readers engaged from start to finish.

Among this books’ gems is a welcome opportunity of catching the original Doom Patrol in all its glory. The same applies to a rare chance for this underrated trio (along with Niles Caulder) to interact with DC’s mainstream icons with worthwhile depth. Waid further demonstrates his knack for making a variety of characters simultaneously shine by distinguishing their familiar personalities spot-on. Suffice to say, Waid’s snappy dialogue ensures that these characters are neither interchangeable nor simply talking cardboard. They all serve specific plot functions as he intended them.

Aside from Waid, this book’s art squad also deserves kudos for supplying terrific visuals ideally matching this storyline’s adventurous tone. For all Batman and Superman fans, World’s Finest, Volume 1: The Devil Nezha concocts a first-class treat for DC fans. Definitely recommended!

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

In a full-page format, each of Dan Mora’s five covers and then an additional replica darkened in blue precedes its story. As full pages, there is a twenty-page variant cover gallery. Issue # 1 consists of these artists: 1. Jim Lee, Scott Williams, & Alex Sinclair; 2. Stanley “Artgerm” Lau; 3. Jason Fabok & Brad Anderson; 4. Evan “Doc” Shaner; 5. & 6. Chip Zdarsky; and 7. Lee Weeks & Brad Anderson). Issue # 2 has these artists: 1. Tim Sale & Dave Stewart; 2. Pete Woods; and 3. Jorge Jimenez & Alejandro Sanchez).

For Issue # 3, the artists are: 1. Lucio Parillo; 2. Rafael Sarmento; and 3. Jorge Corona & Matt Herms. Issue # 4 has artists: 1. Derrick Chew; 2. Freddie E. Williams II; 3. Riley Rossmo & Ivan Plascenia; and 4. Dan Mora. Finally, the fifth issue has these artists 1. Francesco Mattina; 2. Pete Woods; and 3. Alexander Lozano.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8½ Stars

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

DAREDEVIL & ELEKTRA, VOLUME 1: THE RED FIST SAGA (MARVEL Comics)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date June 3, 2023

Written by Chip Zdarsky.

Art by Marco Checchetto; Rafael De Latorre; Alex Maleev; Paul Azaceta; Phil Noto; Chris Samnee; Klaus Janson; Mike Hawthorne; John Romita Jr.; Scott Hanna; Matthew Wilson; & VC’s Clayton Cowles.

“The Hand” Written by Ann Nocenti, with Art by Chip Zdarsky & VC’s Clayton Cowles.

“Mini-Marvels” Writer/Artist/Letterer: Chris Giarrusso.

Cover Art by Marco Checchetto & Matthew Wilson.

SUMMARY:

Released by Marvel Comics in early 2023, this 144-page trade paperback reprints 2022’s Daredevil # 1-5. Previously, the world’s knowledge of now ex-convict Matt Murdock’s secret identity has been magically erased.

Maintaining her intimate partnership with Matt, Elektra Natchios continues to operate as a masked Daredevil. After the murder of Matt’s ‘twin brother,’ Mike, and Wilson “Kingpin” Fisk’s murky departure, an undercover Matt and Spider-Man retaliate by leaving Fisk’s latest heir a grim warning to behave himself.

Before joining Elektra overseas to set up The Fist’s secret base, Matt has an ominous encounter with his former law school classmate and now assistant New York district attorney: Robert “Goldy” Goldman. Deluding himself as an archangel of God, Goldman demonstrates explosive powers of mass destruction, which he claims has ‘helped’ spurn Matt into becoming the best possible hero for several years now. Among the possible casualties of Goldman’s latest terrorist act is Matt’s beloved ex-girlfriend, Kirsten McDuffie.

Matt also discovers that Mayor Luke Cage is considering city business with the nefarious Stromwyn family. Luke subsequently confirms Matt’s dire warning about the billionaire Stromwyns’ true nature. Matt himself is ambushed by Aka, most likely The Hand’s deadliest operative. Collecting his best friend first, Matt abandons his prior life in New York City to commit himself as the co-leader of the underground Fist group.

On a remote island between Russia and Japan, Elektra, Stick, & Matt train their Fist ninja recruits, including Foggy Nelson and NYPD police detective Cole North. A mutated Dr. Leonard “Doc” Samson, whose nickname is now ‘Doc Sasquatch,’ also accompanies them. Committed through an ancient ceremony as the Fist’s ‘King’ and ‘Queen,’ Matt & Elektra are married.

In therapy sessions with “Doc” Samson, a zealot-like Matt increasingly expresses the intent of his Fist to conquer The Hand cult making the world a better place. Before their group can decisively confront The Hand, Elektra & Matt command a shocking raid on The Myrmidon – a prison for super-villains in an undisclosed ocean. Its troubleshooter, John Walker’s U.S. Agent, and his armored troops prove no match for an intense Matt.

Reviewing security camera footage, this brazen jailbreak for fifteen notorious super-villains leaves The Avengers no choice. The two fugitive Daredevils are now on the team’s ‘Most Wanted’ list.

Note: This title is also available digitally.

REVIEW:

Relaunching its Daredevil title yet again, Marvel Comics has opted for a huge tonal shift in Matt Murdock’s long-time wars against criminals like The Kingpin, Bullseye, and others familiar foes he shares with Spider-Man.

Deviating far from Daredevil’s street-level defense of the innocents residing in Hell’s Kitchen, Chip Zdarsky’s “Red Fist” storyline is an acquired taste where one must suspend disbelief at the outset. Envisioning Matt & Elektra’s modern take on an ancient ninja cult challenging its evil counterpart – seemingly with the fate of the world at stake, Zdarsky is taking his time setting up Marvel’s equivalent of Batman’s perennial feud with Ra’s al Ghul’s sinister forces for a new phase.

With some caveats, the result is somehow a relatively good read. Among this plot’s most implausible elements, the quasi-religious “Goldy” Goldman sequences likely do the most harm to a convoluted storyline. Since Zdarsky’s scripting already pitches cult leader Matt Murdock/Daredevil out of character as is, adding an enigmatic supernatural adversary indulges the creative envelope too far.

Even so, the art squad’s terrific visuals are this compilation’s best asset, as far as making Zdarsky’s plot seem more engaging that it really is. Curiously, Elektra’s eyes are consistently depicted to resemble Matt’s, as if implying that she, too, is now blind (though it is clearly stated that she isn’t). If anything, perhaps it is a subtle artistic nod by the creative team indicating how devoted Elektra and Matt’s union has become.

As appealing as the artwork is, “The Red Fist Saga” is likely best perused as a library option first. This high-concept story arc is not the gritty Daredevil most casual fans would expect, so a ‘test drive’ prior to purchase makes good sense.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

In a full-page format, each Marco Checchetto/Matthew Wilson cover precedes its story. Entitled “The Hand,” a four-page back-up story depicts Daredevil’s interaction with a young Irish family reluctantly mixed up with Hell’s Kitchen mob. As fair warning, this tale’s poor taste is peculiar. Specficially, a gruesome revelation hidden in a cooler prompts an inappropriately lighthearted finish with a smiling Daredevil’s approval.

A single-page “Mini Marvels” comic strip subsequently parodies the two Daredevils by depicting Bullseye ineptly ‘horning’ in on Daredevil & Elektra’s partnership. As compared to the prior bonus feature, this spoofy “Mini Marvels” is at least mildly amusing.

Consisting of quarter-sized displays and full-page images, a six-page variant cover gallery consists of: Issue # 1 (seven variants alone): 1. (artist: Jorge Fornes – full-page); 2. (artist: Peach Momoko – quarter-sized); 3. (artist: David Nakayama -quarter-sized); 4. (artist: Dan Panosian – quarter-sized); 5. (artists: John Romita Jr., John Romita Sr., & Richard Isanove – quarter-sized); 6. (artists: Ryan Stegman & Marte Gracia – full-page); and 7. (artist Joe Quesada – quarter-sized). For Issue # 2, there are two quarter-sized entries: one from artists Gary Frank & Brad Anderson, and the other from artist Pete Woods.

For Issue # 3, artists Alev Maleev and Paolo Siqueira & Rachelle Rosenberg each provide quarter-sized variants. Both Siquiera & Rosenberg and Checchetto & Menyz provide their own quarter-sized variants for Issue # 4. For Issue # 5, artists Scott Williams & Sebastian Chang provide a quarter-sized variant before Checchetto concludes with a full-page sketch and color design variant.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 6 Stars

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

BATMAN: EARTH ONE, VOLUME THREE (DC Comics)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date June 3, 2023

Written by Geoff Johns.

Art by Gary Frank; Jon Sibal; Brad Anderson; & Rob Leigh.

Cover Art by Gary Frank & Brad Anderson.

SUMMARY:

In 2021, DC Comics released this 160-page hardcover completing the Batman: Earth One trilogy. In Earth One’s alternate reality, Bruce Wayne’s late mother was Martha Arkham making him the last heir of both the Wayne fortune and the controversial Arkham legacy. Amidst Martha’s haunted childhood, her parents were both lost to bleak fates.

In the present day, along with allies Alfred Pennyworth and Killer Croc, Bruce secretly excavates his way underneath Arkham Asylum to set up the first Batcave. The GCPD’s Captain James Gordon remains Batman’s trusted police contact.

Shocking DNA evidence is uncovered proving that an elderly and mentally deranged transient is Wayne’s long-believed-dead maternal grandfather: Adrian Arkham. Bruce desperately tries to connect with Adrian, who grimly believes that his grandson will inevitably soon fall victim to the Arkham family curse.

Simultaneously, Batman and his allies encounter the first wave of mass quantities of military-grade weaponry being smuggled into Gotham for an incendiary criminal revolution. Bruce isn’t sure how much he can confide in his ally and would-be girlfriend: Mayor Jessica Dent. Currently, she is still recovering emotionally and physically from her psychotic brother Harvey’s recent death.

Worse yet, it appears that a zombie-like Harvey is somehow the ghostly mastermind plotting Gotham’s imminent destruction. Another wildcard in this combustible mix is a goofy-looking Catwoman (possibly Selina Kyle), who may join the Bat-team for the right price. As both Bruce Wayne and Batman, Gotham’s Dark Knight races the clock to uncover the murky truth before he falls to shadowy forces targeting him.

Threads are left teasing a potential Volume Four, including this reality’s Joker and a young Outsiders team.

Note: This title is also available digitally.

REVIEW:

Akin to their prior DC works (i.e. Superman: Secret Origin), this project’s art squad again delivers top-caliber visuals. Yet, such reliable artwork compensates only so much for Geoff Johns’ middling storyline.

Negating Two-Face’s intriguing new incarnation (two thumbs up for some originality), Johns’ ‘realistic’ Bruce Wayne/Batman struggles to be compelling as an old-school masked man pitted against such evil adversaries. Volume Three, in that sense, falls short of conveying Gotham’s Dark Knight as the human force of nature fans are hoping for.

Instead, it focuses far more on Bruce Wayne comingling his Arkham family heritage with his Bat-destiny, which frankly isn’t that interesting come the final few twists. Pitching a woefully underwritten Catwoman (whose ridiculous fashion sense far more befits Harley Quinn) into this mix doesn’t improve the situation. As for the dubious Adrian Arkham sub-plot, one might say its ‘mind games’ climax is just too reminiscent of Batman: Under the Red Hood.

In that sense, Johns’ simplistic take on Batman is disappointing. The excitement and fun he generated years ago with stellar pre-52 creative runs on Wally West’s Flash, Hal Jordan’s Green Lantern, JLA, and Superman: Secret Origin is sorely missed upon reading this underwhelming adventure.

Resorting to occasional profanities and gore doesn’t hide that a third round of Earth One’s Batman is frankly a nonessential Elseworlds caper. For Bat-fans, it is unfortunate that Batman: Earth One, Volume Three’s stellar visual look isn’t matched by an engaging mystery/horror tale worthy of this vibe.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

In a two-page art gallery, two different panels are sampled depicting the evolution from sketch (Frank) to inked version (Sibal) and then on to the finished product (Frank, Sibal, Anderson, & Leigh). The last page provides paragraph-length bios on the creative team – excluding Sibal.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 5½ Stars